Local2Global with Ada Africa: Humility Wears a Crown When Wealth Stoops to Serve - In Ezenwagu Okafor, Simplicity Meets Greatness.

This Sunday’s readings stirred something I have long carried in my heart—the remarkable lifestyle of Ezenwagu Anthony Okafor of Anochemical Industries Ltd, from Ihuowelle village, Ngo Igboukwu in Anambra state.

The Scriptures focused on the virtues of simplicity and humility. Jesus’ call to serve the poor in love is a command many wealthy individuals may desire to follow, but insecurity, fear, and fraud have often kept them at a distance. Yet, meditating on these readings, the image of Nzenwagu and his family kept coming to mind.

A few weeks ago, he demonstrated a gesture that amazed me. With a single act, he paid off a church land debt of over ₦15 million—not just as charity, but as part of his commitment to a community hall project in Igboukwu. I call it a “2-in-1 strategy.”

Often, we give not because we have abundance, but because we are moved by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. What many don’t realize is that such giving opens doors of even greater blessings. 

Within just two weeks of this generosity, his first daughter, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke, was appointed Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. When I heard the news, I went to God in tears of thanksgiving for the family.

Chief Anthony Okafor (Ezenwagu) and his daughter, Dr. Chinenye Okeke (nee Okafor)

His Lifestyle: Mingling with the Poor

Before this incident, I had made some remarkable observations about Ezenwagu:

• Present with the lowly: Despite his status, he personally attends the funerals of the poor—unlike others of his class who only send money but remain absent for reasons of security or convenience.

• Accessible: He remains approachable and reachable, while many of his counterparts seem untouchable.

• Grounded investments: Where others of his rank buy multiple houses abroad (London, Dubai, US, South Africa), he invests in businesses that create jobs and opportunities for the youth.

• Freedom of movement: While many of the wealthy move around in convoys and with heavy security, Nzenwagu often drives himself, humbling himself to mingle freely among the poor.

There is much more about him, his philanthropy and humility, that I do not yet know. But the little I have observed is already worthy of emulation, and of thanksgiving to God for his family.

Pope Francis reminds us: “We are called to draw near to the poor, to encounter them, to meet their gaze, to embrace them, and to let them feel the warmth of love that breaks through their solitude.”

Indeed, in men like Nzenwagu Anthony Okafor, this Gospel call comes alive.

Nkechi Udegboka (Ada Africa) local2global4@gmail.com +2348033842029 

SUMMARY

• True wealth is measured in humility and service. Ezenwagu Anthony Okafor reminds us that greatness is found not in convoys or mansions abroad, but in mingling with the poor and lifting communities.

• While others build empires abroad, he builds opportunities at home. Nzenwagu Okafor’s humility and philanthropy are lessons worth celebrating. 🌍🙏

• Humility wears a crown when wealth stoops to serve. In Nzenwagu Okafor, simplicity meets greatness.

• He drives himself, attends the funerals of the poor, invests in jobs—not just mansions. Nzenwagu Okafor is proof that true leaders walk among their people.

• When wealth meets humility, blessings overflow. Just ask Nzenwagu Anthony Okafor and his family.