What made this donation special is that the books and computers were not limited to select students at a few choice schools. Over 400,000 books were distributed to primary and secondary schools as well as universities throughout Nigeria. What makes this gift extra special is that it will be duplicated in several other West and East African countries. A consignment of five 40-foot shipping containers full of books has already been off-loaded and distributed in the Gambia. Good things do indeed happen in Nigeria and Africa.
The Accomplished Businessman
This generous donation was made possibile by Sir Emeka Offor. In partnership with the American non-governmental organization, Books For Africa (BFA), Sir Emeka has imported over 1 million books, computers, and school supplies to Nigeria and other West African nations. Through his nonprofit organisation, the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), Sir Emeka has become BFA’s most important partner in Africa. At the conclusion of this ambitious $14 million dollar book project, SEOF will be the largest private donor of books on the African Continent.
Those who know Sir Emeka are not surprised by his significant, but low-key generosity. His modest beginning provides insight into his commitment to help young people and the vulnerable in society.
Sir Emeka began his business career as an apprentice to his uncle and proved to be a quick study. In 1994, he formed the Chrome Group, entering into Nigeria’s rough-and- tumble oil and gas industry. Guided by a relentless work ethic and keen business sense, the Chrome Group has established itself as a dominent player in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Based in Abuja, it is a leading conglomerate of engineering and energy companies with expertise in natural gas pipeline construction and the provision of digital inspection services. Its client base includes major international oil companies, the Nigerian Federal
Government and numerous state governments. The Chrome conglomerate has expanded its reach outside the oil industry to encompass domestic and international holdings in the insurance industry, the power sector, telecommunications, and logistics. Subsidiaries of the Chrome Group constitute the principal shareholders of the publicly-traded American company, ERHC Energy, Inc., an independent firm with important interests in exploration and development of assets in the Gulf of Guinea, including the Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development and Exclusive Economic Zones, Chad, Kenya and other promising areas in sub-Saharan Africa.
