User:Omogbe/TWA

Tony Ohifeme Ezekiel born 17 June 1958 in Kaduna, is an astute Nigerian businessman and veritable captain of industry. He is the founder and CEO of Itex Furniture; an indigenous furniture company based in Abuja, Nigeria. His success in building his enterprise is also linked to his passion for the country and for “building” people. This passion, determination and integrity has earned him a reputation as a visionary leader, loyal friend, honest partner and a man of the people.

Tony embodies the image of a total Nigerian, having been exposed to the socio-cultural diversities and dynamics of the country. He spent his childhood years in Northern Nigeria and the better part of adulthood in Southern Nigeria. His background and experiences have left him devoid of all tribal or religious sentiments whatsoever; and has made him a versatile and amiable character gifted with cross-cultural people management skills. This is further evidenced by his fluency in English, Yoruba, Hausa, Edo and Ora languages.

Background and Education

Tony Ezekiel was born to the family of Late Mr. Joseph Aiguabasimin Ezekiel and Mrs. Emily Ajayi Ezekiel of Eme-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.

He attended Our Lady Primary School, Kaduna in 1966 and finished at St. Mary’s Primary School, Lokoja in 1972. Upon completing his primary education, he attended Government Secondary School, Koton Karfe, Kogi State and completed his studies in 1977. For his tertiary education he attended Ahmadu Bello University in mathematics education in 1982.

Tony attended University of Oxford for his post graduate studies. He received a number of post graduate certificates in the following programs: • Knowledge application • Change management • Advanced leadership and management program • Strategic leadership program • Post graduate program in global business

He is currently in University of Oxford to obtain a post graduate degree - an Executive MBA in Management and Leadership. He is also known for often sponsoring the education of his employees and other Nigerians in Ivy League schools around the world

Business Experience

Fondly called “The Carpenter”, Tony Ohifeme Ezekiel is the founder and CEO of Itex Furniture; an indigenous Nigerian furniture manufacturing company based in Abuja, Nigeria. Itex is a captain of the furniture industry in Nigeria. From operating as a small company in 1996, Itex has grown to become one of the most successful furniture companies in Nigeria with an operational site of 2.5 hectares in the new Idu Industrial Estate, Abuja and a staff strength exceeding 250 people.

Itex’s meteoric growth is owed to nothing but the visionary and dynamic leadership of its founder, Tony Ohifeme Ezekiel. His commitment to innovation, quality and delivery of excellent customer experience resulted in Itex becoming one of the leading furniture companies in Nigeria.

Itex has contributed immensely in transforming the look, feel and comfort of offices and homes in Nigeria. Some of its notable clients are Central Bank Of Nigeria, Federal Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Federal Ministry Of Finance, Bureau For Public Enterprise, Nigeria Export Promotion Bank (NEXIM), Rivers State Government Secretariat and the Government parliament and Presidential building of Sao Tome and Principe. As part of its effort to give back to Nigeria, Itex contributed to part of the government’s effort to make schools more comfortable for learning. Itex was part of the transformation projects by furnishing all the public school in Edo, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Ondo, Gombe and Lagos states, just to mention a few.

Political Experience

Tony Ohifeme Ezekiel possesses strong political influence. His experience of governance has helped shape the success of the “All Progressives Congress Party" in Edo State but in particular his constituency “Owan West”. It is on record that through his visionary leadership the political structure of Owan West was redefined. He ensured that only qualified individuals with a heart to serve the people were elected into political offices in his constituency in 2011.

Awards and Recognition

In recognition of his numerous achievements Tony Ezekiel has received numerous awards some of which include: • A seminar room being named after him at the University of Oxford (for bringing experience to class) in May 2013 • The Corporate Service Award from Ahmadu Bello University, Alumni Association in 2013 • The LEADERSHIP Award - Entrepreneur of the year in 2008 • The Abuja Enterprise Agency - Fastest Growing Furniture Company in 2006 • In 2004 he received the FCT Leaders Summit - Honors Award; IBB International Golf and Country Club - Certificate of Appreciation; and Midwest Times - Midwest Personality of the Year

Personal Life

Tony Ohifeme Ezekiel is married to Mrs. Adeola Olowu Ezekiel, an Executive Director of Itex Furniture Limited, and they are blessed with three lovely children; Emilomo Evette Ezekiel; Emmanuel Ailohi Ezekiel, and Oare Edmund Ezekiel.