₦airaland Forum

[b]From Spare Parts Trader to Motor Giant: The story of Innoson A reputation for good judgement, for fair dealing, for truth and for rectitude is, itself fortune” – HARRY WARD BEECHER, quoted by Archbishop JV Obinna in honour of ex-Governor Peter Obi and befitting for Chief Innocent Chukwuma Innocent Chukwuma

You will never know the extent of the Innoson enigma until you come closer. By the time you have (as we did) toured the Innoson manufacturing plants, you will realise that right here in Nigeria, is a re-incarnation of a Henry Ford and his types in America, Japan and elsewhere; people who did not obtain fanciful or high-sounding university degrees and yet went on to perform technological feats that changed their immediate environments –and the wider world arena – for good. When our editorial team was about to depart from the premises of the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) factory in Nnewi, the industrial city of Anambra State, his manager of 25 years standing, Mr Nnamdi Onusogu, warned us not to expect a “giant filling the whole room” when entering into the presence of Chairman of Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma (OFR) the Okpu Uzu Ndi Igbo N’Ine, a Nigerian Centenary Award winner and winner of the Vanguard Newspapers MOST INNOVATIVE INDUSTRIALIST OF THE YEAR 2013, among 35 other awards, honours and recognitions.

When we walked into the rather spartan corporate suite lodged in the second floor of the three story head office building in Abakaliki Road, Emene, Enugu we found a rather youngish, rough-hewn man sitting behind a modest, cluttered bureau and staring at us with a blank expression as we came through the doorway. He welcomed us and bid us sit down.

Innocent is a weather-beaten, dark complexioned man with a big mark on his right cheek: a man straight from the streets. Nothing about him gives a hint of his billions and chains of manufacturing businesses. Rather, he looks like a typical factory grunt worker; at best a unit foreman.

The furnishing and the airs around his office illustrate the surroundings of a typical Igbo trader, and these are people who are not much into the glitzy shenanigans of corporate “big boys” of Lagos and Abuja.

When he needs to get into his elements, he brings out his snuff box, puts a tincture in his palm and feeds his nose. He is that kind of “local man”. But when he speaks he has a surprisingly mild, unpretentious voice.

In an interview he granted THISDAY on March 1, 2014, Chukwuma explained why he does not have a “big-town” carriage: “I am from Uru village, Nnewi. I have lived all my life at Nnewi. I do my business at Nnewi.

I have not left Nnewi for any other place. Up till now, Nnewi is still the headquarters of my chains of businesses. I started my business at Nnewi. I grew my business to what it is today at Nnewi. I came to Enugu because of the factory that I sited here. Nnewi remains my main base”.

He had on a pair of well-worn blue shorts and a white polo shirt. When he realised we were going to take photos of him, he excused himself, went into the bathroom and emerged a couple of minutes later, dressed in casual trousers and another dull grey t-shirt.

He sat down and told us he was ready. No long protocols or elaborate niceties, but straight to business.

Innocent started as trader but has exited that area and moved into big-time manufacturing. His Group consists of: Innoson Nigeria Ltd, makers of motorcycles and spare parts; Innoson Tech and Industries Ltd, plastics and household items makers; Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), auto makers and General Tyres and Tubes Co. Ltd, Enugu, which is being run by his 26 year-old son, Nonso.

The plastic factory is the largest of its type in Africa, and produces not less than 150 different items, from motor and machinery parts to office and household necessities. It took us two whole hours to complete the tour of the factory, which is sited at the headquarters in Enugu.

It is a major achievement that such a mega-factory is thriving in a country where foreign multinational companies have been shutting down and escaping to neighbouring countries like Ghana due to unfriendly environment in a country that rates among the lowest in the world in doing business.
[/b]
Read full story......... http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/03/spare-parts-trader-motor-giant-story-innoson/

post=36131527:
From Spare Parts Trader to Motor Giant: The story of Innoson
A reputation for good judgement, for fair dealing, for truth and for rectitude is, itself fortune” – HARRY WARD BEECHER, quoted by Archbishop JV Obinna in honour of ex-Governor Peter Obi and befitting for Chief Innocent Chukwuma
Innocent Chukwuma

You will never know the extent of the Innoson enigma until you come closer. By the time you have (as we did) toured the Innoson manufacturing plants, you will realise that right here in Nigeria, is a re-incarnation of a Henry Ford and his types in America, Japan and elsewhere; people who did not obtain fanciful or high-sounding university degrees and yet went on to perform technological feats that changed their immediate environments – and the wider world arena – for good.
When our editorial team was about to depart from the premises of the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) factory in Nnewi, the industrial city of Anambra State, his manager of 25 years standing, Mr Nnamdi Onusogu, warned us not to expect a “giant filling the whole room” when entering into the presence of Chairman of Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma (OFR) the Okpu Uzu Ndi Igbo N’Ine, a Nigerian Centenary Award winner and winner of the Vanguard Newspapers MOST INNOVATIVE INDUSTRIALIST OF THE YEAR 2013, among 35 other awards, honours and recognitions.

When we walked into the rather spartan corporate suite lodged in the second floor of the three story head office building in Abakaliki Road, Emene, Enugu we found a rather youngish, rough-hewn man sitting behind a modest, cluttered bureau and staring at us with a blank expression as we came through the doorway. He welcomed us and bid us sit down.

Innocent is a weather-beaten, dark complexioned man with a big mark on his right cheek: a man straight from the streets. Nothing about him gives a hint of his billions and chains of manufacturing businesses. Rather, he looks like a typical factory grunt worker; at best a unit foreman.

The furnishing and the airs around his office illustrate the surroundings of a typical Igbo trader, and these are people who are not much into the glitzy shenanigans of corporate “big boys” of Lagos and Abuja.

When he needs to get into his elements, he brings out his snuff box, puts a tincture in his palm and feeds his nose. He is that kind of “local man”. But when he speaks he has a surprisingly mild, unpretentious voice.

In an interview he granted THISDAY on March 1, 2014, Chukwuma explained why he does not have a “big-town” carriage: “I am from Uru village, Nnewi. I have lived all my life at Nnewi. I do my business at Nnewi.

I have not left Nnewi for any other place. Up till now, Nnewi is still the headquarters of my chains of businesses. I started my business at Nnewi. I grew my business to what it is today at Nnewi. I came to Enugu because of the factory that I sited here. Nnewi remains my main base”.

He had on a pair of well-worn blue shorts and a white polo shirt. When he realised we were going to take photos of him, he excused himself, went into the bathroom and emerged a couple of minutes later, dressed in casual trousers and another dull grey t-shirt.

He sat down and told us he was ready. No long protocols or elaborate niceties, but straight to business.

Innocent started as trader but has exited that area and moved into big-time manufacturing. His Group consists of: Innoson Nigeria Ltd, makers of motorcycles and spare parts; Innoson Tech and Industries Ltd, plastics and household items makers; Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), auto makers and General Tyres and Tubes Co. Ltd, Enugu, which is being run by his 26 year-old son, Nonso.

The plastic factory is the largest of its type in Africa, and produces not less than 150 different items, from motor and machinery parts to office and household necessities. It took us two whole hours to complete the tour of the factory, which is sited at the headquarters in Enugu.

It is a major achievement that such a mega-factory is thriving in a country where foreign multinational companies have been shutting down and escaping to neighbouring countries like Ghana due to unfriendly environment in a country that rates among the lowest in the world in doing business.

Read full story.........
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/03/spare-parts-trader-motor-giant-story-innoson/

We are leading, God is with us

xrisdon:
you wish, it were "upgraded mechanic workshop" but sorry is not!

like I said earlier, take a trip down there to cure your ignorance

My brother don't mind them it's hard for them to admits that we are leading they are following, for the past 12yrs southeast has been leading in WAEC, NECO, JAMB and federal colleges enrollment, they accused us of exam malpractices, When MDG published their reports on development goals, dumb skulls among them accused Okonjo Iwuala for manipulation, when Gov Fayose was planning to send Ekiti state youths to Onitsha and Aba they were busy insulting him, they will rather die wretched than to serve Igbo business men When you travel round five southwestern states you will know they are far behind, excluding Lagos which was developed by Nigerians, foreigners and Ogun side that shares border because of cheap land around there, the interior side are still battling with the days of colonial era, forget their lies and propagandas that's what they are using to cover-up.

Rawani:
And what do you think Innoson is doing? Innoson assembles pre-fabricated parts.

Innoson motors founder Innocent Chukwuma, Nigeria.http://www.innosongroup.com/innosonmotors/about_us.php
Peugeot cars founder Armand Peugeot French man https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armand_Peugeot

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/nigerian-colonel-obama-honoured-award/
Igbo colonel in Us army was recently honoured by US president .

20yrs Favour Odozor emerged as the youngest commercial licenced pilot both Nigeria and South africa

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/129511-20-year-old-nigerian-sets-record-graduates-as-youngest-commercial-licence-pilot.html

Rawani:
Don't be silly. Peugeot Kaduna is owned by ASD Motors. Do your research.

Peugeot is France car manufacturing company, what they do in Kaduna are assembling just like what Mercedes does in Enugu

First black Vice chancellor of University of Ibadan
Prof Kenneth Dike
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Ibadan

Prof Kenneth Dike Nigeria first professor of history, and the founder of national archive

Dr Pius Okigbo first Nigerian PHD in Economics

prof Philip emeagwali inventor of super computer

Prof Okoye first Nigerian professor of physics

Chike Obi first Nigerian professor of mathematicsa, Mathematician famous for his work on non-differential equations won the 1985 ICTP Price

Prof Kodilnye first Nigerian professor of miedicine

Prof Chinua Achebe great writer

Cyprian Ekwensi MFR, a writer of international repute

Emeka Anyaoku first African commom wealth chairman

Prof Ben Enwonwu first Nigerian sculptor of international repute with artwork gracing the United Nations headquarters

Professor Samuel Okoye was black Africa's first PhD in RadioAstronomy who along with Antony Hewish of the University of Cambridge discovered the radio source of Crab Nebula neutron star.

Chief Jerome Udoji a social reformer was the first African to be made a 'D.O' (District Officer) by the Colonial Administration

Chimamanda Adichie Novelist

Gilbert Kodilinye BA(Oxon) MA(Oxon) LL.M(Lond) Barrist -at-Law

Lieutenant-General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, appointed in 2008 by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon as Military Advisor on UN Peacekeeping Operations.

Charles Soludo renowned Economist and fromer CBN Governor

Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy MBE, a London-based visual artist. The first black artist to paint a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II when commissioned to paint the official Golden Jubilee portrai

Francis Akpuaka - a renowned professor of plastic surgery

Eni. Njoku first African black VC university of Lagos

Rawani:
Peugeot Automobile Kaduna has also been producing world-class vehicles since the 80's.

They are also on the list on Wikipedia.

Check them out http://www.peugeotnigeria.com/

Ode! We are talking of indigenous car manufacturing in Nigeria, Mercedes also have assembling plant in Enugu (ANAMCO )

[quote author=totit post=36872510]http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2010/06/25/ijebus-are-from-sudan-awujale-insists/
[b]
he The Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, Nigeria, Oba Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, Nigeria, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, ogbagba II who will tomorrow Sikiru Kayode Adetona, ogbagba II who will tomorrow round-off the celebration of his 50 years on the throne. round-off the celebration of his 50 years on the throne.

Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona

In an interview with In an interview with P.M.NEWS P.M.NEWS in his palace at Ijebu in his palace at Ijebu Ode, the monarch, when reminded of his claim in 1983 Ode, the monarch, when reminded of his claim in 1983 that the Ijebus are from Waddai in Sudan, said every that the Ijebus are from Waddai in Sudan, said every tribe in the country migrated from somewhere. tribe in the country migrated from somewhere.

Says Oba Adetona: “Let me tell you, there are ways Says Oba Adetona: “Let me tell you, there are ways of settlements, even before Oduduwa came to Ile-Ife, Ife of settlements, even before Oduduwa came to Ile-Ife, Ife was already in existence. All you just have to do is go to was already in existence. All you just have to do is go to history books, you’ll see all these things there.†history books, you’ll see all these things there.â€

Reminded that the statement is often used against the Reminded that the statement is often used against the Ijebus with people regarding them as aliens, Awujale Ijebus with people regarding them as aliens, Awujale described such act as rubbish, saying “how can described such act as rubbish, saying “how can they use it against the Ijebus? Who is using it against they use it against the Ijebus? Who is using it against them? What about others? Are they not from other areas them? What about others? Are they not from other areas before they settled here?†before they settled here?â€

Oba Adetona who marked his 76 birthday on 10 May, Oba Adetona who marked his 76 birthday on 10 May, 2010 said no Nigerian has any right to use the source of 2010 said no Nigerian has any right to use the source of migration against another as it is evident all over the migration against another as it is evident all over the world that everybody has his or her roots. world that everybody has his or her roots.

In his royal message, the Awujale advised traditional In his royal message, the Awujale advised traditional rulers to steer clear of partisan politics as it is obvious rulers to steer clear of partisan politics as it is obvious that their subjects can never belong to the same that their subjects can never belong to the same political party and a royal father must not seen to be political party and a royal father must not seen to be taking sides. taking sides.

He told He told P.M.NEWS P.M.NEWS that his memorable encounter with that his memorable encounter with the first civilian governor of Ogun State, the late Chief the first civilian governor of Ogun State, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, in 1983 occupies a chapter in his Olabisi Onabanjo, in 1983 occupies a chapter in his book that will be launched tomorrow at the grand finale book that will be launched tomorrow at the grand finale of his coronation anniversary at the Gateway of his coronation anniversary at the Gateway International stadium, Ijebu-Ode. International stadium, Ijebu-Ode.

On the clash between him and the Ooni of Ife, Oba On the clash between him and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunabde Sijuade, Oba Adetona said: “Don’t Okunabde Sijuade, Oba Adetona said: “Don’t forget, people try to say we have differences, no, not at forget, people try to say we have differences, no, not at all. I am the Awujale of Ijebuland, my instrument of all. I am the Awujale of Ijebuland, my instrument of office says so. Ooni is Ooni of Ile-Ife, the instrument of office says so. Ooni is Ooni of Ile-Ife, the instrument of office given to him states so. office given to him states so.

“All the claims he is making now are not correct, “All the claims he is making now are not correct, they are not tenable. The first time the Obas ever met in they are not tenable. The first time the Obas ever met in Yorubaland was in 1937. Before then, they never met, Yorubaland was in 1937. Before then, they never met, so I think the man is playing politics, trying to over price so I think the man is playing politics, trying to over price himself,†Awujale explained. himself,†Awujale explained.

Asked if they’ve both met of recent, the paramount Asked if they’ve both met of recent, the paramount ruler exclaimed: “Where and for what!?†ruler exclaimed: “Where and for what!?â€

He stressed that they were not competing for anything He stressed that they were not competing for anything and he has no cause to go to Ile-Ife just as Ooni has no and he has no cause to go to Ile-Ife just as Ooni has no mission in Ijebuland. mission in Ijebuland.

—Jide Osokoya[/b]

Please can we have real Yorubas that brought honours to Nigeria? Ijabus are Sudanese

totit:
Will you get off my mention?

I don't exchange words with spammer.
Thank u

I'm here for you

totit:
Yes and that's why Jim Ovia sounds ibo

It's ok. Just in few days from now ye 'all will get over these injury.



As for the rest of you comments?
You no be ibo? I'm used to ye'all.

It's ok now

And Ijabu people are denying Oduduwa, so Mike Adenuga most be brother to Salva Kiir Mayarit, Southern Sudan president
Since Okechukwu Ovia is not Igbo

forgiveness:
Did i write first millionaire or first billionaire?
]

Perfidy that's the second name of Yoruba tribe, you can see how stup.id you reasons give me credible source to backup your claims

azzima:
with all the executions of Igbos all over Asia?have you seen the YouTube videoeven the Thai police investigator knows about the igbos more than me. From his words "why are you igbos smearing the name of Nigeria everywhere? ?"

Your brothers are international terrorists

Micheal Adebowale your kinsmen that beheaded British soldiers in broad daylight
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Lee
I guess they brought honours to Nigeria?

Kalvan:
So rude. You Ibos lack common etiquette.

Nkita lacha gi anya, I lack common etiquette? when you and your likes were asking sill.y questions did you expect to get polite answer? Idoitaa check your handle to see the rubbish you wrote under, Ewu Osun!

princdebola201:
mr Flat head with Flat brain stop being an illiterate and answer the topic of the thread with basic facts and figures the contribution of 5 south East states in SE region and the percentage of their contribution or you Get Lost..!! And stop qouting me

I repeat, cone head go and ask your father and Awo what Igbos are contributing since Ewedu and red oil soup has conjoined your thick skull and sick brain to see Igbos contributes alots more than your lazy ass to Nigeria economy

tonychristopher:
you didn't call those that are into oil drilling such as well tech drilling services the guy has been drilling oil years he is from my village in Nnewi south the same with chisco ..you did not call thousands of most of the business dudes in ICT from anambra from zoom data to others

you did not call me ....only we anambra can rival any west state

what about chimamanda what about those hot hands

only us in anambra can compete ....when we collate other igbos

hmmmmm what they should know Igbo got material and I thank lord I am anambra and Igbo

you did not call many names like vebon group et al

Bro forgive me, these are the ones I can remember, you can help me add let us teach lazy tribe that Nigeria dosen't start in Lagos and end in Ore.Udo!

princdebola201:
Stop posting nonesense everywhere
Is that the topic of the thread, why re you guys behaving like an illiterate
Simple question you can't answer..if you don't have any reasonable facts or figures to counter the thread pls remain silent forever

Son go and ask your father or Awo in his vault what Igbos are contributing since you and your likes are too blind, I thought your tribes men are claiming to be the most educated and most successful tribe in Nigeria, till today Igbos are leading. Ndiara!

[quote author=forgiveness post=36863895][/quote]First west African to win Olympic gold medal not just in Nigeria
Chioma Ajunwa-Opara, MON (born 25 December 1970) – also known as Chioma Ajunwa – is a Nigerian former athlete who specialised in the long jump. After various setbacks in her career she achieved fame when she became the first athlete in her country to win an Olympic gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, and to date remains Nigeria's only individual Olympic gold medalist. [1] Ajunwa is also an officer with the Nigerian Police Force. [2]
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chioma_Ajunwa

[quote author=forgiveness post=36863895][/quote]Senior Advocate of Nigeria

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is a title that may be conferred on legal practitioners in Nigeria of not less than ten years' standing and who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession. It is the equivalent of the rank of Queen's Counsel in the United Kingdom, from which Nigeria became independent in 1960 (Republic 1963), as well as in South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Canada (except Ontario and Quebec). Several countries use similar designations such as Senior Counsel, State Counsel, Senior Advocate, and President's Advocate. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria is said to have been admitted to the "Inner Bar", as distinguished from the "Outer", or "Utter", Bar, consisting of junior advocates (See Call to the bar).

The conferment is made in accordance with the Legal Practitioners Act 207 Section 5 (1) by the Legal Practitioners' Privileges Committee, headed by the Chief Justice (as Chairman), and consist of the Attorney-General, one Justice of the Supreme Court [1]

(chosen by the Chief Justice and the Attorney-General for a term of two years, renewable on one occasion only), the President of the Court of Appeal, five of the Chief Judges of the States (chosen by the Chief Justice and the Attorney-General for a term of two years, renewable on one occasion only), the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and five legal practitioners who are Senior Advocates of Nigeria (chosen by the Chief Justice and the Attorney-General for a term of two years, renewable on one occasion only).

The title was first conferred on April 3, 1975. The recipients were Chief F.R.A. Williams and Dr Nabo Graham-Douglas. As of July 7, 2011 344 lawyers had become Senior Advocates of Nigeria. [2][3]
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senior_Advocate_of_Nigeria

Yorubas and lies, propaganda are like bread and beans

Nigeria first Millionaira

Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, KBE, (1909-1966) was a Nigerian businessman from Ojukwus family of Nwakanwa quarters obiuno umudim Nnewi. Sir Ojukwu was the first and founding President of The Nigerian Stock Exchange as well as President of The African Continental Bank. He was also either Chairman or on the board of directors of some of Nigeria's most profitable companies such as Shell Oil Nigeria Limited, Guinness Nig. Ltd, Nigerian National Shipping Lines, Nigerian Cement Factory, Nigerian Coal Corporation, Costain West Africa Ltd, John Holt, Nigerian Marketing Board amongst others. He won a parliamentary seat during the nation's first republic
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Odumegwu_Ojukwu

[b]Ojukwu was the greatest businessman of what is recorded even by the Nigerian Government in our National archives. The fact that the Queen of England visited Nigeria in 1956 and was chauffeured by Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu’s personal driver and guess what car she drove in, his Rolls Royce. Mr. Abiefo was the chauffeur and only passed on a few years ago with the honour of having driven the Queen.

My claim of the humongous stature of Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu as a business mogul of his time is not just based on this feat. It is on record that he was the first president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, then the Lagos Stock Exchange. The record is there and his photograph today still adorns the Nigerian Stock Exchange gallery in Lagos. Under his Presidency of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, there was no rival claim or litigation on his Presidency as we see today. Stock prices were a true reflection of their value and there was harmony in the stock market.

Nigerian economy in Ojukwu’s era was an emerging economy but even at that, this great Nigerian carved a niche for himself by investing so much in blue chip Companies where he was either Chairman or Director. Amongst such Companies were Guinness, John Holt, Nigercem, Constain amongst others. In fact, due to his relationship with Mr. Constain, he, Mr. Constain became the guardian of Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu’s son, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu during his days as a student in Oxford University, England.

Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu was not just a good and large hearted businessman, he was a visionary. At a time when a lot of people did not reckon with the real estate sector, he moved in from the Capital Market and owned several houses in Ikoyi, Lagos and other highbrow areas in Nigeria. He also encouraged quite a lot of his friends both young and old to invest in the markets where he excelled. He encouraged his politician friends financially without counting the cost and asking for anything in return but good governance. The likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. M. I. Opara to mention but a few were beneficiaries of his benevolence. This is a mark of a good leader, friend, patriot and trail blazer.

Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu enjoyed the services of a number of lawyers including the late F.R.A. Williams, QC, S.A.N. He also enjoyed the services of other professionals at a time when his peers never believed in professionalism and were not ready to pay professionals for whatever reason. I can go on and on but I think the message is clear. Nobody did it better than he did. His educational foundation remains unrivaled to the glory of God.[/b]

20yrs Favour Odozor emerged as the youngest commercial licenced pilot both Nigeria and South africa

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/129511-20-year-old-nigerian-sets-record-graduates-as-youngest-commercial-licence-pilot.html

15yrs Kimberly Anyadike is first African American Pilot in US, Igbo girl
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimberly_Anyadike

http://woman.ng/2015/06/first-women-first-nigerian-woman-pilot/
I saw the lies on that rubbish list, the first Nigeria female pilot is Captain Chinyere Kalu

Use your Google Oluwale boys

When Igbos were reading hard courses Yorubas were reading religious and language

Eni Njoku first African VC University of Lagos an Igbo man, tell me Igbos are lazy