Among the Igbos, it is believed that whenever there is a problem in the land, the ‘Odogwu’ is beckoned by all and sundry to come and help sort out the problem. ‘Odogwu’ means the warrior, the great one, financial cavalier. The ultimate problem solver! Chief Okey Ikoro has a chieftaincy title called ‘Osummanu’. The meaning in Igbo is manufacturer of palm oil. The palm tree that provides the palm oil is the greatest tree or crop in the universe. The Igbos believe, and truly so, that there is no tree as egregiously impactful to man in the world as the palm tree. It provides brooms through the leaves. It provides palm oil through its fruits. It’s trunk is used as wood, timber, bridge, soap, potash when burnt to ashes. Indeed it is acknowledged as an incredible store of value. It has an assortment of uses: it has medicinal applications,possesses anti-charm properties and plays varied roles in traditional religious practices. Therefore, when Chief Okey Ikoro took the title ‘Osummanu’, it was a clear indication of what he represents. Frankly, his refrain when his other title name ‘Mkpadirigbo’, is called is, “achowa Osummanu”. Simply put,it means that when challenges arise,the people beckon on Osunmanu.This attribute defines the very essence of this man. These appellations are fittingly so for a man who is recognized as a problem solver and source of succor to those around him.
His world view and vision are defined by an unwavering commitment to the common good and peoples welfare. His strength of character,tenacity of purpose and attention to details have made it possible for this enigmatic business personality,Chief Kingsley Okechukwu Ikoro(KO)to emerge as an astute businessman with an outstanding record of achievements.
Just like the Kingsley(KO) before him,Osunmanu has gradually emerged a man of the people always rising to the challenges confronting his people. Don’t be scared by the rise of a younger K.O, in the Arondizuogu land. This one is Kingsley Okechukwu Ikoro and not our revered sage Kingsley Ozuomba Mbadiwe, K.O. The contemporary K.O, schooled at Eziama High School Aba, Abia State for his secondary education and had his tertiary education at Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State where he read Building Engineering. A manufacturer of note, Chief Okey Ikoro is the Chairman/CEO of Camela vegetable Oil Ltd based in Owerri, Imo State.He was at a time President of Owerri Chamber of Commerce,mines , industry and Agriculture(OCCIMA). Also he is an active member of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN).
He is the current chairman of Vegetable/Edible Oil Producers Association of Nigeria(VEOPAN).
Chief Kingsley Okechukwu Ikoro is not only a top-notch billionaire business mogul but a political player as well. He had contested as a Senatorial aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party( PDP) in the Imo West Senatorial zone( Orlu zone) back in the days. He was Director General of the Senator Ifeanyi Ararume Gubernatorial campaign organization(2019). Over the years,he has been an avid sponsor and supporter of political causes and individuals seeking political office. In all of this,his guiding principle has been conformity with ethical standards and the pursuit of common good.
In the coming months, as political calendars draw near and political pendulums oscillate and the search for an altruistic and people-oriented leadership begins in Imo state,there will be no gain saying or surprise if political stakeholders who crave for good and progressive governance turn the beam of their searchlight on the new K.O.
The man has proven his worth and has shown that he is the “Imo of Imo State”. Having lived a wholesome round about forty years in the city of Owerri,he knows not a few of the inhabitants of Owerri but also all the nooks and crannies of the town.As a socialite and consummate network behemoth, he is at home with both the high and low of the society and has endeared himself to the people.A member of the Owerri Sports club,this Nekede Poly alumnus is a friend to many well meaning Imo indigenes; a man whose love and generosity knows no bounds. He is also an avid lover of sports who has garnered several accolades and awards from sporting bodies.
A renowned employer of labour, Camella Vegetable Oil Ltd and subsidiaries in marketing and distribution have employed numerous Imolites and providing a source of livelihood for them
The upright enigmatic leadership talents of this great son of Arondizogu in Ideato nation is no longer in doubt. He possesses the magic wand to bring water out of stone. He has done it in his family and community. He has done it as a foremost manufacturer in Owerri, Imo State. He did it as the president of Owerri Chamber of Commerce, and also did it in many leadership positions he has held to the glory of God.
K.O’s, second name is transparency and accountability. The man has a soft spot for youths and women and is committed to progressive development. He has passion for the upliftment of humanity, especially his people of Imo state.
A prominent Imo citizen Nze Alben Ekezie of Nwangele LGA, sometime ago, described him at his 60th birthday celebrations as a “moving machine” for progressive development. Nze Ekezie couldn’t have been more correct. Over the years, the man has proven his mettle. The office of Governor suits him. He is well prepared for such exalted office, and he will do excellently well.
A widely traveled man, Chief Okey Ikoro has been been exposed to the rudiments of governance in other climes and these experiences would no doubt impact his attitude and approach to governance.
A good family man, Chief Kingsley Okechukwu Ikoro, is lovingly and happily married to Prof. Ego Ikoro,a Professor of Optometry at the Federal University of Technology( FUTO), Owerri, and the union is blessed with five beautiful children and grand children The man is the Osummanu of Arondizuogu and the Mkpadirigbo of Igboland. Whenever there are problems for the Igbos, they beckon on Osummanu as the Last Man Standing. It seems the Igbos of Imo state with stretched hands are inviting Osummanu to come over to Owerri and HELP us.
Deacon Emmanuel Mmeremikwu is the Country Director of Leadership By Example League International( LELI) and writes from the Ozuruigbo leadership Centre, Imo state.