UMUCHU – BILLIONAIRE PHALANTHROPIST ENGR. JOHNBOSCO ONUNKWO RECEIVES “IKE UMUCHU” CHIEFTAINCY TITLE"




_Anambra-born oil‑and‑gas magnate now hailed as “the strength of the community” after a glittering investiture at Umuchu Ancient Kingdom._


By Okafor Benjamin


In a lavish ceremony held on Monday, 29 December 2025 at the palace of HRH Igwe G.O Ezechukwu, OON, KSP, JP (Okwuruoha 1 of Umuchu), billionaire philanthropist and High Chief Engr. JohnBosco Onunkwo was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title Ike Umuchu – a recognition of his relentless contributions to the development of Umuchu and the wider Anambra society. The title, meaning “the strength of the community,” crowns his existing honor of Onwa Umuchu (“the light of Umuchu”) bestowed years earlier.


The royal council cited Onunkwo’s “charity that begins at home,” noting his massive investments in basic infrastructure, youth empowerment, health facilities, and scholarship programmes that have transformed lives across Umuchu Aguata LGA and beyond. Speaking after the investiture, High Chief Ifekudu, representing the honoree, thanked Igwe Ezechukwu and the Umuchu community, pledging to redouble efforts for the welfare of his people.


A seasoned humanitarian, Onunkwo’s JohnBosco Onunkwo Foundation has funded over 1,000 scholarships, built a 40‑bed hospital, and provided vital aid during crises such as the COVID‑19 pandemic. His philanthropic footprint also includes sports complexes, fire‑extinguisher donations to markets, and a recent cash‑and‑rice distribution worth tens of millions of naira during the Christmas season.


The new title adds another feather to Onunkwo’s already decorated cap, reinforcing his reputation as a self‑made billionaire who translates wealth into community upliftment. The ceremony was attended by traditional dignitaries, local leaders, and representatives of the Anambra State government, all lauding the philanthropist’s commitment to “making Umuchu shine brighter than ever.”