By Funsho Arogundade
Nigeria stands as home to numerous billionaires who have not only amassed immense wealth but have also made substantial contributions to philanthropy. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Chairman, The Nestoil Group, Nigeria’s largest indigenous engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) company in the Oil and Gas sector, is not only a business magnate but also one of the country’s most generous billionaires.
Obiejesi is a visionary investor with a heart of gold. This unassuming businessman has not only amassed immense wealth but has also made substantial contributions to philanthropy. He is dedicated to uplifting others and a selfless helper who ensures every dream is turned into reality. By and large, Obiejesi truly believes in the saying that charity begins at home. His love for his hometown, Okija, is unprecedented. In fact, he is emotionally attached to his people. Evidence abounds that he has an undying love for his people.
In 2010, Obiejesi established The Obijackson Foundation to coordinate his philanthropic activities and stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to uplifting the underprivileged in low-income communities. The foundation tackles the challenges of poor literacy, empowerment, nutrition and healthcare in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in the rural areas and underserved communities.
In the last 15 years, Obiejesi’s foundation has spearheaded life-changing initiatives, including Gonzaga Jesuit College, Obijackson Women and Children’s Hospital, and Acropolis Gardens. Recently, the foundation in collaboration with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly shifted their gaze to waste management as they donated waste evacuation tools to the Okija community in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State. The donation includes 140 waste bins, two compactor trucks, two operational Hilux vehicles, a staff bus, brooms and other tools running into hundreds of millions of naira.
At an event held at St. Mary’s School Field, Okija to mark the launch of the Keep Okija Clean Initiative —aimed at sustainable waste management and economic empowerment— the foundation also employed over 100 street sweepers to support the initiative.