Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned industrialist, business mogul and philanthropist, Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel “Nuel” Ojei, who passed on at the age of 74.
Oborevwori in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, lamented that his death is a significant loss to Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.
He described the late Ojei as an outstanding entrepreneur, visionary leader and committed Deltan whose contributions to business development, job creation and philanthropy left an enduring legacy in the state and Nigeria at large.
The Governor said Chief Ojei’s death was a huge loss not only to his family and Issele-Uku community but also to the entire Delta State and Nigeria as a whole, noting that his life exemplified hard work, innovation and service to humanity.
He recalled that the late industrialist built a formidable indigenous business empire spanning automotive, construction, petroleum and other sectors, thereby contributing significantly to economic growth and employment generation.
Chief Ojei, who was the founder of Nuel Ojei Holdings (NOH) and Nuel Auto Distributors (NAD), began his business career at Rutam Motors in 1973 before establishing his own companies that later became major players in Nigeria’s automotive and allied industries.
Under his leadership, Nuel Auto Distributors, founded in 1981, emerged as the sole agent for Mazda vehicles in Nigeria and later partnered with Mercedes-Benz for authorised vehicle servicing.
Through Nuel Ojei Holdings, he led a large indigenous conglomerate with investments in automotive, banking, construction and other sectors, providing employment opportunities for hundreds of Nigerians.
In recognition of his contributions to business development, Delta State University awarded him an honorary Doctorate in Business Administration in 2003.
Beyond business, Governor Oborevwori noted that the late Ojei was a generous philanthropist whose Nuel Ojei Foundation touched many lives through educational, health and social interventions.
The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the Ojei family, the people of Issele-Uku, and the business community, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
He also prayed God to grant the soul of Chief Ojei eternal rest in His bosom.
