Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Ogwashi-Uku, Anioma, was born on June 13, 1954. She is a world-renowned economist, international development expert, and the first woman and first African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). She earned her undergraduate degree in Economics from Harvard University and completed her PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), focusing on development economics. Ngozi’s career spans decades of leadership in global finance and development, including her tenure as Finance Minister of Nigeria (2003–2006; 2011–2015), where she spearheaded economic reforms, debt relief negotiations, and anti-corruption initiatives that transformed Nigeria’s fiscal landscape. Ngozi has also held prominent positions at the World Bank, where she served as Managing Director overseeing Africa, South Asia, Europe, and Central Asia. Her work has impacted economic policy across multiple continents, emphasizing poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth. Beyond her technical expertise, Ngozi is a role model for women in leadership, finance, and international governance. Her achievements reflect the Anioma spirit of excellence, resilience, and intellectual rigor. She has received numerous awards, including TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women, and multiple honorary doctorates from leading universities worldwide. Today, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stands as a symbol of Anioma ingenuity and global leadership, demonstrating how individuals from the region can shape economic policy and global governance at the highest levels.

Chief Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu born on March 22, 1963, hails from Onicha-Ukwuani, in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, part of the Anioma region of Nigeria. He is a renowned economist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, widely celebrated for his contributions to African economic transformation and youth empowerment. Elumelu is the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, the United Bank for Africa (UBA), and Transcorp Group; three of the continent’s most influential conglomerates spanning banking, power, oil and gas, hospitality, and healthcare. He is also the Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading philanthropic organization that has empowered over 18,000 young African entrepreneurs across 54 countries through training, mentoring, and seed funding. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos. He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme. Elumelu first rose to prominence when, in 1997, he led a small group of investors to acquire Crystal Bank, transforming it into the highly successful Standard Trust Bank (STB). Following the 2005 merger of STB with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), he became the Group Managing Director/CEO of UBA, transforming it into a pan-African financial institution with operations in over 20 African countries, as well as offices in the U.S., U.K., and France. Through his philosophy of “Africapitalism”; the belief that Africa’s private sector must drive the continent’s social and economic development — Elumelu has become one of Africa’s foremost thought leaders and advocates for sustainable entrepreneurship. His achievements have earned him numerous honors, including: Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), Nigeria’s national honor; Inclusion in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world (2020); Africa’s Business Leader of the Year by the African Leadership Awards; Forbes Africa Person of the Year (2015). As a proud Anioma son, Chief Elumelu has invested significantly in Delta State, supporting infrastructure, education, and community development. His foundation’s activities have created a global model for African-led philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Today, Tony Elumelu stands as a symbol of Anioma excellence and global African leadership; an icon who exemplifies the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and service to humanity.

Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, MFR, is a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur, oil magnate, and philanthropist who hails from Idumuje-Ugboko, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the Anioma region. He is the Founder and Group Managing Director of Rainoil Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading integrated energy companies. His remarkable journey from modest beginnings to national prominence epitomizes the Anioma ideals of hard work, vision, and community service. Born in the late 1960s into a humble but disciplined family, Ogbechie’s early life was shaped by values of education and perseverance. He attended Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, for his secondary education and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering from the University of Benin, Edo State. His professional career began in the oil and gas industry, where he developed technical expertise and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. In 1997, driven by entrepreneurial vision and a desire for economic impact, Ogbechie founded Rainoil Limited — a company that began as a small petroleum trading business and grew into one of Nigeria’s largest indigenous energy conglomerates. Today, Rainoil operates across the entire downstream value chain with over 130 retail service stations, bulk storage facilities, and a fleet of more than 100 petroleum product tankers serving clients nationwide. Under his leadership, the company expanded into shipping, storage, and distribution, becoming a model of indigenous success in an industry once dominated by foreign multinationals. Ogbechie’s strategic foresight led to the establishment of Rainoil Logistics and Shipping, Rainoil Gas, and the Rainoil Sports Club, diversifying investments that continue to create jobs and stimulate local economies. His leadership style blends innovation with integrity, earning him widespread respect in the Nigerian business community. Beyond business, Gabriel Ogbechie is also deeply committed to philanthropy and community development. Through the Gabriel Ogbechie Foundation, he has supported educational scholarships for Anioma youths, provided healthcare assistance, and sponsored community infrastructure projects in Delta State. He is a prominent patron of sports and youth empowerment, sponsoring numerous events and initiatives aimed at fostering development and unity in his home region. In recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth, job creation, and philanthropy, he was awarded the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the President of Nigeria. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and a respected voice in Nigeria’s private sector, known for advocating transparent business practices and indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry.

Jim Ovia, born on November 4, 1951, hails from Agbor, in Ika South Local Government Area of the Anioma region. He is a celebrated Nigerian entrepreneur, technology pioneer, and banker, widely recognized as the Founder of Zenith Bank, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions. Ovia’s journey reflects the Anioma values of vision, determination, and service to community and nation. Jim Ovia began his academic journey in Nigeria, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. He later obtained an MBA in Finance and Computer Science, a combination that would later define his innovative approach to banking and technology integration in Africa. In 1990, leveraging his expertise and entrepreneurial drive, Ovia founded Zenith Bank with the goal of creating a modern, customer focused, and technologically advanced financial institution. Under his leadership, Zenith Bank grew from a small operation into one of Africa’s largest and most profitable banks, renowned for its innovation, reliability, and strong corporate governance. The bank’s pioneering use of digital banking platforms, ATM networks, and customer-centric services set new standards for the Nigerian banking sector. Beyond banking, Jim Ovia has been a staunch advocate for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and education. Through the Jim Ovia Foundation, he has provided scholarships to thousands of Nigerian students, supported educational infrastructure projects, and promoted technological literacy among the younger generation. His foundation is particularly active in Anioma, ensuring that local communities benefit directly from his success. Ovia’s influence extends across Africa and the global business community. He has served on numerous boards, advised government and private sector initiatives, and continues to mentor upcoming African entrepreneurs. Recognized for his achievements, he has received multiple honors, including the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and numerous awards for excellence in entrepreneurship and financial innovation.

Nduka Obaigbena hails from Ibusa, in the Anioma region. He is a visionary media entrepreneur, journalist, and thought leader whose career has significantly shaped Nigeria’s media and elevated Anioma talent on the national and international stage. Obaigbena is the Founder and Editor-in Chief of THISDAY Media Group, one of Nigeria’s most respected newspaper publications, established in 1995. Under his leadership, THISDAY has grown into a national and international media powerhouse, recognized for high-quality journalism, investigative reporting, and comprehensive coverage of politics, business, culture, and social issues. In addition to THISDAY, Obaigbena is the Chairman of ARISE News Channel, a global television network that delivers news, business, and cultural content to audiences across Africa and the world. Through ARISE, he has promoted African perspectives in global media, showcasing the continent’s achievements, challenges, and innovations. Beyond media entrepreneurship, Obaigbena has been instrumental in mentoring journalists, advocating for press freedom, and supporting initiatives that enhance media professionalism in Nigeria and across Africa. His work has not only strengthened the media industry but also given Anioma a prominent voice in journalism and international communications.

Chief Sunny Iwedike Odogwu was born on March 20, 1931 and hails from Asaba. Sunny Odogwu demonstrated ambition and entrepreneurial spirit in 1952 when he launched his own insurance brokerage— Robert Dyson and Diket; and later established further insurance firms, including African Prudential Insurance, and expanding into underwriting and other financial services. Over t ime, he diversified his ventures into multiple sectors including property development, shipping, industry, hospitality, and hotel management. Through these investments and enterprises, he founded and chaired the SIO Group of Companies, a conglomerate with interests spanning real estate, industrial production, finance, hospitality and other sectors — marking him as one of the foremost industrialists among his generation. He was also the publisher of the now-defunct Post Express Newspapers, a publication that contributed to media pluralism in Nigeria. Beyond business, Sunny Odogwu was deeply committed to his homeland. He accepted the traditional title Ide Ahaba of Asaba — a recognition of his status, leadership and contributions to his community. Chief Sunny Odogwu’s life embodied entrepreneurship, resilience and commitment. From humble beginnings in insurance to building a vast business empire, he helped pave the way for private enterprise and indigenous ownership in sectors once dominated by expatriates. His legacy remains significant in Anioma as a symbol of what dedication and vision can achieve.