Ernest Nnaemeka Azudialu Obiejesi was born on April 17, 1960, in Okija, Anambra State, Nigeria. He grew up in a dynamic entrepreneurial environment, which greatly influenced his future pursuits.
He attended Government College, Owerri, in Imo State, for his higher school education, where he built a strong academic foundation. After completing his studies, he joined his father’s trading business, DA Ifeanyi & Brothers Trading Company, gaining firsthand experience in commerce and business management.
Table of Contents
Career
Beginnings in Business
In 1978, at a young age, Azudialu Obiejesi formally entered the business world through the family’s trading company. With ambition and vision beyond traditional trading, he went on to establish his own enterprise.
In 1983, he founded Obijackson West Africa Limited, headquartered in Lagos. The company specialized in trading a wide range of goods across West Africa, laying the foundation for what would become a vast business empire.
Founding of Nestoil
In 1991, Azudialu Obiejesi took a bold step into the oil and gas sector by founding Nestoil Limited.
Nestoil became a pioneer in Nigeria’s oil servicing industry, providing Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC) services. The company specialized in the construction, maintenance, and repair of pipelines, dredging operations, river crossings, shoreline protection, and related infrastructural projects critical to the petroleum industry.
Under his leadership, Nestoil rapidly grew into one of the most respected indigenous oil service companies in Nigeria, working with major international oil companies and contributing to Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
Expansion with Neconde
Azudialu Obiejesi also founded Neconde Energy Limited, an oil exploration and production company focused on the acquisition, development, and operation of oil and gas assets in Nigeria.
Neconde acquired significant stakes in oil blocks previously held by multinational companies, further consolidating Obiejesi’s influence in the Nigerian petroleum sector.
Through these ventures, he helped drive Nigeria’s local content initiatives, empowering Nigerian companies and professionals within the oil and gas industry.
Philanthropy
The Obijackson Foundation
A passionate advocate for societal development, Azudialu Obiejesi founded the Obijackson Foundation, a private, non-profit organization based in Anambra State.
The Foundation is committed to improving the socio-economic well-being of Nigerians, particularly in the Southeast, through:
- Access to quality education
- Healthcare services
- Skill acquisition and empowerment programs
- Infrastructure development
Additionally, the Foundation places a strong emphasis on preserving and promoting Igbo cultural heritage. One of its signature events is the Face of Okija Cultural Festival, a vibrant annual celebration that showcases the rich traditions, arts, and customs of the Igbo people.
Through these initiatives, the Obijackson Foundation has touched thousands of lives, providing scholarships, building healthcare facilities, and promoting cultural pride.
Personal Life
Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi maintains strong ties to his Igbo roots and family.
His daughter, Kenechukwu “Kene” Obi Jackson, recently made headlines with her traditional marriage to Ugochukwu Okonkwo, the son of another prominent billionaire, Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo of Ekulo Group. Their union marked a powerful merger of two influential Nigerian business families.
Despite his vast success, Obiejesi is known for his humility, deep philanthropy, and commitment to empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
Daughter’s Wedding and Family Alliances
On April 23, 2025, Kenechukwu “Kene” Obi Jackson, daughter of billionaire businessman Chief Azudialo Obiajulu Obi Jackson, CEO of Nestoil Group, traditionally married Ugochukwu Okonkwo, son of billionaire Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo, CEO of Ekulo Group of Companies.
The opulent ceremony took place in Anambra State and was attended by Nigeria’s elite. Kene made a grand entrance, arriving in a custom-made outfit reportedly worth ₦12 million and was carried into the venue on a golden palanquin, symbolizing her esteemed status.
The union of these two prominent families not only signifies a personal commitment but also represents a merging of significant business and social ties within Nigerian high society.
References
- Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi. (2024). Wikipedia. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Azudialu_Obiejesi
- West African Pilot News. (2025, April 24). Obijackson’s daughter, Kene, ties the knot with Bishop Okonkwo’s son, Ugo. Retrieved from
https://www.westafricanpilotnews.com/2025/04/24/obijacksons-daughter-kene-ties-the-knot-with-bishop-okonkwos-son-ugo/
- Legit.ng. (2025). #Kego2025: Daughter of billionaire Obi Jackson turns heads arriving wedding in gold throne. Retrieved from
https://www.legit.ng/people/1651470-kego2025-daughter-billionaire-obi-jackson-turns-heads-arrives-wedding-gold-throne/
- Vanguard News. (2025). Obi Jackson’s daughter, Okonkwo’s son turn heads with dramatic wedding entrance. Retrieved from
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/obi-jacksons-daughter-okonkwos-son-turn-heads-with-dramatic-wedding-entrance/
- Linda Ikeji’s Blog. (2024, August). A match made in wealth: The billionaire engagement of two influential families. Retrieved from
https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2024/8/a-match-made-in-wealth-the-billionaire-engagement-of-two-influential-families-2.html
Related posts:
Dangerous Eze
James Brown
Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa
Views: 406
N:B Please send your updated CV to: info@igbopeople.org – Editor
© igbopeople.org
All entries on this website will be periodically updated to add, modify, or amend the information or content of existing entries. Consequently, no legal action will be entertained against the biographer for any information considered incomplete or insufficient.