The people of the Igbo tribe of Nigeria are known as the entrepreneurs of Africa. It’s no surprise that Ben Okafor, owner of Eastport Family Pharmacy, hails from this tribe.

After working for large pharmaceutical companies during his early career in London and in the United States, he decided that in order to provide the care that rural communities need, he would open his own independent pharmacy. Working with CEI business advisor Ruth Cash-Smith, identified capital to provide up-front payment for prescription drugs to grow the business. Next Ben obtained financing for ramping up as well as purchasing and renovating a larger building for the pharmacy.

Ben knows every patient who walks through his door and provides free delivery as far as an hour away including services to the reservation and nursing homes. Eastport Family Pharmacy is a valuable resource to the close-knit Downeast community. “They trust us. When we deliver, we will even let their dogs out or run an errand,” Ben said with a laugh.

Ruth has worked with Ben to purchase and renovate second family pharmacy in Machias, slated to open within a few months.

Learn more about Ben in this inspiring video.