1. Early Life
Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah was born on September 3, 1971, in Otolo, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. He was the firstborn in a family of seven to Mr. and Mrs. Alphonsus Ubah, both of whom were teachers. His upbringing was modest, with his parents reportedly instilling the values of hard work and education.
2. Education
Ubah’s formal education was interrupted when he dropped out of school to pursue trading. His early life was marked by financial struggles, leading him to leave Premiere Academy in Lugbe, Abuja, and enter the workforce at a young age. Despite this, he attended various business courses and seminars, and later NECO confirmed his result with seven passes out of eight subjects taken in 2003. In 2021, he bagged a law degree from Baze University, Abuja.
3. Family
He was married to Uchenna Ubah, a Business Administration graduate from Ahmadu Bello University. Together, they have five children one daughter and four sons. His daughter graduated from Aston University, recently, with first class honours. His family is known for their closeknit and supportive relationship, often seen together at various public events.
4. Business
Ubah began his career in the automotive parts trade, initially expanding into Ghana and Liberia. By the age of 19, he had already made significant strides in the tyre exportation business across West Africa and Europe. In 2001, he founded Capital Oil Limited, which became a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Capital Oil grew to become one of Nigeria’s largest oil companies, significantly impacting the industry.
5. Philanthropy
Ubah is noted for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting Nigerian football and investing in community projects. He established the Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, which focuses on promoting education, healthcare, and youth empowerment in Nigeria. He is also known for supporting displaced Nigerians and contributing to various social causes, earning him widespread respect and admiration.
6. Sports
In 2015, Ubah purchased and renamed Gabros International FC to FC Ifeanyi Ubah, marking his significant investment in Nigerian football. His club became the first Nigerian team to sign Brazilian players and coaches and won the Nigeria FA Cup within a year of his acquisition. He established a Games Village and a fivestar hotel in Nnewi, fostering local development and providing employment. His involvement in football was likened to that of “Sugar Daddies” in sports, demonstrating his commitment to improving Nigerian football.
7. Politics
Ubah ventured into politics with the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and represented Anambra South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. He also ran for governor in the 2021 Anambra State elections but was not successful. He initially contested the 2014 Anambra gubernatorial election under the Labour Party but did not win. He was elected as Senator for Anambra South Senatorial District in 2019 on the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP). At the time of his death, he was one of the leading aspirants in the post-election politics of the Anambra 2025 gubernatorial election.
8. Controversies
His political life and business life were embroiled in controversies, including allegations of certificate forgery, which he vehemently denied. He was also the victims of an assassination attempt when gunmen attacked his convoy in September 2022 in EnugwuUkwu, Anambra State, resulting in the deaths of several police officers. The incident highlighted the risks associated with his public service role. In the aftermath of his election victory in 2019, Ubah was involved in legal disputes with the NNPC.
9. Business Ventures
Beyond oil and gas, Ubah has expanded into real estate, telecommunications, and financial services. His company, Capital Oil, has built one of Nigeria’s largest oil depots and is involved in various infrastructure projects. These ventures have diversified his business portfolio and cemented his status as a notable entrepreneur.
10. Legacy and Death
    Ubah’s impact spans across business, sports, and politics. Known for his ambitious ventures and philanthropic efforts, he has left a significant mark on Nigerian industry and public life, despite facing various controversies and challenges. He is recognised for his dedication to creating opportunities for Nigerian youth and his impact on the nation’s economic and social development. Senator Ifeanyi Ubah passed away on July 27, 2024, in London due to cardiac arrest. His death marked the end of a notable career in both business and politics, leaving a legacy in the Nigerian oil industry, football, and public service.
