By Emeka Iboko
Are you proud of your profession?
A profession is not limited to university degrees or formal credentials.
It encompasses every honest and productive occupation through which individuals earn a living. It is, therefore, troubling when some people, perhaps out of ignorance or limited exposure, attempt to rationalize what is clearly irrational. Why should anyone feel offended by being identified with the work he or she currently does?
For the record, on May 28, 2026, I engaged one of our brothers in a candid exchange. To ensure accuracy, I personally visited his village to obtain first-hand and verifiable information about the individual concerned. The exercise enabled me to present an objective, balanced and well-substantiated account.
His only response to my write-up was:
"Emeka, I won't take the bait and descend into the gutters with you. Again, I think you should concentrate on your English and vocabulary classes. They are more worthwhile than attempting to rewrite my history."
I neither took offence nor regarded the remark as personal. After all, he merely referred to what I am known for.
History and society provide numerous examples that support my position.
The renowned cleric, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has at different times been described as the son of a native doctor or a palm-wine tapper. Such descriptions simply reflect aspects of his background and should not be construed as insults.
Likewise, people from Ebonyi and Enugu states have long been referred to as "Wawa people" because of the common use of the word wawa to mean "no." For example, when asked, "Are you coming?" the response may be "Wawa," meaning "No."
Only those with limited understanding interpret such descriptions as derogatory.
Similarly, Chief (Arch.) Edward Okereke Nkwegu, KSJI, popularly known through Edon Ltd, was once advised by the then Governor of Ebonyi State, Martin Nwanchor Elechi, to focus on his engineering profession, a field in which he had achieved remarkable success. No one considered that advice an insult or attempted to politicize it.
Barrister Luke Nkwegu, SAN, has reached the pinnacle of the legal profession. No amount of criticism or misrepresentation can diminish that accomplishment.
Another example is Hon. Kenneth Ochigbo, a two-term member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly. Although he was a teacher before venturing into politics in 1999, he later established himself in the chippings business after serving two terms in office. Today, many people know him more for that enterprise than for his political career. In a conversation with him two nights ago, he reaffirmed his commitment to the business, stating that he would rather continue with it than return to politics.
Even more instructive is the story of the fourth Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, who worked as a bricklayer before obtaining a degree in Building Technology. He later earned a law degree from the same university and acquired several other professional qualifications abroad. His journey illustrates the dignity of labour and the transformative power of determination.
Fast forward to the present.
If Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi was neither a tricycle operator nor a beverage distributor, then he was unquestionably a lawyer before venturing into politics.
Likewise, if Chikaodili Ojimba was not a clerical officer, who exactly was he before joining politics? The straightforward answer is that he was a dealer in chippings whose business benefited from state government patronage.
The point is simple and unambiguous: there is dignity in every honest profession. Being identified by one's occupation is not an insult; it is a statement of fact. Society must abandon the unhealthy tendency to place titles above labour. Every legitimate profession deserves respect, whether it is practiced in an office, on a construction site, in a courtroom, in a classroom, or in the marketplace.
Until we learn to celebrate hard work rather than social labels, we will continue to misunderstand the very values that drive personal success and societal development.
There is honour in labour, and there is dignity in every honest means of livelihood.
© Emeka Iboko (High Chief Aphulenya Ekwe II of Iseke Mgbomeze)
June 9, 2026.
