There is an undocumented saying that has travelled almost as far as Nigerians themselves: wherever in the world there is no Nigerian, then such a nation is still waiting to fully announce its arrival. It may sound playful, but behind that expression lies a profound truth. Across continents, Nigerians have consistently carried with them an uncommon spirit of enterprise, resilience & excellence in all ramifications, transforming communities, building businesses & creating legacies that outlive them. The USA is a testament to this truth. Nigerians, & Africans, are some of the most successful in legitimate businesses in some of the States in countries abroad, without a shadow of doubt.
Zambia is one of those beautiful African nations that has welcomed such excellence with open arms.
As I settled into this peaceful land, forever associated with the enduring legacy of the great Sir Kenneth Kaunda, I became curious. Every country has its pillars, those quiet achievers, the empire builders, those personalities whose influence is felt far beyond the boardroom. I wanted to know who they were.
One name surfaced repeatedly.Not once. Not twice.
But with a consistency that made further enquiry almost inevitable.
That of the Very Rev’d. Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi.
When a name echoes through different circles with such unmistakable respect, you owe it to yourself to look beyond the headlines. So I did. She loves to be quiet, not necessarily in the lime light. What began as simple curiosity soon unfolded into the story of a remarkable woman whose life effortlessly bridges faith, commerce, leadership & humanity.
Some people become successful. Others become significant.
Very Rev. Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi belongs comfortably in the latter category. Ordained into the priesthood of the Methodist Church of Nigeria on August 22, 2021, at the magnificent Harbour Point in Lagos, she has carried her calling beyond the walls of the sanctuary. Through her vision, the John Wesley Methodist Church found a home in Zambia, extending not merely a denominations, ministers & music icons, including Kirk Franklin, Mercy Chinwo & other renowned worship leaders, to inspire thousands & strengthen the nation’s spiritual landscape. For these concerts, attendance are FREE!
Her philosophy appears beautifully simple: success should never terminate on oneself. It should become a blessing to others.
That same philosophy is reflected in the Harvest Group’s hospitality investments, including the elegant La Bamba Restaurant, where Nigerian cuisine finds an upscale expression in the heart of Lusaka, alongside Jara, the thriving Grocery store, another thriving expression of the Group’s expanding vision. Wherever there’s the filling station, you are sure to see Jara.
As I continued to learn about the Very Rev’d Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, one thought remained with me.
Some individuals build companies. Some build wealth. A rare few build ecosystems. They create jobs. They stimulate economies. They nurture communities. They inspire faith. They expand possibilities.
And without making noise, they redefine what leadership should look like.
That is the quiet power of Very Rev’d Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi.
She is not simply leading a conglomerate. She is shaping industries. She is not merely preaching sermons. She is living one. She is not only flying the Nigerian flag with distinction.
She is strengthening the bonds of African enterprise, proving that excellence recognises no borders & that purpose, when pursued with conviction, can transform nations.
Meeting personalities like the Very Rev’d Adaoha (though I wasn’t lucky enough to meet her one on one) leaves one with renewed confidence in Africa’s future. They remind us that the continent’s greatest resource has never been buried beneath its soil. It has always been its people, men & women whose vision is larger than themselves & whose impact echoes long after the applause has faded.
In Very Rev’d Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, Zambia has found a formidable business leader. Nigeria has produced another exceptional ambassador.
And Africa can proudly point to yet another daughter whose life is a compelling testimony that true greatness is measured not simply by what one acquires, but by how many lives are elevated reach but a ministry rooted in service, compassion & hope.
Yet that is only one dimension of an astonishing life. In the corporate world, the juggernaut of a lady is the visionary MD & CEO of the Harvest Group, a diversified conglomerate whose footprint stretches across logistics, energy, hospitality, infrastructure, e-commerce & transformative CSR.
Before conquering boardrooms, she earned her stripes in banking, beginning with First Bank before moving to Access Bank, institutions that helped sharpen the discipline & financial acumen that would later define her entrepreneurial journey.
Then came the downstream oil & gas industry, one of Africa’s toughest commercial landscapes. She didn’t merely participate. She excelled.
Her tenure as MD of Ontario Oil & Gas Nigeria Limited firmly established her reputation as a leader capable of navigating complexity, inspiring teams & delivering results where excellence is the only acceptable currency.
Today, through the Harvest Group, her entrepreneurial vision has become deeply woven into Zambia’s economic fabric. From an expansive network of modern filling stations (over 40 of them) strategically positioned across the country to a formidable fleet of haulage trucks (about 200 fleet) that keeps commerce moving, the Harvest name has become synonymous with reliability, growth & industrial confidence.
To appreciate the scale of this achievement, one must remember that Zambia, despite its vast geographical spread, has a population of roughly 22 million people plus, comparable to that of Lagos alone. Building an enterprise of this magnitude within such a market requires far more than ambition. It demands foresight, courage, consistency & an unwavering belief in possibilities that others may never even see.
But perhaps the true measure of greatness is not found in balance sheets or corporate valuations.
It is found in what one chooses to do with influence. Here again, the Very Rev. Adaoha distinguishes herself.
Her commitment to advancing the Gospel has become legendary within Zambia. Through the Harvest Group, she has consistently supported Christian ministry, bringing some of the world’s most celebrated gospel minister.
