On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Nigerian business and political elite gathered at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos for the prestigious Sun Awards. The night’s industrial spotlight belonged to Chief John Ezeobi, Chairman of Zobis Cables Limited, who was honored as the Sun Industrialist of the Year 2025.
The award recognizes Ezeobi’s meteoric rise from a young trader to a manufacturing mogul. At just 41, he is celebrated as Africa’s youngest cable manufacturer, fundamentally shifting the narrative of Nigerian industrialization through indigenous production and high-quality standards.
1. The Zobis Impact: Building a Conglomerate
Under Ezeobi’s leadership, the John Zobis Group has evolved into a diversified industrial force. Its footprint in Anambra State is particularly significant:
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The Mega-Factory: The Zobis Electrical Wires and Cable Limited facility sits on over 400 plots in Okoti-Odekpe, Anambra, making it one of the largest privately-owned manufacturing hubs in the state.
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Backward Integration: A major milestone was achieved in 2018 when the company transitioned to local sourcing of raw materials, reducing reliance on imports and bolstering Nigeria’s industrial independence.
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Job Creation: The group is ranked among the top 20 most visible employers in Anambra, providing livelihoods for thousands of technicians, engineers, and administrative staff.
2. A Night of “National Achievers”
The ceremony, chaired by Chief Allen Onyema (Air Peace) and anchored by Prof. Obiora Okonkwo (United Nigeria Airlines), featured a “who’s who” of Nigerian leadership:
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Governance: Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) were among those recognized for excellence in public service.
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Man of the Year: Awarded to Governor Peter Mbah and Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi).
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Innovation & Philanthropy: Young achievers like Tunde Onakoya (Chess in Slums) and Onyeka Michael-Ugwu (Hello Perfect) were celebrated alongside industrial veterans.
3. The Philosophy of “Responsibility”
In his acceptance speech, Chief Ezeobi offered a grounded perspective on his success, framing the award not as a trophy, but as a mandate:
“An award is not merely recognition; it is a responsibility to lead, to innovate, and to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.”
He dedicated the honor to his staff, customers, and “hardworking Nigerians whose daily resilience” motivates his entrepreneurial journey.
The John Zobis Group: Sectoral Reach (2026)
| Subsidiary | Primary Sector | Key Contribution |
| Zobis Cable Nigeria Ltd | Manufacturing | High-quality electrical wires & armored cables. |
| John Zobis Oil and Gas | Energy | Downstream and midstream distribution. |
| John Zobis Engineering | Construction | Real estate and large-scale engineering works. |
| JZ Bulbs Company | Consumer Goods | Energy-efficient lighting solutions. |
