Ben EJIDIKE,

were widened to include importation and export of vital merchandise. From its modest headquarters at Nnewi . Alabama Group acquired a national and international outlook with branches all over the federation including Abuja. Ejidike plans to assemblesome of ils products in future with about 20% local inputs, lie also plans to diversify into agro allied products to make food abundant for Nigerians. Although Ejidike has long been influenced by the ThinkHome philosophy of Dr Chukvvuemeka Ezeife. the then Civilian Governor of Anambra State, he feels some how discouraged by unfavorable investment climate in the Easl. Ile has advised governments in the Eastern Stales lo provide basic infrastructures to encourage many Igbo Business men to invest on the economic development of their home stales or rather repatriate some of their business investments to the stales. Contributions to Community Development • Ejidike is a philanthropist of unlimited magnanimity. • Pillar of development of his home town • Award of scholarships and provision of basic amenities to the community. Proprietor ofOnwa Scholarship Schemewhich he set up to assist manyyoung brilliant children in the low n • Built up houses for the poor in the community • Offered employment to many people through the Alabama Group of Companies • Plans to liberate the rural communities in the East from the shackles of poverty. • Defender of Justice and Truth Awards and Honours • Society Service award by the Nigerian Unionof Journalists NU.I Enugu Stale Ilonorary Diploma of the Institute of Journalism. Managementand Continuing Education.. Enugu • Fellow of the Institute of Ales Management ofNigeria • LED Honoris Causa by the Pacific Christian University Glendale California USA • Onwa na-etili Ora 1 of Agulu Uzo Igbo-. the Moon that shines for all to see the way ThisICON isan example of one who through hard work, honesty and patience made a lasting impact on lifedespite the initial handicap of notgoing into highereducation early in life. With personal discipline and dedication he now challenges the youths to be positive and hardworking and also be obedience in all the family.