Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Wellmann Group of Companies, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, was born on the 24th of February, 1964, in Warri, Delta State, into the family of James Iyovwaye of Aghalokpe in Okpe Local Government Area, and Josephine Iyovwaye of Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area and Ewu Town in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

His educational journey began in Warri, where he attended RCM School 1 before proceeding to Urhobo College, Effurun. He later advanced to the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where he earned a degree in International Studies and Diplomacy, graduating with Second Class Honours.

Deacon Chris began his career in healthcare as an Auxiliary Nurse at Avenue Specialist Hospital and subsequently worked as a Quality Control Inspector at Delta Glass Company, Ughelli, gaining early practical experience in both service and industry.

As the visionary founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wellmann Group of Companies, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye transformed what began as a zero-capital venture into a thriving multi-million-dollar conglomerate. Today, Wellmann is a trailblazer in heavy lifting, modular weighing and jacking systems, marine and land transportation, and engineering logistics. The company stands as a market leader in modular transportation across Africa. Among its landmark achievements is the transportation of a 3,800-ton cargo for Chevron, the single largest structure ever moved in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea. In contemporary Nigeria, major heavy structure movements are virtually impossible without the expertise of Wellmann Group.

Beyond business, Deacon Chris is a devout Christian and a committed member of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), where he serves as a Deacon. He has held several critical leadership positions, including Chairperson of the Financial Management Committee, Vice Chairperson of the Deacons Board, and Chairperson of the Local Church Council. His Christian values strongly influence his leadership style, philanthropy, and vision.

A man with a deep passion for humanity, Deacon Chris has touched countless lives through philanthropy. He has provided communities with access to clean water, built shelters for the less privileged, supported small businesses, and awarded scholarships to many students. His care extends to widows, orphans, and the elderly, earning him the reputation of “a man blessed to be a blessing.”

On the international stage, his business engagements, particularly in the oil and gas sector, have taken him across all continents, expanding both his vision and his influence. He is also a strong advocate for Nigeria’s local content development and has been duly recognised with numerous awards for his contributions to the oil and gas industry, philanthropy, and national development.

Deacon Chris is not only a business leader but also a writer, author, speaker, and resource person, frequently invited to share his insights on business, leadership, and nation-building.

Because of his exemplary track record and consistent service to humanity, many Deltans urged him to step into politics to liberate the people from political imperialism, poverty, and impoverishment.

Answering this call, in 2023, he was an aspirant for the governorship of Delta State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), further cementing his place as a voice of hope and change.

He currently serves as the 47th President of the Rotary Club of Warri (District 9141), where his leadership continues to advance humanitarian service and community development. In addition, he is the Chairman of the South-South Mobilisation and Advocacy Committee of the Eminent Patriots of Nigeria, a national body headed by His Excellency Chief Emeka Anyaoku, GCON, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Deacon Chris is happily married to Deaconess Leri Irerhime Iyovwaye, and together they are blessed with four children.

If the life and strides of Deacon Chris Iyovwaye were to be documented, volumes of books would be exhausted, yet the essence of his story would remain inexhaustible-a testament to a life of faith, resilience, leadership, and service to God and humanity.