Once A Barefoot Mechanic, Now The Founder Of Innoson Motors With Over 7,000 Employees And An Annual Turnover Of Over $1 Billion, Meet Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma

Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, a Nigerian entrepreneur and advocate who founded Innoson Motors rose from humble beginnings as a barefoot mechanic to become a global advocate for human rights and social justice.

Born in 1966 in Umudim, Nnewi, in southeastern Nigeria, Chukwuma lost his father at the age of six and was raised by his mother, a trader, who struggled to make ends meet. At the age of 12, Chukwuma dropped out of school and began working as a mechanic in his uncle’s garage. He spent several years learning the trade, working long hours, and saving every penny he could.

In 1993, Chukwuma founded Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM), the first indigenous automobile manufacturing company in Nigeria. The company started as a small garage in Nnewi, where Chukwuma repaired imported vehicles and fabricated spare parts. Over the years, IVM grew into a full-fledged automobile manufacturing company, producing a range of vehicles, including buses, cars, and trucks, with over 7,000 employees and an annual turnover of over $1 billion.

Chukwuma’s success in the automobile industry did not come easy. He faced numerous challenges, including lack of access to credit, poor infrastructure, and a hostile business environment.

However, he remained resilient and persistent, constantly seeking innovative solutions to overcome these challenges. His determination and hard work paid off, and he became a trailblazer in the Nigerian business world, inspiring many young entrepreneurs.

In addition to his success as an entrepreneur, Chukwuma is also a passionate advocate for human rights and social justice. He founded the Innocent Chukwuma Foundation, which provides support to vulnerable communities, including women, children, and people living with disabilities.

Through the foundation, Chukwuma has provided scholarships to hundreds of students, built schools, and supported healthcare programs.

Chukwuma’s commitment to social justice and human rights has also led him to play an active role in the Nigerian civil society movement.

He has been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting good governance, accountability, and transparency in the public sector. He has also been a vocal advocate for the protection of human rights, including the rights of marginalized groups.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including persecution by the Nigerian government, Chukwuma remains committed to his vision of a better Nigeria and a better world. His story is an inspiration to millions of people around the world, especially those who are struggling to overcome poverty, discrimination, and injustice.

Chukwuma’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and advocates, reminding us that anything is possible with determination, hard work, and a commitment to a better future for all.

Source: Espact

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com