Ambrosie Bryant Chukwueloka Orjiako

Dr. Ambrosie Bryant Chukwueloka Orjiako is a Nigerian businessman, medical doctor, and investor with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. He is the Chairman and co-founder of SEPLAT Energy, a leading independent Nigerian oil and gas company listed on both the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). His investments span oil and gas, real estate, banking, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure, making him one of the wealthiest and most influential Igbo entrepreneurs.

Early Life and Background

Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako was born on October 1, 1960, in Cross River State, Nigeria. He is originally from Umuchima, Uli, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. Raised in a household that deeply valued education, discipline, and entrepreneurship, he was the son of Chief Daniel Obiesie Orjiako, a successful trader and businessman, and Rebecca Orjiako, a dedicated teacher.

Orjiako’s academic journey began at Sacred Heart Primary School in Calabar, before he transferred to Holy Cross Primary School in Uli. He later attended Uli High School, where he completed his secondary education between 1972 and 1978. Following this, he briefly enrolled at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, from 1978 to 1979.

Driven by a passion for medicine, he proceeded to the University of Calabar, where he earned his M.B.B.Ch. degree from the College of Medical Sciences in 1985. Committed to continuous learning and leadership development, he later attended executive programs at Harvard Business School between 2004 and 2006.

Dr. Orjiako’s remarkable transition from a medical career to becoming a prominent figure in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry stands as a testament to his versatility, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Education and Medical Career

Orjiako gained admission to the University of Calabar in 1979, where he studied Medicine and Surgery. He graduated in 1985 as one of the top-performing students in his class. While in school, he actively participated in medical associations, serving as the Director of the International Federation of Medical Students (African Region) and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the African Medical Students Association.

After earning his M.B.B.Ch. degree in 1985, he proceeded to train as a General Surgeon at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), later specializing in Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. He became a Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS) in 1996. To further his business acumen, Orjiako attended Harvard Business School, completing the Owner/President Management (OPM) program in 2006.

Transition from Medicine to Business

Although he had a successful medical career, Dr. Orjiako gradually transitioned into business, focusing on the oil and gas sector in the late 1990s. He founded Zebbra Energy Limited, an oil exploration company, and later expanded his investments to Shebah Exploration and Production Company Ltd., Helko Marine Services, and Ordec Group.

SEPLAT Energy and Business Empire

In 2009, Orjiako co-founded SEPLAT Energy Plc, which later became a leading oil and gas company in Nigeria. SEPLAT gained recognition after acquiring Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 4, 38, and 41 from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in 2010. Under Orjiako’s leadership, SEPLAT became a publicly listed company on both the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2014, raising over $500 million in its Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Apart from SEPLAT, Orjiako has investments in:

• Zebbra Energy Limited
• Shebah Exploration and Production Company Limited
• Helko Marine Services Limited
• Ordec Group
• Banking, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and infrastructure

Controversies and Scandals

Despite his success, Orjiako has faced several legal and financial challenges:

Loan Default and Financial Irregularities (2022)

In 2022, Orjiako was accused of defaulting on a $200 million loan acquired for oil exploration. The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched an investigation into financial mismanagement in SEPLAT.

Boardroom Crisis and Forced Resignation (2022-2023)

In November 2022, SEPLAT’s Board of Directors announced Orjiako’s forced resignation as Chairman due to alleged corporate governance infractions. Reports indicated that SEPLAT shareholders and investors had lost confidence in his leadership due to unapproved financial transactions and irregular payments.

Clashes with Igbo Business Associates

Orjiako has had high-profile disagreements with other Igbo entrepreneurs, including:

• Tony Elumelu (UBA/Heirs Holdings) – A dispute over energy sector investments and business influence.
• Arthur Eze (Atlas Oranto Petroleum) – Alleged disagreements over oil block acquisitions in the Niger Delta.
• Ifeanyi Ubah (Capital Oil & Gas) – Competitive rivalry in the Nigerian oil and gas market.

Marriages, Family, and Personal Life

Dr. Orjiako is married to Mrs. Ifeoma Orjiako, and they have four children. Despite rumors of extramarital affairs, no confirmed reports of divorce exist. His children are involved in business and philanthropy, continuing the family’s legacy.

Political Influence and Election Losses

Although not an active politician, Orjiako has strong political affiliations. He has been a major financier of political campaigns, especially in Anambra State and Imo State. In 2019, he attempted to contest for a Senate seat in Anambra State but later withdrew due to internal party disputes.

Philanthropy and Awards

Despite controversies, Orjiako is well-respected for his philanthropic efforts. Through his foundation, he has built hospitals, schools, and scholarship programs across Nigeria.

Awards and Recognitions:

• 2011: African Business Leader Award
• 2014: Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• 2016: Forbes Oil & Gas Business Leader of the Year
• 2020: Nigerian National Productivity Award

Conclusion

Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako’s story is one of ambition, success, and controversy. From a brilliant surgeon to a billionaire entrepreneur, he has built a formidable business empire despite legal battles and financial scrutiny. His impact on the Nigerian oil and gas sector remains significant, making him one of the most influential Igbo businessmen of his generation.

References

• Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. (2022). Investigation into SEPLAT Financial Irregularities. Retrieved from https://www.efccnigeria.org
• Nigerian Stock Exchange. (2014). SEPLAT Energy Plc Public Listing Report. Retrieved from https://www.nse.com.ng
• Forbes Africa. (2020). Africa’s Oil Tycoons: The Rise of ABC Orjiako. Retrieved from https://www.forbesafrica.com
• Bloomberg. (2023). SEPLAT Energy Boardroom Crisis: A Look into the Dispute. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com

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