ONE ON ONE WITH ENGR. IFEANY NNAJI, A LEADER WITH A GOLDEN HEART
Focus Magazine Nigeria had a chat with one of such roles, Engr. Ifeanyi Nnaji, the man of the People and a Leader par excellence.
In this chat, we discussed critical national issues, especially politics in Enugu State, in particular, and Nigeria at large.
From insecurity threatening the nation’s fabric to the prevailing economic challenges and the positive impact of the Governor of Enugu State.
Here are excerpts from the interview.
Let’s get to know you.
My name is Engr. Ifeanyi Nnaji from Obe in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria.
Who molded you very early in life?.
I will give it to my father because he contributed so much to making me who I am today.
I started learning the art of trading and farming very early in life because my father was a successful businessman and farmer.
With the help of God and my family, I can proudly call myself a successful businessman.
When did you venture into business?
I have been in business for over 2 decades because I started immediately,
After my studies and to the glory of God, it had been a successful story.
When did you venture into Nigerian politics?.
I went into politics in the build-up to the 1999 general election because I was nominated by Chimaroke Nnamani’s support group to coordinate His Excellency’s campaign in Nkanu West LGA.
I was given massive support from the PDP leaders within and outside Enugu and I delivered on the mandate assigned to me.
I have been a committed member of PDP from 1999 till 2014 when I defected to APC,
But in the 2023 general election, I contributed immensely to the electoral victory of PDP candidates, especially those from Enugu East Senatorial District.
I have contributed to the overall progress of PDP in Nkanu West, Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Enugu State, and Nigeria at large.
Are you married?.
Yes, I am happily married and the union is blessed with lovely children.
Tell us the people who have helped you in your line of trade, especially since you opened your business empires in Enugu State?.
My family, friends, well-wishers, and above all God Almighty for providing the enabling environment for me to open my business.
I will forever remain grateful and indebted to God for his goodness and mercy upon my life.
Please can you tell us your success story?.
For one to be a successful businessman, you must go through many challenges, you must be disciplined to make it in life; however, the most important thing is putting God first in all you do.
I left my town for Enugu State, in search of greener pastures. Today, I can tell you that I am a fulfilled man.
I have seen pictures you snapped with prominent businessmen, including Leaders of thought,
Can you see that you are combining your business with politics?.
Smiles, Obama, my brother, I am a full-time politician and a businessman as well.
I have supported men with proven integrity who have shown interest in leading our State and Nation.
I fully supported the election of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State and Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, Member of the House of Representatives, because both leaders have the interest of their people at heart.
Back to you, Sir, I am particularly interested in some of the awards given to you by many prestigious institutions.
How did these come to be?.
I believe in the popular saying that the reward for hard work is more work; hence, the awards you are seeing here are an appreciation of my enormous contributions to humanity.
I have contributed financially and otherwise to my town’s socio-economic growth, as well as to the various institutions.
Growing up, I challenged myself that if God blesses me that I will use my wealth judiciously to bless people around me.
I noticed that people always come to you for help. How do you handle them, considering the present economic situation in the country?.
Smiles, I will always assist my people in my own little capacity.
As long as I live, I will do my best in assisting our people where necessary.
Where do you want to see yourself in the next 5 years?.
This is a serious question, I pray to God to be alive and be able to see to my responsibilities as a family man and a community leader.
What is your advice to the Governor of Enugu State?.
Firstly, let me congratulate the Executive Governor of Enugu State for the relatable peace and development witnessed so far.
I want to equally commend His Excellency for always standing on the side of the people by providing social amenities such as electricity, motorable roads, quality education, security, etc, for the betterment of the people.
I want to advise His Excellency, to continue with this good legacy of bringing dividends of democracy to the people of Enugu State.
May your vision never dim!
Your advice to the Nigerian Youths?.
Please always do the right thing.
Please don’t involve yourself in evil practices which can lead to an untimely death.
Please always adhere to the teachings of God, avoid cultism, and honor your parents so that your days will be long.
The youths should assume leadership of the country as our old Politicians have failed us.
Do you have any advice for the staff and management of Focus Magazine Nigeria?.
My advice to the staff of this great Magazine is to continue to live above board and do the right thing at all times.
Please always uphold the tenets of the journalism profession.
Obama, you are a great guy, and I know that God will continue to enlarge your coast.
God bless you.