Boniface Ihiasota: A Journey of Resilience and Global Recognition
Boniface Ihiasota, a distinguished individual born on September 13th few decades ago in Umuhu Atta Ikeduru LGA of Imo State, has carved a remarkable path in his life’s journey. He is the fourth of six siblings, a testament to his strong family ties.
His educational journey began at Community School Umuhu Atta Ikeduru, later advancing to Atta Boys Secondary School and taking his WAEC exams at Uratta Secondary School, all within Imo State. Subsequently, he pursued higher education at Abia State University Uturu, earning a BSc in Estate Management, and later obtained a PGD in Journalism at the International Institute of Journalism, State Campus.
Boniface’s dedication to self-improvement led him to pursue certification programs in the USA, encompassing various areas such as business, entrepreneurship, and media. These experiences laid the foundation for his role as the Foreign Press Center- US State Department States Correspondent for Excel Magazine and the United Nations, where he covers high-level events at White House, Congress and the United Nations in New York.
Notably, Boniface’s achievements extend to international recognition, including his leadership of a team that exclusively covered the 2014 US-African leaders awards hosted by President Obama, an event featured in Excel Magazine, distributed globally with over 50,000 copies.
His journey has been marked by unwavering integrity and dedication to his craft, earning him endearing nicknames like BC, Excel, “Olugbuo” (meaning hard worker), and “Ike-Nwa” (meaning strong child). Influential figures like Eze Prof. Green Onyekaba Nwankwo and Hon ET Mensah have recognized his potential on a global scale.
Boniface is a visionary individual with an unyielding determination to achieve success in life, undeterred by the challenges he encountered during his formative years. His journey from primary school through university was far from easy. He undertook various labor jobs, including working as a laborer at construction sites, pushing wheelbarrows in bustling markets while selling rice, beans, and groundnuts, and even harvesting palm fronds to craft brooms for sale. It’s truly remarkable to reflect on the adversity he faced from such a young age.
Despite facing early life challenges and performing various menial jobs to fund his education, Boniface’s determination shone through. He seized opportunities like his role as Personal Assistant to the late Senator Evan Enwerem (his uncle), even without salary.
An impactful moment in his life came in 2012 when he was contracted by the late Ghanaian President, John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills, for a magazine production worth $2,000. Tragically, President Mills passed away before the project’s completion. However, Boniface used the same funds to cover the funeral activities for two months in Ghana, publishing over 7,000 copies in tribute.
His career spans working in Imo Government House, Owerri as a media attaché and as the General Manager of Nigeria Esteem Magazine in Chicago, among other roles.
Boniface’s commitment to helping others extends to his payroll, where he has supported elderly women since 2005. Additionally, in collaboration with his partner, he co-founded the KDE Disability African Foundation in the USA, Liberia, and Nigeria, aiming to assist people with disabilities.
Boniface Ihiasota’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of giving back. He is celebrated as a renowned publisher and photographer, attributing his success to the kindness of individuals like Mrs. Okere, his former school principal, who aided him in obtaining books for his WAEC exams.
Remarkably, Boniface abstains from clubbing, drinking, and smoking, aligning his life choices with his values and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
