Ojiako Okechukwu is a consummate  film maker, consultant and script writer, who despite the ups and downs of life did not give up his dream of becoming an employer of labour.  He shares  his story with BENJAMIN NJOKU

The journey
I hail from Anambra State. Right from childhood, I was focused and determined to fulfill my dreams in life. I had my first degree in Marketing from Abia State University, Uturu, before I later proceeded to the Imo State University, Owerri, where I did my Masters degree in Management.

While growing up, I had a dream of becoming an employer of labour. I never liked to work for anybody in my life. That was why, when I was doing  my Masters degree programme, I wanted to specialise in Finance. But  one of my uncles advised me to go in for Marketing.

Actually, it was after my graduation from the university that I realised marketing was all I needed to keep date with destiny. Then, I resolved within myself that I wasn’t going to work for anybody. In fact, I had the opportunity of working in the bank. But because of my dream of becoming an employer of  labour,  I rejected the offer.

Meanwhile, in pursuit of my dream, I relocated to Port-Harcourt, after graduation where I went into business. But unfortunately, things did not work out for me as expected. Hence, I was compelled to pick up a job against my wish with the Nigeria Bottling Company. Not too long, I resigned my appointment and I  went back to my building material business.

At this point, things were still not rosy. Again, I was compelled to seek for another  paid job which I got with the Global Express as one of the company’s branch managers in Port-Harcourt/ Aba axis. But when I could not find fulfillment in the job, I resigned the second time. Later, I  relocated to Lagos in 2004, without knowing what I actually wanted to do there.

Ojiako Okechukwu

While arriving Lagos, one of my cousins, a lawyer  advised me to consider the option of joining the movie industry. I did not disregard the advise, hence I went out in search of somebody who would introduce me into the industry. Luckily, I ran into a notable marketer, who actually introduced me into the production arm of the industry.  For me, belonging to a profession, where I would be seen, heard and believed by the people is what matters.

Honestly, while in Lagos, it didn’t take me a lot of time to find my footing in the industry. In fact, in less than three years of my sojourn, I was already a big name to reckon with. God has been directing my steps. I remember that I started out as a script writer in 2004, before I later became an Assistant production manager, courtesy of Tochukwu Akoronye, who helped  to hone my skill in production. I produced my first movie in 2006. Today, I’m a proud producer of not less than six movies. I don’t regret any step I have taken in life.  I have passion for what I’m doing today.

Role of destiny
Life is all about finding out who you are; if you are able to discover yourself and ascertain your goals, you might not make much mistakes in life. The Bible recorded that the steps of the righteous are being ordered by the Lord. Early in life, I discovered my destiny and followed it up. I believe in the role of destiny, which I refer to as “a calling.”

What life has taught me
Life has taught me how to believe in myself, and in my dreams. It has also taught me to learn to exercise some patience and be focused  no matter the situation.  More over, life has taught me to be helpful and to ensure that I put a smile on someone’s face everyday of my life.

Childhood experience
I hail from a large family. My grandfather married 46 wives and he happened to be the Igwe of my  town in those days. When I was growing up under the care of my parents, I never realised that life was full of ups and downs. I had everything going for me. But immediately,I graduated from the university, I was made to fend for myself. It was there and then, that I realised that life is not a bed of roses.

My latest project
In the next couple of months, two of my films will be released into the market. I intend premiering the movies and thereafter give the right of distribution to my partners based in the United States.  I recently signed a contract with Nollywood and African Film Critics and they are going to be handling the distribution of my films in the diaspora. One of the movies is titled “ The Ancestors” and it is shot about 18 months ago, while the second film is titled “ Ifeomimi” which I shot in Igbo language.