By Sunny Ikhioya

WISDOM dictates that, if you want to be successful, you have to follow the examples of successful people. It is also for this reason that testimonies and case studies are highlighted. If it happened to one, it can happen to another. Hence the justification for this copy. It is my belief that not a few will learn from it and put the lessons to good use to the glory of God and the nation. Somebody once said that you cannot say of the character of man until he comes into affluence. It is very difficult to come into affluence and at the same time be humble, especially in an environment like ours. More than 90% of those who have held the helms of affairs in this country have come from very modest backgrounds but what have they done with it? That is why those who have remained themselves despite the temptations of the world must be celebrated. I remember Jesus Christ, who practiced servant leadership; He became poor so that we can become rich. Same can be said of Nelson Mandela and the manner he led South Africa.

Also, worthy of note in Nigeria are people like the late Aminu Kano, Balarabe Musa, late Tai Solarin, late Gani Fawehinmi and our own Uncle Sam Amuka, the doyen of Nigerian journalism. One thing stands them out, their simplicity and selflessness. They would have used their privileged positions to accumulate wealth and live big but they chose the simple and humble path, for the benefit of mankind. That is why, in these challenging period for the country, we must highlight individuals who have handled their affluence with humility, dignity and concern for their fellow men. In these times of challenges, the rich amongst us must endeavour to take responsibility and carry the less privileged ones along; the government cannot do it alone. If the rich gets richer and the poor gets poorer, society will never attain a balance and without balance there will be conflicts that can lead to implosion like is happening now in the north eastern part of the country.

Chief (Dr) Leemon Ikpea of Lee engineering group of companies is one person that has borne his rise to stardom with utmost humility and service to mankind, the way it is in the Western world. Not for him the needless exotic cars nor the conspicuousness of the rich class, his is the will to impact on the lives of the less privileged. He appears and disappears in a crowd without anyone taking note of his presence, except for the security details around who are there to prevent the unwanted incidents.

On this harmattan hazy day, the 19th of December 2015, Chief Leemon Ikpea was nowhere to be found in his residence. It was his birthday and his busy schedule ensured that he was out of his Lagos base but, even at that, hundreds of well wishers did not stop trooping in. Left for Chief, he would have loved a very quiet birthday for himself and family but as the saying goes, a gold fish has no hiding place. So when he returned from his trip at about 4pm that same day, he met a crowd waiting to felicitate with him, he was left with no choice but to attend to them and what a party it turned out to be. Everyone who was opportuned to say a word ot two at the eventf were unitied on one front, his positive impact on them and his environment. Members of his staff were equally agreed on this. He has contributed to knowledge which has earned him two doctorate degrees from the Ambrose Alli University and Benson Idahosa University respectively. His quest for knowledge also made him spend a reasonable period at the famous Harvard University in Boston, USA, undergoing courses in advanced business administration, what most people in his position cannot afford to do today because of the relative comfort of his status. He has also used his Agbonjagwe foundation to grant numerous scholarships to students in need. According to him, he suffered financial deprivation during his youthful days, therefore will not want any youth with potentials to suffer same fate.
I first met Chief Leemon Ikpea as a school mate at the famous Baptist high school Orerokpe (Bahisco), Delta state in the early ’70s. At the time, he was handsome, light complexioned and easy going. The school was known for strict religious principles – early morning prayers, bed time prayers, sessions in the chapel and good discipline. I am sure some of the attributes he displays today have their foundation in those Bahisco days. Apart from Chief Michael Ibru, I do not know of any Nigerian business man who has carried his brothers and family along like Chief Leemon Ikpea, all of them are virtually in positions of leadership today – in business and politics- through his efforts. Ordinarily, when a Nigerian comes into wealth, the first thing he does is to move away from family and friends but not so with Leemon Ikpea.

The same attitude also goes for friends as he does not see anyone in difficulty and not give a helping hand, without any conditions attached to it. A very hard working man, he is rarely in a city/town for more than three days, always on the move but he has set up his business in such a way that, even with his busy schedule, the business is on auto pilot.

The lessons from Chief Leemon Ikpea can be summarised thus: belief in the Almighty God, hard work, humility, love for family and friends and general philanthropy. If every wealthy Nigerian decides to touch lives of family members, neighbours, friends, workers and society at large, the country will be better for it. The purpose of wealth is not only to invest for profit but also to re distribute to the less privileged.

Let us all endeavour to be our brother’s keeper as we begin the new year, that way, the harsh economic realities can be ameliorated.
*Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.