Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii (born 17 April 1975) is a Nigerian businessman, philanthropist and politician. He is the founder and chairman of Orient Global Group.[1] and also the
gubernatorial candidate of the
People’s Democratic Party for
Ebonyi State in the
2023 gubernatorial election. Odii is a native of Isu in Onicha local government area (LGA) of
Ebonyi state, Nigeria.
Early life and education
Odii attended Isu-achara primary school and Isu secondary school, both in
Ebonyi state for his early education. Odii studied
Business Administration from the
National Open University of Nigeria earning a Bachelors of Science (B.Sc.). He was conferred with a Doctor of Science Degree in Strategic Business Management & Corporate Governance by the European American University in the Republic of Panama.[2] He also studied through the Chief Executive program at Lagos Business School. He is a member of the
Lagos State University Governing board announced in 2021 by the Lagos State Governor,
Babajide Sanwo-Olu[3][4] He is also on the board of the
Nnamdi Azikwe University Business School.[5]
Political career
Odii was elected 2023 Gubernatorial candidate of the
People’s Democratic Party (Nigeria) polling a total of 349 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chris Usulor, who scored nine votes.[6][7][8][9]
Awards
In 2022,
Guardian Newspaper recognized Odii as one of the top 50 CEOs that impacted and contributed to Nigeria’s GDP growth in 2021.[10]
Odii was awarded Independent Newspaper’s Philanthropist of the year.[11][12]
Odii setup the Ebele and Anyichuks Foundation which he runs with his wife. The foundation has built over 130 homes for poor people,[14][15] six churches and a 2.2 km (1.4 mi) road in Magodo,
Lagos.[16] During the
COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation also donated 150m naira to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Lagos state government and Ebonyi state government[17] as well as distribute pallatives to people.[16] He has also provided scholarships for students in Ebonyi state[18]