Fifi Ejindu facts for kids

Offiong Ekanem Ejindu is a Nigerian architect, a smart businesswoman, and someone who helps others through charity. She was born in Ibadan, Nigeria. She is also the great-granddaughter of King James Ekpo Bassey from Cobham Town in Calabar, Nigeria.

The Story of Fifi Ejindu

Her Royal Family Background

Fifi Ejindu is a princess! Her great-grandfather was King James Ekpo Bassey. He was an Efik king during the time when Nigeria was a colony. His kingdom was in Cobham Town, Calabar. Queen Victoria's representatives crowned King Bassey in 1893. Because of this special family history, Princess Fifi uses the title H.H. The Obonganwan King James in social settings.

Princess Fifi, whose birth name is Offiong Ekanem Ejindu, was born in Ibadan. This city is the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria. She also grew up there.

Her Parents and Their Work

Princess Fifi's father was Professor Sylvester Joseph Una. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin in Ireland and Brown University in the United States. He was the very first Minister of Health in the eastern part of Nigeria. He was also a member of the National Parliament before Nigeria became independent. Later, he became a professor at the University of Ibadan. He was one of the first Nigerian lecturers there.

Her mother, Obonganwan Ekpa Una, also received her education in England.

Her Education and Career

Princess Fifi went to UNC Charlotte for her studies. She then studied Architecture at Pratt Institute. This is a private design college in Brooklyn, New York. In 1983, she graduated from Pratt. She was the first black African woman to earn a Bachelor of Architecture degree from that institute.

After graduating, Fifi took more classes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Then, she worked at a private company in New York City. Fifi later returned to Pratt Institute to get her Masters degree in Urban Planning. After finishing her studies, she moved back to Nigeria.

When she returned to Nigeria, Ejindu started a group of companies called Starcrest Group. This company began in 1995. It includes Starcrest Investment Ltd., Starcrest Associates Ltd., and Starcrest Industries Ltd. These companies work in different areas like real estate, oil and gas, and building construction.

In 2013, she received a special award. It was the African Arts and Fashion Lifetime Achievement award from the African Achievers Awards. This award recognized her amazing work and contributions.

See also

• List of Nigerian architects