IGBERE TV earlier reported that a church in Ozubulu, not far from Nnewi had attacked by unknown gunmen. Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state said two persons from Ozubulu who are known drug barons in South Africa were the prime suspects of the attack on St Philips Catholic church.
Nnewi, Anambra state is once again in the news and this time it is because of a well-researched story written by journalist Eromo Egbejule for Forbes Africa on the number of billionaires in the town.
Nnewi has possibly bred more billionaires than any other town in Africa and is nicknamed the Japan of Africa.
According to Forbes Africa, these are 10 of the most prominent naira billionaires from Nnewi, in no particular order:
1. Cletus Ibeto
Cletus Ibeto is the chairman of the Ibeto Group. According to Wikipedia, he started out as a spare parts import dealer, after spending some time as an apprentice in the motor parts business, a gradual step taken by many eastern traders.
In March 1988, he stopped direct importation of lead acid automotive battery and plastic motor accessories after completing his factory in Nnewi. By 1995, The Ibeto Group had become one of the largest auto spare parts manufacturing outfits in the country.
2. Cosmas Maduka
Dr Cosmas Maduka according to his website is the founder, President/CEO of Coscharis Group. He started Coscharis Motors as a one-man business and over the years has transformed it into one of the largest car dealerships in Nigeria that deals in BMW, Jaguar, Range Rover and Rolls-Royce.
3. Innocent Chukwuma
Dr Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma started trading in spare parts under the name of Innoson trading Nigeria Ltd in 1981.
It now produces sport utility vehicles, commercial buses and passenger cars at the first indigenous assembly plant in Nigeria.
4. Gabriel Chukwuma
Gabriel Chukwuma is the owner of former club side, Gabros International FC, and ex-Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Professional Football Association.
He is also the elder brother of Innoson who began business as a patent medicine dealer.
5. Alexander Chika Okafor
In 1981, Chief (Dr) Alexander Chika Okafor, founded Chicason Group of Companies. A-Z Petroleum and other of his products are now household names in Nigeria.
6. Augustine Ilodibe
Late Augustine Ilodibe pioneered the interstate luxury bus transport service; for years, he was the sole importer of these buses.
After helping organize vehicles for the Biafran side during the civil war, he established the
