•Businessman, philanthropist, Eriri Ego Igbonile, lifts community in father’s memory
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Socialite and key player in the oil and gas sector, Chief Michael Onuoha, aka, Eriri Ego Igbonile recently marked the third anniversary of the death of his father, Rev. (Pa) Iheanyichukwu Lawrence Onuoha.
Pa Onuoha was a respected community and Christian leader, who lived a fulfilled life until his passing at 80. A week-long activity in memoriam of the patriarch re-echoed his legacy of noble accomplishments which continue to inspire the younger generation.
The series of events spanned from December 24th to 29th in Imo State. It began with a golf tournament on December 24, 2024, at Arsenal Golf and Country Club, Obinze, Owerri and was concluded with a church outing service.
The annual golf tournament highlighted Chief Onuoha’s dedication to community service and passion for golf. Top golfers from across Nigeria participated in the event.
To further justify his deep belief that sports is a means of fostering unity and leadership, a polo competition was infused into the programme.
The week culminated with a church service at St. Michael and All Angels Church, Eziama Isiala Mbano, followed by a grand reception at the Chief Michael Onuoha Estate—Casa de Garcia, Duruokwara, Umuokwara Iheoma, Umunakara in Nwangele Local Government Area.
Dignitaries including former House of Representatives member, Obinna Chidoka, Chief Ifeanyi Nwosu (Aso Rock), Chief Clint Obioha (Onoro), Chief Tony Obinugwu (Ifezue), Chief Porsche Nzewi (Akaekpuchionwa) and Chief A.C. Nwosu (Okaka Urualla), profoundly identified with Chief Onuoha, the Chairman and Founder of Ailes Group. They came in their numbers to honour the serial entrepreneur and investor who also holds the title of Ide Nwangele.
The occasion opened new vistas for the community as the philanthropist who had through his Michael Onuoha Foundation, funded numerous educational scholarships, healthcare initiatives, and rural development projects, pledged to do more for his people: “Words fail me to express the deep sense of joy and appreciation for the immeasurable love shown to me and the entire Onuoha family towards the memorial of our patriarch late (Pa) Rev. Lawrence Iheanyichukwu Onuoha. It wouldn’t have been possible without your care, love, and commitment. Your moral and financial support is well appreciated. A thousand words won’t be enough to express my joy. I want to say a big thank you to everyone.
“With your help and financial support received thus far, and in our tradition of yearly charitable services, we are negotiating in conjunction with the Michael Onuoha Foundation to embark on several CSR projects, which will include installation of borehole in 5 communities within Nwangele LGA, renovation of 5 community primary schools, establishment of ICT department in community schools within Nwangele LGA and a skill acquisition centre for youths interested in vocations.
“Above all, we are proposing to construct a 10-bed, low-cost health centre within the community. We draw our inspiration from the massive support received from every member of this committee.”