Deacon Sunday Chukwumanjo Umeoduagu is the Chief Executive Officer, Gabjane Global Resources Ltd with subsidiaries like the popular Sunar water and drinks, amongst several others. The erudite business mogul’s expansion started off as a small seed that was nurtured by dint of hard work and resilience. But beyond his blossoming midas touch, his incomparable passion for philanthropy stands him out. Over the years, he has consistently given back to society by building houses for the poor, and has empowered over 100 youths in Nigeria and its environs. Recently, he was recognised by Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria as the 2022 Most Safety Conscious Entrepreneur. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that the sterling example for entrepreneurship and philanthropy is not relenting in his quest to succeed
Born in the 70s into the family of Prince Gabriel Ilora and Princess Jane Amuche Umeoduagu of Umuchu in Ezinifite Local Government Area of Anambra State, Deacon Sunday Chukwumanjo Umeoduagu never envisaged what his future would entail but he trudged on to make a success of it.
For his basic learning, he attended Community Primary School and Community Boys Secondary School both in Awgbu Town of Orumba North LGA, Anambra State where he excelled in flying colours in both cadres of learning.
In Search of Greener Pastures
Upon graduation from secondary school, he moved to Nnewi for apprenticeship and later relocated to Lagos in search of greener pasture.
In Lagos, he toiled day and night in the business of selling clothes and textiles. Afterwards, he delved into the business of water manufacturing (now the popular SUNAR Water) on a low scale. His dint of resilience and hardwork soon paid off.
From the successes recorded, the business
metamorphosed into GABJANE Global Resources LTD together with MANJOSUN Nigeria Ltd and MANJO-MANJO & Associates.
Today, his various companies produce SUNAR Water, Deo-Gratia Water, Sunar Yoghurt, Gabs Ice Lolly, Manful Dry Gin, Manful Native Gin, Manful Brandy, 406 Alcoholic Bitters, MyBoss Alcoholic Bitters and Minced Beef (for recognised company’s recipes).
Mentorship Drive
Determined to give freely what he has received, he has successfully trained, mentored and established over 30 successful businessmen in Lagos and other parts of the world.
Also, as an employer of labour, Deacon Sunday Umeoduagu employs well over 300 staff in his various businesses. Steming from his resolute and dogged attitude towards his business and his over 25 years business experience, he also delved into importation of goods and services.
Philanthropist-Par-Excellence
An ordained Deacon of the church and a devoted preacher of “loving One another as one would actually love himself or herself”, the entrepreneur -cum-philanthropist is humble and kindhearted.
But to those who know him, Deacon Umeoduagu is an incomparable philanthropist who has built houses for the poor, and has empowered over 100 youths in Nigeria and its environs.
Worthy of mention is the multi-block classrooms he built at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Uga, Ezinifite Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, for indigent students to study under a shelter.
Quest for Knowledge
With his love for knowledge, Deacon Sunday has, despite his tight daily business schedule, acquired a degree in Political Science from Tansian University Umunya, Anambra State.
Also, his numerous business drive has taken him far and wide to Europe and other parts of the world. Little wonder in his years of professional business life, he has been found worthy of being conferred with numerous awards in Nigeria and other parts of the world, some of which he modestly declined.
Foray into Politics
Going by Aristotle’s assertion, man by nature is a Political animal. In the field of politics, Chief Umeoduagu is a major stakeholder in Anambra politics and had attained the position of member of Board of Trustees (BoT) of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) from 2019 to 2021.
Past Time
He is a lover of sports -football to be precise- and enjoys travelling and reading in his quiet time. He is happily married to his heartthrob, Amara and they are blessed with wonderful children who are walking in the spirit of excellence exhibited by their father.
