Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma CON is a Nigerian business magnate celebrated for establishing Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, the country’s first indigenous automobile manufacturing company. Beyond his business ventures, he also has a passion for education, working as a computer science teacher at Haydon School in Pinner, UK.
Early Life
Born on October 1, 1961, Innocent Chukwuma was the youngest of six siblings in his family. After completing his education, he ventured into the lucrative spare parts trading business in South East Nigeria. This eventually led him to found the Innoson Group, which includes subsidiaries like Innoson Manufacturing, Innoson Tech, and Industries Co. Ltd.
From Spare Parts Trader to Automotive Pioneer
Innocent Chukwuma’s journey to success began with his passion for trading and his entrepreneurial spirit. Despite initial setbacks with university admission, he found his calling in motorcycle spare parts trading, eventually establishing his successful business venture. His innovative approach to importing and assembling motorcycles locally made them more affordable for Nigerians.
The Birth of Innoson Nigeria Limited
In 1981, Innocent ventured into importing motorcycles. He noticed that the high cost of new motorcycles deterred buyers, leading him to import motorcycles disassembled to reduce shipping costs. This innovative approach allowed him to offer more affordable motorcycles to Nigerian consumers, establishing him as the pioneer of the Jingcheng brand in Nigeria. With this success, he gradually expanded his enterprise and founded Innoson Nigeria Limited.
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (IVM), headquartered in Nnewi, Anambra, Nigeria, is a prominent player in the Nigerian automotive industry. The company takes pride in producing vehicles with 70% of their car parts sourced locally, with the rest coming from Japan, China, and Germany.
In 2007, Innoson Motors was officially incorporated, and the factory was commissioned in 2010 by then-Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. Innoson Motors became Nigeria’s first indigenous car plant, producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, tricycles, buses, sedans, and SUVs. Today, the company is a major importer, assembler, and supplier of motorcycles and parts in West Africa and Nigeria.
Expanding Horizons
Under the support of Nigerian Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, Innoson Motors has received significant patronage from government institutions and states across the country. The company’s potential to transform Nigeria into a thriving manufacturing hub for vehicles has been acknowledged. Additionally, Innoson Motors has gained traction in some West African countries like Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Mali, and among Nigerians living abroad.
Job Creator
His vision and dedication have not only built a successful business empire but also created employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerian youths. The company employs between 7,300 to 7,500 workers, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
A Journey into Politics:
In addition to his business success, Innocent Chukwuma actively participated in Nigerian politics. In 2013, he took on the role of Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the National Coalition for Jonathan/Sambo Presidency, a group dedicated to promoting the election of former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan.
Family
Innocent Chukwuma is a family man, happily married to Ebele Chukwuma, with children. They reside in Enugu, Nigeria. His journey from spare parts trader to the founder of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing serves as a testament to his determination, innovation, and profound contributions to the growth of the Nigerian automotive industry.
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