Innocent Chukwuma was born into the family of Chukwuma Mojekwu. He is the youngest child in a family of six.
Education
In 1978 after he was done with secondary education he applied to study Engineering in the University but while waiting he realized he did not meet the cut off mark. He later went to help his elder brother Gabriel out in his medicine store.[5]
Career
with his brother he realized he had a natural talent for trading. In 1979 he became an apprentince for Chief Romanus Eze Onwuka who was the biggest motorcycle part seller in Nenwi market back then.[6]
In 1980 he left his boss back to his brother and registered a business called Gabros International which was funded by his brother Gabriel with the sum of 3,000 in Naira[7].
In 1981, after his education, Innocent began trading in spare parts, a very lucrative business in South East Nigeria. He then founded the company Innoson Group with Innoson Manufacturing, Innoson Tech. & Industries Co. Ltd as its subsidiaries in 1982.
He began to import motorcycles and disassemble them then on arrival assemble them again making him slatch the price of motorcycle by 40% of the actual selling price then. As he imported the motorcycles he noticed they had alot of plastics which prompted him to start up a plastic factory which is now one of the biggest in Nigeria.[8]
In 2007 Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) was established. The headquarter is in Nnewi Anambra Nigeria.(IVM) is also known as the Pride of African Roads.
(IVM) has started producing vehicles for the Army, Police as well as spare parts for Jets and others. In October 10th, 2015 President Goodluck Johnathan assured him of patronage from the Government.
In 2013, he was appointed Deputy Chairman, Board of Trustees National Coalition for Jonathan/Sambo Presidency, a group setup to promote the election of the former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan.[9] The CLEEN Foundation he setup is one of the first African CSOs to focus on Public Safety, security and accessible justice in West Africa. CLEEN Foundation was the first African Non-governmental organization to receive the prestigious Mac Arthur Foundation Award for creative and effective institutions.[10]
Personal Life
He was married to Josephine Effah Chukwuma. He had one of the widest networks in the Public and Civic sectors in Africa. One of his finest legacy is the CLEEN Foundation which he setup in 1988. [11]
Innoson Group and it's Subsidiaries
Innoson Nigeria Limited Nnewi, Manufacturers of Motorcycles, Tricycles, Spare parts and accessories.
Innoson Tech and Industries Co. Ltd. Enugu Manufacturers of household and industrial plastics, health and safety accessories, storage containers, fixtures and fittings, electrical components and accessories.[12]
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Nnewi, manufacturers of Capacity City Buses, Mini and Midi Buses, Pick up Trucks and Garbage collecting Vehicles.
General types and Tubes Co. Ltd. Enugu. Manufacturers of Tyres and Tubes.[13]
Innoson and Guarantee Trust Bank
Innoson sued Guaranty Trust Bank PLC in the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, claiming a total sum of 400billion in Naira for damages for their reputation.[14] On 6th February, 2014 GTBank appealed against the judgement at the Court of Appeal Ibadan Division.
Award and honors
Honorary Life Vice President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (NACCIMA)[15]
Most Outstanding Indigenous Entrepreneur in the Manufacturing Sector by Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA)[16]
Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR)
