Tribute
By Chukwudi George Ozalla
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
October 10 is a special day for Archbishop Dr. Onyeka Joseph Nzekwesi, a man whose Christian calling, business pursuits and philanthropy have touched different aspects of people’s lives. His imposing physical frame matches his large and generous heart. He loves God and humanity, and his concern for people is reflected in his support for those who need encouragement, assistance and opportunities to improve their lives.
Popularly known as Chinakaribeya and Okunaenye Ife, Archbishop Nzekwesi is the General Overseer of Jesus Is Alive Church and Chief Executive Officer of Pineleaf Estates and Properties Limited. His work in the church and real estate sector reflects his interest in spiritual growth, enterprise and the welfare of individuals and communities.
Born in Eziowelle, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Archbishop Nzekwesi studied Computer Science at Lagos State University and obtained a Higher National Diploma in Chemical Engineering from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu. He also attended Bible School. His education and experience have informed his work in ministry, business and property development.
As General Overseer of Jesus Is Alive Church, he has devoted himself to preaching the gospel, providing spiritual guidance and encouraging Christians to put their faith into practice. His ministry emphasises salvation, healing, prayer and empowerment. To him, Christian service also means standing with people in difficult times, giving counsel and helping them find the strength to face life’s challenges.
His elevation to the office of Archbishop in 2025 and subsequent elevation as an International Archbishop in 2026 were important developments in his ministry. These positions carry responsibilities that require wisdom, humility and concern for the spiritual welfare of the people under his care.
His support for emerging gospel talents, including music minister Nich Oma, alongside his involvement in the Real Estate Academy and investment in agriculture, points to his interest in helping people develop their abilities and pursue productive ventures. Talent alone does not always bring success. Many young people need guidance, encouragement, resources and someone willing to give them an opportunity. Such support can help them build careers and make their own contributions to society.
Outside the church, Archbishop Nzekwesi has pursued real estate through Pineleaf Estates and Properties Limited, with development interests in Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Delta and Rivers states.
The importance of real estate goes beyond buying land, building houses and selling properties. Well-planned development can open up places that have been neglected, provide access to communities and attract new businesses. When roads are constructed and land is cleared responsibly, areas that were once difficult to reach can become places where people live, work and invest.
The benefits extend to workers and businesses. Construction projects provide jobs for builders, artisans, electricians, plumbers and transport operators. Suppliers of cement, timber, roofing materials, fittings and other building products also gain customers. When people move into new estates, shops and service businesses spring up to meet their needs. Schools, clinics, markets and other facilities may follow as the population grows.
A property development project can therefore create opportunities for people who may never own a plot in the estate itself. Traders, skilled workers, transport operators and small business owners can earn a living from the activities that develop around it. With sound planning and the right infrastructure, such projects can contribute to the growth of towns and cities.
There is also a security consideration. Overgrown bushes and isolated, inaccessible locations can provide hiding places for kidnappers and other criminals. Clearing such areas responsibly, opening access roads and developing organised communities can make some locations easier to reach and monitor. Better access can also assist residents, emergency responders and security personnel.
Real estate development cannot, on its own, stop kidnapping. Effective policing, reliable intelligence and community vigilance remain necessary. However, opening up locations that criminals exploit for concealment can support wider efforts to make communities safer.
Development must also take account of the environment. Poorly planned construction and indiscriminate land clearing can worsen erosion, obstruct drainage and increase flooding. Estate planning should therefore include adequate drainage, proper waste disposal and protection of waterways and environmentally important areas. The aim should be to create places where people can live and do business without exposing them to avoidable environmental hazards.
Archbishop Nzekwesi’s interest in affordable housing for civil and public servants deserves mention. Many Nigerian workers find it difficult to own homes because of the rising cost of land, building materials and construction. Properly structured housing schemes can give more workers an opportunity to own homes, provide stability for their families and acquire assets for the future.
Homeownership is particularly important to workers who have spent years earning salaries and preparing for retirement. An affordable home can reduce the pressure of rent and provide a secure place for a family to live. Initiatives that bring this goal within reach of ordinary workers address a genuine need.
His philanthropic activities also form part of his public life. Reports of his humanitarian work include assistance to widows, orphans, vulnerable people and young Nigerians seeking better opportunities. His birthday offers another occasion to share with people in need and put smiles on their faces.
Such gestures can ease the burden on families facing hardship. Equally important is helping people acquire skills that can sustain them. Vocational training, mentorship and practical support can prepare young people to find employment or establish businesses. A young person who learns a trade and builds a successful business may eventually employ others and support a family.
Nigeria needs more efforts that combine help for people in immediate difficulty with opportunities for them to become self-reliant. The growth of a community depends not only on its buildings and roads but also on the ability of its people to work, earn a living and contribute to the local economy.
The renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie wrote about the responsibility of wealthy people to use their resources for the benefit of society. His position was that wealth should carry a duty to the wider community, rather than serve only the interests of its owner.
That responsibility applies to business and public life. The value of enterprise can be seen in the jobs it creates, the people it trains, the families it supports and the opportunities it makes available to others.
Archbishop Nzekwesi’s work in the church, real estate and philanthropy gives him opportunities to serve in different ways. His property business can contribute to housing and employment, while his humanitarian activities can assist vulnerable families. Support for emerging talents can also help young people turn their abilities into productive careers.
The Board and Management of NEWSCOUNT celebrate Archbishop Nzekwesi on this October 10 and wish him sound health, greater wisdom, renewed strength and many more fruitful years. May his ministry continue to strengthen the faith of those who look up to him, and may his business ventures create worthwhile opportunities for individuals and communities.
May his real estate projects help open up communities, expand commercial activities, create employment and support the growth of safer, better-planned towns and cities. May proper environmental care guide these developments, with due attention to the welfare of the people who live and work in them.
May God grant him the strength and wisdom to keep using his gifts and opportunities to improve lives and encourage others to serve humanity.
Happy birthday, Archbishop Nzekwesi. May the years ahead bring greater accomplishments, peace and fulfilment in your service to God and humanity.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” — Galatians 6:9 (KJV)
