By Izunna Okafor, Awka
High Chief Dr. Sir Darlington Nwabunike (KSC) is a name that is identifiable with excellence, vision, and impact. A distinguished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community builder, he hails from Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. His life’s journey is one that showcases resilience, brilliance, and commitment to the service of humanity.
Dr. Nwabunike’s educational foundation is as formidable as his career. He attended Modebe Memorial Primary School, Onitsha, and later moved to Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, for his secondary education.
His quest for academic excellence saw him earn a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Marketing from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. He further pursued a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, before obtaining a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Hardin-Simmons University, Texas, USA.
In addition to his academic achievements, he has earned numerous professional certifications and fellowships, including a Professional Fellowship Doctorate from the Institute of Corporate and Public Administrators of Nigeria and a Professional Fellowship Diploma from the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management of Nigeria.
As an accomplished entrepreneur and business mogul, Dr. Nwabunike’s impact in the corporate world is undeniable. In 2004, he founded Saint Buniks Consultancy Ltd, a firm that grew into the Saint Buniks Group, a conglomerate with diverse subsidiaries spanning various industries.
His business empire includes Felbun Properties Ltd, Seven Saints Trading Ltd, Cruising BDC Ltd, Felbun Farms, BunFel Construction & Properties Ltd, and Triple Saints Oil & Gas Ltd—companies strategically positioned in critical sectors such as business consulting, oil and gas, real estate, forex trading, importation, and general commerce. Through these ventures, he has not only contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth but also provided employment opportunities for countless individuals.
Beyond business, Dr. Nwabunike is a man of boundless generosity and an icon of hope to the less privileged. His philanthropic efforts are legendary, especially through his Eze Nwakaibeya Ojoto Foundation, which has touched and transformed numerous lives across South-Eastern Nigeria. His commitment to widow empowerment, educational sponsorships, and humanitarian support is unmatched. Hundreds of individuals, including orphans and indigent students, have benefited from his scholarships and empowerment programs.
Currently serving as the Pioneer President of De Imperial Philanthropic Family, Dr. Nwabunike is actively driving initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, tackling the high infant mortality rate, addressing the alarming surge in out-of-school children, and combating the failing healthcare system in South-Eastern Nigeria.
Under his leadership, the organization has provided scholarships to 750 indigent students from Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia States, with a clear vision to enroll 1,000 students in universities over the next six years and provide employment opportunities upon graduation. His ultimate goal is to train and empower one million indigent individuals of South-Eastern origin within the next decade, thereby eliminating poverty and ensuring a sustainable future for the region.
A true community builder, High Chief Dr. Sir Darlington Nwabunike is actively involved in numerous elite organizations dedicated to social development and humanitarian causes. He is a prominent member of several distinguished groups, including the Ambassadors International Council of Chiefs, Peoples Club of Nigeria, Ojoto United Brothers Club, Dynamic Brothers Club of Ojoto, All for One Friends Club of Nigeria, Prayer Estate Sports Club, Platinum Fitness Club of Nigeria, and Club F22 of Nigeria, among others. Through these platforms, he has continued to champion the cause of unity, economic empowerment, and community upliftment.
In recognition of his exceptional leadership, relentless philanthropy, and commitment to the growth and development of Ojoto and Anambra State at large, the revered HRM Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu (Eze Oranyelu I, Eze Ojoto III) and his Royal Council conferred upon him the prestigious title of “Ichie Eze Nwakaibeya Ogbabalu Aku n’Anwu Ojoto” on January 2, 2021. This traditional honor stands as an evidence of the great respect and admiration he commands in his community, given his personality, good works, and impacts.
A man of remarkable achievements and deep-rooted values, Dr. Nwabunike’s legacy continues to inspire generations. He has seamlessly blended entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and community service, ensuring that his impact extends far beyond the boardroom. His life’s work is a reflection of his passion for excellence, a heart for service, and an unshakable commitment to making the world a better place.
He is happily married with children, and his family stands as a strong pillar of support, complementing his vision of service to humanity.
