LAGOS/Nigeria: The Chief Executive Officer of Bonchudi Group of Companies Ltd., Eze Chukwudi Boniface Okparaku, has been conferred with the Lifetime Excellence Award in Philanthropy by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), in recognition of his remarkable contributions to humanitarian service, community development and business innovation.
Okparaku, popularly known as Amuruonyenaego, is the Ezechukwukwadoro Ndi Igbo and Ezenidigbo of Abaranje and Okerube communities in the Igando-Ikotun LCDA of Lagos State. The award was presented during the 2025 CRAN Annual Lecture/Awards Ceremony held on Thursday in Lagos.
The association said the honour reflects Okparaku’s enduring commitment to service, noting that his life embodies Aristotle’s belief that excellence is “not an act but a habit.” His leadership, they added, is defined by integrity, compassion and consistent dedication to the wellbeing of others.
Over the years, Okparaku has earned nationwide recognition for his philanthropy, particularly in peacebuilding, support for vulnerable groups and promotion of communal harmony. His entrepreneurial drive has also positioned the Bonchudi Group as one of Nigeria’s rapidly growing indigenous enterprises focused on value creation and service delivery.
Beyond business, the traditional ruler has remained a strong advocate of moral leadership and inclusive growth, mentoring young entrepreneurs and contributing to national conversations on development. His investments in health outreach, educational support and empowerment programmes have strengthened his reputation as a dependable community pillar.
Born on October 25, 1966, Okparaku has been an active participant in numerous community associations, championing responsible leadership, unity and collective progress. His cultural preservation initiatives, youth empowerment programmes and community development interventions continue to inspire hope across local communities.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Okparaku reflected on the insecurity crisis in his home local government, Orsu in Imo State, describing the area as one that has long suffered devastation without commensurate national attention. He recounted how indigenes endured widespread destruction, severe violence and significant loss of lives.
He explained that he and a few others decided to act by establishing an organisation that partnered with the Imo State Government and security agencies, including the DSS and the police, to confront the threats. Despite losing more than 5,000 lives and witnessing countless homes destroyed, he said divine grace kept them alive to continue advocating for peace.
Okparaku expressed gratitude for the recognition and called for deeper collaboration and sustained support for communities affected by conflict, stressing that their sacrifices must inspire national action.
Eze Chukwudi Okparaku continues to be celebrated as a symbol of excellence, unity and social impact—an embodiment of community service rooted in humility, patriotism and unwavering commitment to humanity.
