High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu Honoured as Sun Entrepreneur of the Year 2025
In a prestigious recognition of business excellence, industrialist High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu (Onowu Anara) has been nominated as the 2025 Sun Entrepreneur of the Year. The award ceremony will take place at the Sun Newspapers Annual Awards, scheduled to be held at the Eko Hotel & Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos.
A Journey of Vision and Resilience
From his roots in the culturally rich Anara ancient kingdom to his influential presence in major urban centres like Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, Ejiogu's career exemplifies vision, resilience, and exceptional leadership. As a serial entrepreneur and doyen of the real estate sector, he has built not only industries but also empowered countless lives, serving as a catalyst for entrepreneurial aspirations across Nigeria.
Long before receiving accolades and chieftaincy titles, Ejiogu demonstrated a unique ability to identify opportunities where others perceived only risk. Today, as Chairman of Citygate Homes—a leading and highly reliable real estate firm in the Federal Capital Territory and nationwide—he oversees a diversified conglomerate spanning multiple sectors:
- Real estate and construction
- Hospitality and logistics
- Aviation and maritime services
- Community development initiatives
- Oil and gas ventures
This empire is built on a foundation of discipline, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Business with a Human Touch
For Ejiogu, entrepreneurship has never been solely about expansion or profit margins. His philosophy centres on people and community upliftment. Through various philanthropic endeavours, he has positively impacted thousands of Nigerians:
- Educational scholarships for deserving students
- Skills acquisition programmes for youth empowerment
- Funding for young entrepreneurs
- Sponsorship of football tournaments and cultural festivities
- Quiet support for widows and vulnerable groups
His influence extends far beyond corporate boardrooms, touching lives at grassroots levels and fostering social development.
Recognition and Legacy Building
Ejiogu's contributions were recently honoured with the chieftaincy title of Onuowu of Igboland, conferred by the South Council of Traditional Rulers. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including the Imo State Governor and the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umuahi, highlighting the widespread respect for his service, patriotism, and dedication to uplifting others.
In the challenging real estate sector—marked by regulatory hurdles, economic volatility, and intense competition—Ejiogu has adopted a deliberate and transformative approach. Citygate Homes stands as more than a property company; it is an innovation laboratory setting benchmarks for housing, urban development, and sustainable growth in Nigeria.
Under his guidance, a new generation of real estate billionaires has emerged, trained to become trusted, capable, and socially conscious industry leaders. Despite his significant influence, Ejiogu remains unassuming, cerebral, and approachable, using his charm and diplomacy to build bridges in both business and society.
Award Significance and Future Impact
The Sun Entrepreneur of the Year award transcends corporate milestones and growth figures. It celebrates a leader whose vision has reshaped industries, empowered communities, and created enduring legacies. High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu's story underscores that true leadership is measured not just in profits, but in lives touched, standards set, and national strength enhanced.
In Ejiogu, Nigeria sees a business leader who constructs not only physical structures but also hope, capacity, and possibilities for future generations. His legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation.
