There is a saying that “when preparation meets opportunity, the end result is usually unquantifiable, unimaginable.” Such is the tale traceable to Comrade Nonso Okafor, popularly known as Smart, an astute leader with undaunted sagacity.
He has over the years through proper engagements and commitment acquainted himself with the basic and fundamental tenets of leadership-excellence which has thrown him up today as a cynosure.
Comrade Okafor has journeyed more than his peers in preparation for what destiny has thrusted on his shoulders since birth. He has adequately prepared for this all-time task and has expectedly garnered every necessary knowledge required of a pacesetter.
For example, Comrade Nonso had in preparation for today participated in the following leadership programs both within and outside the shores of the country: Discovering Young Leaders Programme (DYLP) of the Commonwealth Regional Office, Lusaka Zambia; Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) of LEAP Africa, funded by Ford Foundation; Samsung Real Dream (SRD) Programme of the FATE Foundation, Lagos; Microsoft Employability Training of LEAP, funded by Microsoft, Uyo AkwaIbom State and INTEGRITY Institute of LEAP Africa, Lekki Lagos.
Other programmes Comrade Okafor participated in included Leadership, Ethics and Civics Programme, Volunteers Training of LEAP Africa; Paid Internship with Microsoft 4Afrika, powered by IREX and the United States Agency for International Development(USAID); Executive Coaching, funded by Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman and Founder of Econet and Mentorship Programme with Microsoft 4Afrika funded by U. S. African Development Foundation (USADF).
He is not an army General; yet he has fought many wars and virtually won all. He is neither a fied commandant; yet he is overly decorated with laurels, following many years of steadfastness, commitment, unequal courage, selflessness and dedication to service.
In 2010 precisely, Comrade Smart Okafor had already been decorated with 10 Most Outstanding Nigerian Youth Award by LEAP Africa and International Youth Foundation, USA.
In 2011, he was again decked with Henry Dunant Gold Medal/Merit Award by Nigerian Red Cross Society and Red Crescent.
He has consistently won Best SUG President Award by Students Union Governments, Federal Polytechnics and St. Augustine’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Federal Polytechnic, Oko
In 2012, Comrade Nonso Okafor had clinhed and clutched Green Champion Award as a Climate Change Advocate by United States Government.
What more can we say of a man who has roundly achieved more in such a short period as an intermediary between the youths and the aged? What more can be said of a genius and leadership enigma in the mold of Comrade Okafor who has never floundered but continues flourishing in strength?
But I have an answer to the above posers – and it is the fact that Anambra state has always produced more statesmen than politicians than their peers in the Eastern Nigeria.The Zikis, the Ojukwus, the Ekwuemes, the Anyaokus and many more other immutable names of history are testaments to the assertion above. But I digressed.
In leadership, Comrade Okafor has served in the following capacities: President, Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), St. Flavius Catholic Church, Oworonshoki, Lagos-2013/14; President, National Association of Catholic Corpers (NACC), AkwaIbom (Batch and President, Students’ Union Government (SUG), Federal Polytechnic Oko 2006/07 session.
Other positions included: Program/Social Secretary, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Anambra State -2013; National President, Nnewi Academics Congress (NAC)-2007/08; President, Progressive Anambra Youths (PAY); Founder, Newbreed Youth Organisation; Chairman, South-East SUG Presidents Forum 2006/07; President, Special Duties, St. Augustine’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Federal Polytechnic Oko; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Nnewi Academic Congress -2013 to date; Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria – 2017 to date.
He is a member of the following professional associations: Member, Nnewi Chamber of Commerce; Member, Alamo City Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio, USA; Member, Austin Black Chamber, Austin Texas and Member, Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni.
Others include: Member, LEAP Africa Youth Leadership Programme Alumni; Member, Commonwealth DYLP Alumni; Member, LEAP Africa Integrity Institute Alumni; Member, University of Texas IVP Alumni; Member, Coalition for Youth Capacity, Youngstar Foundations Int’l and Member, Harambe Nigeria Alumni.
As this uncommon Anambrarian has penultimate week, declared to represent Nnewi North at the Anambra State Assembly come 2019, under the umbrella of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA; It is self evident with the litany of profile above, a Redeemer cometh.
In his own words during his official unveiling, Comrade Okafor quoted Frantz Fanon as as saying, ” each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it or betray it.”
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It is on this ground I wish Comrade Chukwunonso Okafor, also known as Smart the best of luck in his quest and desire to serve his own people; as the people of Nnewi North will not and cannot betray this mission.
APGA bu Nke anyi!
Aka chukwu di ya!!
Gwiyi Solomon is a public affairs analyst. He wrote from Enugu State.
