Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed regrets over the passing of business mogul and philanthropist, Chief Mike Nkwoji, who died on March 18.
In a condolence message to the family of Chief Nkwoji, whose trade name was Mike Merchandise, Kalu said the deceased businessman died at time his services are needed most in the country, especially at a time the economy is facing challenges.
Recalling Chief Nkwoji’s feat in business, Kalu said the deceased’s popular Mike Merchandise contributed immensely to the economic growth of Aba, the commercial never centre of Abia State, in particular, and Nigeria in general. He stated that Chief Nkwoji created wealth and employment with his companies, saying that the business world would miss him.
Describing late Nkwoji as a good friend and brother, the former governor condoled with members of his family, urging them to rely on God in their moment of grief. He said his family should take solace in the fact that he achieved much, as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and family man.
He said: “Chief Nkwoji will remain forever in our hearts. He was a solid businessman, employer of labour and philanthropist. In Aba, there is nobody who does not know about Mike Merchandise, which was one of the business enterprises that made the commercial city tick in the 1970s and 1980s.
“His death is a huge loss to all of us. I urge members of his family to find strength in the Lord, bearing in mind that Chief Nkwoji was a great achiever in his time,” he said.