Editor
By Fatima Saka
Chief Arthur Eze, often known as Prince Arthur Eze due to his royal lineage, is a renowned Nigerian oil tycoon, philanthropist, and politician.
The Igbos call him, ‘ozoigbondu’ of Igboland and he is the 8th wealthiest man in Africa.
Born on November 27, 1948, in Ukpo Village, Anambra State, Nigeria, he is a key figure in the oil and gas sector as the CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum. This company holds the largest number of oil exploration blocks in Africa, with licenses in 12 countries and assets in nations like Nigeria, Gambia, and Liberia.
After completing his early education in Nigeria, Arthur Eze pursued mechanical and chemical engineering in the United States, graduating from California State University, Long Beach, in 1978. Beyond his business pursuits, he is known for extensive philanthropic work across Nigeria and Africa, with donations to education, healthcare, community development, and infrastructure projects. For instance, he donated $12 million for a youth center in Bayelsa State and millions more to support infrastructure, education, and disaster relief.
Chief Arthur Eze has received various awards and honors, including the Zik Leadership Award, the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) award, and honorary titles recognizing his contributions to society. His philanthropic reputation and substantial wealth have earned him a high standing, especially among the Igbo people, who call him “Ozoigbondu” (protector of Igboland). His net worth is considered substantial, though it remains unconfirmed, as he continues to give generously to causes across Africa.
ATLAS ORANTO PETROLEUM
Chief Arthur Eze has largest holder of oil exploration blocks in Africa, and Nigeria’s largest privately held, Africa-focused exploration and production group. Atlas Oranto oil prides itself as an oil and gas exploration company with 22 oil and gas licenses in 12 jurisdictions across the African continent with oil and gas assets in Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria and Liberia. Atlas Oranto has regional offices and representatives across core investment locations in West Africa with its technical base in Lagos while its corporate headquarters is located in Nigeria’s federal capital Abuja.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
He was appointed as the Chancellor of Azman University, Kano by The Founder Alh. Dr. Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina on 12th July, 2023
Patron of Ndigbo Lagos’ and adoption into the Ndigbo Lagos Patron Hall of Fame at his 70th
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr Umahi, named a major road after Arthur Eze, and also appointed him as the Chancellor of Ebonyi State University.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan conferred him with the distinguished award of the ‘Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR)’ in recognition of his contribution towards the development of the nation’s economy and humanitarian gesture to the Nigerian people at an event in Abuja on the 14th of November 2011.
Enugu City Centre Rotary District 9142 named him “Outstanding Citizen of the World” in 2015.
The Zik Prize in leadership awards honoured him with the ‘Zik Leadership Awards’ in the business category in 2018.
Africa Value Award’ by Value Reorientation and Developmental Initiative Africa (VARDIAFRICA) in 2018
PHILANTROPIC ACTIVITIES
Donation of 200 Million to Azman University during the Inauguration of the Maiden BOT and Governing Council on 16th July, 2023.
Donation of $12 million for the construction of St. Stephen’s Anglican Deanery and Youth Development Center in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria in 2013.
Arthur Eze donated $800,000 for the construction of two primary schools in Yirol and Rumbek communities in central South Sudan.
10 million naira donated to the elderly people of the Ukpo community.
The Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD), received the sum of N5 million for a standard sickle cell clinic at the Ukpo, Dunukofia Council Area of Anambra State.
He was part of those that contributed to the relief needs of the victims of Boko Haram insurgencies, of which he donated the sum of $800,000 at a fundraiser in Abuja.
Arthur Eze gave 25 million naira of the total funds raised for the ‘Russia 2018’ FIFA World Cup in 2018.
Eze donated $6.3-million to the flood relief efforts in Nigeria in the year 2013.
A church in the Abagana community benefited from his cheerful giving as he gave them the sum of 20 million naira for musical instruments and renovations in 2015.
Arthur single handedly built a medical research unit for the Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
He modernized the local market near the Ukpo palace and also created road networks linking the Dunukofia clan with neighboring towns like Abba, Awkuzu, Ifite-Dunu, and Abagana.
Arthur constructed the overhead bridge in Ebonyi State with his funds, without asking for government intervention.
NET WORTH
Arthur Eze is a man that gives in both millions and billions without any expectations whatsoever. Even as he gives freely, he still has more than enough to give from his reservoir of wealth. He is worth billions, as an oil mogul, even though we cannot ascertain his net worth.
