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Cletus Ibeto Biography, Age, Early Life, Family, Education, Career And Net Worth

Cletus Ibeto

Cletus Ibeto is a Nigerian entrepreneur, philanthropist and head of The Ibeto Group, the largest business enterprise from Nnewi. He is one of the richest Nigerian businessmen, with companies spanning across cement manufacturing, automotive spare parts, oil and gas, petrochemicals, hospitality and more. In 2008, he received the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) from the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his outstanding contributions to the country through his manufacturing enterprise.
We'd be seeing Cletus Ibeto's biography, date of birth, age, early life, family, parents, siblings, spouse, education, career, net worth, houses, cars, social media handles and everything else you'd love to know about him.
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Cletus Ibeto Profile

Before we continue, here's a quick rundown on Cletus Ibeto's profile and a few things you'd love to know about him:
Full name: Dr. Cletus Madubugwu Ibeto
Date of birth: 6th November 1952
Age: 68 years (2020)
Nationality: Nigerian
Education: University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Spouse: Augustina Ifeyinwa Okpala
Children
Occupation: Businessman
Net worth

Cletus Ibeto Biography, Date Of Birth, Age, Early Life, Family And Education

Cletus Ibeto was born on the 6th of November, 1952 in  Umuenem, Obiofia Otolo Nnewi, Anambra State. Growing up, young Cletus wanted to be successful academically, and always dreamt of going to the secondary school. After his elementary education, he enrolled at the prestigious Crusader Secondary School, Isingwu Amachala, Umuahia for his secondary education.

On the 22nd of January 1966, the 13-year-old Cletus Ibeto was in high mood, as he was going to be resuming school with his elder brothers; Cyril Ibeto and Louis Ibeto, who were already in secondary school.

His dreams of going to secondary school were shattered by his father, who believed that 'a man should not put all his eggs in one basket'. Since Cletus' elder brothers were already in school, his last son should chart a different course—not academics!

This decision really shocked Cletus, who resorted to all the tricks in the world, refusing to eat for days, climbing trees as if he would jump to his death, crying, begging, inconsolable, but his father has made his decision.

Fast-forward to 2020, you can barely count the 1st ten richest Igbos without mentioning 'Ibeto'. The name has grown from a regular surname to a brand, just like Dangote and the others. And guess what, Cletus Ibeto never forgot formal education, he later sat for his WASSCE at the age of 48. He further gained admission to study at the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree. He was subsequently honoured with a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the same University.

Career

Dr Cletus Ibeto started his business career as an apprentice under the motor parts business. His former boss, John Akamelu was a popular auto spare parts dealer, based in Onitsha. He was with his master until 1967 when the Nigeria civil war started.

After the war ended in 1970, Cletus decided to pursue his dreams of becoming a successful trader. To raise capital for his business, one of his elder brothers, Louis, gave him a leather handbag and a round neck suit, which he sold along with a packet of APC tablets he picked up at an evacuated hospital. He was able to start his business with the little money realised from the sales of these items and grew gradually.

Cletus Ibeto's business career recorded significant growth during the former President Shehu Shagari's administration, as he profited from a policy change that affected importation of goods. The then administration banned the importation of goods by individuals without an import licence, a move that made importers stall to monitor the state of things before taking next steps.

Ibeto on his own side made a sharp movement by securing the ₦3 million import licence at a time a dollar sold for 68 kobo. Subsequently, he was able to import 5 containers of vital motor parts. Before other Nigerian importers could wake up to secure the license, the government had made the steps tighter and almost impossible to get it. Ibeto virtually became a monopolist for motor spare parts and was in fact, selling at almost 500% mark up and people were buying.

With time, Cletus Ibeto started importing automotive lead-acid batteries and plastic accessories. In 1988, he stopped direct importation of lead-acid automotive battery and plastic motor accessories after completing his Nnewi factory and by 1995, he had already become one of the largest auto spare parts manufacturing outfit in Nigeria.

In October 1996, he diversified into other sectors and established the Ibeto Petrochemicals Industries Limited. He has since then started businesses cutting across hospitality, agriculture, cement manufacturing, real estate and more.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Ibeto is a recipient of numerous awards, which includes:
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Honoris Causa, University of Nigeria
• Gold Service Award from the Rotary Club of Enugu, Rotary International District 9140
• Certificate of Merit from the Government of Anambra State of Nigeria
• National Honour, Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
• National Honour, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
• Award of Excellence by the Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation
• Three-Ruby Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Foundation International
• National Honour, Officer of Order of the Niger, OON.
• He is also a recipient of the Anaedoonline Excellence Award

Companies Owned By Cletus Ibeto

• Ibeto Petrochemical Industries Ltd
• Union Autoparts Manufacturing Co. Ltd
• Ibeto Energy Development Ltd
• Ibeto Cement Company Ltd
• Ibeto Industries Ltd
• Eastern Bulkcem Company Ltd
• Ibeto Hotels Ltd
• Palmex Agencies Ltd
• Kings’s Palace Hotels Ltd
• Odoh Holdings Ltd

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