Comrade Prince Emmanuel Okonye, the dynamic CEO and Managing Director of Prince Paradise Global Concept (PPGC) Ltd., is not just a seasoned entrepreneur but a rising political figure in Akumazi, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. Known for his generosity and deep-rooted commitment to grassroots development, Comr. Okonye has brought numerous impactful projects to his community—funded not by government allocation, but from his personal resources.
In this compelling interview, Comr. Okonye opens up about his motivations for joining politics, the remarkable influence of Barr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the NDDC—and why entrepreneurs must rise and become politically active. He discusses key issues ranging from political entrepreneurship to party loyalty, federal governance under APC, and the recent wave of defections into the ruling party.
Excerpts:
Please introduce yourself.
I’m Comr. Prince Emmanuel Okonye. I serve as the CEO and Managing Director of Prince Paradise Global Concept (PPGC) Ltd. I’m proudly from Akumazi, born into the royal family in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Why did you join politics after previously insisting you had no business with it?
Honestly, my decision to join politics came from the glaring failure of many of our leaders to create positive change. I’ve always advocated for transformation, but I came to realize that real, lasting change requires being part of the decision-making process.
We often hear that politics is dirty or that good people should stay away—but that’s a dangerous narrative. If capable individuals keep avoiding politics, the wrong people will continue making the wrong decisions. I joined politics out of love for my people and the urgent need to drive sustainable development from within the system.
Was your ongoing effort to grade roads in Akumazi motivated by political ambitions?
Absolutely not. The road grading projects were purely acts of goodwill—an expression of love for my people. I wanted to contribute meaningfully and complement the excellent efforts of Barr. Chiedu Ebie, who has done so much through his position at the NDDC.
We cannot sit idly by and expect government to do everything. Community development should be a collective effort, and I felt compelled to step in so my people wouldn’t feel abandoned.
You once said you could run your business successfully without engaging in politics. What changed?
That change was inspired by Barr. Chiedu Ebie. He’s an extraordinary leader who has illuminated Ika Nation and impacted Delta State in countless ways. I realized that, no matter how successful one is in business, community development on a larger scale needs political involvement.
You cannot influence public infrastructure, education, or healthcare policy effectively from the sidelines. I joined politics to bridge that gap and ensure my people experience the dividends of democracy.
Why did you choose the Delta Unity Group and eventually the APC, despite criticism of the party’s performance?
I joined the APC not out of blind loyalty, but because of credible individuals like Barr. Chiedu Ebie. He’s inclusive in his approach, distributing development projects fairly across Ika land. His leadership is transparent, people-oriented, and devoid of ethnic bias.
When I established PPGC, our first estate wasn’t even in my hometown—it was in Emuhu. We later expanded to six other communities before even launching in Akumazi. That shows our belief in equity, just like Barr. Ebie. I joined APC to work alongside such visionary leaders and replicate that fairness on a broader political platform.
People criticize APC, but they forget the damage done over sixteen years can’t be undone in a short time. President Tinubu is planting the seeds of economic revival—local governments are now more autonomous, and you can visibly see infrastructural developments, especially in Ika North East and Ika South. The narrative is shifting.
What’s your view on governors and other leaders defecting to APC? Are we heading toward a one-party state?
Defections are happening because APC under Tinubu is setting a new pace. When competent leaders achieve tangible results, others naturally want to align.
Delta Unity Group joining APC sent a strong message: APC is now a dominant force in Delta politics. And this isn’t a bad thing—it ensures accountability. Now that many actors are in the same party, it’s easier to identify underperformers and demand results. You can no longer hide behind opposition labels. Performance will be the true judge.
What are your future political ambitions?
I’m not looking to run for elective office—at least not yet. My current goal is to be part of the decision-making structure, to lend my voice and expertise to credible leaders. Entrepreneurs like us bring a unique perspective and administrative capacity that can greatly enhance governance.
A lot of politicians lack basic management skills. They rely on godfathers and are often puppets. That’s not leadership. Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, are problem-solvers. We build systems. We understand accountability and resource management. That’s the kind of thinking governance needs.
You’ve long admired business moguls like Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Dangote, and Otedola. These men stay away from politics yet are highly successful. What inspired your shift?
I still deeply admire them, but I also draw inspiration from someone like Donald Trump—a business mogul who stepped into politics and rose to become the President of the United States.
My decision is rooted in a sense of responsibility. Our people are suffering. They need someone who understands their needs and has the capacity to act without being compromised. Businessmen in politics are less susceptible to corruption because we are not in it for the money—we are in it to make a difference.
You said the country was destroyed by the PDP’s past administration. But now many PDP members are joining APC. Won’t that lead to recycling the same failures?
That’s a valid concern, but leadership matters more than labels. It’s not just about who joins—it’s about who’s in charge. Under President Tinubu, there’s no room for godfatherism or manipulation.
The influx of former PDP members into APC doesn’t scare me because they’ll have to align with new values. Under true leadership, people reform or they get left behind. The leader sets the tone, and Tinubu is a strong, independent-minded leader who can’t be pushed around.
Will you bring your business experience into politics?
Absolutely. That’s the whole point. We need to bring our entrepreneurial approach—efficiency, innovation, and people-centered thinking—into governance.
Now that I have access to political stakeholders, I’m using that platform to promote policies that benefit the masses. I’m not under anyone’s payroll, so I’m not afraid to speak truth to power. Politicians need sincere feedback, not flattery. Leaders like Barr. Chiedu Ebie, who are already doing well, deserve to be supported and encouraged.
Recently, you chaired the Cultural Day Celebration at Akumazi Secondary School, where you promised a scholarship to the best WAEC student. What inspired this?
That was a deeply emotional moment for me. Akumazi Secondary School is my alma mater. I graduated in 1993, and being back there brought back memories of humble beginnings.
Back then, we were tagged “village students,” but when we got to university, we competed and excelled against students from the cities. I saw myself in those students—young, brilliant minds waiting for a chance. The scholarship is a small token of my gratitude and a beacon of hope for them. And it’s only the beginning. I’ll keep doing more to uplift the next generation.
Finally, Comrade Prince Emmanuel Okonye is a man on a mission, to blend entrepreneurial excellence with political advocacy for the betterment of his people. His journey from business to politics is a call to action for other capable Nigerians: it’s time to step in, not step back.
