By Okey Maduforo Awka .
The recent kidnap of the CEO of Jezco Oil Chief Joseph Ezeokafor has been described as an attack on the Anambra Business Community.
Making this disclosure at Ekwulobia in Aguata local government area of Anambra state the Senatorial Candidate of Anambra South District under the platform of Nigeria Democratic Congress ( NDC) and CEO of Seahorse lubricant ltd , Chief Ebuka Onunkwo who visited Ezeokafor at his Country home insisted that the state cannot afford to lose its builders.
The visit to Chief Ezeokafor’s country home in Ekwulobia was described by Chief Onunkwo as a personal gesture of support, given his long-standing relationship with the Jezco boss in both business and family life.
Chief Onunkwo, who built one of Nigeria’s best quality lubricant plants in Ozubulu, arrived Ekwulobia with a small delegation and was received by Chief Ezeokafor and his family including his son, popular socialite Jowizaza.
“A man who has employed thousands and built companies and fuel stations in different parts of the country is a treasure to our people,” he said.
He described the Jezco chairman as a quiet pathfinder for Igbo industrialists.
“Long before many of us thought of manufacturing, Jezco Oil was already there. He showed us that an Igbo man can sell Nigerian products in different parts of Nigeria and succeed. We owe him respect, and we owe him our support,” Onunkwo further stated.
The visit underscored the bond between two generations of Anambra entrepreneurs. While the younger Onunkwo represents the new wave in lubricants, petrochemicals, and industrialization, Chief Ezeokafor represents the old guard in oil, real estate, and hospitality built over four decades.
Both men are from Anambra South and have kept their investments in the region.
“Anambra South is the engine room of Anambra business,” Onunkwo said. “From Ekwulobia to Ihembosi to Nnewi, we are the ones who create jobs. We must continue to stand together, support one another, and protect the legacy of those who built before us.”
The NDC senatorial candidate popularly also called for greater collaboration among business leaders, community stakeholders, and security agencies to keep Anambra safe for investors, workers, and families.
In his response, Chief Ezeokafor expressed gratitude to God and to all who stood by him during the ordeal.
“I am alive by the grace of God,” he said. “I thank my family, my community—who postponed the New Yam festival for me—and all who prayed for my safe return.”
