Sir Joe Nwankwu (Onwa Abagana): A True Beacon Of Generosity And Service

DON EBUBEOGU

Sir Joe Nwankwu was a remarkable entrepreneur, industrialist and philanthropist from Abagana, Anambra State.

He was born in 1924 and began his career as a teacher before he transitioned into business, founding Olympic Group, a pioneering conglomerate.

His innovative ventures included Olympic Drinks Company Limited, which rivalled Coca-Cola in the Eastern part of Nigeria, and Olympic Packers Limited, the foremost corrugated carton industry commissioned by President Shehu Shagari in 1980.

Additionally, his ventures include Olympic Maize Milling Industry Limited, producing Semovita-like food; Life Breweries Limited, Olympic Technical Works and Foundry, fabricating machine tools; and he was a shareholder in Orient Bank of Nigeria Limited. He formed Standard Airways with Igwe Peter Ezenwa and Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi in 1966 before the outbreak of the civil war.

He was the Anambra State Industrialist of the Year in 1987.

Some of his notable achievements include:

– Industrial Prowess: Organized a solo trade exhibition showcasing his diverse products, impressing visitors with its scale and uniqueness.

– Community Impact: Co-founded The People’s Club of Nigeria and contributed significantly to rebuilding the South-Eastern region after the Biafra war as a contractor, donating generously to the government and church projects, leaving a lasting legacy.

– Global Recognition: Addressed the business community in Washington DC, USA, four years after the war, demonstrating his international influence. He received the Papal Honourary Award of Knight Commander of St. Sylvester in 1974.

Personal Life: He named his popular cola brand “Gina” after his beloved wife, Regina, reflecting his deep family affection. He was a devoted Catholic who donated generously to the church and actively supported Its fundraising efforts.

Sir Joe Nwankwu’s influence extends far beyond his business success. A devoted Christian and generous philanthropist, he dedicated his life to creating opportunities for countless individuals in Nigeria’s private sector until his passing in 2004.

Recently, during a conversation with my classmate, the newly appointed Rector of St. Paul’s Seminary in Ukpor, I was reminded of Sir Joe’s impactful contributions. While reviewing the archives, my classmate discovered that Sir Joe donated the electricity generator to our school and was also a significant contributor to various projects, including hostels and the administrative block.

He played a pivotal role in establishing the massive St. Jude Catholic Church in Fegge Onitsha, generously supporting its initial development. His construction firm was behind many significant projects, including the Enugu Stadium and other key developments for the old Anambra government.

During our time at St. Paul’s, he often brought Gina Cola drinks for students, a small gesture that showcased his commitment to our well-being. Many in Anambra State, myself included, have enjoyed the fruits of his kindness and philanthropy.

It’s surprising and disheartening that neither the church nor the government has substantially tried to honour Sir Joe Nwankwu’s legacy. While many institutions/projects are named after saints and politicians, this remarkable advocate for socio-economic development remains unrecognised.

This reflection urges us to reevaluate our values and the importance of commemorating those who have genuinely contributed to our societal development

This is a tribute to Sir Joe Nwankwu (Onwa Abagana), a true beacon of generosity and service.