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By Christopher Oji
Prominent businessman, Calistus Chukwuedozie, has said that creation of employment will solve the problem of insecurity in the South East and minimize agitations of all kinds, allowing for wealth creation, progress and development of the region.
Chukwuedozie, former president of the Rotary Club of Victoria Island East ,Lagos, stated this at the memorial thanksgiving in honour of his late father, Pa Anthony Onuchukwu Chukwuedozie, at Catholic Church of Transfiguration, VGC, Lagos, yesterday. He said the South East would be at peace if the youths were employed.
He said that he observed patterns and the reasons why there is insecurity in the South East region and other sections of the country, “I was at home for almost one month during my father’s burial ceremony. I noticed that there was no report of kidnapping, robbery and criminal activities in my community, Ihiala, Anambra State. When I made enquiries, I was told that the chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, gave over 250 youths of the community employment and promised them more jobs. With what he did for the community, he was able to solve the problem of insecurity. Again, the youths listened to him when he advised them to shun crime and criminality.
“The people didn’t stop at that; families forced their bad children to give up crime and renounce it. Many of them have turned a new leaf. All through my stay in my community, no single crime was committed. We were moving anywhere without security. I have more than 100 people under my employment. If well-to-do people in each community in the South East should replicate what Allen Onyema has done in Ihiala, every youth will be gainfully employed and nobody will be a willing tool in the hands of criminals.
“The governors should liaise with banks to give soft loans to people who want to start small-scale businesses. Many of our youths have learnt one trade or the other but have no money to set up their business. If they can get access to soft loans, I know that the South East will be a greater and more peaceful place do businesses.”
Chukwuedozie, CEO of Misccally Autos, spoke passionately about the enduring values his father embodied, saying man’s journey was defined by principles, discipline and service to humanity.
Describing Pa Chukwuedozie as a man deeply rooted in integrity, the younger Chukwuedozie reflected on his father’s remarkable life as a soldier, teacher and farmer, professions that showed both strength and nurture. Beyond his career paths, Pa Chukwuedozie’s greatest legacy, according to his son, was his unwavering commitment to raising all seven of his children into accomplished academic and business professionals.
In Ihiala, Anambra State, their ancestral home, Pa Chukwuedozie was widely revered as a community leader whose counsel and character commanded respect. His burial rites, which took place in the community, were conducted peacefully under tight security, a development that Chukwuedozie praised.
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He commended the Inspector-General of Police for ensuring stability and safety throughout the funeral activities, noting that guests arrived and departed without any untoward incident. According to him, such peace is a direct result of sustained community engagement and youth empowerment.
Chukwuedozie used the moment to advocate for broader government inclusion in education and skills acquisition programmes, stressing that productive youth engagement remains one of the most effective tools against insecurity and social vices.
In acknowledgement of community-driven peace efforts, he expressed gratitude to Onyema, chairman of Air Peace, crediting Onyema’s employment initiatives in Mbosi, Ihiala, where at least one person per household reportedly benefits from job opportunities within Air Peace, as a major factor fostering calm, unity and economic stability in the area.
The memorial also drew tributes from notable guests, including Chief Edwin Eze Ogidigha of Oraifite, chairman of Yamaha Sub-Saharan Africa.
Chief Ogidigha described Pa Anthony Onuchukwu Chukwuedozie as a man whose influence extended far beyond his immediate family. He praised the late patriarch for positively shaping generations through his character, discipline and wisdom.
Offering his condolences to the Chukwuedozie family, he emphasized that the remarkable achievements and values seen in his children stand as living proof of a life well lived.
As prayers were offered and stories shared, the memorial thanksgiving became more than a remembrance. It evolved into a celebration of legacy, community impact and the quiet power of a man who lived with honour.
In every tribute echoed a singular truth that Pa Chukwuedozie may have departed this world but the principles he lived by continue to walk boldly through the lives he touched.
A guest, Onwa of idemili, Nnamdi Ifebi, who spoke in the same vein on security, said the steps the governor of Anambra State has taken in addressing insecurity in the state have yielded positive results because the measures have proved 80 percent positive.
“What miscreants were doing before now, thinking that they were untouchable, is now a thing of past. I commend the governor and security agencies for their good job,” he said.
