Bishop Okonkwo Onye Ego Na Ichi, you won’t know until you visit his country home in Anambra. This man alone owns many franchises in Nigeria’s beverage and grocery industry, starting from Goya oil.
Unveiling Emma Bishop Okonkwo, The Billionaire Who Didn’t Allow The Loss Of His Leg To Deter Him
Some grass-to-grace stories are superb materials for legends, and a prime example is Emmanuel Bishop Okonkwo, one of Nigeria’s richest men and billionaires. Born without any blemish. Emma Bishop, as he is widely known, lost one of his legs in an accident. Rather than be deterred, the Chairman of Ekulo Group of Companies, employing hundreds, jokes about it. During a visit by his kinsmen seeking financial assistance, he allegedly took off his artificial leg, joking that instead of two-legged men assisting a one-legged man, the reverse was the case, filling the atmosphere with laughter.
A self-made man, Odenigbo Amichi, one of his numerous titles, could be likened to the proverbial King Midas; anything he touches turns to gold.
Incorporating his company, Ekulo International Limited, with the head office then on 30, Isale Agbede Street, Lagos, on July 3, 1984, the business has today metamorphosed into an oak tree. Initially into trading, they have since diversified into manufacturing and more.
Now a group of companies, with Ekulo International Limited, Prize Destructioners Nigeria Limited, Ekulo Industries Limited, Evans Industries Limited, and Ekulo Pharmaceuticals Limited as subsidiaries, the man is worth billions Of $
The franchise owners/manufacturers of popular brands like Eva Wine, Goya Oil, Adonko Bitters, Mayonnaise, Sardine, Eva Soap, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Baron de Valls Wine, Don Simon Drink, Meditol Soap, among others, their headquarters have since shifted to highbrow Victoria Island, with factories and branches scattered all over Africa.
Decorated as an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic by ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2011.
He started out in Onitsha, Anambra State, before moving to Lagos, Nigeria’s then capital, where fame and fortune found him almost immediately.
Born on December 31, 1960, his late father was a shoe dealer, which obviously must have been where and how he fell in love with business. A native of Ichi, near Nnewi, Anambra State, his education couldn’t advance beyond Okongwu Memorial Grammar School, Nnewi. But through extensive reading and traveling, he expanded his horizon and outlook.
Married to Ngozi, a.k.a Mmili Aku, and blessed with wonderful children, his father planned to hand over his shoe business, which he declined, choosing instead to pursue his own vision and dream, ultimately paying off handsomely.”
“A proud member of the Knights of Saint Christopher, the white-loving businessman who also holds the title of Okpuluisizuluora of Ichi, is heavily into philanthropy.”
“One of his Rolls Royce cars carries the customized number plate: Okpuluisi, which literally means ‘the one who does for all’.”
“Highlife music kings, Oliver de Coque and Osita Osadebe, also documented his businesses in their albums before they passed away, making him a household name, especially East of the Niger.
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