Obiora Chukwuka shares grass to grace tale in new book ‘My Wilderness Journey’

Obiora Chukwuka, the chairman of Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Limited, says “My Wilderness Journey”, his new book, is aimed at impacting young people with vision.

The 376-page autobiography, with a first-person narrative, follows the chronological progression of the life of the businessman. 

He shared his experience as an apprentice in Lagos and how he founded Caleb Pharmacy stores in 1995 which grew into Greenlife Pharmaceuticals.

Chukwuka added that his mission is “to share the story of his vision to young people who are hungry for success as he was”.

“A vision is about futuristic life. So, once you have a vision, you will not deviate. The younger generation needs to be encouraged. The book is about motivating the youths to make up their mind. They go through the rudiments. The world is about resonance. And through God’s grace, they will go through and become special and respected people in the society,” he said.

“I want people to know that whatever you doing, you must do it well. Things are changing, everyone wants to become a millionaire overnight. People should take their time, be good at what they do and take time to reflect on their lives. I started life with vision and that vision I have achieved in all ramifications.”

Reviewing the book, Ngozi Osarenren, a professor of Counselling at the University of Lagos, described Chukwuka as a man of character who exudes contentment and gratefulness, adding that his journey is an inspiration to many.

“The years of apprenticeship heralds chapter 2. The author painted the picture and chronicled the activities on his first day in the Balogun market. He went on to give a detailed explanation of the beauty of the Apprenticeship system bringing out the uniqueness of this system,” she said.

“The author’s life as shown in the book, ‘My Wilderness Journey’ is that of a man that is exuding contentment and gratefulness. The title ‘My Wilderness Journey’ aptly captured the author’s journey through life’s long winding road and narrow paths possibly drawing inspiration from the journey of the Israelite through the wilderness for 40 years. His life is an inspiration to many and that is the definition of the book.”

At the launch of the book on November 8 in Lagos, the 60-year-old serial entrepreneur said he started writing the autobiography when he was 55 years old.

Speaking at the event, Adewale Oladigbolu, the national chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria (ACPN), described the author as a “diligent man who believes in the statement never say never”.

Oladigbolu commended the philanthropy works of Chukwuka, adding that he is a notable figure who deserves to be emulated by visionary youths.

“Dr Chukwuka is our patron and he has been supporting the activities of the organisation. He is very passionate about his work and most especially impacting others,” he said.

“He started from scratch and now today he is here. I think it takes extraordinary diligence to build a company from scratch to have it where it is today. 

“Pharmaceutical business is a big deal that any small mistake you are out, but his firm has been around for decades and his products are doing good.”