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