He
is one investor with a very tall ambition. Discerning, methodical and astute,
he braced all odds to attain a frontline position in all sectors of the economy
in which he plays in, and he actually has his hands in many juicy areas. This
is the story of Emmanuel Isichei Ugochukwu Ojei, Executive Chairman/Group
Managing Director, Nuel Ojei Holdings
is one investor with a very tall ambition. Discerning, methodical and astute,
he braced all odds to attain a frontline position in all sectors of the economy
in which he plays in, and he actually has his hands in many juicy areas. This
is the story of Emmanuel Isichei Ugochukwu Ojei, Executive Chairman/Group
Managing Director, Nuel Ojei Holdings
No matter from which
perspective one decides to look at it, the fact remains that he is one Nigerian
whose name overtly personifi es courage, vision, hard-work as well as
sturdiness. He belongs to the category of rag to riches Nigerian entrepreneurs
who started with nothing but walked their ways through the turbulent waters,
breaking barriers to attain success. Today, Dr. Emmanuel Isichei Ugochukwu Ojei
is not just that entrepreneur noted for sales and services of the Mazda brand
of automobiles only; he sits atop a group of company with diverse interests
cutting across major lucrative sectors of the economy, all under the umbrella
of Nuel Ojei Holdings (NOH).
perspective one decides to look at it, the fact remains that he is one Nigerian
whose name overtly personifi es courage, vision, hard-work as well as
sturdiness. He belongs to the category of rag to riches Nigerian entrepreneurs
who started with nothing but walked their ways through the turbulent waters,
breaking barriers to attain success. Today, Dr. Emmanuel Isichei Ugochukwu Ojei
is not just that entrepreneur noted for sales and services of the Mazda brand
of automobiles only; he sits atop a group of company with diverse interests
cutting across major lucrative sectors of the economy, all under the umbrella
of Nuel Ojei Holdings (NOH).
Said to be worth over
N25.7 billion ($165m) as at the end of 2011, Nuel Ojei as he is fondly called,
has been able to build a conglomerate of sort, making him a major employer of
labour and he is currently counted among top 20 richest Nigerian entrepreneurs.
N25.7 billion ($165m) as at the end of 2011, Nuel Ojei as he is fondly called,
has been able to build a conglomerate of sort, making him a major employer of
labour and he is currently counted among top 20 richest Nigerian entrepreneurs.
With aggressive marketing
and outstanding initiatives, Nuel Ojei’s group of companies whose scope of
activities remain diverse and include construction, banking, importation, sales
and services of choice motor vehicles, oil and gas, has remained a major benefi
ciary of juicy public and private sector contracts over the years.
and outstanding initiatives, Nuel Ojei’s group of companies whose scope of
activities remain diverse and include construction, banking, importation, sales
and services of choice motor vehicles, oil and gas, has remained a major benefi
ciary of juicy public and private sector contracts over the years.
Born in Lagos in 1951,
Ojei had his early education in Lagos before proceeding to Issele-Uku Technical
College, Issele-Uku, Delta State for his higher education where he obtained his
Ordinary National Diploma (OND), Business Administration and Management between
1970 and 1972.
Ojei had his early education in Lagos before proceeding to Issele-Uku Technical
College, Issele-Uku, Delta State for his higher education where he obtained his
Ordinary National Diploma (OND), Business Administration and Management between
1970 and 1972.
Barely a year after
completing his OND programme, Ojei, in 1973, joined the services of Rutam
Motors Limited (a part of the Ibru Organization), where he served as Sales
Manager until 1976 when he left to establish his own automobile workshop
business, an idea he was said to have dreamt about while he was with Rutam
Motors. That dream did not materialize until after many years of toiling.
completing his OND programme, Ojei, in 1973, joined the services of Rutam
Motors Limited (a part of the Ibru Organization), where he served as Sales
Manager until 1976 when he left to establish his own automobile workshop
business, an idea he was said to have dreamt about while he was with Rutam
Motors. That dream did not materialize until after many years of toiling.
Again, less than one year
after he left Rutam Motors to establish his fi rst business, the failure of
that endeavour forced the young Ojei then to beat a quick retreat and returned
to paid employment but he was back, this time to run his dream business under a
registered name of Nuel Ojei Company..
after he left Rutam Motors to establish his fi rst business, the failure of
that endeavour forced the young Ojei then to beat a quick retreat and returned
to paid employment but he was back, this time to run his dream business under a
registered name of Nuel Ojei Company..
In March 1977, he ventured
into the insurance industry, working with UnityKapital Assurance Plc which he
later became a director in.
into the insurance industry, working with UnityKapital Assurance Plc which he
later became a director in.
As business continued to
blossom, Nuel Ojei felt the compelling need to restructure and harmonize his various
business interests into one dynamic group, thus leading to the incorporation of
Nuel Ojei Holdings Limited (NOH) in 1989.
blossom, Nuel Ojei felt the compelling need to restructure and harmonize his various
business interests into one dynamic group, thus leading to the incorporation of
Nuel Ojei Holdings Limited (NOH) in 1989.
Now, barely two decades
after, NOH has rapidly evolved as a behemoth in the Nigerian business landscape
under Nuel Ojei’s visionary leadership.
after, NOH has rapidly evolved as a behemoth in the Nigerian business landscape
under Nuel Ojei’s visionary leadership.
Today, the Group has over
10 business units and associate companies and maintains a highly diversifi ed
investment platform with tentacles in automobile, banking, insurance, oil and
gas, solid minerals, energy and telecommunications among others.
10 business units and associate companies and maintains a highly diversifi ed
investment platform with tentacles in automobile, banking, insurance, oil and
gas, solid minerals, energy and telecommunications among others.
In association with a vast
network of reputable overseas technical partners, NOH has been involved in the
execution of a number of technology-driven, high-end projects in the areas of
power and energy, aviation safety and security, shipping and ship building, oil
and gas among others, carving a niche for itself as a foremost wholly owned
indigenous private conglomerate, combining a crack team of about 200 highly
experienced expatriate and Nigerian professionals in its workforce.
network of reputable overseas technical partners, NOH has been involved in the
execution of a number of technology-driven, high-end projects in the areas of
power and energy, aviation safety and security, shipping and ship building, oil
and gas among others, carving a niche for itself as a foremost wholly owned
indigenous private conglomerate, combining a crack team of about 200 highly
experienced expatriate and Nigerian professionals in its workforce.
Continuous expansion has
led to the building of the state of the art offi ce complexes in key commercial
centres such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Asaba while overseas liaison
offi ces are equally maintained in high brow areas in Germany and the UK.
led to the building of the state of the art offi ce complexes in key commercial
centres such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Asaba while overseas liaison
offi ces are equally maintained in high brow areas in Germany and the UK.
In line with the avowed
philosophy of Ojei which espouses honesty in business dealings, and true to its
corporate slogan of ‘…no quality compromise…’, NOH is known for a culture of
corporate excellence, prompt service delivery, uncompromising faith in customer
satisfaction and abiding commitment to contractual obligations.
philosophy of Ojei which espouses honesty in business dealings, and true to its
corporate slogan of ‘…no quality compromise…’, NOH is known for a culture of
corporate excellence, prompt service delivery, uncompromising faith in customer
satisfaction and abiding commitment to contractual obligations.
The Group, Business
Courage learnt, recently executed a strategic restructuring programme that was
geared towards placing the respective subsidiaries and business units on sound
footing to enable them function as autonomous corporate entities. Already, some
of the companies within the Group have become self-fi nancing and
self-accounting independent units, it was learnt.
Courage learnt, recently executed a strategic restructuring programme that was
geared towards placing the respective subsidiaries and business units on sound
footing to enable them function as autonomous corporate entities. Already, some
of the companies within the Group have become self-fi nancing and
self-accounting independent units, it was learnt.
Notably among the
subsidiaries of NOH is Nuel Auto Distributors Limited (NAD), the automobile
business unit of the group which was incorporated in 1981 as a sole
representative of Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan. In addition, the company also
represents Swaraj Mazda Limited, India, an Indian-Japanese Joint Venture for
small and medium sized trucks as well as specialized vehicles.
subsidiaries of NOH is Nuel Auto Distributors Limited (NAD), the automobile
business unit of the group which was incorporated in 1981 as a sole
representative of Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan. In addition, the company also
represents Swaraj Mazda Limited, India, an Indian-Japanese Joint Venture for
small and medium sized trucks as well as specialized vehicles.
In November 2008, NAD also
entered into an agreement with WeststarAssociates Limited – sole representative
of Mercedes- Benz in Nigeria to operate the authorised workshop and dealer of
Mercedes-Benz products in the country.
entered into an agreement with WeststarAssociates Limited – sole representative
of Mercedes- Benz in Nigeria to operate the authorised workshop and dealer of
Mercedes-Benz products in the country.
With over a decade’s
operational experience in automobile business, NAD has emerged as a major
player in Nigeria through immense contribution to the development of the
nation’s transport sector.
operational experience in automobile business, NAD has emerged as a major
player in Nigeria through immense contribution to the development of the
nation’s transport sector.
NAD maintains state of the
art offi ce complexes, complete with ultra modern showrooms and workshop
facilities in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Asaba. These workshops have
recently been structured to operate as autonomous units; and are staffed with
the fi nest array of Nigerian and expatriate engineers/technicians who have
been re-trained in the latest technological knowhow of both Mazda Motor
Corporation of Japan and Daimler Benz of Germany.
art offi ce complexes, complete with ultra modern showrooms and workshop
facilities in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Asaba. These workshops have
recently been structured to operate as autonomous units; and are staffed with
the fi nest array of Nigerian and expatriate engineers/technicians who have
been re-trained in the latest technological knowhow of both Mazda Motor
Corporation of Japan and Daimler Benz of Germany.
Another company making
waves under the group is the Emo Oil and Petrochemical Company Limited (Emo
Oil). The company serves as the local content vehicles in oil exploration,
exploitation, and production of crude oil; crude lifting, petroleum products
importation/ exportation, consultancy for gas and pipeline integrity projects.
waves under the group is the Emo Oil and Petrochemical Company Limited (Emo
Oil). The company serves as the local content vehicles in oil exploration,
exploitation, and production of crude oil; crude lifting, petroleum products
importation/ exportation, consultancy for gas and pipeline integrity projects.
Emo Oil and Petrochemical
Company Limited (Emo Oil) was incorporated in January 1993 as a member of the
Nuel Ojei group of companies and has remained a key player in the Nigerian oil
and gas Industry.
Company Limited (Emo Oil) was incorporated in January 1993 as a member of the
Nuel Ojei group of companies and has remained a key player in the Nigerian oil
and gas Industry.
Its involvement in oil and
gas exploration and production, pipeline construction, oil services and consultancy
over the years has led to the establishment of several other affi liated
companies to form what is today known as the Emo Group within the Nuel Ojei
corporate family.
gas exploration and production, pipeline construction, oil services and consultancy
over the years has led to the establishment of several other affi liated
companies to form what is today known as the Emo Group within the Nuel Ojei
corporate family.
Notably, the Emo Group
comprises Emo Oil and Petrochemical Company Limited, Emo Exploration and
Production Limited, NJ Exploration Limited and fi ve other companies. The group
has a workforce of over 200 expatriate and Nigerian employees.
comprises Emo Oil and Petrochemical Company Limited, Emo Exploration and
Production Limited, NJ Exploration Limited and fi ve other companies. The group
has a workforce of over 200 expatriate and Nigerian employees.
Agricultural Tractors and
Equipment Company Limited (ATECO), is another subsidiary under NOH Group which
deals in agricultural tractors and implements. The company currently represents
Punjab Tractors Limited, India in Nigeria and the West African region.
Equipment Company Limited (ATECO), is another subsidiary under NOH Group which
deals in agricultural tractors and implements. The company currently represents
Punjab Tractors Limited, India in Nigeria and the West African region.
In recent years, ATECO has
handled large orders from government agencies for distribution of tractors to
large scale farmers across Nigeria. With agriculture as the key to future
national economic expansion, ATECO has continued to work in partnership with
relevant agencies and organisations to support large scale mechanized farming
in Nigeria.
handled large orders from government agencies for distribution of tractors to
large scale farmers across Nigeria. With agriculture as the key to future
national economic expansion, ATECO has continued to work in partnership with
relevant agencies and organisations to support large scale mechanized farming
in Nigeria.
Another member of the Emo
Group of companies is the Emo Ashapura Energy and Mining Limited, formed as a
Joint Venture in partnership with Ashapura Minechem Limited, India and
specialises in the mining of solid minerals. Following the acquisition of
various mining leases from the Nigerian Government, Emo Ashapura is currently
embarking on the establishment of a mining and processing plant for barites and
bentonites in Nigeria.
Group of companies is the Emo Ashapura Energy and Mining Limited, formed as a
Joint Venture in partnership with Ashapura Minechem Limited, India and
specialises in the mining of solid minerals. Following the acquisition of
various mining leases from the Nigerian Government, Emo Ashapura is currently
embarking on the establishment of a mining and processing plant for barites and
bentonites in Nigeria.
Following the Ministry of
Mines & Steel Development’s change in strategy to privatize the Nigerian
Mining Corporation with intent to secure technically competent investors with
fi nancial capability to mine the minerals in Nigeria, Emo Ashapura has
recently acquired the following mining properties belonging to the former
Nigerian Mining Corporation from the Federal Government of Nigeria through the
Bureau of Public Enterprise: Nigerian Barytes Limited (formely 18706, Now ML
245, sold as a package), Nigerian Kaolin Company, at Kuba Ladi, Jos (now
consolidated into ML 549, also sold as a package),Minerial License ASEPL 202 at
Ogoja, Cross River State (EL 166 EL), and Mineral License ASEPL 203 at Ogoja,
Cross River State (EL 167 EL).
Mines & Steel Development’s change in strategy to privatize the Nigerian
Mining Corporation with intent to secure technically competent investors with
fi nancial capability to mine the minerals in Nigeria, Emo Ashapura has
recently acquired the following mining properties belonging to the former
Nigerian Mining Corporation from the Federal Government of Nigeria through the
Bureau of Public Enterprise: Nigerian Barytes Limited (formely 18706, Now ML
245, sold as a package), Nigerian Kaolin Company, at Kuba Ladi, Jos (now
consolidated into ML 549, also sold as a package),Minerial License ASEPL 202 at
Ogoja, Cross River State (EL 166 EL), and Mineral License ASEPL 203 at Ogoja,
Cross River State (EL 167 EL).
Dr. Ojei’s involvement in
the energy sector cannot be over-emphasized. Through his Glantre Nigeria
Limited, he has been able to explore the sector to a great deal. Glantre
Nigeria Limited is today one of the leading providers of Power and Distribution
Transformers to the Nigerian electricity subsector.
the energy sector cannot be over-emphasized. Through his Glantre Nigeria
Limited, he has been able to explore the sector to a great deal. Glantre
Nigeria Limited is today one of the leading providers of Power and Distribution
Transformers to the Nigerian electricity subsector.
Incorporated in 1986, the
company operates in partnership with VA Tech Elin Transformers GmbH & Co.,
Austria, which has recently been taken over by Siemens AG, Germany. The company
no doubt recognizes the fact that the potentials for growth are enormous in the
rapidly expanding power sector in Nigeria. The company has handled large orders
for government agencies, for several decades and sees the continuing emphasis
on independent power projects as an indication of brighter prospects for the
company.
company operates in partnership with VA Tech Elin Transformers GmbH & Co.,
Austria, which has recently been taken over by Siemens AG, Germany. The company
no doubt recognizes the fact that the potentials for growth are enormous in the
rapidly expanding power sector in Nigeria. The company has handled large orders
for government agencies, for several decades and sees the continuing emphasis
on independent power projects as an indication of brighter prospects for the
company.
The NOH has been in
partnership with a wide range of companies for effective service deliveries and
most of these partnerships has been project –specifi c. For instance, its
partnership with Thales France has seen the fi rm execute the Total Radar
Coverage of the Nigerian Airspace (TRACON) project. It’s in partnership with Korean
National Oil Corporation (KNOC), Seoul to achieve local content vehicle for oil
prospecting, exploration and production while it’s in partnership with VA Tech
Elin Transformers GmbH & Co, Austria (now Siemens AG, Germany) for sales
and distribution of power transformers.
partnership with a wide range of companies for effective service deliveries and
most of these partnerships has been project –specifi c. For instance, its
partnership with Thales France has seen the fi rm execute the Total Radar
Coverage of the Nigerian Airspace (TRACON) project. It’s in partnership with Korean
National Oil Corporation (KNOC), Seoul to achieve local content vehicle for oil
prospecting, exploration and production while it’s in partnership with VA Tech
Elin Transformers GmbH & Co, Austria (now Siemens AG, Germany) for sales
and distribution of power transformers.
NOH’s partnership with
Mazda Motor Corporation of Japan has fetched the fi rm the sole distributorship
for Mazda cars in Nigeria, offering sales, marketing and after sales services
of Mazda vehicles. NOH is also in partnership with Weststar Associates Limited
for repairs, service and sales of Mercedes Benz products. The same also goes
for Swaraj Mazda, India which enables it distribute and sell refuse disposal
trucks, agricultural tractors and equipment in the country.
Mazda Motor Corporation of Japan has fetched the fi rm the sole distributorship
for Mazda cars in Nigeria, offering sales, marketing and after sales services
of Mazda vehicles. NOH is also in partnership with Weststar Associates Limited
for repairs, service and sales of Mercedes Benz products. The same also goes
for Swaraj Mazda, India which enables it distribute and sell refuse disposal
trucks, agricultural tractors and equipment in the country.
For the exploration and
mining of Barytes, Kaolin and bentonite, NOH is in business partnership with
Ashapura Minechem Limited of Mumbai, India.
mining of Barytes, Kaolin and bentonite, NOH is in business partnership with
Ashapura Minechem Limited of Mumbai, India.
A man of many parts, Ojei
is also on the board of many companies and organisations. He is as an advisory
board member of the Economic Growth and Development Centre, (EGDC). The EGDC is
a non profi t, non-governmental organisation, committed to achieving the goals
of speeding economic development and eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.
The EGDC was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in January 2003.
is also on the board of many companies and organisations. He is as an advisory
board member of the Economic Growth and Development Centre, (EGDC). The EGDC is
a non profi t, non-governmental organisation, committed to achieving the goals
of speeding economic development and eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.
The EGDC was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in January 2003.
Within the short space of
time, the EGDC has made appreciable strides in the pursuit of its primary
objectives. It is engaging a number of non-governmental organisations including
advocacy groups within and outside the country, development partners,
governments and policy makers as well as private sector stakeholders in the
poverty eradication and development issues. The EGDC collaborates with
government and non -government agencies in fi nding the best approaches as to
poverty alleviation in the country, through projects and initiatives that bring
the gains of good governance and democracy closer to the people. In this
regard, it helps government institutions and other clients to reach the
grassroots through its numerous and carefully designed programmes.
time, the EGDC has made appreciable strides in the pursuit of its primary
objectives. It is engaging a number of non-governmental organisations including
advocacy groups within and outside the country, development partners,
governments and policy makers as well as private sector stakeholders in the
poverty eradication and development issues. The EGDC collaborates with
government and non -government agencies in fi nding the best approaches as to
poverty alleviation in the country, through projects and initiatives that bring
the gains of good governance and democracy closer to the people. In this
regard, it helps government institutions and other clients to reach the
grassroots through its numerous and carefully designed programmes.
In 2011, Ojei was
recognised as one of the 50 ‘founding fathers “of Delta State, by the Delta
State Governor; Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan during the state’s 20th anniversary for
their industry, integrity, professional expertise and contributions towards the
development of the state and nation.
recognised as one of the 50 ‘founding fathers “of Delta State, by the Delta
State Governor; Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan during the state’s 20th anniversary for
their industry, integrity, professional expertise and contributions towards the
development of the state and nation.
Uduaghan had extolled the
virtues of the awardees explaining that most of them have made their mark in
various areas of specialization. He said “This award is an initiative meant to
recognize the deserving Deltans who have selfl essly served the state and
country in their various endeavours and whose efforts have helped to transform
our society.”
virtues of the awardees explaining that most of them have made their mark in
various areas of specialization. He said “This award is an initiative meant to
recognize the deserving Deltans who have selfl essly served the state and
country in their various endeavours and whose efforts have helped to transform
our society.”
In recognition of his
business acumen, he was awarded with a Doctorate Degree in Business
administration by Delta State University Abraka.
business acumen, he was awarded with a Doctorate Degree in Business
administration by Delta State University Abraka.
Credit: National Mirror
