Weekenders magazine’s Princess Joy Omagha Idam, had an interview with the President of Ebonyi State Union in the United Arab Emirates, (UAE), Chief Sunny Ike Ogbonnia, Aku Amia 1 of Izzi clan is also the Managing Director/CEO M2 Gas Limited, his Ikwu is Ibe Ililieku, hails from Amasiri, Ekuma Ubaghala autonomous community, Afikpo LGA, Ebonyi State, below is the excerpts.
WQ : Tell us about yourself, name and where you hail from?
Answer: This philanthropist per excellent, Chief Sunny Ike Ogbonnia was born in Banga Bakundu, South West Cameroon into the family of late Ichie Elder Ike Ogbonnia of Ezi Obasi Ihie Elu, Amasiri in Afikpo LGA of Ebonyi State.
Chief Sunny Ike Ogbonnia attended and completed his primary school at Government School, Banga Bakundu. Thereafter proceeded to FESS Technical High school, Muyuka Cameroon.
Upon his return to Nigeria, he ventured into Aluminium Business in Aba, Abịa state, where he earned his nickname, Alumaco.
In search of greener Pastures, Mr. Sunny Ike Ogbonnia travelled to Dakar – Senegal in 2001, and in 2012 he relocated to Doha – Qatar finally moved on to Dubai – United Arab Emirates where he join Ebonyi State Union meeting in 2017 and was elected the Vice President. He took over as the current President of Ebonyi State Union in United Arab Emirates in July 2023 till date.
Back home, this great son of Amasiri is a grassroot mobilizer; supporter of Youths, Elders and traditional institutions, He is a community developer and C.E.O, of M2 GAS LTD situated in Ihie community within Amasiri Town
He is also a Super Patron, Nigerian Hunters and Forestry Security Service, Ebonyi State chapter. Mr. Sunny Ike Ogbonnia (Alumaco) is married and blessed with two sons.
List your businesses and how many you have empowered both in Nigeria and abroad.
Answer: I am a shareholder in a Maritime Company in UAE, I am the Chairman of M2 GAS LTD, I have empowered a large number of people both in Nigeria and abroad.
WQ : What informed your coming back to invest here in Nigeria?
Answer: Returning home after living abroad for several years is one of the hardest decisions, living overseas for an extended period of time will certainly change your life and views. On top of that, it can play havoc with your sense of belonging, but then we must face the reality, there is no place like Home.
Some of my friends that relocated back home are happy and settled. Their life appeared cozy, meaningful, and “figured-out”, which made me jealous at times. At some point, I got fed up with overpaying for rents, including discrimination and hatred on the basis of caste, race, religion and ethnic origin. I quickly make my decision to move back home in invest. Truly I feel very relaxed and happy in Nigeria.
WQ: You were recently seen at the passing out parade of Officers of Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service what’s your role there?
Answer: I am one of the Super Patrons of NHFSS Ebonyi State Chapter.
WQ : What’s your assessment of the Afikpo Council Boss?
Answer: The Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Hon. Nwachi Timothy, is a very simple, easy going and hard-working man, in my little assessment, he is doing very well and many people from our LGA can testify to that.
WQ : What’s your assessment of The Ebonyi State Governor has he favoured Amasiri.
Answer: The Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Francis Nwifuru has promised to run all-inclusive governance, to ensure that all sectors are given adequate attention and i can see that he is doing exceptionally well. It is too early to judge if he has favoured Amasiri but i know that Ebonyi is great in the hands of our dear Governor.
WQ : What are new innovations Amasiri should expect from you.
Answer: I want to be doing something different to create value. I am going to introduce new ideas, methods, products, or services that will result in significant improvement or advancement within our land.
WQ : Do you plan any scholarship schemes for indigent children in Amasiri.
Answer: Yes, I am working on that and will make it known when I am done with my plans.
WQ : What is your message to youth from Amasiri.
Answer: My message to Amasiri Youths,
Wisdom comes with experience. To be wise and young is a gift from God. I believe that there is a lot to be learned in the presence of seniors. Ask your elders for advice, Not only will you learn a lot, but this will also show that you value their opinion. You can be anything in life with dedication, determination and hard work.
The purpose of our lives is to be happy. With great power comes great responsibility. Life starts at the end of your comfort zone. Argue like you’re right and listen like you’re wrong, Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony, Hard work opens up a lot of doors and opportunities. It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.
Finally, It is important to recognize that harbouring envy and spite towards others’ accomplishments only ends up hindering your personal growth and happiness. Thank you and God bless you for promoting Amasiri, Afikpo LGA and Ebonyi State with your widely read Magazine.