By Patrick Ochei/Emeke Alexander
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council has lauded an entrepreneur in the state, Engr. Marvis Odioko for his job creation initiative saying that such good-spirited individual must not remain unsung.
The Union’s leadership led by the chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, visited Odioko who is the Managing Director of Temimaro Nigeria Limited at his office in Asaba as part of the Council’s initiative to partner business-minded individuals to enable it to carry out programmes to foster journalism practise and enhance the welfare of members of the union.
Ikeogwu eulogized the sterling leadership prowess and motivational charisma of the multi-sectoral businessman, who has 176 staff in his employ with business focus in civil engineering, water factory, real estate, hospitality business, oil and gas and more.
The Delta NUJ Chairman said aside productively engaging the youths with job opportunities, Odioko as a humanitarian has positively impacted on many lives.
Ikeogwu said, “The insecurity in the country is an indication that people are not productively engaged. I want to commend you for your initiative to take some of our youths off the streets by creating jobs for them.
“You are a rich man with a heart of gold. Not too many rich people have the passion to give back to society, but in your own case, you not only are sponsoring so many less privileged persons in schools but also paying salaries to over 30 widows every month.
“We recognise what you are doing, that is why we are here to encourage you the more. And part of our partnership plan with you is to regularly patronise your hotel whenever we have visitors in town, but it must be at discounted rates. We will also need to tell your good stories so that other well-meaning Nigerians will emulate your kind gestures,” Ikeogwu posited.
Responding to the kind words of the NUJ, Engr. Odioko stated that he derives joy making positive impact in people’s lives.
He disclosed that he became a man at the age of 14 when he lost his father, revealing that he struggled to grow up.
His words, “I told God to use me to stand for those that cannot stand for themselves. That is why I will always be a positive influence to anybody I come in contact with,” Odioko said.
Speaking further, he commended his wife for being the pillar of his success saying he would continue to respect her for standing with him when he was a nobody.
He assured NUJ of his partnership noting that the media is indispensable and cannot be disregarded.