Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah was a renowned Nigerian businessman and politician who served as a Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District until his death.
He was also the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil, a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Early Life and Education
He was born on September 3, 1971, into the family of the late Mr. and Mrs. Alphonsus Ubah in Umuanuka, Otolo, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
He was the first son among seven children. Growing up in a modest household, Ifeanyi faced significant financial challenges. His parents’ limited resources made it difficult to support the educational and material needs of their children, prompting Ifeanyi to leave Premiere Academy, Lugbe, Abuja, at a young age to pursue trade.
Despite these early obstacles, Ifeanyi was determined to succeed, attending various local and international business courses and seminars in leadership and business management.
Though he dropped out of formal education early, Ifeanyi Ubah compensated for this by participating in numerous business courses and seminars both locally and internationally.
These educational endeavours provided him with critical knowledge and skills that later contributed to his success as a businessman and politician.
Career
Business Career
Ifeanyi Ubah’s business journey began with his entry into the oil and gas industry. In 2001, he founded Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, which quickly rose to prominence under his leadership.
By 2009, Capital Oil had become a dominant force in Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector, primarily due to significant investments and strategic decisions.
The company’s facilities and outlets are primarily located in the Southeast and Southwest regions of Nigeria, including one of the largest tank farms for petroleum products storage and distribution in Lagos.
Ubah’s business acumen extended beyond oil and gas. Driven by a strong desire to create jobs, empower youth, and spur development in his home state of Anambra, he initiated the construction of a multibillion-naira games and industrial village, equipped with various facilities.
Political Career
Ifeanyi Ubah ventured into politics with the aim of extending his impact on society. In 2014, he ran for the governorship of Anambra State under the Labour Party, but was unsuccessful.
Undeterred, he continued his political career and, on February 24, 2019, won the Anambra South Senatorial seat under the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
His tenure in the Nigerian Senate was marked by active involvement in legislative duties until his death.
In a strategic political move, Ubah later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party at the time.
Personal Life
Ifeanyi Ubah was married to Uchenna Ubah, a graduate of Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University. The couple was blessed with five children.
Ubah also established the Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, through which he engaged in various philanthropic activities, reflecting his commitment to social causes and community development.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Ifeanyi Ubah achieved significant milestones. As the CEO of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, he transformed the company into a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
His entrepreneurial success was complemented by his contributions to local development projects and his active participation in the Nigerian Senate.
Ubah’s ability to balance business, politics, and philanthropy earned him recognition as a prominent figure in Nigeria.
Controversy
In September 2022, Ifeanyi Ubah survived an assassination attempt when gunmen attacked his convoy in Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra State.
The attack resulted in the tragic loss of at least five individuals, including two policemen. Ubah’s survival was attributed to the bulletproof vehicle he was traveling in.
Cause of Death
On July 27, 2024, Ifeanyi Ubah passed away in London. Reports indicate that he died of cardiac arrest, a sudden and tragic end to a life marked by significant achievements and contributions to Nigeria.
Net Worth
Ifeanyi Ubah’s net worth was never publicly disclosed in exact figures. However, due to his extensive business ventures in oil and gas, real estate, and sports, he was considered one of Nigeria’s wealthier individuals.
Estimates of his net worth ranged in the hundreds of millions of dollars, though these figures were often speculative and subject to change based on market conditions and other factors.
