Nigerian architect, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Offiong Ekanem Ejindu was born and raised in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State on 21st May 1962. She is the great-granddaughter of King James Ekpo Bassey of Cobham Town in Calabar, Nigeria. Fifi is the founder and CEO of Building Support Systems and the Principal Partner of Starcrest Group of Companies.
Fifi Ejindu received her elementary education at the Senior Staff School on the campus of the University of Ibadan, and her secondary education at Queens’ College in Yaba, Lagos.
At the age of 16, she finished her secondary schooling and moved to the US to attend Pratt Institute, a private design school in Brooklyn, New York, to study architecture.
She received a B.Arch. from Pratt in 1983, making history as the first black African woman to do so. Ejindu further studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before beginning a job at Grant Associates in New York City.
She subsequently went back to Pratt College to finish her master’s degree in urban planning before leaving for Nigeria.
Fifi Ejindu established an architecture practice after she returned to Nigeria.
The Starcrest Group of Companies, which was founded in 1995, is made up of the estate, oil and gas, and building construction businesses Starcrest Investment Ltd, Starcrest Associates Ltd, and Starcrest Industries Ltd.
Under her direction, the Starcrest Investment Ltd sought and received Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s support in persuading fifty influential business leaders from the United Arab Emirates to invest in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, resulting in the creation of job opportunities for Nigerians and an increase in the GDP of the nation (GDP).
The division in charge of building plans, estate and villa construction, architectural services, urban planning, engineering services, and interior design is known as Starcrest Associates. From the beginning to the end of the project, the subsidiary is also involved in project management.
She has created and implemented a number of initiatives through the platform of this business for private citizens, the state, and businesses. The flat for the Spanish Embassy in Maitama, Abuja, was constructed by the business.
Her Philanthropic Works
She started Hope Centres when she was 50 years old. Speaking in an interview, she said: “The idea is to get the youths off the street, so they can acquire skills with which they can sustain themselves. This should give them hope and inspire a sense of belonging by lifting them out of abject poverty. Access to decent work is an antidote to social exclusion across the globe.”
Hope Centres, her non-profit organisation, has evolved into a safe haven and training ground for young people.
Awards and Recognitions
Fifi Ejindu was awarded the “Honorary Patron Membership” of the elite Dubai Icons Club
Emerged the winner of “The Nigerian Golden Book Professional Icon Award” in 2015
Recognized as one of the Top Twenty Inspirational Women in 2015 by the African Diaspora Professional Women in Europe (ADIPWE)
Ejindu won the “Diaspora Excellence Award” in 2015
She was the winner of the 2014 African Child Nobel Prize
She was awarded by the African Achievers Awards for the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at The Dorchester Hotel in 2013.
Enlisted into the Global Women Leaders Hall of Fame – African Chapter. She was one of Africa’s top 20 Women of Influence in 2013.
She was Recommended by the Georgia House of Representatives, America for her achievements.
Fifi Ejindu was awarded as the “African Female Economic Champion” in 2013.
Presented with the award of the “Patriotic Women of Integrity International award” in 2004.
Fifi Ejindu received the “African International Achievers Merit Award for excellence” from the Soroptimist Club of Abuja.
Princess Fifi Ejindu is a member of the Nigerian National Heritage Council.
Fifi Ejindu was one of the eleven-member technical committee set up by the government of Akwa Ibom state to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to the state.
Fifi Ejindu is the founder of The African Arts and Fashion initiative and has been identified as one of the leading female architects in Nigeria.
Fifi is happily married to Amechi Ejindu who is also a partner in her business.
