Ben Ejidike
Ben Ejidike: Man of Distinction
Ben Ejidike, chairman and managing director, Alabama Group of Companies Limited, believes that honesty and strict adherence to business ethics are essential ingredients required to achieve success. These virtues, coupled with his commitment and determination, are the secrets of Alabama Group which started operations about two decades ago. Ejidike started his business apprenticeship after his education at Agulu-Uzoigbo in Aniocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, in the early seventies, with an uncle from whom he learnt the art of buying and selling of motor spare parts. His desire for independence drove him to set up his own trading outfit known as Alabama, its main area of operation was distributing of motor spare parts and allied accessories. Ejidike later expanded the company's scope of operation to include importation and exportation of vital merchandise.
From its modest headquarters at Nnewi, Alabama Group has acquired a national and international outlook with branches all over the federation including Abuja. Ejidike plans to assemble some of its products in future with about 20 percent local inputs. He also plans to diversify into agro-allied products to make food abundant for Nigerians.
Although Ejidike has long been imbued with the "think home" philosophy of Chukwuemeka Ezeife, then governor of Anambra State, he feels somehow discouraged by unfavourable investment climate in the East. He has advised governments in the eastern states to provide basic infrastructures to encourage many Igbo businessmen to invest in the economic development of their home states.
A philanthropist and patriot, Ejidike is a pillar in the development of his home town, especially in the provision of basic infrastructures and award of scholarships to the people through Onwa Scholarship Foundation Scheme which he set up for the purpose. In line with his philanthropic spirit, Ejidike has built houses for the poor in his town. He has given employment to many people through his companies in the Alabama Groups.
Ejidike, a man of distinction, has been in the service of God and humanity without publicity for some time. Ejidike's dream is to liberate the rural populace of Nigeria, especially in the Eastern states from the shackles of poverty. He is a vocal voice in the defence of truth and justice. It is on record that he was one of the first people to rush to the aid of displaced traders whose goods and stores were burnt down by fire some years ago..
In recognition of his remarkable and enviable achievements, he was given a society service award by the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ Enugu State. He also holds an honorary diploma of the Institute of Journalism, Management and Continuing Education, Enugu.
Recently he was made a Fellow of the Institute of Sales Management of Nigeria and was also conferred with the doctor of law LLD honoris causa by the Pacific Christian University, Glendale, California USA. His people at Agulu-Uzoigbo also conferred on him the chieftaincy title of Onwa-na-etiola 1 of Agulu-Uzoigbo, the chieftaincy title means the moon that shines for all the titles was testimony of his immense contribution to his homestead.
Newswatch June 29, 1998
" Newswatch 1998