Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Nollywood megastar and legal luminary, Chief Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O Kanayo (KOK), has declared that Igbo enterprise/ apprenticeship system discourages stealing and begging among the Igbo race.
The iconic actor and socialite spoke when he received a delegation of actors who came to pay him homage for his heroic role in inspiring hard-work among Igbo youths especially those pursuing careers in the movie industry.
Chief KOK as he is fondly called, argued that the ingenuity trait in Igbo man confers on him a sense of pride and self esteem which other races, unfortunately misconstrue as arrogance.
He insisted that begging and stealing are strange to an average Igbo, adding that when you see any Igbo man begging you know that he was born outside Igboland.
“There is a lot of hard-work in Igbo apprenticeship. There are young ones who are not opportune due to the economic situation in their family. They are entrusted in the hands of a man who teaches them trade. After about three or five years, that young man is settled especially if he has done well.
“Igbo enterprise or apprenticeship system discourages stealing and begging. An Igbo man does not steal or beg. If you see any Igbo man begging in Lagos, you know that he was born and brought up in Lagos and not in the East. Those who were born in the East will never beg.
“We have this sense of pride in us. It’s not arrogance; it’s a blessing from our fathers. That’s why whatever we lay our hands on prospers.”
Meanwhile, the delegation led by an upcoming actor, Afamefula, gifted him with a live cow, yam and fresh palm wine.
In a viral video posted by KOK, the star wrote: “The #Afamefuna entourage came to pay homage at my office today with a live cow. I am honoured.
“The film #afamefuna, an nwa boi story will be showing at the Cinemas nationwide from 1st December.
“This is your opportunity to explore and understand the “NWA BOI” apprenticeship scheme as an Igbo enterprise. Ya gazie.”
