The world is full of many personalities, affluent people, yet, it is even fuller of poorer people. Amidst these classes of people is that linking bridge –the spirit of philanthropy. Engr. Sir. Enyinnaya Chima Nwafor popularly known as “Nana” is that linking bridge that stands out of the crowd. He is a seasoned philanthropist whose disposition and benevolence validates the words of Mother Teresa who once said that we should “give until it hurts.”

All through history, not many sons of great men are able to live beyond the shadows of their fathers’ fame. For those who did, history remembers them, not for their privileged background, but for the legacies they have built. The story of Engr. Sir. Enyinnaya Chima Nwafor is that of a son who not only lived beyond the shadows of his father’s glory, but also worked to take his place in history amongst the ranks of worthy Abians. Engr. Sir. Enyinnaya was born into the family of late Dr. Chima C. Nwafor and Dame Gladys Nne Nwafor. He hails from Mbutu Umuojima Ogbu Village in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State. Even though he had a privileged birth; Engr. Sir. Enyinnaya set his eyes on achieving beyond the foundation laid by his father. From an early stage in life, he showed the rare ability of thinking and acting independently despite his contented privileges. While his father lived as a seasoned and renowned surgeon, today, Engr. Sir. Enyinnaya is an accomplished engineer and entrepreneur of high repute.

Young Enyinnaya began his academic journey at Aba/Owerri Road Primary School, Aba, before proceeding to Ascension Junior Seminary, Ukwa and subsequently, Federal Science College (FSC) Ogoja, Cross River State. At FSC Ogoja, he developed an interest in understanding the dynamics of structures, systems, processes and ways the knowledge of science and technology can be practically applied to solving human problems. This interest led him to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) from 1995 to 2000, specializing in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

As an undergraduate, like his Dad, he displayed exceptional leadership ability. He was a prominent student leader and member of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at a time NANS was leading the fight for reforms within the country’s education sector. Because of his contribution to student unionism, he was awarded the NANS Student Caesar of the Year award. Aside combining studies with student activism, he showed remarkable deftness in adding entrepreneurship to the mix.

Despite coming from a privileged background, he was resolved to independently eke out a living for himself.  Relying upon family’s goodwill, he sought for secured construction/engineering contracts, which he executed with skillful competence.In 2008, he established Tunnel End Investment Limited; an internationally acclaimed construction company based in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He served as the company’s pioneer director, and through sheer hard work, providence and unalloyed support from his wife; the company grew from a 5 staff organization into a conglomerate – Tunnel End Group of Companies – with staff strength of over 250 personnel. Today, he sits on the board of the companies as Chairman and CEO. The business interests of Tunnel End Group cuts across various sectors of the economy. The group is a major player in the Construction, Real Estate, Agriculture, Furniture, Production, Retail and Hospitality Sectors. The group has her offices located in Abia, Ebonyi, and Abuja.

Outside professional circles, Engr. Sir. Enyinnaya is a dedicated philanthropist and compassionate humanitarian who has used his resources to influence lives, empower youths, rekindle hope for the hopeless, propagate christianity and pursue justice. He has shown countlessly in his passion to impact positively on the lives of the masses. And this he has strongly evinced by setting up a foundation; Each One Aid One Foundation, a platform he has used over the years to award scholarships to indigent and brilliant beneficiaries who now have the chance to harness their talents and tell their stories to the world, medical outreaches to the sick and physically challenged, footing up medical bills, thousands of eye glasses have been distributed to eye defect patients, renovation and building of houses for the elderly, skill and trading acquisition programs to empower the youths, vehicles, motorcycles, contracts and sub-contracts, employments,awarded to the youths to provide a meaningful source of livelihood to them.In same vein, he distributed relief materials in terms of food, drugs, cash transfer during the Covid-19 Pandemic, however, he continued same after the pandemic, by distributing food items to junior level civil servants in the entire ministries of Abia State Civil Service Commission. This act of benevolence was deeply appreciated by the people with outpouring testimonies that are evident.

And for all these manifold acts of philanthropy, Engr. Sir Enyinnaya has not gone under the radar without proper accolades, this is reflected in the numerous awards bestowed on him. Notable among these awards are: The Council of Knights Award in recognition of his contribution to the growth of the council. Others are: Special Friend Award by Nigeria Bar Association; Most Valuable Community Leader Award by Aba Sports Club; Merit Award (Son of Consolation) by St. Silas Church, Women Ministry; Distinguished Son and Builder in God’s Temple by Diocese of Aba Ngwa North; Award of Encouragement by Adventist Women’s Ministry; Ezi-Enyi of the Harvest by the Catholic Diocese of Aba, amongst others.

Engr. Sir Enyinnaya is a member of several engineering professional bodies and societies. He is a Member, Nigerian Society of Engineers; a registered member with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN); Honorary Fellow, Nigerian Environmental Society (FNES). He is an active member of Aba Sports Club and Ngwa Patriot Forum, Abia State.

Engr. Sir. Enyinnaya is humane, humble, and unassuming man who cherishes friendship, and relishes the company of friends across borders. He is a man that pursues common causes with clinical finesse and exhilarating panache. He believes in setting standards and best practices.

Despite his cultural and social exposure, Engr. Sir. Enyinnaya is a devout christian and a practicing Anglican. His invaluable contribution to the growth of the church – both in service and resources is exemplary. For this reason, he was conferred with the Knighthood of St. Christopher. He is an ardent believer and lover of God. This effervescent and charming man is indeed a blessing to his generation, an inspiration, a leader, a fine husband and a father that is blessed with five adorable children (4 amazing daughters and an amazing son), happily married to Dr. Mrs Kelechi Enyi-Nwafor; a renowned an anesthetist(consultant) with National Hospital, Abuja.

His altruism and passion to serve, to touch lives and to put a smile on the faces of the underprivileged make him a father to all and sundry. He is a man with the heart of gold.Borrowing a leaf from the famous Martin Luther King, Jr. who stated thus: “It is not how much you have earned that counts; it is how much lives you have touched that counts.”“Giving, then, is not an act but a habit,” sums up the persona of Engr. Sir. Enyinnaya Nwafor.