For Chief Obele, however, the honour represented far more than personal recognition. It affirmed a journey defined by enterprise, integrity and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others.
As Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Ltd., he has built thriving businesses across construction, real estate, hospitality, logistics, trading, distribution, and the downstream oil and gas sector. Yet beyond the impressive corporate profile lies a story many find even more compelling—a businessman who has consistently chosen to make his success meaningful to others.
Across several communities in Anambra State, roads once abandoned have found new life through his personal interventions. Communities that once struggled with poor access now enjoy improved connectivity because one man decided that waiting for government was not always the answer.
These are not promises. They are roads people drive on every day. Yet roads tell only part of the story.
According to his Adviser on Media Communications and Strategy, Njoku Macdonald Obinna— through youth empowerment, educational support, entrepreneurial funding and humanitarian interventions, Chief Obele has continued to create opportunities for young people, support indigent students and strengthen communities across Anambra State.
For Chief Obele, success has never been measured solely by the businesses he builds, but by the people those businesses empower.
Receiving the award alongside his beautiful wife, Lady Ifeoma Obele, friends, business associates, and numerous well wishers — Chief Obele described the recognition as “a great honour,” expressing deep appreciation to the organisers for finding him worthy of the prestigious recognition.
He dedicated the honour to “the entire South-East, the men and women who have supported him, his family, and the Mekens Group throughout this journey,” stressing that their encouragement and belief had contributed immensely to his success.
Reflecting on the philosophy that has continued to define his interventions, he said: “Our commitment to youth empowerment, education and community development is not mere charity. It is an investment in our children who will build companies even bigger than mine”.
He concluded with what many considered the defining message of the evening, declaring that “integrity still pays,” while describing the award as “a chance to build, create, employ and do more”.
The watershed event also celebrated other distinguished personalities whose remarkable contributions have continued to shape society. His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke received the Person of the Decade Award, while Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, Chairman of Fidelity Bank, was honoured as Woman of the Year.
Also recognised were Prof. Chinyere Stella, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, and Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo (OON, SAN, Life Bencher), Founder of WACOL and Tamar SARC, both recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards. Mrs. Chinyere Moneme, SAN, Principal Partner of Crystal Legal Services, received the Inspiring Woman of the Year Award, while Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, emerged Public Servant of the Year. Mrs. Chinwe Iloghalu was honoured as Banker of the Year, while Mr. John Ezeobi, Chairman of Zobis Electrical Wires and Cables Ltd., received the Manufacturer of the Year Award.
As the applause faded inside the Stanel Dome, one thing became clear: the evening had never been about a plaque or a title. They were merely symbols of journeys already written through years of hardwork, resilence, enterprise and service.
Some men build companies that survive for decades. Others build legacies that outlive them.
No doubt, the Seven Star General —Super High Chief Sir (Dr.) Anthony Ikenna Obele— builds both.
Njoku Macdonald Obinna`
Media Consultant|Newspaper Columnist|Public Analyst|PR- Expert`
Publisher, 4th Estate Reporters