What you need to know about the Honest Nigerian, who returned a well loaded wallet in Japan!!!

Today on our role model weekly we present  a noble Nigerian, a true honest personality, who has not only made Nigeria proud, but has also portrayed Nigeria in a very positive light, which is very important at this point seeing that we have made the international news for some wrong reasons for the past few weeks. This man’s character has been highly recommended for other Nigerians to emulate by major stake holders within and outside the country. I Present to you Mr Ikenna Steve Nweke a true positive representative of Nigerians in the diaspora. Read our first hand interview with him.

Role Model Initiative: Tell us a little about yourself?

Ikenna Nweke: I am Ikenna Steve Nweke, from Ndiokwu kindred in Okwosu Village in Amauzari, Isiala-Mbano LGA Of Imo state. I was born in Okpoko, a ghetto suburbs in Onitsha. I attended the Comprehensive Secondary School, Onitsha. I hold a Masters degree from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, where I am also studying for a doctorate degree (PhD). I am equally a teaching assistant of the same university.

I was the president of the Association of African Students, University of Tsukuba (2015-2016), Chair of the Tsukuba University English Model United Nations(2017); and also a fellow of the Rotary Foundation Scholarship.

My research focuses on Security Studies, Conflict and Peace Studies.

Role Model Initiative: Challenges faced while growing up and how you overcame?

Ikenna Nweke:  I grew up in Okpoko, a ghetto suburb in Onitsha. My father, who was a truck-pusher died when I was 12 years old. My mother, who was a Petty trader (Roadside yam -seller) was the one who took care of me and my six siblings.  We lived in a one room face-me-I-face-you apartment. Materially, my childhood was nothing to write home about.  However, I had a very wonderful experience. I had a lot of amazing friends, I played soccer bare footed, I enjoyed playing while it rained, and i also enjoyed playing the famous hide and seek game.

What kept me strong and positive was my love for education, my passion for books, and my dreams to help kids from my community in Okpoko in the future.

Role Model Initiative:  What’s your life philosophy?

Ikenna Nweke:  An un-examined life is not worth living. We came into this world with nothing, and we will leave with nothing.

Role Model Initiative:  Who is/are your role models?

Ikenna Nweke:  A lot of people have inspired me to become the person I am today. top on the list is Barack Obama for defying all odds to become the first black president of the United States of America, Dora Akunyili for her integrity, Chinua Achebe for his intellectual ability, and finally Dr. Ameyo Adedevor for her selflessness.

Role Model Initiative: Involvement in Charity/Youth Empowerment (If any)?

Ikenna Nweke:  For the past 7 years, since i came to Japan, I have consistently played active role in helping Okpoko, the ghetto  suburb, where I was born and raised. Every year, my wife and I select 4 kids who benefits from our scholarship project. Some of them are in the University now.  I have recently inaugurated the Ikenna Nweke Award for Academic Excellence, which will have its first set of recipients in December 2020.

Role Model Initiative: Word for young ones:

Ikenna Nweke: As you live your life, know this fact: You may not get everything you want, but ensure that you make good use of everything you have. There may be times nobody will believe in your dreams, there may be times everybody around you will doubt you are on the right track, and there will be times you may have reasons to doubt yourself, but always know that the road to the top can only be traveled by the patient, the determined, and the foresighted.

Finally, the kind of life you live today will confront you in the future. Don’t be influenced by the sudden wealth of your friends. Don’t envy them, don’t associate with people you are suspicious of their lifestyle. Choose your friends wisely, set your priorities right.

Role Model Initiative: Best Moment and Worst Moment?

Ikenna Nweke:  The day I got scholarship to study in Japan and the day I lost my father.

Role Model Initiative:  Passion and Driving Force?

Ikenna Nweke:  I am driven by love for humanity. I am always conscious of how my actions or in-actions affect people around me.