Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii
Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii (born 17 April 1975) is a Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and politician. He is the founder and chairman of Orient Global Group and was the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Ebonyi State in the 2023 gubernatorial election. Odii hails from Isu in Onicha Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
Odii began his education at Isu-Achara Primary School and Isu Secondary School in Ebonyi State. He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Business Administration from the National Open University of Nigeria.
He also holds a Doctor of Science Degree in Strategic Business Management & Corporate Governance from the European American University, Republic of Panama. In addition, he attended the Chief Executive Program at the Lagos Business School.
He is: - A member of the Governing Board of Lagos State University, appointed in 2021 by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. - A board member of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Business School.
Political Career
Odii emerged as the 2023 PDP gubernatorial candidate for Ebonyi State, securing 349 votes, defeating his closest rival, Chris Usulor, who garnered 9 votes.
Philanthropy
Odii co-founded the Ebele and Anyichuks Foundation with his wife. Through this foundation, he has: - Built over 130 homes for the underprivileged. - Constructed 6 churches. - Constructed a 2.2 km (1.4 mi) road in Magodo, Lagos. - Provided scholarships for students in Ebonyi State.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation donated ₦150 million to: - The Federal Government of Nigeria - The Lagos State Government - The Ebonyi State Government
It also distributed palliatives to citizens.
Awards
- Named among The Guardian’s Top 50 CEOs contributing to Nigeria’s GDP in 2021.
- Awarded Philanthropist of the Year by Independent Newspaper.
- Won the Next Bull Award at the 2021 Nigerian Investors Value Awards (NIVA) organized by BusinessDay and the Nigerian Stock Exchange.