Obinna Okafor Chairman Concord Group: Diligence In Your Employment, Prudence In Yours Establishment

Maazi Obinna Joel-Okafor, the Chief Executive Officer of Concord Group, is a discerning entrepreneur who has risen from humble beginnings to achieve significant success, his success attracted Creekvibes Stamp of Excellence Awards to him and he is the Young Outstanding Business Entrepreneur of The Year 2024.

Hailing from Anambra State which is known as the homestead of the late Biafra War Lord, he originates from Akpu in Orumba South Local Government Area.

The youngman had his secondary school education at All Saints’ Seminary in Ekwulobia, his birthplace. Following the success of his final secondary school exams, he enrolled for UTME and came out with flying colours, which secured him a Computer Engineering course at the Federal Polytechnic Oko. Unfortunately, during his first year, he faced the tragic loss of his mother, who had been the primary supporter of his education, while his uncles were unresponsive during this challenging time.

The inspiration for the name “Concord” came to him during his Junior Secondary School years, specifically in JSS-1, during an inter-house sports event where he participated in a 100-meter relay race. As he took the baton, he sprinted with remarkable speed, finishing in second place. His Game Master likened his swift performance to that of the now-defunct Concord Airline, leading some of his peers to affectionately refer to him as “Concord,” a name that eventually became ingrained in his identity.

Years later, he adopted “Concord” as the name for his business. Prior to embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, he gained valuable experience working as a supervisor and ICT Personnel at a fast-food restaurant Kitchen De Royale(KDR) and at an Electricity Distribution Company, both of which enriched his knowledge.

He also joined Cinnamon Suites and Hotel in Nnewi as a supervisor, where he diligently learned the intricacies of managing a hospitality business. His commitment to customer satisfaction was evident as he actively engaged with guests, conducted surveys to identify areas for improvement, and ensured that patrons received exceptional service.

As the adage suggests, “if you are diligent with what belongs to others, you will be prudent with what is yours.” Obinna Joel-Okafor’s dedication has yielded significant results, as he has successfully channeled his efforts into the thriving and ambitious narratives of his company, Concord Group.

This organization operates in various sectors, including Hospitality, Real Estate, Automobile and Vehicle Spare Parts, and Fashion. In the next five years, the group plans to expand its reach by forming partnerships with international firms.

The young entrepreneur, who won Creekvibes Most Outstanding Young Business Entrepreneur of the year 2024, engaged in a question-and-answer session with the publishers of CREEKVIBES Magazine. Excerpt:

What motivated your decision to attend the seminary college; were you thinking of becoming a reverend father?

The initiative came from my father, who holds a deep appreciation for the work of the Kingdom.

How many of you are in the family?

I am from a family of five, which includes my twin brother and, my younger sister, with our parents.

Were you and your younger twin brother at the Seminary College?

Yes.

Did your brother take the path of reverend fatherhood?

No, he is doing well as a businessman.

Would you encourage any of your children to pursue a career in the seminary?

I am uncertain about the current state of affairs regarding the pulpit and pew, yet my love for God remains profound; my simplicity and charisma exhibit my inner mind.

How does the Seminary operate?

The operational approach of the Anglican Seminary permits individuals to select a Theology form after the success of their SSCE/WAEC examinations, thereby facilitating their preparation for the priesthood. Alternatively, candidates may opt for a JAMB form to gain admission into a conventional tertiary institution. Following my studies at the seminary, I developed a passion for computer operations.

While I was in JSS-3, my late mother purchased a desktop computer for me which enabled me to self-learn computer skills without attending a formal computer school.

I began with Mavis Beacon and progressed into digital services and web design.

Do you agree that bathing in a public setting or three boys utilising the same bathroom promotes the notion of developing homos@xual tendencies?

It appears that this phenomenon is more common among boys. I was nearly swayed by negative influences; however, due to my background, I managed to resist. This influence predominantly originates from older students.

During your days at school, did anyone attempt to flirt with you or did you observe any suspicious behavior from your fellow students?

I never indulge in such.

Do you think that allowing only one male student to use the bathroom at a time will help mitigate the issue of homos@xuality?

It cannot be managed in that manner. Do you agree that negative influences can undermine good behaviour? I believe that a person who seeks to fulfil his s@xual desires may introduce this behaviour to another individual. If they both experienced ecstasy from it, they may indulge in the act, leading to homos@xuality.

In five years, which additional business sectors will Concord Group step into?

Certainly, our objective is to penetrate the international market, similar to the Cubana Group, which did not achieve its status overnight. The Concord Group will soon associate with foreign partners, to the glory of God.

Are you happily married with kids?

Although I maintain a healthy relationship, I feel it is essential to ensure that my younger siblings are adequately cared for before I make that significant commitment. I would not want my offspring to face difficulties; what is worth doing, deserves to be done with excellence.

What lessons would you like younger Nigerians to take from your experiences?

I will advise the younger individuals to draw lessons from my experiences. I lost my father, a lecturer, in 2011 while I was in junior high school, and my mother, a teacher at Anglican Girls Secondary School in Onitsha, passed away on March 27, 2016, which was Easter Sunday. Following their deaths, I assumed the responsibility of caring for my younger siblings and myself.

My uncles were indifferent to our situation, and I found support from my mother’s quarters. In 2017, during my Industrial Training, I began working at Kitchen De Royal, I did that for ten months, and later, I got a supervising job within the hospitality business which was cool before I moved into an electricity company to deepen my knowledge of electrical systems. This decision was motivated by the interconnectedness of electrons, electronics, and electricity because it further broadened my knowledge of Computer Engineering which was what I studied at the tertiary level.

I realise that I am not the only orphan; had I been just another orphan, I might have resorted to harmful activities. I urge orphans and young people to avoid paths that could lead to their downfall or shorten their lives, particularly by rejecting drugs. Currently, I am responsible for my younger sister, who is enrolled in a program at the College of Nursing Sciences in Amichi.