The South-East of Nigeria, home to Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, is widely recognized as the Igbo heartland.
This region has long been a hub of entrepreneurship, commerce, and innovation, producing some of Nigeria’s most industrious and financially successful citizens.
It is a place where determination meets opportunity and where businesses, big and small, thrive through resilience and strategic thinking.
The individuals who make this list of the top 10 billionaires in South-East Nigeria represent a diverse array of sectors.
From oil and gas to automotive, manufacturing, finance, and telecommunications, these business leaders have built empires that not only generate significant wealth but also create jobs, drive industrial growth, and shape the economy. Their stories reflect a mix of ambition, ingenuity, and the ability to navigate Nigeria’s challenging business sector.
Beyond business, many of them are notable philanthropists, contributing to education, healthcare, and community development in the region. Examining the wealthiest in the South-East offers a window into the economic powerhouses driving the region’s growth and influence, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity that define the Igbo commercial tradition.
Anthony Ifeanyichukwu Ezenna is a Nigerian business magnate and philanthropist who has built a reputation as a pioneer in the pharmaceutical and consumer products distribution sector. He is the founder of Orange Drugs Nigeria Limited, a company that imports and distributes pharmaceutical and beauty products from the United States, Germany, Italy, and Indonesia.
Born in Port Harcourt in 1957, Ezenna grew up in Onitsha, attending Christ the King College after completing primary education at St. David Primary School, Owerre Akokwa.
Faced with financial challenges, he paused formal education to join his father’s business, gaining early entrepreneurial experience. Leveraging these skills, he founded Orange Drugs, which grew into a leading distributor in Nigeria’s healthcare and beauty markets.
