Prince Arthur Eze, a prominent Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and billionaire, is renowned for founding Atlas Oranto Petroleum, a major Nigerian oil exploration and production company. Born on November 27, 1948, in Ukpo village, Anambra State, Nigeria, he has played a significant role in the oil, aviation, beverage, and construction industries.
Arthur Eze Biography
Prince Arthur Eze’s early life involved completing his secondary education at St. Augustine Secondary School in Nkwere, Imo State. Later, he studied mechanical and chemical engineering at California State University, Long Beach, from 1974 to 1978.
Name
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Prince Arthur Eze
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Date of Birth
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November 27, 1948
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Birthplace
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Ukpo, Anambra State
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Career
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Founder and CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum (Since 1979) – Major player in oil industry with 22 licenses in 12 African countries – Ventures in Triax Airlines (1992) and diverse investments in banking, real estate, agriculture, telecommunications, and media |
Family
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Married to Mrs Eze with children – Son, Mr Onyeka Eze, leads the Prince Osisioma Foundation.
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Net Worth
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$5.8 billion
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Nationality
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Nigerian |
Career
In 1979, Prince Arthur Eze established Atlas Oranto Petroleum, specializing in oil production and exploration across Africa. The company holds 22 oil and gas licenses in 12 African countries, making it a key player in the continent’s energy sector. Additionally, he founded Triax Airlines in 1992 and invests in banking, real estate, agriculture, telecommunications, and the media.
Politics and Philanthropy
Prince Arthur Eze is a notable figure in Nigerian politics, closely associated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His philanthropic endeavours include substantial donations to religious, infrastructure, health, and educational causes. He has funded the construction of churches, schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges, contributing to various charities and organizations.
Personal Life
Married with children, Prince Arthur Eze leads an opulent lifestyle, amassing estates, vehicles, and private aircraft. He actively participates in the Anglican Church, displaying devotion to his Christian faith.
Businesses & Companies
Prince Arthur Eze owns and chairs several businesses, including:
- Oranto Petroleum and Atlas International Petroleum: Major players in the oil industry with assets in multiple African nations.
- Premier Breweries Plc.: A Nigerian beverage company headquartered in Onitsha, Anambra State.
- Triax Airlines: Founded in 1992, although currently grounded, there are efforts to reform and revive it.
- Leading Federal Government Contractor: Acknowledged for completing multiple projects for the Nigerian government.
Charitable Acts
Prince Arthur Eze is a big-time philanthropist with a big heart. He has given and contributed to many individuals, churches, organizations, and projects over the years. His generosity is not restricted to his people, village, state, or country. Eze gives to those outside Nigeria. There is a long list of those he has helped; here are some of his philanthropic deeds.
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- He donated N10 million to the elderly and aged in his community, Ukpo, Dunukofia, in Anambra State.
- N5 million was donated to the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD) for a standard sickle cell clinic in Ukpo, Dunukofia, Local Government Area of Anambra State.
- In 2013, Arthur Eze donated N12 million to the Anglican Diocese of Otueke to construct the Anglican Deanery and Youth Development Center in Otueke, Bayelsa State. This donation roused a misunderstanding during the regime of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, as the community is his hometown.
- Prince Eze extended his generosity to South Sudan by donating $800,000 to construct two primary schools in Rumbek and Yirol communities in central South Sudan.
- In 2013, Arthur Eze donated $6.3 million for flood relief in Nigeria
- He built a medical research unit at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria
- In 2015, he donated N20 million to a church in Abagana, Anambra State, for renovations and the purchase of musical instruments
- He single-handedly constructed an overhead bridge in Ebonyi State without government intervention
- He constructed connecting roads from Ukpo to neighbouring towns like Awkuzu, Abba, Abagana, and Ifite-Dunu. And he modernized the market near the Ukpo Palace.
Arthur Eze Net Worth
As of 2024, Forbes estimates Prince Arthur Eze’s net worth at $5.8 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Nigeria and Africa.
Awards & Recognition
Prince Arthur Eze has received numerous accolades, including being named an “Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR)” by former President Goodluck Jonathan and recognition as an “Outstanding Citizen of the World” by the Rotary District 9142 of Enugu City Centre in 2015.