It’s by his grace I am who I am today —- AIDU President, Victor Okpara

Mr Ugochukwu Victor Okpara, the chairman, Akoli Imenyi Development Union (A.I.D.U.) Lagos Branch, a businessman and an entrepreneur, has made it clear that it is by the grace of God that he is where he is today.

The business magnet made this known while receiving an award at the Mirror International Newspaper Award ceremony which took place at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

The man who deals in automobiles at Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market expressed deep appreciation to the organisers of the award for counting him worthy for an award which he said was an encouragement for him to do more.

He said “I am very glad to be here today, I am very happy for this great award. It is an award that is worthy of emulation. It is an award that can motivate you, it is a motivation for me to do more to the community and to mankind.

“So this award I received today, I am very happy and I appreciate the Mirror International Newspaper for this great award. And I promise that for this reason I will do more, and I will always thrive to make sure that I am my brother’s keeper, my community, Nigeria and humanity at large,” he added.

On what he thought earned him the award, he said “As a matter of fact in life, many are called but few are chosen, we are not born of the same class and standard of life, we have grace that is following each and everyone of us. So I believe what you do in life, people will always talk about you, you don’t need to talk about yourself, I believe that is the reason why they chose me, and I believe that is why my community chose me to be their leader for so many years because, they see the potential in me, and they see what I can do, that I can do it and I can deliver. By the special grace of God, as a man and with the wisdom of God given to me, not by power, not by might, but by the special grace of God, that is why I said everybody carries his own grace. So it is by His grace I am who I am today, and do what I do today,” the gentle giant stated.

He made it clear that he is not in competition with anybody but follows the direction and instructions of God. “I don’t do things to emulate anybody, I do things according to the direction of the holy spirit. I always thank God for giving me the grace to do those things I do, because it is not by my power, it is not by my might, it is by His grace.”

While commending the Founder of Mirror International Newspaper, he said, “I want to say God will be his strength. You see, in life you don’t need to build your trust in men, put your trust in God who is the Alfa and Omega. As a young man he is doing well, I believe he has his own direction from God, he should continue to do things according to the direction of God and he will go higher.

“This award he did today, he will do the one that will supercede this. It is only God that will grant that. So I pray that whatever he does, God will grant it and he will always succeed,” Mr Okpara stated.

As a community developer and Chairman of Akoli Imenyi, Lagos Branch, Mr Ugochukwu Victor Okpara has contributed in the success story of the town through his union.

The Akoli Imenyi Development Union (AIDU) is a community-based organization aimed at fostering development in Akoli Imenyi, Bende Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. Recent efforts include rural infrastructure rehabilitation, including road construction, solar lighting initiatives, and efforts to improve economic activity in the community.

Akoli Imenyi indeed is not a small town by all standard.

Key Developments and Focus Areas
Infrastructure Rehabilitation: The community is seeing significant projects in 2025–2026, including the reconstruction of the Akoli Imenyi Road and asphalt projects in surrounding villages.

Infrastructure Projects: A 1km road construction with asphalt and drainage has been proposed (connecting to Alaye), alongside rural road construction at Akoli Imenyi to Amoji.

Solar Power Initiative: In March 2026, solar-powered streetlights were flagged off as part of the “SWITCH ON BENDE” initiative to improve security and social activity in the community.

Community Structure: The organization operates with local branches, focused on community welfare and development.

Development Focus: Projects are aimed at enhancing agricultural access and local economic activities in the Abia North Senatorial District.