DEMYSTIFYING JOHNBOSCO ONUNKWO @ 44
_By Kingsley Ogugua_
According to William Shakespeare, "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them"
On this auspicious day, a young promising man was born to Ndi Umuchu, Anambra and Nigeria by extension. Born into the family of Onunkwo in the mid-seventies, Johnbosco attended school like every other young person but manifested qualities and attributes of leadership quite early.
As an undergraduate of the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka where he studied Mechanical Engineering, Johnbosco was very active in Students unionism. So actively was he involved that he vied for the position of Deputy Senate President, which he eventually won. Aside politics in school, Johnbosco had an Entrepreneurial knack as he engaged in all sorts of legal businesses to meet ends and ease the financial burden on his parents. Young Johnbosco harvested Palmnuts which he sold at the popular Nkwo Igbo in Igbo-Ukwu. As if that was not enough and as a young man very determined and focused regardless of his background, Johnbosco converted his father's car to a taxi, all in a bid to support his family. Of course, there were illegal money earning means, but he chose the path of honour to re-emphasize the fact that there is "Dignity in Labour".
His passion to succeed coupled with his hustling spirit endeared him to so many that it wasn't long, he secured a job with Milyke Investments Ltd as Head of Operations. In 2003, he joined Nigeria Agip Oil Company as a global maintenance Engineer where he rose through the ranks to become a Rotating Equipment Engineer in 2008. Not relenting in his Certificate, he sought ways to fortify himself as an Engineer. He is a member of Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE), Member, Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN), Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (MIEEE), Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM), Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Economics of Nigeria (FCE), Fellow of the Certified Institute of Purchasing and Supply Administrators of Nigeria (FCIPurS). He is also a member of the Rotary Club, Porthacourt Central. One can say that Johnbosco is readily armed to discharge any assigned duties.
In his firm belief that wealth comes from God, Onwa had set up the Johnbosco Onunkwo Foundation to fulfil the scriptures in Matthew 25:40, "I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!". Understanding this biblical principle, Johnbosoco is using this foundation to bring back smiles in families, wipe away tears, mend homes, restore lost hopes and become a beacon of light. Hundreds of people most of whom he doesn't know are beneficiaries of his scholarship schemes scattered in various institutions, many youths have been brought back to their feet through his empowerment schemes. His Free Medical Care which has seen over 7000 persons benefitting across the state has endeared him to many. Over 14 towns have benefitted from this and he has graciously approved that this project be taken across the state for greater number of persons to benefit from.
He is seen as the "Run-to-person" in difficult times. His donation of 2.5 million to the victims of Onitsha Inferno attests to this fact.
In politics, Johnbosco has paid his dues. He is indeed an uncommon gift to the All Progressives Congress party in Anambra state and South-East in general. It's usually said that once you're a member of the APC in Anambra, you are automatically an adopted brother/sister to Engr. Johnbosco. His Contributions to the party as a body and individual constituents cannot be over quantified. Posterity will bear witness that this great son of Umuchu has been a great asset to the party. One thing strikes me of this great achiever and that is the fact that he isn't our regular type of politician. I refer him as a talk and do politician and what do I mean by that. I've observed him for quite some time now and there's no promise he has made that he did not just fulfil but commits his soul, mind and spirit to it. More like he doesn't have peace of mind until the promise is fulfilled and in record time. To him giving is the way to go! In fact he calls it the PASSWORD to more wealth and Heaven.
One can go on and on to eulogize this sage, a mentor to many, and an inspiration to a vast number of youths. Let me drop my pen for another day.
Happy Birthday to a quintessential leader!
Many more years to this achiever of Greatness
Anambra Awaits you!!!
Kingsley Ogugua is a Public Relations Practitioner and writes from Abuja.
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