Anambra News
Chief Chinedu Benson Madubuko – Biography, Business, and Philanthropy
In Nigeria’s business and humanitarian landscape, few names command as much respect as Chief Chinedu Benson Madubuko, fondly called De Chico or Ezeani Chinechendo. Born in 1963 in the peaceful community of Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Madubuko is a man whose life journey blends entrepreneurial excellence with deep-rooted community service. As the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of De Chico Investment Limited, he has built an empire in the building materials sector while dedicating a significant portion of his wealth and energy to philanthropic works that have transformed lives across Nigeria.
Chief Chinedu Benson Madubuko
Early Life and Education
Chief Chinedu Benson Madubuko was born into a modest family in Adazi-Ani in the early 1960s. Growing up in a community rich in Igbo cultural heritage, he was taught values such as honesty, hard work, and respect for one’s roots, qualities that have guided him throughout his career.
His formal education began in Anambra State, after which he pursued higher education at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University), Port Harcourt. There, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Science, equipping him with the knowledge and skills that would later shape his entrepreneurial journey.
Rise in Business, The De Chico Story
After his university education, Chief Madubuko ventured into business, driven by a passion for excellence and an eye for opportunities in Nigeria’s growing construction sector. His company, De Chico Investment Limited, started as a modest trading outfit but quickly grew into one of the most reputable manufacturers and distributors of building materials in the country.
De Chico Investment Limited has its headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and operates with a vision to supply quality, durable, and affordable building materials to meet the needs of developers, homeowners, and construction companies. The company’s product line includes:
- Aluminium profiles
- Stone-coated roofing sheets
- Ceiling cladding
- Urban planet doors
- Stone tiles
Through a commitment to quality and innovation, De Chico has earned the trust of clients across Nigeria and beyond. The company’s operations also contribute to the economy by providing jobs to hundreds of Nigerians.
De Chico factory
De Chico roofing sheet
Philanthropy
While Chief Madubuko is an accomplished businessman, his true legacy lies in his humanitarian works. He believes that wealth only finds meaning when it is used to uplift others. This belief led him to establish the Zeph Care Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on empowering the underprivileged.
Zeph Care Foundation’s Impact
The foundation operates across different regions, offering:
- Educational Support – Scholarships for students from poor backgrounds, covering tuition, learning materials, and in some cases, living expenses.
- Healthcare Assistance – Funding for medical treatments, surgeries, and the provision of free health services during outreach programs.
- Youth Empowerment – Skill acquisition programs and provision of start-up capital to help young people start small businesses.
- Widow Support Schemes – Financial assistance and resources for widows to become self-reliant.
Between 2017 and 2021, the Port Harcourt branch of the foundation supported 704 individuals with a total of ₦67.6 million. This included seed capital for businesses, medical aid, and skills training. In 2020, the foundation extended operations to his hometown, Adazi-Ani, committing ₦100 million over five years. By 2022, over ₦40 million had been disbursed to 415 beneficiaries.
Community Development Projects
Chief Madubuko’s philanthropy is not limited to direct financial support; he also invests heavily in infrastructure that benefits entire communities.
Road Construction
One of his most remarkable contributions is the construction and asphalting of roads in Adazi-Ani. Using his personal funds, he built and rehabilitated over 20 roads, totaling more than 14 kilometers. These roads are complete with proper drainage systems, making them durable and flood-resistant. They connect neighborhoods, ease transportation, and boost local commerce.
Water Supply
Recognizing that access to clean water is essential for health and productivity, Chief Madubuko funded a deep-water borehole at Adazi Community High School at the cost of ₦6 million, ensuring that students and staff have safe drinking water.
Support for Higher Education
His commitment to education is further reflected in his pledge to construct a 500-seater auditorium with office facilities for the Faculty of Social Sciences at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. This project, valued at around ₦250 million, will serve generations of students and academic staff.
Awards and Recognitions
Chief Chinedu Benson Madubuko’s impact has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, he has been honored with several awards, including:
- Entrepreneur of the Year – The Sun Awards (2021)
- Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) – Conferred by the Federal Government of Nigeria in recognition of his contributions to national development.
- Various community and industry awards for his contributions to infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment.
Personal Life and Values
Chief Madubuko is married to Mrs. Chinelo Madubuko, and together they have five children. Despite his success, he is known for his humility, simplicity, and deep respect for tradition. His chieftaincy title, Ezeani Chinechendo, reflects his strong cultural ties and the respect he commands within his community.
Faith also plays a role in his life, guiding his approach to both business and philanthropy. His story is a testament to how discipline, vision, and compassion can coexist in one person.
Why His Story Matters
In a world where many pursue wealth for personal comfort alone, Chief Madubuko stands out as an example of purpose-driven success. His journey teaches valuable lessons
- Hard Work Pays – Starting from modest beginnings, he built a multi-million-naira business through dedication and smart decision-making.
- Remember Your Roots – No matter how far he has gone in life, he continues to invest heavily in his hometown and community.
- Wealth as a Tool for Change – His philanthropic projects show that money can create lasting, positive change when used wisely.
Conclusion
Chief Chinedu Benson Madubuko’s life is more than a success story, it’s a blueprint for combining entrepreneurship with compassion. From building a leading construction materials company to funding roads, scholarships, and healthcare, his impact cuts across business and humanity.
As Nigeria continues to face challenges in infrastructure, education, and youth unemployment, leaders like Chief Madubuko prove that individual action, backed by vision and sincerity, can make a real difference.
His journey reminds us that true greatness is not measured only by financial achievements, but by the lives we touch and the legacies we leave behind.
