The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Integrity Metro Roofing Tiles Ltd, Chief Echezona Obidigbo, has revealed that his company has roofed over 24,000 buildings across Nigeria and beyond in less than five years of operation — a feat he attributed to divine grace, passion, quality service, and integrity.
Chief Obidigbo made this disclosure during an exclusive interview with this reporter, in which he also narrated his inspiring journey from street hustle to becoming one of the most sought-after names in Nigeria’s roofing industry.
According to him, his journey into entrepreneurship and, ultimately, the roofing business began from very humble beginnings. He recounted how he once sold wood at the Onitsha Head Bridge without a shop, until one rainy day changed his life. That day, he ran an errand in the rain for a man popularly known as Ọnwa n’Umuona, who was impressed by his humility and character and, as a reward, split his only shop into two and gave him one-half.
“At that time, I had only ₦10,000 in my account. I used ₦6,000 to commit to the shop and trekked home. I began running around, seeking help to complete the remaining ₦90,000 for the two-year rent. By God’s grace and the help of a friend from Akwaeze, I succeeded,” he recounted.
He said with almost nothing in his possession to stock the shop, he printed complimentary cards and began reaching out to his friends and customers, gradually building trust and clientele, with little supplies they were giving him on credit. Although he was still selling wood, the customers he was selling woods to often asked him to recommend roofers for them — a demand that inspired him to diversify.
“People trusted me, and I was often asked to recommend roofers. One day, I got a divine revelation to start roofing myself. That was how Integrity Metro Roofing Tiles was born — a name divinely revealed and approved by God,” he narrated, adding that from then on, his journey in the roofing industry began to unfold.
According to him, his first major project came from a client and friend, Mr. Nathan Nwobodo from Enugu State, who gave him the contract despite other interested bidders, some of whom were family relations and friends.
He noted that as at then, he had not yet gotten a physical company office, but was often informing his friends and customers that he had then ventured into roofing. He said his selection by Nathan to carry out the roofing project was graciously ordained and divinely approved, as was confirmed by Nathan’s pastor when they gave him the names of people expressing interest in the project to inquire from God the chosen and best person to offer the contract.
“After the Pastor named me as the chosen person, the client and his wife wrote down all the interested names, folded them, and asked their child to pick one; and my name was also picked by the little boy, just as had been revealed by their pastor. That was how I got the job, without any long protocol,” he recounted.
From that humble first contract, Integrity Metro Roofing Tiles has now become a household name, with over 25,000 completed roofing projects across different states and regions and countries, including residential homes, schools, churches, hotels, and event centers.
Chief Obidigbo emphasized that their strength lies in honesty, quality, trust, customer satisfaction, and integrity. According to him, every project comes with a 50-year warranty — a rare assurance in the industry — and this confidence has earned them referrals and repeat patronage from satisfied clients.
“Our quality speaks for us. We don’t just roof buildings, we build lasting relationships with clients; and you know that one good turn truly deserves another,” he added.
He also pointed to truthfulness, passion, attention to detail, and God’s backing as among what differentiate Integrity Metro Roofing Tiles from others. “We’re not just in business to make money. We want to leave a legacy of trust and excellence,” he noted.
He also revealed that the company’s scope is not limited to metro tiles but includes all forms of roofing, including aluminum roofing; installation of water collectors, thus catering to a wide variety of client preferences and project types.
Speaking on his inspiration and business philosophy, Chief Obidigbo cited Dr. Cosmas Maduka of the Coscharis Group as his role model, particularly for his integrity and commitment to doing business right. He revealed that one of the best business advice he ever received — and which he now passes on to young entrepreneurs — is that life moves in stages and shortcuts destroy more than they build.
“There is no need for any get-rich-quick syndrome. Begin where you are. Grow through the process. Don’t envy anyone’s journey, because you may end up indulging in something that will eventually cost you your peace of mind. And one of the most important things in life is peace of mind,” he advised.
Speaking further, he noted that despite being under five years in operation, people often think the company has existed for decades or that he inherited it from his father. These, he emphasized, are testimonies to their outstanding service delivery and reputation.
Chief Obidigbo also emphasized the power of prayer, hard work, and consistent giving. He disclosed that no month passes without the company visiting motherless babies’ homes or helping the needy, which he believes has brought divine favour and upliftment to the business.
“Through things like this, God gives you speed and success in life and opens your heaven,” he declared.
On his five-year projection for the company, Chief Obidigbo confidently stated that Integrity Metro Roofing Tiles would soon expand across all parts of the world, given its current momentum and God’s grace.
He also highlighted some promises he had made to his staff, which are now being fulfilled, as well as recent recognitions received by the company — including the prestigious Brand of the Year Award at the Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards and an earlier honour from the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA).
“These recognitions were neither sought nor lobbied for. They came as a surprise, and they give us confidence that our good works are not going unnoticed,” he concluded with gratitude, while also re-emphasizing that the Integrity Metro Roofing Tiles has taken the pride of place in the roofing industry.
About Author
