Nigeria represents an unworking entity, full of aborted dreams and failed hopes. Naija represents a vibrant land of achievers, a people who took their destinies upon themselves and started recreating their spaces, despite the limitations of Nigeria. Dr. Emeka Okonkwo popularly known as E-MONEY is a citizen of Naija, and needs no introduction. He is among the new generation of Nigerians who embody the concept of Naija, fuelling hopes, changing lives and inspiring people. They are the spirits of the young people who refused to be condemned to the back waters of Nigeria’s under achieving situation and deliberate mis-governance. They rose to prominence through their creativity, sheer hard work and determination. Today, Naija has gone global. In technology, in business, in entertainment, in sports, Naija excels, and E-Money is a big part of it. Using the platform of his record label known as 5 Star Music, he has produced bestselling and highly successful artistes, including but not limited to Kcee, Skiibii and Harrysong.
Dr. Emeka Okonkwo has equally, through various platforms, taken philanthropy to another level and this has earned him massive goodwill. Apart from these, E-MONEY has become an undisputable Anambra goodwill ambassador and has continued to add value to the Anambra brand. Last year, The Nigerian media was awash with the news of massive donations raised prior to Obi Cubana mother’s burial at Oba. Over 300 million naira was raised by friends. The group of young Igbo guys who pulled such resources are the movers and shakers of the economy of Lagos of which E-MONEY is the leader. Any real effort for the development of Igbo land must incorporate the vivacious and creative spirits of these young men. They have already conquered the creative economy of Lagos. They only need to copy and paste same in the East. How the likes of E-MONEY have changed our Christmas and burials to carnivals is an amazing thing and should be studied. Many wealthy individuals are being inspired by his charity and are making strenuous efforts to outdo him. With over 10 million followers on Instagram, he has brought massive attention to Anambra and this is more than any PR CNN can do for the State. What he has done and what people may not know is the fact that he has made the entire Africa view Ndi Anambra and Ndi Igbo in general through the lens of a very successful people and this action is birthing a lot of business contacts and networks. A new set of young Igbo guys who are dominating the real estate, hospitality and entertainment industry are emerging. They are bringing solutions to some of our businesses and more importantly making it possible for foreign partnership. Their recent visit in Liberia for a real estate business is one of the open doors and his collaboration with Blue Label are worthy examples. Again, he has used his influence to intervene by way of using his connections to save some of our people who are having various officially induced challenges in their businesses.
It is gratifying that the governor of Anambra state, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has seen the potentials Dr. Emeka Okonkwo holds for his government, particularly the entertainment industry. Anambra has an untapped storehouse of talents, youths who are looking for platforms to unleash their creative energy. The entertainment sector can open up massive job opportunities for so many young people in the State, and more importantly, retain them in the State for revenue generation. E-Money holds the key.
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