Lucky Igbokwe

Meet Lucky Igbokwe (also known as Don Lulu), a United Nations Mayor for Peace, the CEO of 2Flame Entertainment, Lucion Towers Construction company, the Don Lulu Foundation and the Founder of Green Peace Nigeria.

Don Lulu, is indeed a true visionary and a prominent indigene of Umuahia in Abia State who continues to work tirelessly to advance the cause of humanity in the state in particular and Nigeria in General.

Through his entertainment company, he has organised concerts and promotions where Mavin Records Don Jazzy and Tiwa Savage, as well as other artists including Omoba D’Prince, Morachi, Muno, Sheyman, Exnel, have performed; it has also recruited award-winning DJs including DJ Jimmy Jatt and DJ Kentalky for its promotional concerts within Nigeria. He has also signed on some of Nigeria’s top artists including Morachi, Yeka and others.

In this interview, he speaks with on what it is to be an entrepreneur and run his different businesses.

What was life like growing up?

I am from an average home, though sometimes life was tough, my parents kept us going under strict parentage, where my mum and dad never allowed myself and my five siblings to stray away from the way they wanted to bring us up.

Tell me about your different business, what do you do exactly?

I am into Entertainment and Real Estate. My Entertainment company is 2Flame Entertainment while my Real Estate company is called Lucion Towers Construction. I am also involved in a lot of charity work through my known as the Don Lulu Foundation.

2Flame Entertainment is Nigeria’s most definitive voice in Entertainment. Since 2004 it has been having signed some of the fast rising and top artists in Nigeria including Morachi (crooner behind the infectious “Hapuya Like That”) and Yeka (winner of Season 1 of Nigerian Idol) to its recording label.

How did you come about doing this different business and projects you are involved in? 

I would attribute it to my mother. My mother was an astute business woman, who is very hard working and knows how to put in all her strength and energy into whatever she set out to do. She trained us with that spirit of hard work, endurance and doggedness and that has been my strategy in business and life in general.

Talk us through the different projects and activities you have rolled out so far.

As a business man, I am into Entertainment being my first line of business, and as I mentioned earlier, I am also into Real Estate and have a foundation which I set up to take care of the less privileged in the society at the same time which means I am fully committed to community services.

My Entertainment company like I mentioned has signed some of Nigeria’s top artists. It has also organised astonishing concerts and promotions where Mavin Records Don Jazzy and Tiwa Savage, as well as other artists including Omoba D’Prince, Morachi, Muno, Sheyman, Excel, have performed; it has also recruited award-winning DJs including DJ Jimmy Jatt and DJ Kentalky for its promotional concerts within Nigeria.

Due to my charity and community work, I was accorded a Mayor for Peace by the United Nations.

What plans do you have for your different businesses?

I have a lot of plans for my businesses. However, my philosophy as an individual is to hand over to God whatever I intend to do.God gives life, and he plans our future, as human, I will still put in my best to ensure that my businesses grow and my strategy is to make my business projections and work towards its growth.

What challenges have you faced so far doing businesses?

This is not peculiar to me or my business alone. The country at the moment is facing economic recession, and that has been a challenge to every business within the country today, aside from the economic recession the enabling environment suitable for businesses to thrive is not in place. We face poor infrastructure, challenges in energy generation and security and that has made the cost of doing business very high, and businesses keep losing profit.

How is your typical day?

That is dependent on where I am. If I am in the country my day starts with my morning devotion, as I love to hand over my daily activities to my creator first. Then, I proceed to the office where I usually take my time to attend to my businesses and treat the files, after which I attend to the affairs of the people through my foundation before retiring for home. But, if I am outside the country like in the United States where my family lives, my typical day starts with my son waking me up in the morning for an early morning play before my family fellowship, and subsequently going out for my daily activities.

What advice would you give to someone interested in getting you’re your line of businesses?

It is important for anyone interested in starting off a business to study the environment where they intend to invest.The person should also do a feasibility study of what it takes to harness the materials intended to aid the business interest and finally, he/she should have the required capital and passion required to venture into the entertainment and real estate business.

What is the best and worst part of being a business man?

Running a business and having best and worst days I will say has to do with the mindset and I like always to keep a positive attitude.

Life on its own is a risk and businesses are as risky as it is interesting, but basically, if one’s business is well positioned and running at full capacity one starts to enjoy the benefits of having to enjoy his businesses grow. But, if it’s not functioning as expected and you are losing money the tendency that you will run at a loss and that will make you very embittered.

How do you balance the home front with your hectic business schedules?

I make out time for both, I don’t allow my business get in the way of my family, and of course, my wife has been very supportive in everything.

You recently celebrated your birthday on June 27th, How old did you turn and tell us how you celebrated your new age.

I became a year older on the 27th of June. Honestly, I had no plans for any celebration not because I can’t afford to give myself a party

but I had my birthday in my hometown Umuahia, but my friends, brothers, sisters and my entire kindred surprised me greatly with a lavish party.

How do you unwind?

I am a typical home boy; I derive immense joy in hanging out with my family and my friends.

How do you pamper yourself?

I relax a lot when I am not working, I do my early morning workouts to keep fit, and periodically I go to the spa.

What is your Fashion fetish?

I don’t have any fashion fetish, but I wear what makes me feel free and look smart.

What has been your greatest challenge in life?

My greatest challenge in life was when I lost my father; it was a really difficult time in my life.

Greatest achievement in life?

Getting married and the birth of my son.

What do you think must have significantly shaped you to be who you are today?

My love for my family especially my mum, who has a great influence in the man I am today.

What is your greatest food indulgence?

I love traditional soups; Ofe Ukazi, Mkpurusu, Achara and Seafood Okro soups.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Miami Beach in Florida.

What makes you tick?

My belief in God.

While growing up, did you have a favourite subject?

I would say History.

You obviously love fashion, give us one of your MUST fashion tips.

I would say keep things clean and simple, that has always worked for me.