March 28, 2024

Umuaka Times

news at your door step

A Brief Biography of Chief Ben I. Okoro. By Prof G.I. Okoro.

2 min read

Dec. 5th, 1934: Ben arrived as the 3rd child but second son of Mrs. Maria Ihukaku(Yeiye)Okoro-Ojiaku. However, he ranked as 5th child and still second son of our father, Late Chief Paul OkoroOkwara-Ojiaku. (Atufulemgbe 1). (Yes 5th of 21 children & still 2nd son in this polygamous family). He was unique in that he was the only son among ten who did not show a keen interest in soccer.1951: FSLC (First School Leaving Certificate (Standard Six at St. Gregory’s Amandugba).

Professional development and growth.


1952: With about 10 British pounds from Mom and Dad, Gen set sail to Tiko in the then British Southern Cameroon. 1952: Spent first few months hawking roundnut at CDC (Cameroon Development Corporation) Camps and a Tiko Stadium (Holforth Field) on game days. 1952-1956: Unshakeable Determination to become an Automobile Mechanic, Ben            signed for Training under the Tutelage of Baba Mechanic, a Yoruba Guru at this Trade.

1956: Graduated from Training and Obtained His Professional Driver License.

1956: Tapped by Emmanuel Nwagbara to be his Driver who brought him to Aba to buy a Gwongworo Truck, Dec. 1956.1957: Drove the Truck back to Tiko, taking Brother Greg along. 1958: Bought a first vehicle (2nd Hand Bedford bus) in Partnership with a Bread Baker (Mr. Ejiofor from Amuzari). 1958: Partnership crumbled; lost his money & learned first business lesson that             profits are never guaranteed and Business Avenue is littered with land mines of      losses.

1958: Ben  went solo; bought his second bus (Austin Power), License Plate CM1941. 1958: CM 1941 was a success story and led to expansion to a fleet of more than             six vehicles, all labelled “EASY MOTION” (Nwayo Bu Ije).

Marriage and family: 1958 – 1959: Engagement & Marriage to Margaret Osuji who also served Adamma Samuel Nzurumike. Adamma was Ben’s cousin who engineered the marriage. Lost first two pregnancies until 1963 the first child arrived, followed by 9 others. (Total: 3 Boys & 7 girls;)

Evolution of business empire:

1960s: As Transportation Business expanded, so did Road disasters. 1960s: A few fatal accidents led him to switch to Construction Tippers. 1960 – 1970s: Encouraged by a Cameroonian, Paul Bamilikki, Ben secured contracts from French firms engaged in Infrastructure Development).

Return to Nigeria.

Dad (Chief Paul Okoro-Ojiaku (Atufulemgbe 1) insisted upon his return to Nigeria. Ben sets up shops upon return. Mechanic Shop Building Materials Home/Housing Construction Global Telecommunications Banking Pure Water Cold  Storage Facilities. Diversification is the name of his game; Trail Blazing his strategy. Built the landmark Urban Trade Center (To some people, the Motto: No food for a lazy Man Umuaka Skyscraper).

Legacies: The Human Side of B.I.O.

Investment in Human Capital: Premier in sponsoring people for overseas education. Took Great Interest in Hardworking & Honest people or anyone with such Traits.

Silent Giver, Not a showman.

Keen interest in Languages & spoke Igbo, English, Yoruba & French

Knew most people by name.

Fantastic Record Keeper & Time Manager.

The list is long.

Today, Nov. 15, 2020 is precisely one year you left us. Your memory lives on!          RIP!!

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright ©2019 Umuaka Times. All rights reserved. | Newsphere by AF themes.
Open chat
1
"Lets discuss " Oji is online!
Hello
Umuaka Times Editor is here! let us discuss and deliberate on the breaking news and trending issues in all over Akah City.