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Chief Dr Chukwudi Okparaku, a businessman and traditional leader, says he hopes to live long enough to witness a better Nigeria, as he reflects on the challenges, lessons and experiences that have shaped his life.
“I want God to help me live long enough to see a new Nigeria, which I know is possible,” Okparaku said in an interview while reflecting on his life, business journey, cultural heritage and community service.
The businessman, who marked his 60th birthday on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, said he hoped to use his experience to mentor younger Nigerians and contribute to the country’s economic development.
He acknowledged that his journey had been marked by difficulties and mistakes but said the experiences had helped him develop the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges.
“Whatever happened in the past is a lesson that helped to nurture the person I am today. In Igbo land, we say you do not go backwards; you move forward,” he said.
Okparaku said his entrepreneurial journey began in 1986 when he joined his father’s cosmetics trading business in Onitsha, Anambra, after leaving school in 1985.
He said he worked with his father for about two years before disagreements compelled him to leave and become independent in 1988.
“From 1988 till today, I have been on the block. It has not been easy, but being patient, consistent, hardworking and committed to my vision has brought me to where I am today,” he said.
He attributed his progress to honesty, diligence and maintaining good relationships with clients.
“My parents taught me to be honest and truthful in whatever I do.
“I take every job seriously because I understand that to build a brand, I must do every job given to me diligently,” he said.
Okparaku said his business interests had expanded from freight forwarding into manufacturing, including soap, cosmetics and tissue paper production, as well as the oil and gas sector.
Okparaku said his attachment to Igbo culture was shaped by his upbringing and his father’s determination to ensure that he understood his ancestral roots.
“My father believed strongly in culture, tradition and succession. He wanted me to understand our customs and know where I came from,” he said.
Okparaku, who holds traditional titles including Eze Chukwukwadoro Ndi-Igbo, Bobaselu of Ikotunland and Eze Ndi-Igbo of Ikotun/Igando, said his cultural background remained an important part of his identity.
He also spoke about his Christian upbringing, saying his experiences in the Catholic Church influenced his commitment to religious and community service.
“I do not go to church to sit down. I go to church to work,” he said.
Okparaku said his experiences abroad had not diminished his belief in Nigeria or his desire to contribute to its development.
He said the patriotism instilled in him during his elementary school years had remained a guiding principle.
“I have been abroad and seen it all, but I understood that those countries did not belong to me. I am a Nigerian, and I carry my Nigerian passport with pride wherever I go,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the country’s future but identified leadership as a major challenge.
“I believe in Nigeria. Till today, I believe in Nigeria. Tomorrow, I will still believe in Nigeria.
“Yes, Nigeria is a great country. What is lacking is leadership, and I believe that someday we are going to get it right,” he said.
He said his continued investments in various sectors reflected his willingness to contribute to the country’s economic development.
Okparaku also credited his wife for standing by him during difficult periods in their 25-year marriage.
He recalled that their early years together were marked by financial hardship, including occasions when they could not afford transportation fares.
“My wife is a jewel of inestimable value. She is a wife given to me by God because He knew that I needed someone with patience and endurance by my side,” he said.
Okparaku said learning about some of the sacrifices she made during their difficult years had deepened his appreciation of her support.
He also expressed appreciation to relatives, friends and business associates who supported him during the early stages of his career.
He said the lessons he had learnt over the years had reinforced his commitment to honesty, hard work and perseverance.
