By Funsho Arogundade
Over time, accomplished businesswoman and architect, Princess Fifi Ekanem Ejindu has taken steady yet measured steps along the aisle of entrepreneurship in Nigeria. With her gaze fixed on the future, Ejindu, founder and Chairman of Starcrest Group, has evolved into a living encyclopaedia, offering valuable insights on how to run a successful business.
Ejindu, who has the honour of being the first black African woman to graduate with a B.Arch from the prestigious Pratt Institute School of Architecture, exemplifies the boundless potential of African entrepreneurship. Apart from her beauty and uncommon genes, the great-granddaughter of King James Ekpo Bassey of Cobham Town in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, is a style icon. She is often described as a restless soul driven by an ambition to rule her world. Beyond her rising profile in business and the significant strides she has made on the global stage, Ejindu is also frequently in the news for her humanitarian efforts. Those whose paths have crossed hers are quick to testify to her uncommon humanity and compassion.
This brilliant and sophisticated woman’s influence also extends into women empowerment as she’s renowned for spearheading initiatives that provide funding, mentorship, and platforms for African women in business; reinforcing the idea that financial independence is a crucial pillar for gender equality. Her commitment to uplifting young African entrepreneurs and fostering talent in the creative sector is remarkable.
The business tycoon wore an enchanting sparkle on Wednesday May 21, 2025 when she turned a year older. On this day, Ejindu turned 63 and she had a low-key celebration. Yet many saw it as another opportunity for the world to honour and celebrate the woman whose contributions to the nation’s economy cannot be ignored. And indeed, she was showered with torrent of tributes and encomiums on her birthday.