By
Gloria Josiah
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, has felicitated with prominent businessman and philanthropist, Chief Austine Oguejiofor, the Onwa Enugwu-Ukwu N’Umumri, on his 56th birthday.
In a statement signed in Abuja, the Chapel said the honour was in recognition of Oguejiofor’s accomplishments in business, his commitment to community development, and his long-standing cordial relationship with journalists.
The union noted that Oguejiofor’s 56th birthday was an opportunity to reflect on a life that has positively impacted individuals, institutions, and communities.
According to the statement, the businessman has remained accessible to the media over the years, granting interviews and sharing insights on business investments, philanthropy, and national development.
“For us in the media, this celebration is significant. Chief Austine has consistently made himself available for discussions around investment, growth, and giving back to society,” the Chapel stated.
The Chapel observed that Oguejiofor’s investments in real estate, energy, and particularly his home state, Anambra, have received wide media coverage.
It added that his engagement with journalists has been exemplary, noting that while many public figures embrace the press only when the coverage favours them, Oguejiofor has maintained a relationship that goes beyond mere publicity.
“He is a businessman who appreciates the role of journalism as a pillar of accountability in society,” the Chapel said, adding that he has engaged reporters on public issues and extended support to members of the profession in various ways.
The journalists also highlighted Oguejiofor’s humble beginnings, including his early days as an electronics repair technician, before building his businesses and relocating to Abuja, where his interests expanded into property development and other sectors.
The Chapel described his rise as a story of resilience and persistence, rather than just wealth accumulation.
“His journey reminds us that behind many Nigerian success stories are years of struggle, learning a trade, and searching for opportunities,” it noted.
Philanthropy, the Chapel said, has remained central to Oguejiofor’s identity, as he has often spoken about channeling the proceeds of his success to support his family, community, and humanity.
The statement recalled that in 2019, the Igbo think-tank group, Oriental Platform and Eastern Union, honoured him as a businessman of integrity and patriotism for his contributions to development, employment generation, and charity.
The Chapel further explained that his traditional title, Onwa Enugwu-Ukwu N’Umumri, reflects his respected standing in Enugwu-Ukwu community and his growing influence in wider society.
According to the journalists, awards and titles only tell part of the story, stressing that Oguejiofor’s broader impact lies in how his journey has intersected with journalism, enterprise, and community service.
“At its best, the relationship between business and the media should be built on access, mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to telling meaningful stories,” the Chapel added.
The statement described age 56 for Oguejiofor as not just a milestone, but a stage in a longer path “from struggle to enterprise, from enterprise to influence, and from influence to responsibility.”
The Chapel concluded by congratulating the businessman, saying his contributions and support for people, including journalists, have been duly noted, and wished him good health, wisdom, and many more years of impactful service.
