Home Hall of Fame 2025 EdaFace Prize Winner Article
Congratulations to Mr Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma for winning the prestigious 2025 EdaFace Prize!
Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma is the first indigenous motor vehicle manufacturer in Africa. He is the Founder and CEO of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) in Nigeria.
Bio Profile
Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma was born on October 1, 1961, in Umudim, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Chukwuma was the youngest of six children. His father, Chukwuma Mojekwu, was a civil servant, and his mother, Martina Chukwuma, was a homemaker.
After completing his secondary education in 1978, he aspired to study engineering but did not meet the university cutoff mark. While awaiting admission, he assisted his elder brother Gabriel in his medicine store, which sparked his interest in business.
In 1979, Chukwuma apprenticed under Chief Romanus Eze Onwuka, a leading motorcycle parts dealer in Nnewi. By 1980, he established Gabros International with support from his brother.
In 1981, he founded Innoson Nigeria Limited, focusing on motorcycle spare parts trading. Recognizing the high cost of imported motorcycles, he began importing and assembling them locally, reducing prices by about 40%.
This innovation led to the establishment of a plastic manufacturing plant to produce motorcycle parts, which became one of Nigeria’s largest plastic factories.
In 2007, Chukwuma launched Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) in Nnewi, aiming to produce affordable vehicles tailored to Nigerian needs.
IVM manufactures a range of vehicles, including cars, buses, and trucks, and supplies to various sectors, including the military and police.
The company has also ventured into producing compressed natural gas (CNG) powered vehicles, contributing to Nigeria's efforts in sustainable transportation.
By this feat, Innoson is recognized as the first African automobile manufacturer that produces cars, buses, and trucks using mostly (about 60 to 70%) local components.
For more information about the innovative works of Innocent Chukwuma, click here:
Innocent Chukwuma's Innovation
Chukwuma is married to Ebele Chukwuma, and they have five children. He is known for his philanthropic efforts and contributions to Nigeria's industrial development.
In recognition of his achievements, he was conferred with the Nigerian national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in October 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Other awards include:
• Honorary Life Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (NACCIMA)
• Most Outstanding Indigenous Entrepreneur in the Manufacturing Sector by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA)
• Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR)
• 2023 NAJA Auto Personality Award.
Chukwuma's journey from a small-town entrepreneur to a leading industrialist exemplifies innovation, resilience, and a commitment to Nigerian development. His achievement has inspired and influenced several other people from various parts of Africa in technological creativity and innovation on the continent.
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