From TCNEWS
As preparations intensify for the final burial ceremony of the late Senator Levi Ikwuagwu Nwokeafor, the Umuahia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (UCCIMA) has organized a memorial lecture to honor his remarkable contributions to the business sector in Abia and Nigeria at large.
The late Levi Ikwuagwu Nwokeafor, who served as the second President of UCCIMA, achieved significant milestones during his tenure, inspiring the association’s members to reach their goals and leaving a lasting impact on the Umuahia Chamber.
In his address, the outgoing President of the Chamber, Hon. Chidi Nkem-Aruoma, praised the profound contributions of the late Nwokeafor, noting his pivotal role in the growth of UCCIMA.
Hon. Aruoma lauded Nwokeafor’s substantial investments in Abia, which played a crucial role in enhancing the state’s economic prospects. He emphasized the importance of attracting investments back to one’s homeland, a concept locally known as “Aku ruo ulo,” meaning “bringing investments home.”
He explained that the exceptional foundation laid by the late business icon inspired the Chamber to title the memorial lecture “Aku Ruo Ulo,” highlighting how Nwokeafor invested heavily in his homeland. Aruoma affirmed that even in death, UCCIMA would continue to recognize and appreciate Nwokeafor’s outstanding contributions to the Abia business community.
In his lecture, titled “Gains of Investing At Home; Lessons From Late Senator Levi Ikwuagwu Nwokeafor,” the Executive Chairman of the Umuopara Council of Chiefs, Dr. Smart Nwokorie, stated that investing in one’s community is not merely about financial contributions but about positively committing to one’s home.
Dr. Nwokorie highlighted the network of businesses established by Nwokeafor across the old Eastern region, emphasizing that through his investments in SELINS Transport, Haulage, Warehousing, Import/Export, SELINS Petrol, and Oil/Gas businesses, communities in Umuahia and Abia state gained prominence.
He revealed that the late Nwokeafor remains a role model for other business owners to emulate.
During his presentation, the third president of UCCIMA, Sir George Akomas, elaborated on the topic “Bringing Your Investment Home,” stressing the urgent need for Igbo sons and daughters to return their investments to the region, ensuring significant economic growth in the South East.
The keynote speaker, Sir Justin Ikechukwu Nwosu, a renowned Chartered Accountant, spoke on the “Role of SME in Nation Building,” highlighting the critical role played by SME operators in creating economic balance.
According to him, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are pivotal to the development of both individual states and the nation, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation, poverty alleviation, and economic diversification.
Sir Nwosu, while acknowledging the late Nwokeafor’s significant contributions to the South East’s economy through his numerous investments, called for support for small businesses to enhance productivity.
In an interview with some family members of the late Nwokeafor, his younger brother, Mr. Chigozie Nwokeafor, remarked on the profound impact Levi Nwokeafor had on his family and the community. He described him as a generous man who cared deeply for others and was always willing to help those in need.
He expressed that the entire community would miss him greatly and prayed for his eternal repose.
Speaking with journalists, his son, Mr. Okechi Nwokeafor, reflected on his father’s enduring legacy, describing him as a humanitarian, a business icon, a man of the people, and a person of great caliber.
Okechi expressed that his father’s legacy was so immense that no one could truly fill his shoes, but he hoped his virtues would be emulated. He said, “My father left behind shoes too big for anyone to fill. However, when it comes to business, I believe we have followed in his footsteps. We are all involved in business and are excelling because we have his entrepreneurial spirit.”
He commended the Umuahia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture for organizing the lecture to honor their father and for acknowledging his contributions to the business sector.
For Eze Nwokeafor, another son of the business mogul, he shared that his father taught him to be adventurous, a quality that has helped him stand out. He vowed that the family would continue to uphold their father’s legacy.
The late Levi Ikwuagwu Nwokeafor, born in December 1948, passed away in December 2023 and will be laid to rest on December 19, 2024, at the age of 75.