30/07/2026
My Father Was a Palm Wine Tapper – Donzara
International businessman Chizaram@ekpere, popularly known as Donzara, has stirred emotions among his followers after sharing the inspiring story of his humble beginnings.
Speaking during an interview with fast-rising comedian and content creator Dede Ngwa in Lagos, the Ngwa-born entrepreneur revealed a side of his life that many people had never heard.
"My father was a palm wine tapper who was often ridiculed. Today, I am proud to be his son. I find joy in helping people, and I hope my life proves that humble beginnings do not determine one's destiny."
Donzara, who is widely known for promoting Ngwa culture, traditions, and history, also disclosed that he once worked as a shoemaker at the famous Ariaria International Market in Aba, Abia State, before venturing into the logistics business, where he eventually found success.
He encouraged young people to remain focused, embrace hard work, uphold good values, and never allow their present circumstances to limit their future ambitions.
Reacting to Donzara's inspiring story, human development expert and Founder of Speak Africa International Centre for Human Development (SAICENTRE), Marc Chuks B. Nwadioha, said the account immediately reminded him of Opuruiche, one of the central characters in his recently published historical fiction novel, Ohiaogu: The Forest of War.
According to Nwadioha, Opuruiche was the son of Obilo, a humble palm wine tapper from a peaceful community called Enuenu in Ngwaland who was murdered by enemy warriors while returning from Ohiaogu Forest. Despite the devastating loss of his father and the hardship that followed, Opuruiche refused to surrender to despair. Through resilience, courage, and determination, he rose to become a beacon of hope and an inspiration to his people.
Nwadioha noted that the similarities between Donzara's real-life story and Opuruiche's fictional journey reinforce a timeless truth: greatness is not determined by one's background but by one's character, perseverance, and vision.
Ohiaogu: The Forest of War is a historical fiction novel that explores the history, culture, traditions, and resilience of the Ngwa people of Eastern Nigeria.
The book is scheduled for public presentation in Aba, Abia State, on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
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