The Councillor representing Obollo Afor Ward in Udenu Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Odo, has shared an inspiring story of how he turned his monthly salary savings into a thriving multi-million-naira business.
Speaking about his journey, Odo disclosed that contrary to public perception, councillors in Enugu State receive salaries that, if managed wisely, can serve as capital for sustainable investments.
“They are paid enough to be able to save, and if one is intentional, then the person can start up a self-sustaining business,” he explained.
Odo, who emphasized his commitment to giving back to his constituents, said since his first tenure he had consistently donated over ₦300,000 every four months to pay the school fees of indigent students across the five villages of Obollo Afor Ward.
He added that he occasionally sponsored fuel donations for motorcycle operators (okada riders), despite the huge financial cost.
“The question is, how am I able to do all this from my salary and still save something that later helped me start a multi-million business?” he asked rhetorically.
Turning savings into capital
According to Odo, during his first tenure, the ten councillors in Udenu Local Government Area agreed to contribute ₦70,000 monthly, pooling ₦700,000 each month. The money was given to one councillor through a ballot system to help them raise business capital.
“While some got theirs and rushed to buy their dream bike or roof their abandoned buildings, I invested mine in a business that later yielded huge profits,” he said.
Odo revealed that out of his ₦700,000 share, he invested ₦550,000 in beans (egede ngbu) storage business in 2023, buying five 50kg bags at ₦110,000 each with the support of his sister.
The remaining ₦150,000, he said, was invested in native poultry, with his mother purchasing over 25 hens and guinea corn feed at the Orie Igboeze market.
“Native chicken doesn’t need too much care and sophisticated housing. They roamed the compound freely and retired to a makeshift tent at night,” he explained.
Big returns from small beginnings
By early 2024, Odo said the beans storage investment had appreciated in value and was sold at Orba market for ₦290,000 per bag, earning him about ₦1.45 million.
Meanwhile, the poultry business grew from 25 hens to over 100 within two years. His mother, he revealed, sold chickens at intervals, generating over ₦500,000 in sales aside from family consumption.
From councillor to business owner
Odo disclosed that by the end of 2024, he had saved over ₦2 million from the monthly ₦70,000 contributions, in addition to profits from his investments. This, he said, became the foundation for establishing Koret Pharmacy, a multi-million-naira pharmaceutical business in Nsukka.
“If any councillor cannot save or start a business that can sustain him or her after our tenure, then that person cannot manage if given the governorship of the state with all the allocations under his care,” Odo stressed.
He urged fellow councillors and young people to embrace discipline and intentional savings as a pathway to financial independence.
“It’s not too late to start. You don’t need to own a shop to be making money. I hope these insights inspire you,” he concluded.
