For contributions to curb unemployment: Gov’t honours Nigerian businessman, Eze Gburu Gburu I.

Eze Gburu Gburu I was decorated with silver, bronze and gold medals by the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, of Wouri, Benjamin Mboutou, on behalf of the Head of State, Paul Biya. This was on the sidelines of the commemorative activities marking the 2023 International Labour Day in Douala in the Littoral Region. 

Mostly known for his leadership role as the Traditional Head of the Igbo Community in Cameroon, literally referred to as "Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Cameroon", Eze Gburu Gburu I, has successfully carved a productive niche for wealth and employment creation in the importation of second-hand wears and other economic ventures. 

Such efforts have helped Eze Gburu Gburu I amassed several awards and recognitions over the years. The employee strength of the Onyengubo’s businesses surpasses 30 young people, of Nigerian and Cameroonian descent. 

‘It’s a call to more work’ 

Speaking to reporters shortly after receiving the medals, Eze Gburu Gburu I, said the state recognition is a call to work more. 

"Being honoured on such an occasion by the state through its labour minister is quite important to me as it calls for more work to be done for the good of the economy… every appreciation is a call to hard work and more,” he said.

Eze Gburu Gburu I said if he has made success in the import world today, it is thanks to a Cameroonian business mogul and hotelier, Bome Gabriel, who launched him in the business. 

"If the Cameroonian government is honouring me today, it is thanks to him, because I have learnt a lot from him. Part of the glory goes to Bome Gabriel; he is the man who initiated me in the importation business," he said.

He used the opportunity to call on Cameroonian youth and fellow Nigerians to be hard working and determined in achieving their goals. 

“If a hunter who wants to catch a big animal, he sets a trap with a small animal; it could be a rat, fish or anything. If you want to catch an elephant and you set the trap with elephant, want then shall you catch?" he questioned while inspiring youth to dream big. 

He noted that this implies the upcoming generation who want to venture in the business world, should start small, master the game and be patient enough to learn from the journeys of mentors and grow.

“Measuring of age difference and experience of the person you look up to will help maintain patience,” he said.

"You can't be nursing plans to start a business and you just want to be like Dangote at once…that is not possible. If you are from a rich background you can make it, if you are destined to be rich nothing can stop that. However, if you are destined to be rich but from a poor lineage, you have to work extremely hard to make a name for yourself," he advised. 

Eze Gburu Gburu I sent words of appreciation to members the Nigerian community who have given themselves to hard work and have remained law-abiding to the host community, Cameroon.

"On this special occasion, I have to appreciate my Nigerian people; they have been very hardworking. They are hard labourers, are not into any criminal activities here in Cameroon and to that I appreciate their efforts. I am calling on them to stay focused, not to import any unlawful goods for no one is above the law or can fight the law," he stated.