Jowizaza: Nigerian Billionaire, Entrepreneur, and Socialite

Early Life and Education

Joseph Eze Okafor Jr., popularly known as Jowizaza, was born on March 19, 1985, in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria, into a prominent Igbo family. The son of Chief Sir Joseph Eze Okafor Sr., a renowned billionaire and founder of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, Jowizaza grew up in a privileged environment with exposure to the oil and gas industry from an early age. He has six siblings, including one younger brother and five sisters, though details about his mother and early childhood remain private.

Jowizaza began his secondary education at Sacred Heart Seminary Nsude in Enugu State, a minor seminary of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu. He later attended Madonna University in Okija, Anambra State, where he earned his undergraduate degree. To further his education, he pursued postgraduate studies at Coventry University in London, United Kingdom, and attended the Kelce College of Business at Pittsburg State University in the United States. This diverse academic background equipped him with the skills to manage and expand his family’s business empire.

Career and Business Ventures

Jowizaza is the CEO of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, a leading oil and gas company founded by his father in 1980. Initially a small-scale oil service provider, Jezco Oil became a fully licensed independent petroleum marketer by 1988 and has since grown into a household name in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, operating filling stations, retail outlets, and manufacturing plants. Under Jowizaza’s leadership, the company has expanded into new areas, including the production of medical gases and lubricants, solidifying its position in Nigeria’s competitive oil and gas industry. His innovative approach and business acumen have been praised, with posts on X noting his transformation and modernization of the company.

Beyond oil and gas, Jowizaza is involved in real estate and other investments, owning luxurious properties in upscale areas like Banana Island and Lekki’s Chevron Drive in Lagos. His business ventures contribute to his estimated net worth of $74.6 million to $150 million as of 2024, though exact figures vary across sources.

Lifestyle and Public Image

Jowizaza is renowned for his flamboyant lifestyle, often showcased on his Instagram account (@jowizazaa), where he shares glimpses of his luxury cars, private jet travels, and extravagant vacations to destinations like the Bahamas, Dubai, and London. His car collection is a testament to his taste for luxury, including a Lamborghini Aventador (₦115 million), a Rolls-Royce Cullinan (₦280 million) gifted to his father in 2020, a Bentley Continental GT, a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and a Brabus G-Wagon (₦600 million). He is also known for his love of high-end fashion from brands like Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, and Gucci, as well as his penchant for expensive champagnes and cognacs.

His socialite status has earned him a significant following, particularly among young Nigerians who admire his lavish lifestyle. Jowizaza is often seen with celebrities and influential figures, including E-Money, Obi Cubana, and Cubana Chief Priest, and has been spotted at high-profile events like the 2021 #cubanaburial in Oba, Anambra State, where he gained attention for distributing large sums of money. Posts on X describe him as someone who “knows how to live and not exist,” highlighting his frequent international travels and zest for life.

Despite his wealth, Jowizaza has faced criticism for perceived lapses in cultural respect, notably during his traditional wedding in November 2024, where he wore a face cap and black attire instead of traditional Igbo clothing while receiving prayers from his in-law, drawing public commentary from figures like Ossai Ovie Success, an aide to the Delta State governor.

Philanthropy

Jowizaza is an active philanthropist, continuing his father’s legacy of giving back to the community. His charitable efforts focus on education and community development, including providing scholarships for underprivileged students and funding school infrastructure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated ₦20 million to the Anambra State government and distributed millions of naira in food items to Ekwulobia residents, earning praise for his contributions during challenging times. While he tends to keep his philanthropy private, his impact has been widely acknowledged, with X posts commending his humility and generosity.

Personal Life

Jowizaza married his fiancée, Melanie, in a traditional wedding ceremony in Anambra State on November 28, 2024. The intimate event, attended by close family and friends, featured cultural rituals such as the bride presenting a cup of drink to Jowizaza, symbolizing her recognition of him as her husband. Videos from the ceremony highlighted the couple’s bond and Melanie’s elegance, earning admiration online. Melanie, described as a social media influencer with a passion for art and culture, met Jowizaza at a social event where their shared interests sparked a connection. She collaborates with him on creative projects, and their relationship is noted for its mutual support and ability to navigate public scrutiny.

Before his marriage, Jowizaza was linked to high-profile women, including Big Brother Naija winner Mercy Eke and socialite Sophia Egbueje, though he has kept his personal life relatively private. As of 2025, the couple has no children, but their wedding marked the beginning of their journey together, with fans expressing hopes for a growing family.

In March 2025, Jowizaza and Melanie sparked online reactions when they were spotted flying economy class, a departure from his usual luxurious travel style. The couple was seen focused on an iPad, prompting debates about their modest travel choice, with some defending their right to privacy and others questioning the motives of those filming them.

Legacy and Controversies

Jowizaza’s rise to prominence reflects the allure of Nigeria’s elite social scene, blending business success with a larger-than-life persona. His wealth, inherited from his father’s billion-dollar empire and expanded through his leadership, has made him one of Nigeria’s youngest billionaires. However, his flashy lifestyle has drawn comparisons to controversial figures like Ezego, with some speculating about the sources of his wealth, though no evidence supports claims beyond his legitimate business ventures.

His ability to balance opulence with philanthropy has earned him both admiration and scrutiny. While some criticize his extravagant displays, others view him as an inspiration for young Nigerians, with X posts praising his work ethic and zest for life. Jowizaza’s story is one of privilege, ambition, and a commitment to leaving a positive impact, making him a polarizing yet influential figure in Nigeria’s business and social landscapes.