5 Igbo Billionaire Business Men You May Not Know

Over the years, some Igbo Billionaire businessmen like Arthur Eze, Tony Elumelu, and Benedict Peters have been celebrated for their entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. While these business magnates have gained global recognition, some lesser-known individuals have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. 

From innovative manufacturing to real estate, their stories showcase the diverse range of industries in which Igbo entrepreneurs have excelled and further solidify the Igbo’s reputation as astute business leaders. 

These visionary entrepreneurs have not only amassed great wealth but have also made substantial impacts on their industries and the communities they serve.  Join us as we explore the lives and achievements of five Igbo billionaire businessmen you may not know. 

Dr Fabian Nwora

With an estimated networth of N164 billion, Dr Fabian Nwora leads the Nwaora Group of companies, Efab Properties Limited, Syndicate Construction and Commercial Co Limited. His business journey began when he traded building materials for his elder brother, Chief Louis Nwora in Kano. 

The business took him from Kano to Sokoto and then to Abuja. He once revealed that when he got to Abuja, he settled at Idu and noticed that the area was remote, so he bought a plot of land for N2000. After building a four-bedroom apartment with a Boys’ quarter on the land, Nwora soon figured he was lonely. 

So, he bought another plot for N2500 from the villagers and built 10 flats of rooms and parlours (self-contain)with N10,000. Nwora who rented the apartment for 6,000 soon realised that he could recoup both the cost of the land and building cost in two years’ rent. That was when he decided to venture into the property business.

Dr Nwora hails from Nnewi South Local Government of Anambra State and has first-class estates scattered around the city of Abuja and other parts of Nigeria. His other investments include Efab Petroleum, Queens Construction and Commercial Co Ltd, Fechton and Sons International Ltd, Top Rank Hotels Ltd, a 3-star hotel with branches in Abuja, Enugu and Onisha, and First Generation Mortgage Bank. 

Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii

Odii is the founder and Chairman of Orient Global Group. With an estimated net worth of N123 billion, Odii has subsidiary companies that greatly contribute to his net worth. Some of them include Orient Global Manufacturing,  Orient Haulage and Logistics, and Purity Agro Allied Ltd. 

As the CEO of Ultimate Holdings, the billionaire was appointed as the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party for Ebonyi State in the 2023 gubernatorial election. Odii who lost at the polls is challenging the victory of Governor Francis Nwifuru in court.

Paulo Okoye

As the Founder and CEO of Upfronts and Personal Global Management, One Africa Global Management, and One Africa Music Fest, Okoye is the music promoter that manages Kizz Daniel, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Tekno, Iyanya, and Flavour, amongst others. 

Okoye who hails from Anambra state pushes African Music to the diaspora through the One Africa Music Fest. The show is sponsored by Interswitch and Air Peace. The billionaire whose estimated net worth is N123 billion, also owns a 50 per cent stake in Cartel Music. Okoye is reportedly in a romantic relationship with Nigerian actress, Iyabo Ojo.

Henry Iyke

Iyke who is friends with Obi Cubana and Emoney leads Mermerid International Ltd and the Ifenalaide Foundation. His foundation uses the Education Support Program, Youth Empowerment Program, Community Development Programs, Welfare and Health to meet the needs of the community.

With an estimated networth of N28 billion, Iyke has received various awards and recognitions both locally and internationally. He hails from Anambra State and has cars like the  Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV, Mercedes Benz G-Wagon, and Lexus Lx570 in his trove.

Escoba Smith

Kingsley Ekeoba popularly known as Escoba Smith is the CEO of Mukrons Group of Companies Nig. Ltd and Musson Developers and Properties Ltd. Escoba who hails from Abia State is worth N24 billion. The self-made billionaire owns one of the popular hotels in Gwarinpa Abuja, Grosvenor Suites & Apartment.