Born in Calabar, Nigeria, Stanley Uzochukwu’s rise from a young, ambitious graduate of the University of Jos to the Founder and Executive Chairman of Stanel Group is nothing short of extraordinary.
At 40, he has built a business empire, Stanel Group, which encompasses interests in energy, hospitality, and real estate and also crafted a legacy that extends far beyond the boardroom.
From the outset, Stanley’s vision was clear: to create opportunities where they were scarce and to give back to the community in meaningful ways. His passion for job creation and youth development is palpable, reflected in the over 7,000 jobs he has provided and countless training programs designed to empower the next generation of Nigerian leaders. His annual youth empowerment initiative, Access More with Stanel, is a cornerstone of his efforts to uplift young entrepreneurs, providing them with the mentorship and resources needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
But perhaps what sets Stanley apart most is his deep sense of compassion and commitment to social responsibility. His foundation’s work with widows, orphans, and the less privileged has touched thousands of lives, offering not just material support, but hope and a path to a better future. Most recently, he launched The Delborough Lagos, a super luxury-styled hotel that has quickly become a hub for high-profile gatherings and international dignitaries. Yet, even as his business empire grows, Stanley’s focus remains steadfast on the impact he can have on others. “My commitment to youth empowerment and job creation is deeply personal. I understand what it’s like to struggle and face uncertainty about the future.”, he says.
Congratulations, Stanley. Turning 40 is a significant milestone. How do you feel about this new decade in your life?
I feel immensely grateful to God for everything He has done in my life. Reaching 40 is a significant milestone, and I see it as a moment to reflect on how far God has brought me. Without Him, none of these achievements would have been possible. My attitude is one of deep gratitude, as I know that every success, challenges overcome, and blessing directly results from His grace. As I step into this new decade, I am filled with hope and anticipation for what He has in store for me next.
At such a young age, you’ve achieved remarkable success. What do you attribute this to?
I attribute my success to several key factors:
God: Above all, my faith has been the cornerstone of my journey. I believe that God has been guiding me every step of the way.
Hard Work: From an early age, I learned the importance of hard work. It’s been a driving force behind everything I do. I have always believed that hard work is non-negotiable.
Resilience: The journey hasn’t always been smooth. There have been countless challenges, but resilience— the ability to bounce back and keep pushing forward— has been essential.
Consistency: Success is not just about one big break; it’s about showing up every day, putting in the work, and staying committed to your goals.
Constant Upgrade: I believe in continuous learning and self-improvement. The world is constantly changing, and to stay relevant, you have to keep upgrading your skills, knowledge, and the way you do things.
What motivated you to start Stanel Group, and what was your vision when you first began?
My journey began during a period of desperation in my life. I was a young boy struggling in Abuja, balancing school with business to make ends meet. One day, I joined a family friend for their church’s 21-day fasting program. During that time, I had a vivid dream where I saw oil tankers delivering products directly to homes and offices. When I woke up, I knew it was a divine indication of what I should venture into. That dream laid the foundation for Stanel Group.
The initial vision was to make oil and gas products accessible to people in their homes through a systematic delivery system. Our motto was “bringing it to you.” Over the years, by God’s grace, we have expanded significantly. We now have gas stations across several States in Nigeria, and the business has diversified into other sectors, including hospitality, retail, and more.
You have done very well, particularly in the area of job creation, providing jobs and training for over 7,000 young people. What drives your commitment to youth empowerment and job creation?
My commitment to youth empowerment and job creation is deeply personal. I understand what it’s like to struggle and face uncertainty about the future. Providing opportunities for young people is my way of giving back and helping others navigate their journeys. I believe that by empowering the youth, we are helping individuals and building a stronger, more resilient society. It’s about giving them the tools, skills, and confidence they need to succeed, just as others did for me when I was starting out.
How did the idea for the Access More with Stanel program come about, and what impact has it had on young entrepreneurs?
The Access More with Stanel program idea was born from my own experiences. I started my entrepreneurial journey early because I was fortunate to have people who believed in me and invested their credibility in me. This program is my way of replicating that opportunity for other young people. Through Access More, we mentor young entrepreneurs and provide them with cash grants to kickstart or grow their businesses.
The impact has been profound. We’ve seen young entrepreneurs who were once struggling now run successful businesses, create jobs, and contribute positively to their communities. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the ripple effect of this program.
Being a young entrepreneur in Nigeria must have been really difficult. Were there moments where you doubted your path? How did you navigate those times?
Oh yes, being a young entrepreneur in Nigeria is challenging. There were many tough moments, but I never truly doubted my path. I had a firm conviction that this was what I was meant to do. Yes, there were challenges—financial hurdles, operational difficulties, and the general uncertainty of entrepreneurship—but my faith in God and the vision He gave me kept me going. Every time I faced a setback, I turned to God for guidance, and He always made a way.
You are surrounded by many older, successful, and influential personalities. Did that help? How has mentorship played a role in your personal and professional growth?
Absolutely, being surrounded by successful and experienced individuals has been incredibly beneficial. Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my emergence and rise. Having mentors who have walked the path before me provided invaluable guidance and insight. They helped me avoid pitfalls, made me see opportunities where I might not have, and encouraged me when I needed it most. Their wisdom and experience have been instrumental in shaping my personal and professional growth.
Would you like to share an impactful piece of advice from one of your mentors?
One of my most revered mentors is Dr. Cosmas Maduka, the President of Coscharis Group. He has always emphasised the importance of financial prudence. He often says, “Don’t eat your seed; wait for the harvest.” This advice is about delaying gratification and being patient. This principle has been incredibly valuable in my journey in a world where instant results are often sought after. It has taught me the importance of making wise financial decisions and investing long-term.
Love, compassion, and giving back also seem to be integral to your approach. Tell me a bit about your foundation.
Our focus at the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation is primarily on youth, widows, and orphans. We believe in providing opportunities for those who are often overlooked or underserved. Through various programs, we offer mentorship, education, vocational training, and financial support. We also have initiatives focused on healthcare, housing, and community development. Our goal is to empower individuals and communities to become self-sufficient and thrive.
Can you share some memorable moments from your annual events for widows and orphans?
One memorable moment was during one of our prison outreaches, where I met a woman who had been imprisoned for over six months. She had been doing local laundry work when a client accused her of losing a dress, leading to her arrest and imprisonment. All she needed was 150,000 Naira to secure her release, but she had no one to turn to. I paid the fines, secured her release, and gave her additional funds to restart her life.
This woman started a piggery business, and I recently heard that she now has over 1,000 pigs and is even an employer of labour. Stories like this remind me why we do what we do at the foundation. It’s about transforming lives and giving people a second chance.
Your luxury hotel, The Delborough Lagos, has gained a lot of attention. What inspired you to venture into the hospitality industry?
The Delborough Lagos was initially intended to be Stanel Group’s head office. However, during a trip to Dubai, I received a clear divine leading to convert the property into a hotel. With my years of travel and exposure, I have always sought out the best hotels to stay in abroad. However, I noticed a significant gap in the Nigerian hospitality industry. Although my background is in oil and gas, I decided to venture into hospitality after reflecting on divine leading and the market gap.
The vision for The Delborough is to export African hospitality to the world. I’m pleased to share that in just six months since launching, we’ve already attracted interns from universities in countries like Mexico and Brazil who want to study what we’ve accomplished here in Nigeria. This is a testament to the quality and uniqueness of what we are offering.
How’s it going so far? What are your future plans for expanding your footprint in the hospitality industry?
So far, it’s going exceptionally well. We’ve received calls from at least three African countries interested in starting a franchise of The Delborough. Notably, we’ve already begun work in one of the Central African countries. This rapid expansion is arguably one of the fastest-growing hospitality franchises in recent history, and we are excited about the future. The goal is to establish a strong presence across Africa and eventually take African hospitality to the global stage.
You are very public about your relationship with God, and it’s so beautiful to see. It seems to be a central part of your life. How does your faith influence your business decisions?
Yes, God is at the centre of everything I do, both personally and professionally. The principles of the Bible guide all my business decisions. Whether it’s how I treat my employees, how I approach partnerships, or how I plan for the future, my faith is the foundation. I believe that when you put God first, everything else falls into place. It’s not always easy, but having that spiritual anchor provides clarity and purpose in all my endeavours.
Reflecting on your journey, what has been your most rewarding experience so far?
The most rewarding experience of my journey has been witnessing the profound impact our efforts have had on people’s lives. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing tangible change—whether it’s someone securing a job through one of our businesses, a young entrepreneur thriving as a result of our mentorship programs, or an individual regaining hope through the initiatives of our foundation.
It’s incredibly gratifying to see people who were once struggling now flourishing. I’ve seen individuals who were homeless and uncertain about their future now owning homes and cars, achieving stability and independence. I’ve also watched people who had never even dreamed of travelling suddenly find themselves on private jets, experiencing a completely different world. These transformations are a powerful reminder of the purpose behind everything we do.
Knowing that our work can make such a difference in someone’s life keeps me motivated and committed to continuing this journey. It’s not just about business success; it’s about changing lives and creating opportunities that empower others to reach their full potential.
As you celebrate your 40th birthday, what are your personal and professional goals for the next decade?
One of my primary personal goals is to focus on my academic pursuits. I recently completed my MBA, and I plan to proceed with a PhD next. By God’s grace, my goal is to become a professor by the time I’m 49. Professionally, I want to continue expanding Stanel Group and make an even greater impact through the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation. I also plan to further our Pan-African youth empowerment initiatives and expand our footprint in the hospitality industry.
What upcoming projects or initiatives are you most excited about in the near future?
I’m particularly excited about the ongoing work with the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation and our Pan-African youth empowerment initiatives. We have several programs lined up that will provide mentorship, training, and financial support to young people across Africa. We are also working on expanding The Delborough’s footprint within Nigeria and internationally. There’s so much potential, and I’m eager to see these projects come to life.
How do you envision the future of Stanel Group in the next 10 to 20 years?
In the next 10 to 20 years, I envision Stanel Group having a presence in all 36 states of Nigeria, expanding outside of Nigeria, and making a significant impact across Africa. Our goal is to be a household name not just in oil and gas but across multiple sectors. We want to be known for excellence, innovation, and a commitment to positively impacting society. By God’s grace, we will continue to grow and expand our reach within Africa and beyond.
