It is a well-established fact in Nigeria that early marriage is one of the greatest killers of women’s aspirations and potentials. But the marriage of Elder Eme and Barrister Ngozi Ekoma has defied not only that norm but also proved that with mutual understanding and respect, nothing can stand in the way of a blissful and prosperous marital union.
When Ngozi, after her secondary school and, as a teenager, got married to Eme Ekeoma, it was thought that would mark the end of her educational pursuit. That thinking was given fillip by the fact that Ngozi’s husband was already an established and wealthy businessman and she was expected to sit at home, relax and enjoy his wealth. But the comfort which marriage afforded the young wife did not whittle down her strong desire for higher education. She decided, with her husband’s consent, to write the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, got admitted to read Law at the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar after graduation from the Law School. That decision marked the beginning of her journey toward becoming not just a wife or mother, but but also a distinguished entrepreneur and an empowered woman in her own right.
Today, Ngozi, 53, is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Oil & Gas Services Limited, while her husband, Elder Eme, 64, is the Group Chairman. Ngozi is also a director of Southglobe Limited – a financial outfit in Lagos, as well as a director of Genesis Electricity Limited, an Independent Power Project Company; Quest Shipping Ltd, First Fenders Ltd, Sorties Logistics, Emline Nigeria Ltd and Legend Express Alliance Resources Ltd.
Ngozi’s success story is a living testament to the power of education, hard work, and determination, attributable to both the opportunities she created for herself and the support she found within her marriage. She says: “There is the place of destiny, and the place of education and hard work.”
For the couple, both indigenes of Abia State, the journey into entrepreneurial leadership began when Eme Ekeoma moved to Lagos with his uncle while he was 19 years old. At that time, survival was such a herculean task but he eventually got a job with the Central Bank of Nigeria. Sadly, however, the young man lost his job not too long after. That setback proved to be the turning point and watershed in his life as he turned it into an opportunity. He became an entrepreneur; founded Nepal Oil and Gas Services Limited, with Ngozi joining him in the business after their marriage. Nepal Oil and Gas Services which today owns over 50 filling stations in Nigeria focuses on the distribution and marketing of petroleum products, including diesel, gasoline, and kerosene. It is a significant player in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, involved in various aspects and efficient management of the oil and gas value chain. Nepal Oil & Gas Services Limited has gained recognition for its contributions to the industry, innovative approaches, adherence to industry standards, and commitment to customer satisfaction. The Ekeomas’ strategic vision and leadership have been pivotal in driving the company’s growth and success. Both are regarded as influential figures in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, often participating in industry forums and discussions. Their efforts in expanding the company’s operations and exploring new opportunities have positioned Nepal Oil & Gas Services Limited as a key player in the market. They are also involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting business development and growth within the oil and gas sector. Their work extends to mentoring and supporting upcoming entrepreneurs and professionals in the industry, further cementing their influence and contributions to the sector.
Elder Eme and Barrister Ngozi are like five and six, having been married for over three decades and are still waxing stronger in the cupid world. They are never apart in their transparent love for each other. The business tycoon, a reserved and rare billionaire of great repute, and his beautiful wife, Ngozi, whose philanthropic prigrammes cut across divides, go to events with splendour and share that marital bliss without any encumbrances and do not hesitate to display it at any given opportunity both in and outside Nigeria. This situation leaves many to marvel at the kind of chemistry that exists between them.
Apart from his wife, the other things Elder Eme, a Christian of the Presbyterian faith, shares his love and passion for are preaching and spreading of the gospel. He proudly wears his faith as a man passionate about God’s kingdom, so much so his business Associates refer to him as ‘Elder.’ He founded the Believers Fellowship in 2016, a non-denominational fellowship (similar to Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship) that meets every forthnight at the Golden Gate Hotels, Kingsway Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, to prepare humanity for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Elder Eme’s seething inner vision has seen him give hope to patients who are unable to pay their hospital bills and over 1000 inmates who have regained their freedom. Indeed, the couple are neck-deep in the pursuit of philanthropic causes – empowering the poor and less privileged. They give back generously to society – individuals, groups and communities. They have implemented (and are still implementing) many Corporate Social Responsibility activities that have earned a name for them and their company. They are a major force in the battle against youth unemployment and restiveness in Nigeria, especially in their company’s areas of operation by taking many of the unemployed youth off the streets.
Some of the philanthropic activities initiated by their company are: the Pa Anyaso Skill Acquisition Centre in Igbere, Abia State; the provision of pipe-borne water at Igbimidaka, Oghareki, Delta State; the Free Health Outreach, 2014 in Igbere, Abia State; the SOS outreach, at Sought-After Women & Children Foundation Orphanage in Lekki Lagos, the Nepal Scholarship Scheme for undergraduates; and the “Operation clothe the widows” in different parts of the country. In addition, their company has built and furnished a block of classrooms for the Oghara Community in Delta State at the site of the police college which they have built. They also provided food, shelter and amenities to flood victims in Bayelsa in 2013 and also in Benue in 2017. Nepal Oil and Gas Services Ltd also organizes medical outreaches in Abia State and the donation of wheelchairs and crutches to patients at the Orthopedic, maternity and children’s wards in hospitals in Abia.
Reflecting on the over three decades of their marriage, Ngozi says it has not been without its challenges. Yet, with maturity and wisdom, she has come to understand the profound beauty of partnership. “There will always be problems and responsibilities, but it depends on whether you see it is a problem or an opportunity.” This outlook has been instrumental in the ability to navigate the inevitable conflicts that arise in any relationship. The key, for Ngozi, is to focus on the strengths of one’s partner rather than their flaws. “The focus should always be on what my partner is good at, not what he is not good at.” This mindset has helped her sustain a marriage that has endured the trials of time and circumstance.
In her view, the authenticity of both partners is essential for a marriage to thrive. “Both need to be authentic,” she asserts, noting that cultural expectations often place the woman in the role of homemaker and nurturer. But authenticity goes beyond merely fulfilling traditional roles; it requires both partners to remain true to themselves, even as they navigate the complexities of life together. “If you learn your partner and understand your partner, you’ll be able to know what the boundaries are.” This wisdom reflects her deep understanding of the importance of empathy, communication, and respect in any partnership.
One of the most profound insights Ngozi offers is the respect that each partner must give to the other in order for a marriage to succeed. “Respect is exactly what I define it to be, not your definition,” she says with conviction.
Elder Eme and Barrister Ngozi Ekeoma were selected for the Top10 Magazine’s 10 Most Impactful Power Couples in Nigeria in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic development as they serve as inspiration to upcoming couples.
