By Ingram Osigwe
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail -Ralph Waldo Emerson
The above immortal, thought-provoking words of Ralph Waldo Emerson highlight the sterner qualities of trailblazers-men and women who, from ground zero, built and grew businesses that later metamorphosed into corporate empires. Chief (DR) Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Okonkwo Ksc, OFR (popularly called Bishop), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Ekulo Group of companies occupies the front row in the line-up of such persons.
Okonkwo’s trail-blazing contributions to the economic growth of Nigerian through manufacturing and job creations have earned him an avalanche of honours and recognitions from the federal government, state governments, religious institutions, faith- based organisations and institutions of higher learning. The Anambra State-owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU is the latest to deservedly honour Dr. Okonkwo.
Dr. Okonkwo is one of the very few Nigerian corporate czars that raise the bar and unlock potential. He is a gold fish that can hardly hide. His salutary and impactful contributions to humanity have often given him out, even when he prefers a quiet, unassuming life. This explains why COOU could not help but fish him out for recognition.
The institution is doubly bestowing honours on him in recognition of his life-changing contributions to the society. First, Dr. Okonkwo was on Wednesday, the 21st of May, 2025, graciously conferred with the prestigious Ojukwu Legacy Award (OLA) of the university.
Secondly, as a follow up, he will today, Saturday, the 24th of May, 2025 be conferred with an honorary doctorate degree of the University. In an apparent reference to Dr. Okonkwo, the COOU said it awards only individuals who have distinguished themselves as change-makers through outstanding developmental services to the society with honorary degrees.
The university notes Dr. Okonkwo’s high impact achievements in improving healthcare and education in the country, particularly in the Southeast with emphasis on Anambra.
COOU is also celebrating the Ekulo boss for his unwavering commitment to the growth of the citadel of learning, a commitment that evidently inspired the COOU academic community. Worthy of note, in the words of management of the university, is “Dr. Okonkwo’s very supportive of our efforts at infrastructural transformation at the College of Medicine of our university.” For Ojukwu Legacy Award, it is bestowed exclusively on individuals and organisations who, through leadership, courage, advocacy and service exemplify the principles of justice, integrity, intellectual excellence, commitment to common good which the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu after whom the institution was named, stood for and defended throughout his lifetime.
According to the management of the COOU, Dr. Okonkwo was chosen for OLA in recognition of his passion and selfless commitment to humanity; bold, strong and viable investments that have benefited the national economy as well as his numerous philanthropic gestures to the university.
As all roads lead to Igboariam, the main campus of COOU and venue of the twin honour for Dr. Okonkwo, Nigerians who over the years have taken cognisance of his impactful trajectory in the corporate and business world agree that the honours on him are fitting, proper and deserving, having, through his conglomerate, not only vigorously promoted and championed indigenous manufacturing of wholly made-in-Nigeria household items but provided employment for Nigerians.
For example, Evans Industries Ltd, one of the subsidiaries of his conglomerate, is a leader in local production of quality household items in Nigeria. The company manufactures the highly successful and popular Eva range of beauty soaps, the highly sought-after Hawai range of complexion soaps; Meditol antiseptic soap, Unik baby soap, Ecowhite Herbal Whitening soap among other classy cosmetics brands that compete favourably with international brands.
A man burning with patriotic fervour, Dr. Okonkwo is never tired of effusively expressing his unshakeable commitment to made-in-Nigeria goods as manufactured by some subsidiaries of his conglomerate, thus positively projecting the country’s image as a producing nation rather than a consuming one. In fact, the motto of Evans Industries Ltd is “We are Proud of Nigeria and we want Nigeria to be proud of us”.
The business mogul has consistently expressed his resolve to continue to make available to Nigerians, quality luxury products that can favorably compete with foreign brands.
“As our companies’ motto clearly states, ‘We are proud of Nigeria and we want Nigeria to be proud of us’.
I’m glad to note that not only Nigeria but the global community is proud of us, and we are extremely proud to be Nigerians. This is why it gladdens my heart whenever I travel to Europe and America and see Ekulo products, especially our cosmetics brands, on the shelves.
“It is an honor to note that goods manufactured in Nigeria have such global acceptance,” Dr. Okonkwo had said during the unveiling of one of Evans’ brands two years ago
Equally, Nigerians note that, through his Foundation, the Bishop Emma Okonkwo Foundation, Dr. Okonkwo, without fanfare, has quietly touched lives in the most heartwarming manner.
For example, the Foundation has over the years, amongst others things conducted medical outreach in various towns in Anambra State, provided State of the art fully equipped ambulances to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Awka, Charles Boromeo Hospital Onitsha among other public and private health institutions nationwide. The Emma Bishop Okonkwo Foundation has also donated tons of medical equipment needed for accreditation of Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka.
In the same vein, the Foundation also sponsored the highly commendable health check and treatment programmes of ASA-USA in four selected towns in Anambra State namely Awka, Mbaukwu, Umuoji and Ichi where lives were truly touched. It also made huge donations to flood victims in Anambra State through the state government. This is in addition to the sponsorship of scholarship programmes for indigent students as well as donation of books and education materials to schools. Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo single handedly built a popular and reputable Carol Convent Secondary School, Ichi, fully equipped and furnished it before handing it over to the Anglican Church to manage. This was aimed at enhancing and complimenting the government’s efforts towards the education of the girl child in Nigeria.
Dr. Okonkwo equally runs a programme that takes care of the aged and widows in his hometown, Ichi, and has done a lot to empower the youth to stem unemployment.
Born on 25th December, 1956 at Ichi in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, Okonkwo had a humble beginning. As a young boy, he was steadfast and dexterous in carving a niche for himself in the field of business prompting him to diligently undergo mentorship under his late father. Having acquired a wealth of knowledge in trading and gained valuable training and experience in business while with his father who was a reputable merchant, Okonkwo delved into the business world with optimism and purposefulness.
In no time, his business prowess expanded beyond trading and diversified into other areas such that his products and services became household in most Nigerian homes.
Apart from manufacturing and merchandising, Okonkwo’s burgeoning business interests also span hospitality, property development, importation etc.
Notable awards and honours Dr. Okonkwo has received in recognition of and appreciation of his contributions for better society include Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) conferred on him in 2011by the then President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, and The Sun Businessman of the Year 2012 award by The Sun newspapers among others.
A devout Anglican, Dr. Okonkwo who is married to Lady Franca Ngozi Okonkwo and blessed with five children is a member of the Order of Knights of Saint Christopher.
He attended St. James Anglican School, Ichi for his primary and thereafter proceeded to the famous Okongwu Memorial Secondary School, Nnewi where he excelled in his endeavors in 1976.
Okonkwo afterwards embarked on correspondence programmes that earned him a Diploma in Business Management. He has attended seminars and workshops which are aimed at keeping abreast with current trends in business internationally and locally.
As Dr. Okonkwo continues to serve humanity selflessly and get recognised by a very appreciative society, it is only proper to remind him to always look up to God for the ultimate reward because as Denzel Washington admonishes,”Man gives you the award, but God gives you the reward.”
•Osigwe, a Public Engagement and Strategic Communication expert, is the MD of Fullpage Communications Ltd, Lagos