Today, the name Ojukwu is somewhat synonymous with the Biafra civil war leader, although this was not always the case. Sir Louis Phillip Odumegwu Ojukwu, a visionary and businessman who was unquestionably the wealthiest man in Nigeria in the years leading up to independence, was the father of Chukwuemeka Ojukwu.
Despite having nothing when he first arrived in Lagos in 1929, Sir Louis managed Ojukwu stores, Ojukwu textiles, and Ojukwu transport company within ten years. His ability to recognize opportunities helped him make wise business judgments.
He was The founding President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, President, African Continental Bank, Chairman of the Nigeria Cement Company (NIGERCEM), Chairman of Ojukwu Transport Company, Chairman of the Nigerian National Shipping Line, Chairman of Lion of Africa Insurance Company, Chairman of the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank, Vice Chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Costain West Africa, Director of Shell D’Arcy Petroleum, Director of Thomas Wyatt and Sons, Director of Guinness Nigeria Limited, Director of the Daily Times of Nigeria, Chairman, Nigerian Produce Marketing Board; Director of Nigerian Coal Corporation, Director of Palmline Shipping Company.
Sir Louis died in 1966, just one year before the nation descended into civil war.