THE BIOGRAPHY OF CHIKA ALEXANDER OKAFOR (AKỤ ATỤEGWU NNEWI); CEO OF CHIKASON GROUP

Chief (Dr.) Alexander Chika Okafor (OON) is the Chairman and founder of Chicason Group of Companies. He was born on February 6, 1957, in Uru-Umudim, Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area, to the family of late Pa Godfrey Okafor and the late Madam Jerimaima Okafor in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Chika Alexander Okafor (Akụ Atụegwu Nnewi) is the first son and second of eight children. He began his formal education in 1963 at Saint Stephen’s Primary School, Umudim-Nnewi, Anambra State.

Life took a twist when he lost his father in 1970 and his education was cut short due to his mother’s inability to provide for him. He was sent to live with his maternal uncle to learn the fundamentals of trading. He started his business career more than forty-three years ago after graduating from apprenticeship of his maternal uncle, Chief Ben Akubueze of Nnobi town in Anambra State.

There after he established his own business enterprise which today has grown into an empire. He enrolled for a private tutorial tuition and improved his academic career while still doing his business.

He is happily married with Children and grand Children.

He started trading under the name ‘Chicason,’ which later became Chicason Nigeria Limited and eventually the Chicason Group of Companies.

He made his breakthrough in 1978 when he started his own business and a merchant mistakenly supplied him with goods worth more than the amount he paid. Instead of taking advantage of the situation, he sold the items and reimbursed the merchant for the balance, earning himself a reputation as a man of integrity.

He used the profit from the sale to expand his business and explore the international market, starting with Liberia and then moving on to Asia, where he began importing clothing and electronics. He started his career in the oil and gas industry, where he gained valuable experience and expertise. However, his entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to venture into the world of different businesses.

He established Chicason Nigeria Ltd, the mother company of his group in 1981.The group has expanded to include in a number of business activities in oil and gas exploration, production and sales of petroleum products, manufacturing and mining. The group also includes operations in real estate, project management, agriculture, travel/tourism, health care and construction.

Business Companies under Chicason Group includes:

• Resources Improvement Manufacturing Company Ltd.
• Cason Travels Ltd.
• Proinolex Industrial Chemical Company Ltd.
• Alex International Agencies Ltd
• Best Total Industries Ltd.
• A-Z Petroleum Products Ltd
• RIMCO Farms and Plantation Ltd CICO Resources Ltd.
• Trust Global Services Ltd.
• Afro-Asian Automobile Industries.
• Afro-Euro Concerns Ltd.
• Euro Cement Company Ltd.
• Boston Oil & Gas Ltd
• Intercorp Oil Ltd.
• Leadership Thrust & Associates Ltd.

Dr. Chika is also committed to giving back to society, with a focus on education and youth empowerment. He has supported various initiatives and programs aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and skills development.

He is a Philanthropist, a Community Leader, and a member of so many associations. He is a good listener, a very thoughtful, and an astute manager of resources. He is a Courageous, Visionary and Focused leader.

He has for over 20 years been sponsoring the scholarship of hundreds of indigent students cutting across the nation annually to Higher Institutions of learning in Nigeria. He is currently the chairman, Rock Foundation for Widows, Orphans, and Less Privileged.

Chief Chika Alexander (Akụ Atụegwu Nnewi) is a recipient of 3 prestigious National Honors Awards namely: Member of Order of the Niger (MON), Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) and Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). Doctor of Business Administration (Honorary)-Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. Chief Okafor has also received the following international award of excellence: ECOWAS International Gold Award, African International Award of Merit and Paul Harris Award from Rotary Club International.