Eze Okparaku Honoured for Excellence, Calls for Inclusion of Conflict-Affected Communities

Eze Okparaku Honoured for Excellence, Calls for Inclusion of Conflict-Affected Communities

 

The Chief Executive Officer of Bonchudi Group of Companies Ltd., Eze Chukwudi Boniface Okparaku, has been honoured with a Lifetime Excellence Award in Philanthropy for his outstanding contributions to humanitarian service, community development and business innovation.

Okparaku, popularly known as Amuruonyenaego, is the Ezechukwukwadoro Ndi Igbo and Ezenidigbo of Abaranje and Okerube communities in the Igando-Ikotun LCDA of Lagos State.

The prestigious honour was bestowed on Eze Okparaku by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) at their 2025 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony held on Thursday in Lagos.

The award earned the traditional leader widespread recognition for his philanthropic works, community impact and commitment to social wellbeing.

He said his lifestyle reflects Aristotle’s maxim that excellence is “not an act but a habit,” noting that his leadership is consistently marked by integrity, compassion and service.

Okparaku’s reputation for goodwill has attracted national attention, especially for his role in peacebuilding, support for vulnerable groups and promotion of communal harmony.

Eze Okparaku’s entrepreneurial drive has positioned Bonchudi Group as one of Nigeria’s fast-growing indigenous enterprises committed to value creation and service delivery.

The traditional ruler continues to inspire hope through youth empowerment initiatives, cultural heritage support and community development programmes across local communities.

Okparaku also remains an advocate of moral leadership and inclusive growth, mentoring young entrepreneurs and contributing to national conversations on service and development.

Born on Oct. 25, 1966, he has been actively involved in several community associations, promoting responsible leadership, unity and collective progress.

His charitable interventions in health outreach, education support and empowerment schemes have strengthened his profile as a dependable community pillar.

Eze Okparaku’s contributions go beyond his titles, reflecting his belief that service to humanity is a lifelong commitment rooted in humility and patriotism.

In his remarks at the award ceremony, Okparaku recounted his personal experience with insecurity and conflict in his home local government, Orsu Local Government Area in Imo state, a community he said had long been excluded from national security conversations.

He said indigenes of Orsu suffered severe devastation, widespread destruction and significant loss of lives, yet received little attention in national media or security engagements.

Okparaku said he and a few others chose to act by forming an organisation that partnered with the Imo State Government and security agencies, including the DSS and police, to confront the threats directly.

He noted that the frontline effort was costly, leading to the loss of more than 5,000 lives and the destruction of many homes, but added that divine grace ensured their survival.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to stand before the gathering, saying the sacrifices made by his community should inspire deeper collaboration, recognition and lasting support for conflict-affected areas.

Okparaku continues to serve as an example of excellence and dedication, promoting unity, social impact and national wellbeing.