Chief Dr. Akai Egwuonwu, an industrialist from Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been nominated as Investor of the Year in recognition of his contributions to business development, job creation, and socio-economic growth in the Southeast.
Egwuonwu comes from a prominent business family with interests in food and beverage enterprises, including Odiche Bread established in 1958. He later pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Western International University, London, and a Master’s degree in Business Management from the University of East London, alongside several international certifications.
On returning to Nigeria, he invested heavily in agriculture, particularly rice production. He is associated with major brands such as Anambra Rice and Stine Rice, processed through his rice mills in Anambra State and distributed across the country. His investments have been credited with encouraging greater private sector participation in rice farming in the region.
Beyond agriculture, he has business interests in the downstream oil and gas sector through First Petroleum, as well as involvement in shipping. He also operates Zara Stores in Awka and Onitsha, retail outlets that employ hundreds of workers and distribute both local and imported goods.
