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How Anambra Teacher Became a Billionaire
Joseph Ozoemene Nwankwu was born in 1928 in Orofia Village, Abagana. He attended St. Mark’s Catholic School, Abagana from 1936 to 1940, and later proceeded to St. Raphael’s Catholic School, Awkuzu and St. Bonaventure’s Catholic School, Nimo.
His parents wanted him to become a teacher, but as a visionary, he had his sights set on a bigger endeavor. He worked as a teacher for only three months before resigning from the teaching profession to establish his own business.
He registered his construction company, J. Nwankwu and Bros Limited, which became a renowned player in civil engineering and building contracting. He was one of the biggest contractors in the old Anambra State.
With the wealth he accumulated from government contracts, Sir Joe Nwankwu diversified into numerous other businesses. He founded Olympic, a conglomerate that was unique in its own right. His products from the Olympic Drinks Company Limited became fierce competitors of Coca-Cola across Nigeria. He also established Olympic Packers Limited, the leading corrugated carton industry east of the Niger River, which also housed the section that produced plastic crates for Olympic Drinks.
At the peak of his industrial prowess, he organized a solo trade exhibition/trade fair to showcase all his products, wowing visitors with the diverse range of unique products under his umbrella.
Some of his other subsidiaries and business interests included J. Nwankwu Estate Company Limited, Jojolan Enterprises Limited, Whessoe Engineering Limited, Diamond Breweries Limited, Stena Mills Limited, Life Breweries Limited, Petrogas Limited, Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMCO), Agip Energy, Olympic Maize Milling Industry Limited, Olympic Technical Works and Foundry, and Orient Bank of Nigeria Limited in Enugu.
Sir Joe Nwankwu was also a Patron and Honorary member of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Anambra State Chapter; a Council member of Akanu Ibiam Polytechnic, Afikpo; and a member of the British Institute of Management.
In recognition of his achievements, he was decorated as a Knight Commander of St. Sylvester (Papal Honorary Award) in 1974 and as the largest employer of Labour, named the Anambra State Industrialist of the Year in 1987.
On the political front, Sir Joe Nwankwu’s involvement included being a member of the Njikoka Country Council, the Onitsha Provincial Assembly, and the House of Representatives in 1965. He also served as the Chairman of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Anambra State Wing.
Beyond business and politics, he was actively involved in community activities, serving as the Chairman of the Onitsha Provincial Scholarship Board, Chairman, Onitsha Football Association, Chairman, University of Nigeria Endowment Fund (Onitsha Zone),Chairman, Board of Governors of St. Charles’s Teachers Training College, Chairman, Onitsha Urban County Council, and Member, the Nigerian Grains Board. He was also a Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and a member of the Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Sir Joe Nwankwu’s achievements were recognized with numerous honors, including the title of Onwanetilora of Abagana and Ide Ji Mba of Orlu, as well as the Spirit of Detroit Award (1974) and an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (Hon. DBA) from Kenton University, Singapore (1987).
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BREAKING: Tension in Delta as soldiers invade another community
Fear grips Okpare-Olomu town, located in the Olomu Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State, after Nigerian military personnel invaded the community with three Hilux vehicles.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning around 7:30am, has left residents on edge, with reports indicating that the soldiers took control of the community town hall by force. It was learnt that locals are concerned about the military’s presence in their community.
It was gathered that the military stormed the community in search of some of the community’s leaders, especially its President-General, Okiemute Otoka.
The sudden appearance of the military in Okpare-Olomu community sparked widespread panic, with residents fleeing in all directions, while women and children ran for safety to avoid a repeat of a similar incident in Okuama community.
According to Otoka, Okpare-Olomu community President-General, the military’s true intention was to disrupt the community’s annual conference, scheduled for Thursday, where crucial decisions on growth and development were to be made.
Otoka’s allegations suggest that the military’s presence was not just a coincidence, but a deliberate attempt to interfere with the community’s affairs.
Otoka further accused some elders and leaders of the community of unlawfully selling communal land without the approval of the annual conference as those behind the invasion of the community by the military.
Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, there was apprehension in the community as the invading military personnel were still in the community.
Source: Saharareporter
News
Sad! Ex- Kwara Commissioner Abdulraheem Adisa Is Dead
Ex-Kwara State Commissioner and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdulraheem Adisa, has passed away at the age of 91.
He died in the early hours of Thursday, according to sources in Ilorin, the state capital.
Adisa, a loyal figure in the Saraki political dynasty, had an extensive career in journalism and public service.
He served as the Editor of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the General Manager of The Herald Newspapers, and as the Commissioner for Information in Kwara State. He also held the position of Chairman of Moro Local Government Area in the state.
The burial arrangements are currently underway, with the funeral scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Muslim Public Cemetery in Ilorin.
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Stop Managing Nigeria Like Your Personal Business – Edwin Clark Blasts Tinubu
Elder statesman Edwin Clark has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to refrain from treating Nigeria as if it were his personal outfit.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja, Clark, a prominent Ijaw leader and elder in Nigerian politics, emphasized that the nation’s leadership must be grounded in transparency, inclusivity, and respect for democratic principles.
Clark, who has long been an influential figure in Nigerian politics, expressed deep concerns over recent policies and actions he believes favor narrow interests over the collective good. He cited the President’s economic decisions and appointments as examples of a tendency to prioritize personal or regional advantage, rather than acting in the best interests of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria is not a personal business where one person’s decisions rule unchecked,” Clark declared. “We have a democratic system in place, and the people of Nigeria expect the President to be accountable to them, not to his personal interests or those of his inner circle.”
The 86-year-old statesman also called on President Tinubu to embrace a more inclusive governance model, one that listens to the voices of all Nigerians, including opposition groups and civil society organizations. “This is not about personal power,” Clark said. “It’s about national unity, prosperity, and the future of our children.”
The call comes at a time of heightened political tension in the country, as debates over the President’s economic reforms, security strategies, and appointments continue to dominate public discourse. Critics argue that some of the administration’s policies have disproportionately benefited certain groups while leaving others behind, exacerbating existing inequalities.
In response to Clark’s comments, government officials have yet to release a statement, but supporters of the President have dismissed the remarks as part of a broader political attack aimed at undermining the administration’s legitimacy. They argue that the President’s actions are driven by a desire to modernize the economy and stabilize the nation, especially in the wake of mounting challenges such as security concerns and a faltering economy.
Despite the differing views, Clark’s warning resonates with many Nigerians who feel that their country is at a crossroads, and that leadership must be more than just a pursuit of personal power. As the nation prepares for the years ahead, calls for a government that serves all citizens, rather than a select few, continue to echo across political and social platforms.
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