60 Years After Louis Ojukwu’s Death, Family Revives Memorial Projects, Raises UNN Prizes
Wale Igbintade Sixty years after the death of Sir Louis Philip Odumegwu Ojukwu, one of Nigeria’s pinoeering businessmen and philanthropists, his family is reviving and expanding some of the institutions
Sixty years after the passing of Sir Louis Philip Odumegwu Ojukwu, a prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, his family is resurrecting and expanding the institutions and projects linked to his name. These include scholarships, charitable initiatives, and plans for a memorial hospital, as well as continuing educational awards at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Ojukwu's death on September 13, 1966, will encompass a Mass, low-key events, and involvement from Ojukwu Transport Limited (OTL), the enterprise he established. Dr. Ike Ojukwu, a grandson of the late businessman and a Director of OTL, emphasized that the family's aim is to uphold the values and institutions dear to Sir Odumegwu, focusing on education, integrity, entrepreneurship, and service.
Recent decisions by the university authorities and OTL have already seen the prizes for outstanding graduates in the Faculty of Business Administration and the Department of Estate Management/Surveying at UNN increased. Plans for a memorial hospital, scholarships, and other charitable endeavors are also in development. The renewed emphasis on UNN is especially pertinent, given Sir Odumegwu's role in its creation and his contributions to its inception.
The late Sir Odumegwu, an honorary Doctor of Laws from the university, played a crucial part in securing funding from the defunct Eastern Regional Government. Beyond his business acumen, philanthropic efforts, and public service, the family emphasizes Ojukwu's unwavering commitment to Igbo identity, which transcended tribal affiliations.
He demonstrated this by appointing Nelson Oyesiku to the National Shipping Line in 1964, demonstrating his dedication to recognizing merit regardless of ethnicity. Sir Odumegwu was born in Umudim, Nnewi, in 1909, and was the only son of his mother, Ukonwa, among ten siblings. Known as "LP" when knighted by the Queen, he later opted to use his Igbo name, Odumegwu, to avoid confusion with his friend, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Sir Louis Mbanefo.
Despite his wealth and a fleet of luxury vehicles, the family recalls him as a humble and down-to-earth individual who cherished family, friends, and associates.
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