Mathias Ugochukwu

Mathias Nwafor Ugochukwu (1926–1990) was a Nigerian industrialist, investor and traditional ruler. He developed interests in transport, property, insurance, agriculture and manufacturing. His best-known enterprise was Ugochukwu Chemical Industries, whose Ugo Foam mattresses and other products were manufactured at plants in Umunze, Onitsha and Kaduna. He also served as the Abilikete of Umunze and Igwe of Orumba.

Early life Ugochukwu was born in 1926 in Umunze, in present-day Anambra State. He attended St Augustine's Primary School in Umunze. In 1939 he moved to Jos, where he worked as a houseboy for Louis Offor, a trader from Enugwu Ukwu. He returned to Umunze in 1945, traded on a small scale and joined the police. In April 1951, he won £50,000 in the Irish Hospitals' Sweepstake and left the police to enter business full-time.

Business career Trading, transport and investments Ugochukwu began importing motor parts from the Gold Coast and established a transport service between Onitsha and Lagos. He developed a business relationship with John Holt, later becoming chairman of John Holt (Nigeria), and expanded into importing textiles, foodstuffs and tobacco as well as property investment. Historian Folarin Ajibade identifies him as one of the private financiers of Niger Pools.

During Nigeria's indigenisation programme, Ugochukwu acquired controlling interests in Eagle Insurance Brokers and the Biscuit Manufacturing Company. He also held interests in Yamaha Manufacturing Nigeria, Afprint and Nigerian Sewing Machines.