Of a truth, becoming a barrier breaker or line crosser as an entrepreneur is not mere lip service. It takes consistent effort and focus to grow from being an ordinary entrepreneur to a force to be reckoned with globally and an empire builder.
Nigeria is blessed with many of such men who started from scratch, kept their nose to the grindstone, and turn seemingly insignificant ideas into behemoth industries. Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi is one of the risk-taking individuals that would be sent to Mars and still treat it as a stepping stone to Saturn – the quality of constant invention and self-improvement that has earned him worldwide acclaim and prosperity.
At work and at play, Azudialu shifts gear seamlessly between the whimsical and the earnest, demonstrating time and over again his ability to tame challenges and ride out storms – without falling prey to Scylla and Charybdis of cynicism and failure. All in pursuit of glory.
Indeed, it is always a great feeling to be recognised by one’s beloved country. Yesterday, Dr. Ernest Azudialu and 437 individuals were awarded with the 2022 national honours award of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This year’s list enlisted five recipients for the honour of GCON, CFR 54, CON 67, OFR 64, OON 101, MFR 75, MON 56, and FRM 8.
The list contain individuals from different works of life like politicians, public officers, security officers, businessmen, monarchs, and religious leaders among others. The award was given to different individuals for different achievements and it was based on different categories. Dr Ernest received his award under the category of “ OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC (OFR)”
Ernest Nnaemeka Azudialu Obiejesi (born April 17, 1960) is a Nigerian business magnate and philanthropist. He is the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Nestoil and the founder of the Obijackson Foundation.
Born in Okija, Anambra (Nigeria), Azudialu Obiejesi first joined his father’s family business in 1978 before setting up his first company, Obijackson West Africa Limited, that traded goods across West Africa. Azudialu Obiejesi’s flagship company Nestoil is a Nigerian Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Commissioning (EPCC) company servicing the oil and gas industry.