By Ingram Osigwe
Much like the finest of wines, one can only get better with age, and so it is with Chief Tony Ezeani as he steps onto the sixth floor, exuding vigour, vitality and good health.
At 60, Chief Ezeani’s life commentary whether as an industrialist, employer of labour, philanthropist, devout Christian or a dotting father and loving husband is replete with passion, doggedness, dexterity, hard work, goal-oriented, integrity and purposefulness.
Every chapter of his life trajectory these 60 years is coloured with God’s unwavering grace.
Every of Chief Ezeani’s birthday, and especially on the occasion of his 60th, encapsulates Menachem Mendel Schennerson’s thought about persons born as special breeds of humans: “Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year; the same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again”
Of course, Chief Ezeani belongs to a rare breed of humans born with a stamp of distinction and a mark of grace, the reason he has exceedingly excelled as a business mogul, boardroom czar and job creator who is immensely loved and celebrated by a broad spectrum of people.
Given Ezeani’s attainments and achievements, it is safe to say that his 60th birthday is not just a mere date on a calendar. His birthday indeed symbolizes the joyous celebration of milestones achieved, uncommon graces obtained and quantum blessings bestowed.
Born on the 16th of March 1964 in Jos, Plateau state, Chief Ezeani who who until 2018 sat atop a conglomerate, the Tomez Group, as the MD/ CEO, hails from Ukpor, Nnewi South local government area of Anambra state.
An accomplished business administrator, Chief Ezeani attended St. Michael Primary School, Narasawa, Jos, Plateau state and Boys High School, Umunya, Anambra state for his primary and post-primary education respectively.
The quest for higher knowledge took him to Lagos State University where he bagged a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and International Studies.
Chief Tony Ezeani later proceeded to the University of Lagos for a Masters in Public and International Affairs (MPIA).
He also undertook courses at Harvard Business School, City College, New York and University College, London.
Chief Ezeani was the founding Director of the Tomez Group (1988). He was later appointed Managing Director of the Group, a post he held until his retirement in 2018.
A shrewd administrator, it was to Chief Ezeani’s credit that Tomez grew from a middle-level business concern to a thriving conglomerate with a diverse business interest spanning manufacturing, and real estate, among others.
In recognition of his meritorious service to Tomez, Ezeani, upon retirement, was retained as its Executive Chairman.
He is also on the board of so many companies.
Ezeani belongs to elite professional bodies, including the Institute of Directors (IOD), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN), Bicycle Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (BIMAN) and Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN).
A man with a heart of gold and an undiluted passion for the less privileged in society, putting smiles on the faces of people is natural to Chief Ezeani. It is not, therefore, a surprise that as part of the activities to mark his 60th birthday, Chief Ezeani on Thursday, the 14th of March 2024 organised a feeding programme in which 500 Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion and age were fed.
The event which held at the Church of Assumption Falomo, Ikeja, Lagos, according to the birthday celebrant, “was also geared towards identifying with my fellow Nigerians of the two dominant faiths in our country-Islam and Christianity- currently observing solemn religious obligation of fasting. “
Indeed, turning 60 is no mean feat, it is a wonderful blessing from above and one cannot but wish Chief Ezeani many more sunshine years on earth.
– Ingram Osigwe writes from Lagos
