Meet Chief Emma Okonkwo, the Anambra man who owns a world of wine
Chief Emma Okonkwo made a difference when he chose to navigate his own path instead of joining his father’s shoe business.
Born in Ichi, Ekwusigo local government area, Anambra State, Emma Bishop Okonkwo as he is popularly called is the billionaire whose story has inspired so many people.
He started trading under the name E.C. Okonkwo and Brothers in 1980. He was into the importation of beverages and electrical appliances. Like other businessmen of the Igbo tribe, he went from the commercial metropolis in Anambra to Lagos, the commercial capital of the country.
As seconds turned into minutes and gradually years and decades, the businessman has built a conglomerate diversified into real estate, beverages, food industries, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and the rest. E.C Okonkwo and Brothers metamorphosed into Ekulo Group.
The popular Eva soap which has found its way to the bathroom of thousands of families is a product of Evans Industries Limited. This is a subsidiary of the Ekulo Group. Other soaps they manufacture are Medical, Hawaii, Blossom Light, Unik, and Gino.
Ekulo International is the parent company of Ekulo Wine World. The firm has been cooling palates with choice wines from different parts of the globe. A walk into their wine shop would have you relish a whole world of sparkling wines in their different sizes, shapes and colors.
For 3 decades, Ekulo Wine World has been the savior of wine lovers in Nigeria and West Africa. That spells consistency. The name “Ekulo” comes from a stream in Ichi. This stream flows steadily even when others dry up thanks to seasoning. Ekulo could be another word for consistency.
Ekulo International partners with Don Simon to have the drink produced here in Nigeria. They also hold the sole franchise for Laurent-Perrier Champagne in Nigeria. They recently joined forces with Cubana Bars, a subsidiary of Cubana Group, owned by popular socialite Obi Cubana.
Ekulo International is the face of countless brands in the realm of wines and spirits in Nigeria. Some of these brands are Johnnie Walker, Moet & Chandon, Remy Martin, and so many others. Five Alive and Mcvites owes its existence in present Nigeria to Ekulo International.
Ekulo Group of Companies is known for the importation, manufacturing, and exportation of a wide range of goods. Their supply chain is spread across Nigeria, Africa, and other continents.
The company provides the needs of households across the world at a low cost yet gives their customers the best quality.
Chief Emma Bishop lost a leg in an accident, but he did not allow that to deter him from driving further in life. He even jokes about the leg rather than evoke pity from people. He has been described as the one-legged man that has helped hundreds of people on two feet.
Ikenga Ichi, one of his numerous titles, is a well-known philanthropist. So many students in higher institutions of learning have benefited from his generosity. His graciousness has spread across Ichi and the environs. He built an ultra-modern palace for the traditional ruler of his community. This and many more has earned him traditional titles like Ikenga Ichi, Eze Enyimba n’ Ozubulu, Okpuluisi Zuluora Onu, Odenigbo n’ Amichi, and others.
In 2011, former President Goodluck Jonathan honoured with the merit award, Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Chief Emma Okonkwo is a Knight of Saint Christopher. He is married to Lady Franca Ngozi Okonkwo and the union is blessed with five children.
