To mark his birthday more especially to inspire many young men and women, AKASITV (ATV) chronicles the achievements and a short story of Chief Dan’s life. And to those of us who love men who put all their faith in God with dexterity to turn a bad-looking situation around would be virtuoso admirer of the brilliant dynamism found in the personality of Chief Daniel Okeke (PhD).
First and foremost, chief Dan is the chief executive officer (CEO) of a very successful shipping and logistic company, Express Concern Int’l Limited and owner of a gagantous hospitality business, Swiss Spirit Hotel & Suites Danag, Port Harcourt. Other businesses including , water bottling plants, furniture, school and many more.
While chief Dan could be described as ‘visionary leader’ who has contributed immensely to the societal development and added value to so many human life, he has at the same time carved an exemplary and enviable niche for himself as a mentor to many young Nigerian entrepreneurs, taking cognizance of giant strides and humongous investment in the creation of job opportunities in the country. For instance, established 2016, the swiss spirit hotel alone stands tall in the heart of the city of port harcourt with a strength of about 300 staffers and consisting a total of 148 rooms, swimming pool, underground snooker bar, VIP Lounge, Italian Restaurant, 4 Conference rooms, one banquet hall, video conferencing facilities, regular restaurant, exquisite bar and superlative state-of-the-art security system to provide the guest with a lasting experience.
Recognizing his dynamic personality, Former Governor of Abia state and the Chief whip of the senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu approach him to join All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2016.As they both picked up the membership card of the party with the likes of Uche Oga, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Sir. Mark Nwagbara, Chief Donatus Nwankpa and others formed a very strong political bloc against even the existing maladministration of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia state, whereupon in the 2019 general election the All Progressive Party (APC) swept almost all the votes in the senatorial district of Abia North and federal constituencies which in the course of the event, Chief Dan described the victory of APC and Muhammadu Buhari as “a reassurance of democracy in Nigeria and a continuity of president’s next level agenda in repositioning the country”
For one to say that the people of Abia North are overwhelmingly happy about their decision voting in the political party of APC is as true as the statement ‘the sun rises from the east’. This is because the pathfinders, under the leadership of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and collaborative efforts of Chief Dan and others have navigated and charted a new political course for Ndi Abia North incorporated in form of accelerated development that are now visible in the massive road construction of the area, employment, youth development programmes and so on.
Like the good-patron in time of needs, Chief Dan had moved in on several occasion, sponsored and supported various projects of Abia state government in other to cushion the effect of burdens of governance on T.A Orji, the then governor of the state. Some of these projects including donation of sienna vans, constructing and building of complex hall for customary court on behave of the state government and donations to youth empowerment scheme to mention but few.
While receiving an award for ‘Distinguished Professional Contribution to Corporate Service/Fellowship’ by institution of Corporate Administration, the institute acknowledges Chief Dan’s dedication and commitments to service, upwardly mobile and visionary approach to administrative matters, professionalism in service and public spiritedness.
Today as Igbere TV leadership excellence award holding Dec. 10th at Sheraton hotel, Abuja nominates Chief Dan alongside Tony Elumelu, Folurunsho Coker and others for yet another award for ‘hospitality personality of the year’, it’s important to note that Chief has also received several awards in the past on the basis of excellent performance, good leadership quality and service to humanity. While in this regard Abia Facts Newspaper honoured him with Best Personality Award in 2018, he has also received ‘Ambassador of Christ Award’ from The Men’s Christian Association of Presbyterian Church of Nigeria 2019, in recognition of his contribution to the expansion and propagations of God’s kingdom and the society.
Other awards include ‘integrity award’ for standout sincerity in the society and areas of expertise by The Nigerian Association of Christian Journalist (NACJ) and AWARD for AFRICAN CEO HALL OF FAME By African Leadership Magazine , United Kingdom .
For his love for education, Chief Dan is given 10 undergraduate orphans in Abia State the opportunity to win ₦30,000 each as a support funds in an ‘online Essay competition’ on his Facebook page organized to Commemorate his birthday today the 21st Sept. 2020.
As the saying goes ‘behind every successful man is a woman’, Chief Dan may not have attained the great height he is today without the support of his beautiful, elegant and adorable wife, Chief Lolo Agnes Daniel Okeke. Like Chief Dan, she is a woman with a heart of gold whom many Abians crave to have as their first lady
Finally, while taking the certitude that from infant to toddler, Chief Dan’s life was indeed a tough one according to his biography book titles ‘my destiny ordeal,’ how he navigated from such a tough and challenge life to become successful in life is nothing but a tight metaphor for determination, perseverance, tolerance and guidance from his creator. In addition, there is no better way to describe Chief Dan other than say ‘he is a man for all season’
As the world stands still to celebrate this astute gentle man, the leadership of AKASITV (ATV) in awe join to felicitate with Chief Dan as he begins a new chapter of his life, expanding and achieving more greater heights years to come, even as many Abians rely so much on him as a capable hand to entrust with the responsibility of leading ndi Abia into their promise land.
Happy birthday sir ! Longevity without infirmity
By Uche Ottah
