Entrepreneur, researcher, writer, humanitarian and advocate for peace — Oscar-Deno Mathias Emokpaire wears many titles, but they all point in the same direction: creating opportunity and building a more peaceful, prosperous Africa. Nigerian-born and based in South Africa, with interests and engagements around the world, he is being honoured at the Influential Awards 2026 – Cape Town Region.

A builder of businesses

Oscar-Deno’s entrepreneurial footprint spans several companies. He is:

• Founder and Owner of Electronics Wizard and Furniture Ltd
• Founder of Deno Pty Ltd
• Group Executive Manager of Elgold South Africa
• Assistant Director of Vista Stone Properties

Across each of these roles, he brings the same conviction: that business, done well, is one of the most powerful tools for building communities.

A scholar of Africa and the world

His academic and professional interests are as wide as his ambitions — sociology, criminology, entrepreneurship, social development, international relations, peacebuilding, migration and African development.

That breadth fuels his work as a writer and social commentator. Oscar-Deno writes extensively on the big questions facing Africa and the world today: governance, human dignity, migration, peace, leadership, development and international cooperation.

The Stagnated Ark and an online library

Oscar-Deno has produced a substantial collection of publications on social, political, economic, humanitarian, religious and contemporary issues, all available through his online library at oscardenolibrary.wordpress.com.

Among his major works is The Stagnated Ark, which examines Nigeria’s governance and political development — including corruption and leadership challenges — tracing the country’s journey from independence through its successive political eras.

Empowering South Africa’s youth

As Founder of the Charles Newell Foundation, Oscar-Deno turns his belief in youth empowerment into practical action. The Foundation offers free training for South African youths in fashion and design, printing, entrepreneurship and practical skills — helping young people build abilities that lead to jobs, creativity and businesses of their own.

A voice for diplomacy and peace

Oscar-Deno is also engaged in diplomacy and international affairs, with experience in diplomatic programmes focused on leadership, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, justice and sustainable development. He is passionate about preparing the next generation to become responsible leaders in a more peaceful, interconnected world.

Faith in service

A devoted Catholic, Oscar-Deno combines his faith with a deep commitment to service, humanitarian work and community development. He is the founder of the International Family of the Holy Infant Jesus, a prayer and fellowship initiative that promotes Christian unity, prayer, counselling, love and spiritual support.

A philosophy of human development

Oscar-Deno’s philosophy rests on six pillars: faith, knowledge, entrepreneurship, service, peace and human development. Through business, research, writing, diplomacy and youth empowerment, he works to create opportunities, build communities and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous Africa — and world.

Why Oscar-Deno Mathias Emokpaire is Influential

The Influential Awards honour those whose impact reaches far beyond their own success. Oscar-Deno’s reaches across borders: from the young South Africans learning new skills through his foundation, to readers engaging with his writing on Africa’s future, to the next generation of leaders he is helping to prepare for peace.

Oscar-Deno will be honoured at the Influential Awards 2026 – Cape Town, taking place on Sunday, 29 November 2026 at the Joseph Stone Auditorium, Athlone.

Congratulations, Oscar-Deno.

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Connect with Oscar-Deno Mathias Emokpaire

Online library: oscardenolibrary.wordpress.com