In a December 2018 article titled “Okonkwo: A star shines from Anambra,” I recalled the decision of the traditional rulers of Anambra Central Senatorial Zone to specially select Dr. Obiora Okonkwo (as he then was) for special recognition and honour. In the letter conveying their decision, the traditional rulers said, “We commend you also for your unrestrained support for the promotion of our culture and tradition as well as appreciate your life of selflessness, commitment to the good of Anambra Central Senatorial Zone and the upliftment of our people through your numerous empowerment programmes, support for education and skills acquisition.”

Okonkwo has expanded since then. In February 2021, he launched United Nigeria Airlines, creating in the process direct and indirect jobs for more than 1,000 Nigerians and expatriates. This is besides jobs created for hundreds of Nigerians and foreigners at The Dome Entertainment Limited, which is an umbrella organisation for The Francis Hotels, Camelot Spa, The Bowling Alley, Body Thrust Gym and Health Bar, Noni’s Pizza, The Summit Restaurant, The Paradiso Gardens, and Wesley Snipes Lounge, among others businesses he founded.

While Okonkwo was growing quietly, the people of Nigeria, through their government, were watching and taking note. It was, therefore, not a surprise when he was listed among over 400 Nigerians selected by the government for special recognition at the 2022 National Honours Awards. Okonkwo, who, prior to the awards, had been appointed a professor of business by the University of Abuja Business School, and also a visiting professor of entrepreneurship at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, was on October 11, 2022, called up before the national podium and decorated with a medal of honour as an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), by President Muhammadu Buhari.

To celebrate him, his staff at United Nigeria Airlines wrote a congratulatory message saying: “A goldfish has no hiding place and, like one, your good deeds and reputation will always project you. For us at United Nigeria Airlines, you have remained an inspiring leader, a builder and a motivator to look up to the future. You shine brightest to light up our ways even when it is darkest. We are proud that your humble efforts at uplifting our country have been recognized and rewarded by the leadership and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Their counterparts at The Dome said, “Chairman Sir, you have been to all of us an example in hard work, dedication and uprightness. You have not only inspired us to aim for the top always but also changed our worldview with the story of your consistent quest for the best prize. We can’t be tired of thanking you for making us part of the organisation you created and for giving us a reason to look up to tomorrow.”

Some of his friends, who sent in words through a paid congratulatory advertorials, said: “Dikeora, a goldfish has no hiding place and like the northern star you have remained a consistent, true and unwavering friend and brother. You inspire confidence and radiate hope and happiness at all times. Your ideals in the pursuit of the best for our fatherland have been second to none. we are happy that the people of Nigeria, through the government, have found you worthy to be decorated today as an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic”.

His colleagues at Nzuko Imeobi Idemili also sent in words that speak to Okonkwo’s philanthropy. They said, “You have remained a positive influence on Nzuko Imeobi Idemili and the society at large. Your goodness is limitless. We pray that the Almighty God will grant you long life in good health and grant you the enablement to positively affect more people.”

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His schoolmates at Onitsha Boys High School were not left out. They sent in messages saying: “We, your mates at Onitsha Boys High School, heartily felicitate with you…You have remained an exemplary leader and entrepreneur and also a positive influence on our society. We are deeply proud of you, Dikeora.”

In his special tribute to Okonkwo, Linus Awute, a former permanent secretary and now director of administration at United Nigeria Airlines, said: “This is not coming to me as a surprise. I have known you well in advance for your empathetic understanding, your philosophical and active stance on issues, as well as your altruistic service to your family, your friends, your community, the church and this country, Nigeria.  I respect your belief system, which is made manifest in your goodness and depth of knowledge, including your sensitivity to issues.

“The same must be told about your stellar eloquence and political discourse without bitterness. Today, the people are highly enthused by this honour award of OFR, believing that it will accordingly spur you more, as you grow in both strength and wisdom, to continually glow and illuminate your world through the infinite power of God and your tireless dedication to His will.”

Okonkwo’s other friends also commended him on the honour. Dr. Kodilichukwu Okelekwe (Ubom Nibo) saw the award as a public acknowledgment of Okonkwo’s “esteemed contributions to the growth and development of our dear country.” And he prayed that “this day herald the beginning of your greatest achievements,” while Chief Ken Ifekudu (Agbalanze Onyekachukwu Na Ozubulu) described it as “a testament of your quality and contributions to the good people of Nigeria and the world in entirety.”

Gradually, Okonkwo has become a household name in Nigeria. People not only associate him with the aviation industry where he is also the spokesman of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, but with rational political discourse through which he has been able to navigate Nigeria’s political turf with logical arguments that collapse primordial narratives built on emotive thoughts. Okonkwo leaves no one in doubt about where he stands on issues. With him, one is certain of solid and dogged support.

A man of ideas and vision, Okonkwo holds the belief that business and leadership success come from shared visions. According to him, a business or political leader achieves more if he/she recruits the right kind of team, shares his/her visions with them, encourages them to take ownership of such visions and runs with them while guiding the team toward successful delivery on the vision. Besides, Okonkwo is a political leader who operates with the fear of God.

During his campaign for the governorship election in Anambra in 2021, he would tell his supporters that his only mission in politics was to use the instrumentality of the office of governor to ensure that Anambra State becomes a model of positive growth such that people of the state would no longer need to look elsewhere for the good life. He encapsulated his mission in a 10-point agenda to market his dreams for the glory of Anambra. Dreams don’t die. That dream is, however, not late because, as they say, the sun does not go down until its purpose is served.