By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Born in Onitsha in the early 1990s into a family steeped in commerce but grounded in the value of education, Izuchukwu Onyebu’s path to prominence was shaped from a young age by the subtle, yet powerful confluence of two compelling forces: the raw grit of entrepreneurial hustle and the firm conviction of intellectual empowerment instilled by his father. This dual influence didn’t just guide his decisions—it forged his identity. By the age of 18, he had earned a bachelor’s degree from the prestigious University of Ghana. At 19, he had completed a Master’s in the United Kingdom, from Aston University, Birmingham—an academic feat that pointed to a brilliant mind marked for greatness.
Yet, his journey was not one dictated by classroom accolades alone. Life had reserved for him a different kind of boardroom—one shaped by intuitive decisions, swift pivots, and visionary ideas that many overlooked. His brief stint in the corporate corridors of Crown Flour Mills turned out to be the final push that launched him into the unforgiving but opportunity-laden world of tech entrepreneurship. A single visit to Computer Village, what should’ve been an ordinary day became the spark for a revolutionary idea. He had taken a faulty phone in for repairs, but he left with a vision that would soon redefine the mobile tech service industry in Nigeria.
In 2016, equipped with nothing but clarity of thought and a $1,000 loan from his family, he made his first bold move—importing LCD screens and launching Nigeria’s very first home-service phone repair brand. While others hesitated, Izuchukwu took the risk. That decision birthed Mobile Screen Fix (MSF), a startup that, within a year, had serviced over 400 mobile devices across the country with an impressive 90% customer satisfaction rate. It wasn’t merely about fixing screens—it was about rebuilding consumer trust in mobile tech solutions. Where others saw gadgets, he saw people; where others saw a service, he envisioned an experience.
In 2019, riding on the waves of this newfound trust, he expanded his venture with the launch of Mobile HQ—a chain of premium accessory stores created to solve a common dilemma: the absence of reliable, high-quality accessories at accessible prices. Mobile HQ didn’t just stock products; it set a new standard. Each store bridged the yawning gap between quality and affordability, quickly establishing itself as a go-to hub for discerning tech users.
But even then, Onyebu was not done. Restless minds rarely rest. In 2023, he once again disrupted the norm. Identifying the pain points in cross-border remittance systems, he co-founded FICO, a visionary fintech platform, alongside his partner Ifenna Okeke. FICO was conceived as a global solution with Nigerian roots—an intelligent, seamless payment network designed to simplify international business transactions. It wasn’t just a company; it was a statement—a bold intervention in a space that had for too long frustrated Africans with needless complexities.
And now, in 2025, Izuchukwu Onyebu is at it again. This time, he is redefining power itself —literally. Through Mobile Power, he is collaborating with top UK brands to develop smart accessories aimed at electrifying the tech experience in Nigeria and across Africa. Power banks, chargers, and accessories are being reimagined not as luxury items but as essentials—stylish, durable, and built for the unique demands of emerging markets. His innovations continue to reflect a rare blend of style and substance, driven not by hype, but by carefully calculated necessity.
It is in recognition of this visionary leadership, unmatched entrepreneurial daring, and unrelenting drive that the organizers of the prestigious Eminent Man of the Year Award and Fashion Show 2025 decided to confer upon Izuchukwu Onyebu the coveted title of Tech Businessman of the Year 2025. This award is more than a plaque; it is an acknowledgment of the weight he carries in shaping Africa’s digital and economic narrative.
To him, the accolade of Eminent Tech Businessman of the Year is not merely a trophy; it is a tribute to everyone who believed in his mission. From the tireless teams working behind the scenes, to the thousands of customers who put their trust in his vision; from the alleys of Computer Village to the digital pipelines of global fintech, every chapter in his journey stands as a defiance against mediocrity and a declaration that excellence is possible—regardless of the odds.
Izuchukwu Onyebu is not just building businesses; he is engineering transformation. His story is a case study in turning setbacks into strategies and ordinary moments into billion-naira breakthroughs. And yet, he insists, “This is just the beginning.” For him, the horizon is not a limit—it is the next challenge.
Indeed, Eminent Magazine Awards may have honored him, but the world is only just beginning to understand the scale of his ambition. The future he speaks of is not abstract, but a future in motion —brighter, bolder, and fiercely within reach.
