Austin Ejikeme Ilodibe, popularly known as Ekene Dili Chukwu Nig. Ltd., was born on 18 December 1932 in Aba, Abia State. He was just 13 when fate took a cruel twist and scuttled his dreams of formal education as his chief sponsor, Chief J.C Ulasi died. His mother, Mrs Eunice Ilodibe, took him to Fr. Lewis Ketels in Nnewi who took him on as a house help on a salary of eight shillings a month. Five years later, it was time to change gears again. Father Ketels had wanted young Ilodibe to go into the seminary, but that was not part of the young man’s visions. The priest blessed him and gave him, thirty-five pounds to support his future endeavours. Augustine Ilodibe had his eyes fixed on business.
He eventually relocated to Onitsha to start an apprenticeship under a motor spare parts dealer, Mr D.C Chukwujekwu. After serving his full apprenticeship term, he opened a modest spare parts shop. He had learnt the trade well and was making enough money but his vision stretched beyond. The models he held in high esteem were all successful transporters. These were Chief D.C Umefo, the proprietor of Ijeoma Transport Ltd; his former guardian, J.C Ulasi; Sir Odumegwu Ojukwu; and Mr. Albert Igbokwe. He wanted to be like them. In 1955, he took his first step in this great business venture. His transportation business was so successful that by November of the same year, young Ilodibe ordered for a second lorry. Thus, the fleet grew and grew until ‘Ekene Dili Chukwu’ became a household name across the length and breadth of the East Central State. The fleet grew and became the first inter-state luxurious bus service with city offices of the company in most cities and stopping centres along major highways in Nigeria, especially in the East-West passenger movement, and the North . Now, you hardly mention the name Ekene Dili Chukwu (Thanks be to God) without the next Nigerian, no matter his tribal or religious leanings, nodding his head in recognition.
Not surprisingly, Chief Ilodibe became the first Nigerian fellow of the UK Institute of Transportation Administration. The young man, who was stopped by the unfortunate demise of his cousin from continuing his education, was awarded honorary doctorate degrees by two universities of note in Nigeria: The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, awarded him a Honorary Doctor of Business Administration; while the University of Ilorin conferred a Honorary Doctor of Science on him.
Chief IIodine has been and should remain a beacon of inspiration for many young men and women across Nigeria who are facing challenges and who feel that they cannot become what they want to be because of financial setbacks. His is a testimony that with the help of God, a man can achieve whatever good he sets his mind to achieve. Chief Austin Ejikeme Ilodibe, married to Catherine Egoyibo in 1956 and is blessed with 14 Children (4 boys, 10 girls). He is a member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (OFR). Chief died on Sunday, July 1 at St. Nicholas Hospital Lagos after a prostrated illness.
