By Akuma Ebere
Former Superintendent of Police and Oraifite-born entrepreneur, Chief Ikechukwu Egbochukwu, fondly called Omedaa or DPO, has said that all he is today is purely by the grace of God not because he is better than anyone else.
In a heartfelt reflection on his journey through public service and private enterprise, Chief Egbochukwu credited divine favour for guiding him through a distinguished police career and into a thriving business life despite early struggles.
The retired police officer, who now runs a successful distribution firm under IYKOBY Integrated Resources Ltd, a subsidiary of Ike-Egbo & Sons Nigeria Ltd, said his business began in 2018 after he hung his uniform and faced life anew.
Born into the family of late Mr. Michael Chikezie Agina Egbochukwu and Mrs. Edina Nwadoronneya Egbochukwu of Ibolo Oraifite, Ekwusigo LGA, Anambra State, Chief Egbochukwu attended Ibolo Central School and Edo Boys High School before moving to Lagos in 1980, where he worked briefly at the National Trade Fair. By 1983, he joined the Nigeria Police Force and rose to the rank of Superintendent before retiring in 2018.
While in service, he pursued advanced academic degrees including a PhD in Economics and a Master’s in Monetary Economics,credentials he now applies in running his firm, which is a key distributor for International Breweries’ Hero, Fryfish and other products.
But the path has not been easy. He recounted how his first, second and third set of employees stole from him, forcing him to sell part of his land to keep the business afloat. That experience, he said, taught him not to trust blindly.
He now personally supervises loading and offloading operations to prevent further losses and runs his business by faith and vigilance. He expressed hope that his children will begin from where he stops, emphasizing that God has remained faithful throughout the journey.
Chief Egbochukwu advised young employees and apprentices to be honest, warning that ill-gotten wealth never lasts. He also commented on the current economic hardship, noting that demand for alcohol continues to rise even during the rainy season. According to him, alcohol has become a form of comfort for many, especially those who don’t know God.
On a somber note, he paid tribute to the late Pastor Jonathan Ifenna, whom he described as a relative (nwa nwadiana), schoolmate and friend. He described the deceased as a quiet and good man and urged the living to live well so that what they leave behind would speak good of them.
