Anambra Man Who Became Billionaire With Only N100 Empowers 20 Nibo Youths with N1 Million Each
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By Our Correspondent
The Nibo community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State was electrified on Monday as illustrious son and philanthropist, Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe, empowered 20 young people with N1 million each to start businesses of their choice.
The beneficiaries, selected after a rigorous screening process supervised by a committee headed by Chief Douglas Aniemena, submitted viable business proposals to qualify for the grant.
The well-attended event, tagged “Nibo 20 for 20 Ceremony,” was held at the Nibo Civic Centre and presided over by the traditional ruler of Nibo, His Royal Highness Eze MC Ngene (Ezeike Nibo).
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Okelekwe, who is renowned for his inspiring rags-to-riches story, urged the beneficiaries to be courageous, disciplined, and determined to become billionaires from the humble support they received.
He recounted his difficult childhood, recalling how his mother, a petty ogili (local spice) seller, struggled to raise N200 for his university education in 1986.
“I came from a family of the poorest of the poor,” he said, adding, “But from the outset, I made up my mind that I would banish poverty from my family.”
Chief Okelekwe further narrated how he started his business journey with just N100, which he used to print a complimentary card that later opened doors to contracts and opportunities that transformed his life.
He said, “Success or failure begins in the heart. Nothing is impossible in life if we have the right frame of mind. The God who made me a billionaire with a N100 complimentary card will make all of you billionaires with N1 million.”
He also commended Chief Aniemena and the selection committee for what he described as a transparent and thorough screening process, urging the beneficiaries to replicate his act of kindness by empowering others when they become successful.
In his remarks, Eze MC Ngene, the Ezeike of Nibo, thanked Chief Okelekwe for his consistent contributions to community development and human capital empowerment.
He described the gesture as “a new season of Nibo billionaires,” encouraging the beneficiaries to emulate Chief Okelekwe’s resilience and make judicious use of the funds.
The “Nibo 20 for 20” empowerment ceremony drew community leaders, youths, and dignitaries from within and outside Nibo, all of whom hailed Chief Okelekwe’s generosity and visionary leadership.
