WRITTEN BY EMEKA OFOMA

Some people, they say, are born great, some achieve greatness, while others have greatness thrust upon them. And for those who achieved greatness, they did so through sheer and dogged determination, vision and dint of hard work with providence of destiny at play. One of such people was a business mogul, a celebrated master baker, a philanthropist and a seasoned industrialist, Sir Ephraim Okechukwu Ofoma, an illustrious son of Oko in Orumba North.

 The Chairman and President of Ofoma Group of Companies Limited, comprising  Ofoma Bread Cake; IHE Associates; E.P.H Ofoma & Sons Ltd; Suncity Exclusive Hotel among others, was born 78 years ago into the family of Paul Okeke Ofoma and Salome Nma Ofoma of Ezioko village, Oko.

Ephraim Ofoma attended Central Primary School, Oko, before proceeding to Okongwu Memorial High School, Nnewi. Ephraim was very intelligent. However, due to financial constraint, he could not complete his Secondary education. He rather veered into spare parts business as an apprentice. Later, he became one of the leading importers of Volkswagen and Peugeot spare parts.

In the seventies, Sir Ephraim Ofoma had a revelation to establish a bakery, which he immediately obeyed. From that point, it was from one success story to another. That is why he always said that Ofoma Bread Cake was a product of divine revelation. It was this product that brought him to lime light. Ofoma Bread Cake was at almost every confectionary store in Nigeria and beyond.

In addition, Sir Ephraim Ofoma was one of those that harkened to the call of the state government to help develop Anambra state. He built Suncity Exclusive Hotels, which was one of the best in the state capital that hosted many visiting dignitaries to the state. Sir Ephraim married his heartthrob, Lady Paulina N. Ofoma (nee Ezechukwu) and they wedded at Saint John the Divine Church, Oko.  The union was blessed with eight children, but one died. All his children towed the path of discipline and value inculcated by the exemplary life of their parents. They are: Emeka, Ifeanyi, Tochukwu and Chibuike Ofoma (sons). Others are Messrs Ngozi Okongwu, Chika Edward and Chidinma Ofoma (daughters).

Sir Ephraim Ofoma was a Christian father of unquestionable distinction, who invested huge chunk of his life in the leadership and organization of Anglican men at Saint John the Divine Parish, Oko. His leadership and activities in the Anglican Church and many other denominations earned him many laurels.

Some of the awards are: Fellow of Institute of Industrial and Corporate Administration; Honorary life President, Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture; Director, Awka Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture; Former Chairman, Board of Directors Ogboefere Micro-finance Bank, Onitsha among others.

When Sir Ephraim Ofoma was a child, he promised God that he would build a church for Him, a promise he kept. He built the Anglican Church of Holy Spirit, Obeagwa in Ogbaru. At Saint James’ Anglican Church, Iyiowa Odaekpe, the first choir robe was single handed procured by Sir Ephraim He also sank the first water bole hole and overhead tank for the church. In the seventies and eighties,he was one of the pillars of Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church, Odakpu Onitsha.

Sir Ephraim Ofoma believed o much that education is the easiest way to achieve success in life. Thus, he gave scholarship to many people, even to the point that he could not remember the number of people he assisted in their educational pursuit. At Iyiowa Odekpe, when there was no Secondary School in the area, it was Sir Ephraim that led a delegation that met with the then Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife. After thatt, a Secondary School was approved for them, which is today called Community Secondary School Iyiowa Odaekpe. Ochudo, as he was fondly called, left a legacy in the sands of time. His sense of judgment was uncommon. The Eagle flew home after 78 years sojourn on earth.

Service of songs takes place by 6pm on Monday, November 25, 2019 at his residence, Ezioko village, Oko, while there will be funeral service by 11am on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Saint John the Divine Church, Oko. Thereafter, condolence visits will continue till Sunday, December 1, 2019 when there will be outing service at Saint John the Divine, Oko.

Adieu Ochudo. Sleep well in the Lord for your legacies will outlive you. The light you lit in the Ofoma family will remain inextinguishable.

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