Anyaegbu Endows COOU Transportation Management Department With One Billion Naira
Kenechukwu Ofomah |Ichie Times
The founder and Chairman of Chisco Group of Companies, Chief Dr Chidi Anyaegbu, has endowed N1 billion to the Department of Transportation Management at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State, to support the development of transportation education and research.
The endowment was announced during the maiden Chidi Anyaegbu Annual Public Lecture Series and book presentation held at the university’s Convocation Arena, Igbariam Campus.
The event also featured the groundbreaking ceremonies for a new Department of Transportation Management building and the Chidi Anyaegbu Multipurpose Auditorium, as well as the presentation of a book titled The Godfather of Transport, Chisco: Platinum Footprints of Enterprise — The Life, Legacies and Leadership of Chidi Anyaegbu.
The Chairman of the occasion and former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, described the event as an opportunity to celebrate success, philanthropy and the values that drive achievement.
He called on wealthy Igbo entrepreneurs to give back to society, stressing the importance of discipline, determination, hard work, humility and trustworthiness in building successful enterprises.
The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, who was the guest speaker at the event, emphasised the need to document the experiences and achievements of successful entrepreneurs to inspire younger generations and promote sustainable growth in various businesses and professions.
Otti described Anyaegbu as a worthy role model whose entrepreneurial journey demonstrated how vision, diligence and competence could transform humble beginnings into a successful business empire.
He commended the Chisco Group for building a diversified enterprise spanning transportation, logistics, real estate, oil and gas over nearly five decades, noting that the company’s growth reflected the opportunities available to entrepreneurs who combine determination with effective management and a clear vision.
The governor said Anyaegbu’s contributions extended beyond personal business success to include job creation, economic growth and the provision of services that support individuals and businesses across Nigeria.
He added that the celebration was not merely about honouring a successful businessman but also recognising the impact of his investments and foresight on the wider society.
Otti also commended the scholars and researchers who contributed to the publication, describing it as an important resource for understanding Anyaegbu’s entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of the Chisco Group.
He specifically acknowledged the editors, alongside other contributors, for documenting the businessman’s achievements and producing a work of economic and historical significance.
The governor noted that the book highlighted challenges confronting entrepreneurs in Nigeria, including poor infrastructure, inadequate access roads, unreliable electricity, insecurity, geopolitical uncertainties and changing customer expectations.
He urged participants to obtain copies of the book, stressing that documenting the experiences of successful Nigerians would provide practical lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and help preserve valuable business knowledge for future generations.
In a remark, the Vice-Chancellor of COOU, Professor Kate Omenugha, welcomed guests and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing a platform for initiatives that contribute to societal development.
She said Anyaegbu’s vision for the university held significant prospects for advancing transportation education and promoting philanthropy in Nigeria.
Responding, Anyaegbu expressed appreciation to the university for providing him with the opportunity to give back to society through the endowment and other projects.
He said the integrity of the Vice-Chancellor influenced his decision to invest in the institution, describing her as a mover of initiatives and an achiever.
The Chisco chairman also commended those who contributed to the planning and organisation of the event, expressing gratitude for the honour bestowed on him.
