By Nnamdi Ojiego
When a child washes his hands clean, he dines with elders—an African proverb that mirrors the life of Chief (Dr) Chukwuebuka Onunkwo, Founder and CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd., known fondly as Eze Igbo. With a strong educational foundation and a relentless drive, Ebuka rose from modest beginnings to become a celebrated industrialist and leader, dedicated to serving his community and inspiring the next generation.
Raised in Ihembosi, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ebuka excelled in school and quickly proved himself as an academic talent. He went on to earn a diploma in French and later attended an economic development program in the United States, which broadened his understanding of global markets and business strategy. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Oil and Gas Research and Hydrocarbon Studies and holds an Honorary Doctorate from Ecole Superieure Sainte Felicite.
From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Success
Ebuka’s entry into business began with motor spare parts, and from there, his vision grew. His commitment to innovation led him to start Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd., a now-thriving enterprise. In 2003, he made a pivotal decision to invest in lubricant and motor battery importation rather than luxury, demonstrating his foresight and focus on creating long-term value. When a supplier’s bankruptcy threatened his business leading to his loss of $3.2 million dollars in Turkey, he turned adversity into opportunity, shifting production locally in 2017, after a fast construction, commissioning and take-off of Seahorse’s multimillion dollar lubricant factory at Ozubulu. Today, Seahorse employs over 1,000 people, impacting countless lives directly and indirectly.
Commitment to Community and Education
A true philanthropist, Ebuka is passionate about supporting education and building stronger communities. His own experiences and academic journey have inspired him to make it his mission to ensure young people have access to learning opportunities. “I know what it’s like to face financial limitations,” he says. “If I can help even one person stay in school, that makes it all worthwhile.”
Since 2009, he has sponsored primary and secondary education for students in need. Specifically, he placed every student at Community Secondary School Ihembosi on scholarship until the student bags WAEC’s WASSC, irrespective of the student’s place of origin. He has provided infrastructure like asphalted roads, electricity, and awarded scholarships to university students across Anambra State. He has also supported Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, donating a brand-new bus to its Biochemistry Department, and funded educational programs in his community and beyond.
Ebuka’s philanthropic spirit has been recognized widely. He was named an Eminent Peace Ambassador by the United Nations Peace Volunteers and supports the Anambra Vigilante Service to help maintain peace and security. Additionally, his contributions extend to local churches, which he has helped rebuild and renovate as part of his commitment to fostering community strength.
Inspiring Leadership and Recognition
Ebuka’s exceptional leadership has not gone unnoticed. Among his many accolades, he received The Sun Newspaper’s Industrialist of the Year Award in 2020 and was honoured by Anambra State Government for his contributions to education. CrownPoint International School of Health Sciences in Ogun State also commemorated his support by naming its Multipurpose Hall after Ebuka Onunkwo.
Despite his success, Ebuka remains humble and accessible. His Ozobulu factory stands as a model of compassionate management, offering employees competitive benefits, transportation, meals, and salaries that attract skilled workers from across the region. “It’s not just about profits,” he shares. “It’s about uplifting lives and ensuring a supportive environment for all.”
