Explore Greg Ogbeifun’s inspiring journey from Shell scholarship student to Nigeria’s leading shipping magnate. Discover his maritime legacy, Starzs empire, and impact on Nigerian industry.
Engineer Greg Utomwen Ogbeifun stands as one of Nigeria’s most successful maritime entrepreneurs and a pioneering figure in the country’s shipping industry. Born in 1951 in present-day Edo State, this qualified Marine Engineer with First Class (Combined) Certificate of Competency in Marine Engineering (STEAM and MOTOR) from the UK has built a multi-million dollar shipping empire that has transformed Nigeria’s maritime landscape.
He is the Chairman/CEO of Starzs Investments Company Limited and Managing Director/CEO of Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited, overseeing operations at Nigeria’s first privately owned indigenous Ship-repair Yard, operational since 2000. His business establishments have provided employment to over 1,000 Nigerians, making him not just a successful businessman but also a significant job creator in Africa’s largest economy.
He founded the business in 1986 and today it services international oil companies operating offshore in the Niger Delta, running a fleet of three vessels and employing over 100 Nigerians initially, though the company has grown exponentially since then. The company has recently received a sizable investment from Helios Investment Partners, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory.
What distinguishes Greg Ogbeifun in Nigeria’s business landscape is his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a maritime industry leader while maintaining an unwavering commitment to indigenous capacity building and youth employment. He is the pioneer president of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), using this platform to advocate for the development of Nigerian maritime capabilities.
His story represents the potential of Nigerian entrepreneurship when combined with technical excellence, strategic vision, and persistent dedication to national development. With a career spanning over 50 years, shipping mogul and Chairman/CEO of Starzs Investments Company Limited, Engr. Greg Utomwen Ogbeifun, knows the length and breadth of the Nigerian maritime industry.
Contents
- 1 Early Life & Background: Foundations of Excellence
- 2 Educational Journey: Building Technical Excellence
- 3 Career Journey: From Employee to Maritime Entrepreneur
- 4 Major Business Ventures: Building the Starzs Empire
- 5 Leadership and Industry Advocacy: Shaping Nigerian Maritime Policy
- 6 Career Timeline & Major Milestones
- 7 Personal Life: Balancing Business Success with Family Values
- 8 Awards & Recognitions: Honoring Maritime Excellence
- 9 Legacy, Influence & Impact: Transforming Nigerian Maritime Industry
- 10 Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence and National Service
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 11.1 1. Who is Greg Ogbeifun and what is his background?
- 11.2 2. What companies has Greg Ogbeifun founded?
- 11.3 3. What major achievements has Greg Ogbeifun accomplished?
- 11.4 4. How did Greg Ogbeifun get his start in business?
- 11.5 5. What is Greg Ogbeifun’s current status and family life?
- 11.6 6. What awards and recognition has Greg Ogbeifun received?
Early Life & Background: Foundations of Excellence
Birth and Family Origins
Greg Ogbeifun was born in 1951 in present-day Edo State, during Nigeria’s colonial period when the country was still under British rule. His birth in Edo State, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, provided the cultural foundation that would later influence his business approach and values.
Growing up in Edo State during the 1950s and 1960s meant witnessing Nigeria’s independence in 1960 and the early years of nation-building. These formative experiences likely shaped his understanding of national development challenges and opportunities, particularly in infrastructure and industrial capacity building.
Early Education and Aspirations
His early education in Nigeria provided him with the foundational knowledge that would later support his technical training in marine engineering. The educational system of that era emphasized strong fundamentals in mathematics and sciences, preparing students for technical and professional careers.
During his secondary school years, young Greg demonstrated the academic excellence and technical aptitude that would later earn him prestigious scholarship opportunities. His interest in engineering and maritime affairs likely developed during this period, influenced by Nigeria’s growing oil industry and maritime commerce.
The Shell Scholarship Opportunity
A Nigerian publication called the Nigerian Outlook published an advert by Shell BP notifying the public that it was offering scholarships to young Nigerians in Marine engineering and Navigation. Out of the over 4,000 applicants who applied in 1971, only four including him were selected, demonstrating his exceptional abilities among a highly competitive applicant pool.
The Shell panel who interviewed him had been aware that he had also gotten a federal government scholarship to do marine engineering in Guildford University in the UK. Here I am in the middle of two scholarships: One to study a degree in Marine Engineering and the second one to study professional Marine Engineering.
The moment he found that Shell would put him on salary, his response was natural: He accepted the Shell option as that would enable him to support his parents while studying. This decision demonstrated both practical wisdom and family responsibility that would characterize his later business decisions.
Educational Journey: Building Technical Excellence
Shell Scholarship to the UK
Shell gave me a scholarship to study Marine Engineering in the UK in 1972, and this is the foundation on which everything I have achieved is built. This opportunity provided him with world-class technical training in one of the most demanding engineering disciplines.
His marine engineering education in the UK during the 1970s exposed him to advanced maritime technology, international shipping standards, and British maritime traditions that were among the world’s most respected. This international exposure would prove invaluable in his later business ventures.
Professional Certifications and Qualifications
He obtained a Combined First-Class Certificate of Competency in Marine Engineering (STEAM and MOTOR) from the UK, achieving the highest level of professional certification in his field. This first-class distinction demonstrates exceptional technical mastery and positions him among the elite in marine engineering.
The Combined Certificate covering both steam and motor engineering gave him comprehensive knowledge of different propulsion systems, making him versatile in handling various types of vessels. This broad technical foundation would later inform his business decisions in vessel acquisition and operations.
Professional Memberships and Continuing Education
He is a qualified Marine Engineer with First Class (Combined) Certificate of Competency, a member of the British Society of Marine Consultants and Ship Surveyors, the American Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and the Institute of Directors (IoD).
These multiple professional memberships demonstrate his commitment to continuous learning and maintaining connections with international maritime professional communities. These associations provided him with access to global best practices and emerging technologies in maritime engineering and management.
Career Journey: From Employee to Maritime Entrepreneur
Early Career with Shell
After completing his marine engineering education in the UK, Greg Ogbeifun gained valuable experience working with Shell, where he served as a tanker man doing regular tank cleaning in the Shell fleet. This hands-on experience with one of the world’s largest oil companies provided him with practical knowledge of maritime operations and oil industry requirements.
His time with Shell exposed him to international operating standards, safety protocols, and the technical requirements of servicing major oil companies. This experience would prove crucial when he later established his own companies serving similar clients.
Transition to Consulting
When Germanischer Lloyds and Bureau Veritas found out that he had left Ocean Inchcape, they contacted him and terminated contracts with his former employer, offering him non-exclusive surveyor positions. They signed contracts with him to become the countrywide non-exclusive surveyor for Germanischer Lloyds and Bureau Veritas, and eventually Lloyds Register appointed him as an assistant surveyor.
He began doing intensive surveys, and thankfully it was not capital intensive, so even though he didn’t have any money, all I needed was a pen, paper, my brain and a stamp. This strategic career move allowed him to establish his reputation and build client relationships while requiring minimal capital investment.
Founding Starzs Investments (1986)
I started this company as one man in 1986, and at that time I did consultancy work as a marine consultant. My first job was an inspection of some vessels. After his foray abroad, he established his first company, Starzs Investments Company Limited (SICL) in 1986 on July 1st, marking the beginning of what would become a maritime empire.
The early days required entrepreneurial courage and technical expertise as he competed with established companies for contracts. His reputation for technical competence and reliability gradually built a client base that would support the company’s growth.
First Major Contract and Vessel Ownership
NNPC suddenly advertised for the tank cleaning of a storage tanker MT GUMA, Nigeria’s first tanker of about 200,000 tons moored in Bonny. He was the only Nigerian that competed with three other foreign companies for the tank cleaning contract, winning the bid for about N925,000, huge money in the 1980s.
To go to Bonny regularly with men and material, he had to buy a flyboat, which was his first vessel, owned by Starzs Investments. This practical necessity transformed his company from consulting services to vessel ownership, marking a crucial turning point in the business evolution.
Expansion into Shipyard Operations
Starzs Marine was birthed in the mid 1990s – 10 years after Starzs Investment. He established Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited in 1996, which started operations in 2000, creating Nigeria’s first privately owned indigenous ship repair yard at Onne.
The shipyard represents his vision for indigenous maritime capacity building, providing services that previously required Nigerian vessels to go abroad for repairs. This strategic move addressed a critical gap in Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure while creating employment opportunities.
Major Business Ventures: Building the Starzs Empire
Starzs Investments Company Limited
Today, I am the Chairman/CEO of Starzs Investments Company Limited, a marine logistics company whose activities include ownership, operation and maintenance of vessels. The company services international oil companies operating offshore in the Niger Delta with a growing fleet.
Before his retirement as CEO in 2021, the company had grown from three vessels to 12 ships, demonstrating exceptional business growth and operational success. The company has built a strong reputation in the Nigerian Maritime Industry by guaranteeing excellent service delivery, zero unscheduled down time and zero lost time injury.
Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited
I am also the Managing Director/CEO of Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited, the first privately-owned indigenous ship yard in Nigeria. Starzs Marine (Starzs Shipyard) is the oldest privately owned indigenous ship repair yard in Nigeria, operational since 2000.
Currently, he leads the expansion efforts of the Shipyard, increasing lifting capacity to 9,000 tons based on a comprehensive market study and Lloyds Register of London’s 120-page report, supported strongly by Afrexim Bank. This expansion project is expected to provide about 800 direct employment and 2,000 indirect employment when completed.
Eaglewatch Security Limited
Greg chairs Eaglewatch Security Limited, a reputable security company providing high-quality security services and employment opportunities to Nigerian youths since 1999. Worried about the high unemployment rate among Nigerian youth, he incorporated Eaglewatch Security Limited which today has over 800 Nigerians on its payroll.
This venture demonstrates his commitment to job creation beyond his core maritime business, addressing Nigeria’s critical unemployment challenges while building a sustainable security services company.
Diverse Autocare Centre Limited
He also serves as Chairman of Diverse Autocare Centre Limited, an innovative automobile company providing a full range of car maintenance and repair services. This automobile workshop is more of a hobby for me, though it represents another successful business venture and job creation initiative.
Major Achievements and Milestones
Mr Ogbeifun commissioned the first Cabotage compliant vessel MV OSAYAME, for offshore services by an indigenous company in Nigeria in 2010, marking a significant milestone in Nigerian maritime history and demonstrating compliance with local content requirements.
In 2019 he also commissioned a purpose-built Damen ASD Tug the MV OSANYAMO, the first of its kind and largest in the Damen ASD tug range to service a long-term contract for an international oil company, showcasing his ability to acquire and deploy cutting-edge maritime technology.
Leadership and Industry Advocacy: Shaping Nigerian Maritime Policy
Pioneer President of Ship Owners Association of Nigeria
He is the Pioneer President of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), using this platform to advocate for indigenous ship owners and the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry. This leadership position allowed him to influence policy discussions and represent the interests of Nigerian maritime entrepreneurs.
His tenure as SOAN president established the foundation for organized advocacy by Nigerian ship owners, creating a unified voice for industry concerns and policy recommendations to government regulators and policymakers.
Government Committee Appointments and Advisory Roles
Greg is further entrusted with chairing the Benin Port Project Technical Committee, tasked with spearheading the establishment of the legacy Benin Port project. You may be aware that my state governor, His Excellency, Governor Obaseki appointed me to be the Chairman of the committee to build the port which is now called Benin River Port in Edo State.
He was a Member of the Presidential Committee for the Review and Verification of all contracts awarded by NPA; Member of the Implementation Committee for the Repositioning and Restructuring of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron; and Member of the Steering Council for the Business Support Group (Vision 2020).
He also served as a Member of the Ministerial Committee on Guideline Drafting for The Disbursement of Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), contributing his expertise to the development of frameworks supporting indigenous maritime capacity building.
International Advisory Positions
He also sits as a member of the Advisory Board of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), representing Nigerian maritime interests in international forums and contributing to Commonwealth trade and investment discussions.
As a respected figure in the maritime industry, Greg is frequently sought after for his counsel by leaders at ministerial, federal and state levels. His counsel is most sought after by leaders in the Maritime Industry due to his clarity of vision and in-depth professional experience.
Career Timeline & Major Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Born in Edo State | Beginning of life journey |
| 1971 | Selected for Shell scholarship (1 of 4 from 4,000) | Recognition of exceptional talent |
| 1972 | Studied Marine Engineering in UK | World-class technical education |
| 1970s | Obtained First Class Certificate of Competency | Professional qualification excellence |
| 1980s | Work with Shell and consulting | Industry experience building |
| 1986 | Founded Starzs Investments (July 1) | Entrepreneurial journey begins |
| 1996 | Established Starzs Marine & Engineering | Expansion into shipyard operations |
| 1999 | Founded Eaglewatch Security Limited | Diversification and job creation |
| 2000 | Starzs Shipyard begins operations | First indigenous private shipyard |
| 2010 | Commissioned MV OSAYAME | First Cabotage compliant vessel |
| 2019 | Commissioned MV OSANYAMO | Largest Damen ASD tug acquisition |
| 2021 | Retired as CEO at 70 | Succession and continued impact |
| 2021-Present | Non-Executive Chairman and legacy projects | Continued industry contribution |
Key Takeaways from Greg Ogbeifun’s Career Journey
Technical Excellence as Foundation
His First Class Certificate of Competency and comprehensive marine engineering training provided the technical foundation that distinguished his business approach and ensured operational excellence in all ventures.
Strategic Capital Management
His ability to start with minimal capital (pen, paper, brain and stamp) and gradually build vessel ownership demonstrates strategic thinking and financial management crucial for entrepreneurial success in capital-intensive industries.
Indigenous Capacity Building
His commitment to creating Nigeria’s first private shipyard and advocating for local content demonstrates visionary leadership in building national maritime capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign services.
Job Creation Impact
With over 1,200 jobs created across his enterprises and expansion plans for thousands more, his legacy includes significant contributions to addressing Nigeria’s unemployment challenges through sustainable business development.
Personal Life: Balancing Business Success with Family Values
Family and Marriage
Despite his professional commitments, Greg remains dedicated to his family, cherishing moments with his wife Victoria and eight children, two of whom have followed in his footsteps as Mariners. His ability to maintain strong family relationships despite demanding business commitments demonstrates his values and priorities.
His wife Victoria has likely played a supportive role throughout his entrepreneurial journey, providing the stability necessary for him to take business risks and build his maritime empire. The family’s support system has been crucial to his sustained success over decades.
Children Following Maritime Careers
Two of my children are marine professionals – one a marine engineer and another a Naval Architect. This suggests that his passion for maritime affairs and technical excellence has influenced the next generation, creating potential for continued family involvement in the industry.
His son the marine engineer will probably take over Starzs Investments Company Limited while the Naval Architect will eventually work with Starzs Marine & Engineering, though he insisted that succession be based on professional competence rather than automatic inheritance.
Succession Planning and Daughter’s Leadership
Consultants from London recommended Iroghama in their reports, wanting her in company management. Iroghama Obuoforibo, who had been Chief Operating Officer since 2014, was appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Starzs Investments effective February 1, 2021.
Everyone was right. Before he stepped down, the company had three ships. Under her, it now boasts of 12 ships, demonstrating his wisdom in selecting leadership based on capability rather than gender or automatic succession assumptions.
Personal Philosophy and Character
Despite being described by many as a father figure and help to many lives, he maintains humility and focuses on impact rather than recognition. I’m misunderstood, misrepresented, misconstrued … but I don’t care, demonstrating his focus on results and impact rather than public opinion.
He appears to belong to the class of those rare individuals who find happiness from within and has mastered the art of managing the many challenges of life and living with ease and equanimity, suggesting strong personal character and emotional intelligence.
Awards & Recognitions: Honoring Maritime Excellence
Industry and Professional Awards
As a business leader, he received the Gold Merit Award as the Maritime Entrepreneur of The Year in the Maritime and Oil Industry, recognizing his business success and contribution to Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He received an award for Immense Contribution to Manpower Development in the Maritime Industry by the Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron in 2006, acknowledging his role in training and developing maritime professionals.
He was awarded Marine Logistics Services Provider of the Year, 2013, in Cape Town, South Africa, representing international recognition of his company’s service excellence and operational standards.
He was also awarded The Most Outstanding Marine Engineer by Maritime Media Limited, recognizing his technical excellence and contributions to marine engineering practice in Nigeria.
He received the ‘Trailblazer’ award in 2016 by the All-African Students Union in recognition of his contribution to the welfare of students across West Africa, demonstrating his impact beyond business into education and youth development.
He was awarded ‘Manager of the Year’ by the Europe Business Assembly in 2016, providing international recognition of his management excellence and business leadership across his various enterprises.
Professional and Advisory Recognition
His numerous committee appointments and advisory positions represent recognition of his expertise by government agencies and international organizations seeking his counsel on maritime industry development and policy formulation.
Legacy, Influence & Impact: Transforming Nigerian Maritime Industry
Indigenous Maritime Capacity Building
His establishment of Nigeria’s first privately owned indigenous shipyard represents a landmark achievement in building national maritime capabilities. The shipyard has enabled Nigerian vessels to receive repairs locally rather than going abroad, saving foreign exchange and building technical skills.
The expansion project to 9,000 tons lifting capacity will create the most advanced facility in the Gulf of Guinea, potentially attracting vessels from across West Africa and transforming Nigeria into a regional maritime services hub.
Job Creation and Youth Employment
His visionary leadership has led to the creation of over 1,200 job opportunities for Nigerians across his various enterprises, with expansion plans expected to create thousands more. This represents significant contribution to addressing Nigeria’s unemployment challenges.
Worried about the high unemployment rate among Nigerian youth, he incorporated Eaglewatch Security Limited which today has over 800 Nigerians on its payroll, demonstrating commitment to youth employment beyond his core maritime business.
Policy Advocacy and Industry Development
His advocacy work through SOAN and various government committees has influenced maritime policy development and implementation in Nigeria. His continuous advocacy for the re-establishment of a Nigerian fleet trading globally led to appointment to the Ministerial Committee for the establishment of a National Fleet.
His dedication to cadetship training for students from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron through his companies has contributed to human capacity development in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Inspiring Future Entrepreneurs
His journey from Shell scholarship student to maritime magnate provides a roadmap for aspiring Nigerian entrepreneurs, demonstrating how technical excellence, strategic thinking, and persistent effort can lead to exceptional business success.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence and National Service
Engineer Greg Utomwen Ogbeifun’s remarkable journey from a young scholarship student in 1972 to becoming Nigeria’s foremost indigenous maritime entrepreneur represents one of the most inspiring success stories in Nigerian business history. His technical excellence, entrepreneurial vision, and commitment to national development have transformed Nigeria’s maritime landscape.
His achievements span business success, job creation, technical innovation, and policy advocacy, creating a comprehensive legacy that extends far beyond personal wealth accumulation. The growth of Starzs Investments from a one-man consulting operation to a 12-vessel fleet, and the establishment of Nigeria’s first private shipyard, demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurial achievement.
As he transitions from executive leadership to Non-Executive Chairman at 70, his legacy projects including the shipyard expansion and Benin River Port continue to shape Nigeria’s maritime future. His daughter’s successful leadership of Starzs Investments, growing the fleet from three to twelve vessels, demonstrates the sustainability of his business model and wisdom of his succession planning.
His impact on Nigerian maritime industry development, youth employment, and indigenous capacity building will continue influencing the sector for generations. His story proves that with technical excellence, strategic vision, and commitment to national development, Nigerian entrepreneurs can build world-class businesses that compete globally while creating significant domestic impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Greg Ogbeifun and what is his background?
Birth and Origin
Greg Ogbeifun was born in 1951 in present-day Edo State, Nigeria, during the colonial period. He grew up to become one of Nigeria’s most successful maritime entrepreneurs.
Educational Background
Shell gave him a scholarship to study Marine Engineering in the UK in 1972, providing world-class technical training. He obtained a Combined First-Class Certificate of Competency in Marine Engineering (STEAM and MOTOR) from the UK, achieving the highest professional qualification in his field.
Professional Excellence
He is a qualified Marine Engineer with First Class (Combined) Certificate of Competency, a member of the British Society of Marine Consultants and Ship Surveyors, the American Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and the Institute of Directors.
2. What companies has Greg Ogbeifun founded?
Starzs Investments Company Limited
He started this company as one man in 1986 on July 1st, initially doing consultancy work as a marine consultant. Today it owns and operates 12 ships servicing international oil companies in the Niger Delta.
Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited
Established in 1996 and operational since 2000, this is the first privately-owned indigenous ship repair yard in Nigeria, known as Starzs Shipyard in Onne.
Other Business Ventures
He chairs Eaglewatch Security Limited, providing security services with over 800 Nigerians on its payroll, and Diverse Autocare Centre Limited, an automobile maintenance and repair company.
3. What major achievements has Greg Ogbeifun accomplished?
Industry Firsts
He commissioned the first Cabotage compliant vessel MV OSAYAME for offshore services by an indigenous company in Nigeria in 2010, and the largest Damen ASD Tug MV OSANYAMO in 2019.
Leadership Positions
He is the Pioneer President of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) and chairs the Benin Port Project Technical Committee for establishing Benin River Port in Edo State.
Job Creation Impact
His visionary leadership has led to the creation of over 1,200 job opportunities for Nigerians across his various enterprises, with expansion plans for thousands more positions.
4. How did Greg Ogbeifun get his start in business?
Shell Scholarship
Out of over 4,000 applicants in 1971, only four including him were selected for Shell’s scholarship program. He accepted Shell’s offer because they would put him on salary, enabling him to support his parents while studying.
Early Consulting Work
After leaving employment, he became a non-exclusive surveyor for Germanischer Lloyds, Bureau Veritas, and Lloyds Register, requiring minimal capital – just a pen, paper, brain and stamp.
First Major Contract
He won NNPC’s tank cleaning contract for MT GUMA for about N925,000 in the 1980s, competing as the only Nigerian against three foreign companies. This contract led to purchasing his first vessel to support operations.
5. What is Greg Ogbeifun’s current status and family life?
Retirement and Current Role
At 70 in February 2021, he retired as Chief Executive Officer after 35 years of meritorious service and remains Non-Executive Chairman of Starzs Investments Company Limited.
Family
Despite his professional commitments, Greg remains dedicated to his family, cherishing moments with his wife Victoria and eight children, two of whom have followed in his footsteps as Mariners.
Succession Success
His daughter Iroghama Obuoforibo was appointed Managing Director/CEO in February 2021. Before he stepped down, the company had three ships; under her leadership, it now boasts 12 ships.
6. What awards and recognition has Greg Ogbeifun received?
Maritime Industry Awards
He received the Gold Merit Award as Maritime Entrepreneur of The Year, Marine Logistics Services Provider of the Year 2013 in Cape Town, and The Most Outstanding Marine Engineer award.
Social Impact Recognition
He received awards for Immense Contribution to Manpower Development from Maritime Academy of Nigeria in 2006, Trailblazer award from All-African Students Union in 2016, and Manager of the Year by Europe Business Assembly in 2016.
Professional Positions
He sits as a member of the Advisory Board of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) and has served on numerous presidential, ministerial, and state committees on maritime development.