LEADERSHIP Award, Significant Moment In My Entrepreneurial Journey – Ogbechie

Nigerian businessman and founder of Rainoil Group, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, OON, has described his nomination for the LEADERSHIP Business Person of the Year 2026 award as a significant moment in his entrepreneurial journey.

Speaking after receiving his nomination letter when a delegation from LEADERSHIP, led by the senior vice chairman/editor-in-chief, Mr Azu Ishiekwene, paid a courtesy visit to him in Abuja recently, the businessman said his entrepreneurial journey had been one of gradual growth, beginning with little more than an idea, determination and belief, and later developing into a diversified business entity.

He said the award was coming after years of building businesses from “zero” and expanding his investments across different sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Ogbechie, who founded Rainoil in 1997, said the recognition was particularly meaningful because it came after years of entrepreneurship, investment and efforts to create value across the economy.

“I have been on this journey now from zero, starting with a little seed and a lot of belief. I have been able to build a position already, and also have investments across other sectors of the economy,” he said.

The businessman also noted that receiving the award from a media organisation made the honour particularly significant to him, given his longstanding interest in newspapers, journalism and writing.

He recalled that, as a university student in the 1980s, he regularly read newspapers, an experience which, he said, helped shape his appreciation for quality journalism and writing. He particularly acknowledged Ishiekwene’s writing prowess and described him as one of the journalists he had respected and followed over the years.

Over the years, Ogbechie has expanded Rainoil’s operations beyond its initial focus, with investments spanning petroleum storage, LPG infrastructure, retail outlets, agriculture and other areas.

He said his investments also included a substantial stake in the banking sector and a 3,000-hectare farm plantation, reflecting his belief in the need to participate in sectors capable of contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.

Earlier, while speaking about the rationale for the recognition, Ishiekwene said Ogbechie emerged after a rigorous review of numerous high-profile business leaders nationwide.

He said the LEADERSHIP annual awards were deliberately structured to recognise individuals whose achievements and contributions set positive examples for society.

According to Ishiekwene, the organisation did not solicit nominees for the awards. Rather, it relied on deliberations by members of its senior editorial panel and the company’s advisory board before making its selections.

He said Ogbechie was selected on the strength of his entrepreneurial achievements, investments in the downstream oil and gas sector, job creation, youth empowerment and contributions to communities.

Ishiekwene described Ogbechie’s business journey as an example of “vision, resilience, strategic investment, discipline and commitment to building a sustainable Nigerian enterprise.”

He also cited the businessman’s social interventions, including scholarships, healthcare initiatives, humanitarian assistance and community infrastructure implemented through the Rainoil Foundation and other company initiatives.

Ishiekwene said the recognition was also in keeping with the responsibility of the media to celebrate individuals who provide positive examples, just as the media continues to exercise its constitutional responsibility of holding institutions and citizens accountable.