THE rustic community of Ihiala in Anambra State recently was the destination of several dignitaries who came to grace the occasion of the dedication of a Catholic Church built by a son of the soil, Dr. Obinna Chukwudum Uzoh, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Gocuz Group of Companies, an indigenous outfit that deals on engineering, rural electrification, construction, building of power sub stations and oil services. Gocuz also has a subsidiary that deals on Finance, Agriculture and Legal Services.
Days before the event, news about the magnificent church complex complete with a duplex to serve as the Parish Priest's residence had sent tongues wagging in and outside the state. Little wonder that the mammoth crowd of worshippers and high profile guests that witnessed the dedication of the All Saints Catholic Church, Ihiala, could not help but pour encomiums on Dr. Uzoh for his feat in successfully carrying out this ambitious project.
But it has since emerged that the building of the church is one of several philanthropic gestures credited to this accomplished business man and politician. Indeed Dr. Uzoh is said to have contributed a lot to improving the lives of the people of his local community Ihiala, his State Anambra and Nigeria at large through the award of scholarship to students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
(http://vml1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Obinna-Uzoh1.jpg?9d7bd4) (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/03/nigerians-must-collectively-determine-to-move-the-country-forward-dr-obinna-uzoh/obinna-uzoh1/)Dr. Obinna Uzoh As an industrialist, he established small scale enterprises for indigenes of Anambra State. He established special fund for assistance to pregnant women, disabled people and others with life-threatening challenges. He has also made major contributions in the building of places of worship across the country. As a sports lover, Uzoh is involved in sports development through sponsorship of local football competitions, track and field events. His philanthropist gestures is anchored by his foundation, OBINNA UZOH FOUNDATION.
Come Saturday, March 17, 2012, he would be celebrating his 49th birthday, a development he considers a milestone in his life. This graduate of Economics, Law, Business Administration and Marketing from the Lagos State University and the University of Lagos was born on March 17, 1963 and considers the figure 17 as significant because he started business on September 17, 1987 with the establishment of the Gocuz Group. It was in this regard that he shared his thoughts with MIKE EBONUGWO on his life and on some issues of national significance.
HOW do you feel at 49?
I remain eternally grateful to God for all he has done for me over the years. Without God, I know I will be nowhere today. God gave me the wisdom and intellect to cope and go about my activities both in my academics and business.
Even if one has the finest of ideas and the whole resources in the world to start something, if he does not have the blessing of the Almighty, he will not succeed. It's only with God's divine favour that our determination, hard work and sound ideas will yield dividends. My family, wife and kids have been supportive and a source of inspiration and strenght to me.
What were the challenges of combining business with schooling?
I cherish those days. Although I was doing well in business, I did not forget the essence and significance of education. I have to combine business with education.
With every sense of modesty, I would say I was doing well in business while also in school. However my classmates did not know me as a businessman. I am a free mixer. I would wear my jeans to the class in the morning and went for my business thereafter. Sometimes, when I drove to the school, I would park my car far from the department and walked down.
Relating on equal basis
This camouflage helped me to relate with them on equal basis. It also made me to concentrate and keep out of trouble.
What is your guiding philosophy?
The teachings of the Catholic faith have been a source of direction for me. These teachings put emphasis on honesty, transparency and humility. I am always fair and honest in my dealings with my fellow beings and I expect same from anybody doing anything with me.
Any regrets so far?
I would say that losing my parents early in life was a big blow, but as a firm believer in the wish and will of God, I will not look at it as a regret since God knows why anything happens at any given point in time. We can never question him.
vanguardngr.com