By Sunday Ani
Renowned industrialist and philanthropist, Mr. Innocent Ikechukwu Onwunali, has said that his lifelong ambition is to contribute meaningfully towards building a better society for all, especially the less privileged in Nigeria.
Onwunali, the founder of Iki Leads Limited and a major player in Nigeria’s wine and spirits industry, made the remark while reflecting on his personal and professional journey, which has seen him evolve from a humble beginning to owning multiple thriving businesses across sectors including beverages, oil and gas, and fast-moving consumer goods.
According to him, “humanity makes the world go round. For me, it’s not just about business success, but using what I have to positively touch lives and build a society that works for everyone.”
A native of Imo State, the Lagos-based businessman and Lagos State Polytechnic (now Lagos State University of Technology) alumnus began his career working in his uncle’s distillery, where he developed a keen eye for enterprise. That experience birthed Iki Leads Limited in 2010, a company that today employs over 200 staff directly and over 350 indirectly through outsourcing agencies.
Iki Leads is the manufacturer of popular beverage brands such as Meridian Cream, Polo Club Vodka, and Pasa Bitters. But beyond his industrial success, it is Onwunali’s humanitarian efforts that continue to attract admiration across the country.
A firm believer in education and social equity, Onwunali has awarded scholarships to over 30 Nigerian students at home and abroad. He also supports orphanages, provides agricultural input to farmers, funds medical care for the underprivileged and backs prison inmates with legal and welfare support, a commitment that earned him an award from the Catholic Bishop of Lagos.
“I strongly believe every child deserves a roof over their head, education, healthcare and a fair shot at life,” Onwunali said. “That’s what motivates my interventions across different parts of the country.”
Onwunali’s business interests are vast and still expanding. He holds stakes in multiple ventures including Drip Solid Limited (makers of Drip Beauty Soap and Cream), Cubana Trade and Investment Ltd. (makers of Odogwu Bitters), and Food Classy and Spicy Ltd. (makers of Advance Chef seasoning powder). His most recent venture, Eastern Beverages Limited, is set to enter Nigeria’s premium bottled water market.
Despite his affluence, Onwunali maintains a low profile and remains rooted in Nigeria with his wife and three children – a decision he says reflects his faith in the country’s potential.
“I’ve had opportunities to relocate my family abroad but I chose to raise them here because I believe in Nigeria. If we all abandon this country, who will fix it?” he asked.
Onwunali is also known for his support of religious missions such as the Catholic Prison Apostolate and the Seminary of All Saints, and currently sponsors over 50 indigent Nigerians in various vocational skills training programmes nationwide.
He insists that his success is guided by ethics, discipline and respect for the rule of law. “We pay our taxes, we obey the law and we remain committed to uplifting those around us,” he added.