Emmanuel Ojei, outstanding businessman, industrialist, and philanthropist, extensively generally known as Nuel Ojei, has handed away in his hometown of Isele-Uku in Delta state.
Stories indicated that the revered entrepreneur, aged 74, out of the blue complained of chest pains earlier than being rushed to a hospital in Asaba the place he was confirmed lifeless round 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
An announcement issued on behalf of the household by Chuks Nicholas Ojei, his son, described the event as a devastating private tragedy and a deeply painful loss.
In keeping with the assertion, the household is struggling to come back to phrases with the shock.
“Phrases can’t totally seize the depth of our ache at this second, as we battle to come back to phrases with the sudden lack of a person who was not solely our father however our energy, trainer, and ethical compass,” the assertion reads.
The revered billionaire businessman is survived by his youngsters, relations, mates, companions, and admirers unfold throughout Nigeria and past.
The household appealed for prayers and assist throughout the mourning interval and warranted that particulars of the burial preparations can be communicated sooner or later.
In the meantime, Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State governor, has expressed profound grief over the loss of life of the influential enterprise determine, describing his demise as an enormous loss to Delta State and Nigeria as an entire.
In a condolence message issued by Festus Ahon, chief press secretary, the governor mentioned the late Ojei was a exceptional entrepreneur, visionary chief, and patriotic Deltan whose influence on commerce, employment era, and humanitarian service will stay unforgettable.
He lamented that the loss of life of the revered industrialist was a painful blow not solely to his household and the Issele-Uku group however to the whole state and the nation, noting that his life mirrored dedication, resilience, and dedication to nation-building.
Oborevwori recalled that the deceased constructed a powerful indigenous enterprise conglomerate that performed a significant function in Nigeria’s automotive, petroleum, development, and allied industries, creating jobs and supporting {economic} progress.
He famous that Ojei, founding father of Nuel Ojei Holdings (NOH) and Nuel Auto Distributors (NAD), started his skilled journey at Rutam Motors in 1973 earlier than establishing profitable firms that later grew to become notable manufacturers within the nation.
The governor defined that Nuel Auto Distributors, based in 1981, grew to become the only distributor of Mazda automobiles in Nigeria and later partnered with Mercedes-Benz to supply authorised car servicing.
Via Nuel Ojei Holdings, he led one in every of Nigeria’s strongest indigenous conglomerates with pursuits in banking, automotive, development, and different sectors, whereas providing employment alternatives to a whole bunch of Nigerians.
He additional famous that in recognition of his excellent achievements in enterprise, Delta State College awarded him an honorary Doctorate in Enterprise Administration in 2003.
Past company achievements, the governor mentioned the late enterprise icon was a dedicated humanitarian whose Nuel Ojei Basis touched many lives by instructional, well being, and welfare programmes.
He prolonged heartfelt condolences to the Ojei household, the individuals of Issele-Uku, and the Nigerian enterprise group, praying for energy and luxury for everybody affected by the loss.
He additionally prayed that God grants the soul of Ojei everlasting relaxation.