By Ifeizu Joe
On July 6, during the grand finale of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026), the Nigerian Army honoured the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Keves Global Leasing Limited, Chief Ikenna Okafor with Outstanding Service Commendation Medal. NADCEL is an annual event by the Nigerian Army, which is marked with various activities in a weeklong event. This year’s event was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The high profile event which was attended by several dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu who was represented by his vice, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and other state governors, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval staff and many other service commanders and the full hierarchy of the Nigerian Army climaxed with the award of Nigerian Army Outstanding Service Commendation Medal (NAOSCM), a prestigious award to some personalities who were mainly serving and retired officers.
In the 163 years of the existence of the Nigerian Army, several serving and retired officers have had the privilege of receiving the medal during such events, but what is more remarkable was that in this length of years, only a handful of civilians have ever had such opportunity. The Nigerian Army Outstanding Service Commendation Medal (NAOSCM) is an exclusive award recognizing outstanding service and strategic contributions to the Nigerian Army’s operations and national development. A quick check showed that so far, less than 20 civilians have ever been bestowed with the Commendation Medal of the Nigerian Army, making it a prized medal for anyone in whose possession is ever found.
But during the event, among the veteran soldiers honoured was former ECOMOG Force Commander, retired Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, who is credited as the only surviving veteran of that operation. He was awarded for his contributions to regional peace and security. But in the civilian category, only three Nigerians were listed, including Okafor who is most popularly known by his traditional name, Ide Akwaeze.
Standing tall in the main bowl of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Rivers State in the full glare of everyone, with his wife, Lady Esther Okafor standing beside him, Okafor, a well known businessman and philanthropist from Akwaeze Community in Anambra State received the medal from the Vice President. The honour was bestowed on him before several dignitaries, including past presidents like General Yakubu Gowon (rted) and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
For a civilian who is not known to have participated in military operations, the award came as a surprise, but the Nigerian Army was firm about why they choose him for the award, insisting that even though he is not a soldier, he has contributed in equal measure, not in battle fields, but raising the morale of personnel in various ways.
THE RAZOR saw a copy of the letter written to Okafor by the Nigerian Army, in nomination for the award. In the letter written on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu by Brigadier General MJ Gambo, the army took time to chronicle all his good deeds that made him eligible for the medal.
Gambo wrote: “The Nigerian Army duly recognizes the efforts of eminent personalities who have made significant contributions to the development and upliftment of the Service, from time to time. Such recognitions are aimed at appreciating the exemplary service and dedication of such individuals to the growth of the Nigerian Army in particular and the Nation in general. Your contributions have been particularly outstanding with great multiplier effect on the administrative and operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army.
“Among other salient appreciated by the Nigerian Army is your contribution of a 5 unit Single Officers’ Quarters, Physical Training Cloak and Lounge and construction of 29 Battalion Medical Reception Station. Other notable interventions include construction of two lawn tennis courts, volley ball court and pavilion at the Headquarters 6 Division Sports Arena and 14 units self-contain accommodation for Corporal and Below. Your support in transformation of Python Golf Club as well as donation of 10 split unit air conditioners for the newly completed senior officers’ quarters among many other capital intensive projects at Headquarters 6 Division is worth emulation. These invaluable gestures have gone a long way in supporting the sound administration pillar of the Chief of Army Staff Command Philosophy. Consequently, the Chief of Army Staff has approved the award of Nigerian Army Outstanding Service Commendation Medal (NAOSCM) to you in recognition of your outstanding philanthropic contributions to the Nigerian Army.
“In view of the aforementioned, I am directed to most respectfully invite you to the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 for the conferment of the
owe The ceremony would take place at Liberation Stadium (Yakubu Gowen Stadium) Elekahia Port Harcourt, Rivers State on 6 July 2026.”
To further buttress the relationship of Chief Okafor with the army community, during a private celebration held in his honour at the expansive compound of his company, Keves Global Leasing Limited in Rumuomas, Obiorah Akpor Local Government Area, over 10 army generals were in attendance, with guest from all over the country. Speaking at the event, Okafor who is popularly known by his traditional title, Ide Akwaeze told guests that he sees himself more as a military personnel than as a civilian, and this is because of his long years of association with them. He took time to recount his journey with the military and the several businesses and interventions he has carried out with them. He stated that given a second chance, he would not miss working with them many times over.
During the goodwill message segment, the generals took time eulogize him and also describe him as a great partner to work with. Okafor’s goodwill is not only limited to the army but transcends other institutions he has worked with. Most outstanding was the message of the traditional ruler of Rumuomasi Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State where his company is sited. His Royal Highness, Eze Ezebunwo Geoffrey Adele (JP) who was represented at the event told all that even though Okafor hailed from Akwaeze Community in Anambra, they in Rumuomasi have adopted him as their son. He said: “As far as this community is concerned, we can go to war on his behalf. He has been a good partner to Rumuomasi and we pray that God gives him good life and his family. The land will protect him and the ancestors of this land will always be with him.”
For just one day, Okafor harvested more accolades that can take him a lifetime, but he insists that: “For me, I see life as very simple. If I have and can help those who do not have, why should I not help them? I do not know those who nominated me for this award. I was in US when I got the call and I didn’t think it was real until I made further inquiries. Those who nominated me may have only heard of the things I do, and that is why you must be very mindful how you relate with people because people are watching.”
