Businessman, Nuel Ojei, dies at 74
The Nigerian business community is mourning the loss of Chief Emmanuel Ojei, the esteemed Founder and Executive Chairman of Nuel Ojei Holdings Ltd, who passed away at the age of 74. The prominent industrialist died on Saturday night in his hometown of Issele-Uku, located in the Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. Confirming the news on Sunday, his son, Chuks Ojei, described the death of the business magnate as a sudden event that followed a brief illness, leaving his family and associates in a state of deep grief.
In a heartfelt tribute issued on behalf of the family, Chuks Ojei expressed the immense impact his father had as both a parent and a professional figure. “With a heavy heart, I confirm the passing of my beloved father. His death came as a profound shock to our family following a brief illness. Words cannot fully capture the depth of our pain at this moment, as we struggle to come to terms with the sudden loss of a man who was not only our father but our strength, teacher, and moral compass,” the statement read. The younger Ojei emphasized that his father’s influence extended far beyond the walls of their home, characterizing him as a visionary leader who dedicated his life to building lasting institutions.
Chief Ojei was widely recognized as a titan of industry whose diversified conglomerate, Nuel Ojei Holdings, played a significant role in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, including automobiles, oil and gas, and banking. His son highlighted these achievements, noting: “My father was more than a businessman; he was a builder of lives and legacies. A distinguished Nigerian industrialist, entrepreneur, and business magnate, he served as the Founder, Executive Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Nuel Ojei Holdings Ltd. Through discipline, resilience, and uncommon wisdom, he built enterprises that created opportunities, inspired excellence, and contributed meaningfully to national development.”
The family’s statement also shed light on the personal integrity and mentorship that defined the late businessman’s character. “To many, he was a mentor and leader of rare integrity. To us, he was a loving father whose counsel guided our steps and whose values shaped our lives. He led with humility, strength, and compassion, touching countless lives across generations,” Chuks Ojei stated. He noted that while his father’s passing represents the conclusion of a significant era in Nigerian business, the values he championed and the people he mentored would ensure that his influence persists well into the future.
As funeral arrangements are being finalized, the Ojei family has reached out to the public for their continued empathy and prayers during this difficult transition. “His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but his teachings and example will forever remain our guide. Though his passing signals the end of a remarkable chapter, his legacy lives on in the institutions he built, the people he mentored, and the values he upheld. On behalf of the Ojei family, I humbly ask for your prayers, love, and support during this time of deep grief. Funeral arrangements and further details will be communicated in due course. An icon has fallen. A father is gone. His legacy will live forever,” the statement concluded
