BY CALEB THOMPSON
The Bible, the revered Holy book for the Christians; is laced with myriads of stories of young individuals who achieved great feats, conquered unimaginable territories , and made sure their names were scratched into the pages of history’s books. Young men who defied the restraints of Age and poopooed on the notion that youth is a period of delinquencies. One of such, is David, who at just 17, killed the gigantic Goliath and would lead Israel to win a war where they stood less than half a chance. And they are very many others.
A Christian himself, Peniel Esimnachi Okwuchukwu Okafor thought it wise to go beyond reading those stories on Sunday Mornings and nodding in approval, to the sweet sermon the preacher made of them. Determined as he is, Peniel would choose to emulate the young lads he read, and by so doing; embark on his own legacy journey that would be told as stories in decades to come. And what a journey he has had.
Peniel, is one of the few young Nigerians, who are of a different breed. It was years ago, that a sitting president of Nigeria would, on international TV and in far away England, call youths of his country “Lazy Youths”. Peniel is of the rare breed who, through their actions and strides; would have the retired General who made the statement, reconsider his rather harsh and untrue words wherever he is now.
A graduate of International Relations from the Prestigious Babcock University, Nigeria; Peniel is a budding Entrepreneur, Social advocate, Speaker and Thought leader. Slowly but steadily, First with baby steps, and now impressive speed; Peniel has raised an empire called Truth Zombie Concepts.
Truth Zombie, a creative enterprise; is made up of a publishing outfit, a creative consultation team, a freelance talent agency, and they provide artist management services.
And beyond the lame game of fame and fortune that goes on, Peniel knows how important it is to be to be of all things, Human; touching lives of those around him in the simple ways he can. It is the very knowledge of this that would birth his very first novel, “Whispered Screams”, a literary classic dedicated to lend a voice to the menace of Physical and sexual abuse on young persons. But that it not all.
Through his, ‘The Peniel Okwuchukwu Foundation’, Peniel has over the years spearheaded humanitarian projects like the ‘Happiness is a Colour’ initiative where orphanage homes have been renovated, and underprivileged children have enjoyed fellowship, amongst other commendable initiatives.
Peniel is of the school of thought that young persons should be an integral part of the Political process, for by so doing; place themselves in position to made decisions politically, that would shape their own futures. And not one to lead by words, Peniel himself is an active participant of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, serving in the capacity of Chief Liaison Officer, Nigerian Youth Parliament, Imo West Senatorial District.
Most recently, Peniel was appointed Special Assistant on Inter-Agency Affairs to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Imo State, and this is further more a testament to the massive resourcefulness he embodies.
Not to forget, he is also the State Coordinator of the Prada Uzodima Imo Indigenes Scholarship Grant and is also a revered member of its board of trustees.
Peniel is Married, and is looking to raise a family that would take over and sustain the vast legacies he would leave behind, when his days on this earthen sphere come to an end.