Prince Edwin Ochai: Birthday tribute to a diamond gem 

The world knows him as the founder and Prince of Agila Carnival – now Idoma International Carnival -, his beneficiaries call him “The Generous Giver”, his comrades refer to him as “The Mighty Sparrow”, but, in this publication, we likened him to a “diamond gem”; because the irresistible allures of the generous exploits of Prince Edwin Ochai shine like a dozen loose diamonds sparkling in the light.

The rare treasure to mankind enveloped in the person of Ochai was unveiled on this day, 20 February, 1973. February 20 zodiac sign is Pisces – sociable and voluntary nature; a true reflection of the Prince.

The day (20 February) is a very remarkable day to his Idoma people of Benue State, not just because it is the World Day of Social Justice, but the birthday of one of her finest sons and hero of social development, Prince Edwin Ochai.

In 2013, angered by the Socio-economic backwardness of his people, Prince Edwin Ochai saw the need to expose his people to investment opportunities and take them away from all indices of underdevelopment.

Therefore, he initiated and sponsored a grand breaking event tagged Agila Social and Economic Carnival – which has now metamorphosed to Idoma International Carnival – where the rich cultural heritage of the people of the Idoma Nation is not only displayed but restored. Prizes of different kind are won by talented youths in a talent hunt tagged Idoma Got Talent.

He also sponsored a beauty pageant known as Face of Idoma (FOI) to showcase the talent of young ladies and discourage them from anti-social behaviors where brand new KIA RIO and other valuable prize were donated by his advocate of local unity.

Apart from his social developmental strides, Prince Edwin Ochai, also runs a humongous charity network through his foundation, The Prince Edwin Ochai Foundation where he splashes millions on food, drugs, health care, skills acquisitions, business grants, education scholarships annually on beneficiaries which cut across the less privileges, persons with disabilities, windows, orphans, businesswomen, unemployed youths, and students among others.

Prince Edwin Ochai is a firm believer of Francis Bacon’s principle of “Charity begins at home but should not end there”.

His philanthropic gestures are not limited to the political landscape of his Idoma tribe.

He gives to “every Tom, Dick, and Harry”.

A street is named after him in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he is based, in recognition of his benevolences to Riverians irrespective of tribe, religion or class.

In 2017, Prince Edwin Ochai was conferred with the prestigious Nigeria Goodwill Ambassador Award in recognition of his charity services to the nation, West Africa and humanity.

Prince Ochai who is the CEO of Peaches Integrated Services Limited, is believe in raising stars, as evident in the people he has raised and he is still raising.

From us at IDOMA VOICE, Happy birthday to the great philanthropist, iconic entrepreneur and man of the people!