Posts in category: by The Telescope Magazine

Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), is a model Leadership, in its truest form.  That is not about just occupying an office but about transforming lives and institutions. Since her appointment in March 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), effective from March 1, 2024, she has not disappointed Nigerians.  She took over from Mrs. Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, whose term in office expired on February 29, 2024.

And since taking over in 2024,  Nandap has embodied this truth about leadership. As the third woman to lead the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) as Comptroller General, she has brought a fresh perspective and a passion for excellence to the role, joining an elite group of women who have held this position. Her appointment has signaled a new era for the NIS, one marked by innovation, efficiency, and a commitment to excellence. And as a result, she has become a shining example of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action—visionary, pragmatic, and people-centered.

Since taking the helm, Nandap has initiated a series of transformative changes, leveraging her over three decades of experience in the NIS to drive progress. For decades, Nigerians have wrestled with inefficiencies in migration services, from border management to passport issuance. Yet in less than a year, Nandap has rewritten the narrative. Her reforms are bold, modern, and impactful, echoing President Tinubu’s call for a government that works for the people.

Take her e-Border Solution Project—a landmark innovation that introduced a Command and Control Center, Advance Passenger Information System, Passenger Name Record, and e-Gates at airports. This is more than technology; it is a shield for national security, a boost for economic confidence, and a signal that Nigeria is ready to meet global migration standards.

Equally transformative is her role in the Automated Passport Reform, which has brought transparency and speed to a system long plagued by frustration. For countless Nigerians, both at home and abroad, this reform is not just about travel—it is about dignity restored.

But perhaps Nandap’s most enduring legacy will be her focus on people. She understands that the true strength of the Immigration Service lies in its personnel. By investing in training—document fraud detection, Chinese communication, migration data analysis—and improving welfare through health insurance and pensions, she has raised both the morale and competence of the workforce. A motivated officer at the border is as valuable as the most advanced technology.

Her diplomacy has also elevated Nigeria’s place in global migration governance. Partnerships such as the one with the Netherlands, which delivered state-of-the-art document verification tools, underscore her belief that no nation can manage migration in isolation. Under her watch, Nigeria is no longer a bystander but a credible player in shaping global migration policy.

One of Nandap’s most significant contributions to the NIS is her introduction of technology into border control and immigration management. Recognising the potential of technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the service, she has implemented various technology-based solutions, including the e-Border Solution Project. This project involves the establishment of a Command and Control Center, deployment of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), Passenger Name Record (PNR), and installation of e-Gates at international airports.

Nandap’s commitment to technology has also led to the development of a robust data management system. This system enables the NIS to collect, analyse, and share data on migration trends, border security threats, and other relevant issues. Her data-driven approach has informed policy decisions and enhanced the service’s ability to respond to emerging challenges.

In addition to her technological innovations, Nandap has prioritised staff development and welfare. She recognises that the NIS’s success is dependent on the skills, knowledge, and motivation of its personnel. Under her leadership, the service has launched extensive training programs, focusing on areas such as document fraud, Chinese communication skills, and migration data analysis. Her commitment to staff development has created a more skilled and confident workforce, better equipped to handle the complexities of border control and immigration management.

Nandap’s achievements are a testament to her dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence. Her introduction of technology into border control and immigration management has transformed the NIS, enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness. Her story is one of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, anyone can make a difference. Her achievements serve as a reminder that leadership is not just about titles or positions, but about the positive impact we can have on those around us.

Migration, a fundamental part of human history, is a complex journey that involves not only physical movement but also emotional, logistical, and legal challenges. As people cross borders in search of better opportunities or out of necessity, the role of those who guide them through this process becomes invaluable. These dedicated professionals, the unseen architects of migration, ensure that a potentially overwhelming experience becomes a pathway to hope and new beginnings. She is one of the best here.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) plays a vital role in the country’s security architecture, responsible for migration management and border control. Established in 1963, the NIS has undergone significant transformations over the years, adapting to emerging challenges and technological advancements. With a rich history spanning over six decades, the NIS continues to evolve, driven by its commitment to ensuring national security and promoting effective migration management.  Before she was appointed Comptroller-General, Nandap was the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of the Migration Directorate of the Service. And now, Nandap is making it work more efficiently and creatively.

Kemi Nandap, whose state of origin is Ogun State, was born on June 3, 1966, in Zaria, Kaduna. She attended the University of Ilorin and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.She had held several senior positions, including as Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Zone C, Officer-In-Charge (O/C) of Investigation and Compliance, O/C Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Affairs, and Deputy Comptroller at Nasarawa Command. She was also Comptroller at NIS Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos and comptroller of the Plateau Command. She also served in other commands, including Anambra, Ogun, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commands, and the NIS headquarters in Abuja.

Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, a seasoned and transformative figure in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Born on June 3, 1966, in Zaria, Kaduna State, and hailing from Abeokuta in Ogun State, Mrs. Nandap’s academic journey began at Corona Primary School and St. John’s College in Jos. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin. Her early years were defined by a deep sense of discipline and a drive for excellence, qualities that would guide her remarkable career in the NIS.

Her professional journey in immigration began in 1989 when she joined the Nigeria Immigration Service as an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration. Her commitment to professional development led her to the 24th Basic Superintendent Course at the Immigration Training School in Kano, followed by further advanced training at the Immigration Command and Staff College (ICSC) in 2016, where she was honored as the best academic performer in her class.

Over the years, Mrs. Nandap rose through the ranks, serving in various capacities across Nigeria’s NIS formations, including Ogun, Lagos, Bauchi, Anambra, Nasarawa, Plateau States, and the Federal Capital Territory. Her leadership extended to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command and the Zone F Headquarters, among other key positions. Her expertise and strategic vision ultimately led to her promotion to Assistant Comptroller-General and her appointment as Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of the Migration Directorate, where she focused on combating smuggling and human trafficking while fostering international partnerships to leverage migration for national development.

In December 2023, Mrs. Nandap was appointed to head the Passport and Other Travel Documents Directorate, where she successfully spearheaded the implementation of the New Automated Passport Reform. Under her guidance, Nigeria’s passport system was modernized to meet international standards, a vital step in improving both border security and the efficiency of migration processes.

Mrs. Nandap’s academic credentials complement her professional achievements. She holds a Master of Science in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Jos, an MBA from the University of Abuja, and certifications in Entrepreneurial Development from Pan-Atlantic University and Leadership and Succession Planning from the Centre for Management Development. A fellow of esteemed institutions such as the Chartered Institute of Public and Diplomacy Management and the Institute of Corporate Administration, Mrs. Nandap is also pursuing a PhD in Public Policy and Governance.

Her leadership philosophy is defined by a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and resilience. Appointed Comptroller-General of the NIS in March 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mrs. Nandap has focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as automated visa issuance and passport processing, to streamline migration management and enhance national security. Her leadership ensures that Nigeria remains at the forefront of addressing modern migration challenges while fostering economic growth.

Beyond the uniform, Nandap is a wife, mother, scholar, and humanitarian. Her life is proof that discipline and service can coexist with compassion and balance.

In Kemi Nanna Nandap, Nigerians see a leader who has turned President Bola Tinubu’s  Renewed Hope Agenda from a slogan into reality, in her own areas of responsibility. She has transformed the Immigration Service into an institution of efficiency, pride, and promise. And in doing so, she has shown that with vision and dedication, our public institutions can truly deliver for the people.

Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap’s story is one of discipline, vision, and unwavering commitment to public service. Her leadership has not only transformed the Nigeria Immigration Service but also set a benchmark for governance in an increasingly globalized world, proving that with dedication and foresight, one can create a lasting impact on the future of migration.

Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), is a technically informed leader, deeply aware of what it takes to drive change in complex institutions. His presence affirms NAMA’s commitment to quality management, safety and continuous improvement. A man whose life is marked by principles, process and procedure, efficiency and action, Farouk is a man with wealth of technical knowledge and experience, whose presence evokes both respect and hope, and whose stewardship is redefining the standards of Nigeria’s aviation industry. He is a leader who listens, acts, delivers. Farouk, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on December 13, 2023, continues to lead the NAMA with a clear vision and unwavering commitment to operational excellence.

And his visionary leadership has been instrumental to safety and NAMA’s tremendous growth while helping to build Nigeria aviation image. Upon his assumption of office, he moved swiftly, decisively, and with a singular focus on safety: to modernize Nigeria’s airspace, uplift its workforce, and ensure the country commands both the skies and international confidence, through strict adherence to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, for operational safety and efficiency.

Arguably, the Nigerian aviation sector grappled with power supply issues, infrastructural decay, underfunded maintenance, ageing equipment, and strained inter-agency coordination. Communication systems across the country were, until recently, underperforming; safety culture in many quarters remained patchy; staff welfare had long languished. To make real change, a leader must confront inertia, resist compromise, and rally often skeptical stakeholders.

These,  Farouk has done so, and with significant results, speaks to both his technical grounding and his moral clarity. He came into an era when Nigerian airspace communication was “almost being interrogated.” He came with knowledge of the system, an understanding of its weak points, and a boldness to act.

Aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda, he has tethered his vision to a national project of renewal—of institutions, of reputations, of global standing. He has made the case that modern, resilient, efficient systems aren’t luxuries—they are non-negotiable components of national security, prosperity, and reputation.

As the engines of NAMA roar under his direction, one thing is clear: under  Farouk, Nigeria’s airspace is not just being managed—it is being redeemed.

Key achievements under his leadership since December, 2023,  include infrastructure development, infrastructure & compliance,  capacity-building staff welfare, and a remarkable reduction in Air Safety Reports, achieved through strict adherence to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, showcasing enhanced operational safety and efficiency.

If there is one word that Engr. Farouk repeats more than any other in conversation about NAMA’s mission since 2023, it is safety, putting  in place  measures to continously improve communication in Nigerian airspace, which ultimately enhances safety standards, and also, addressing power challenges within the agency. These bold steps have contributed in an impactful way to modernise the country’s airspace communication architecture. And these have allowed him records some huge achievements.

Under Farouk’s leadership, the agency significantly reduced Air Safety Reports, improving aviation safety across the nation’s airspace operations. Refurbished control towers in seven major airports enhanced operational efficiency and improved air traffic control services for seamless aviation operations. NAMA invested in local and international training programs for personnel, ensuring alignment with global aviation industry standards and practices. Upgrades to solar-powered systems increased energy efficiency and reduced operational costs, promoting sustainable practices within the aviation sector. Achieving ISO 9001 Certification reaffirmed NAMA’s dedication to quality management and adherence to internationally recognized standards for excellence.

Infrastructure & Compliance is crucial to safety, so, Farouk gives to priority to this. Safety under him is also about hard technology and tough regulations.  On infrastructure development, apart from the refurbishment of control towers in seven major airports, including Owerri, Sokoto and Ibadan, there are plans underway to extend the effort to six more airports. And he has repeatedly stressed adherence to international best practices. He has overseen the deployment of major infrastructural elements—Instrument Landing Systems at Kaduna, the DVOR at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, high-powered Jotron radios at Kano and Lagos Area Control Centres—each project significant in its own right, but together forming a matrix of improved navigational reliability across Nigeria.

He has revived, then strengthened, the tradition of standards operating procedures, engineering manuals, and regulatory compliance. The morale and professionalism of the technical workforce—once fragmented by neglect of training, unclear placements, and lack of licensing—is being restored under his direction. Safety, for Farouk, is not a target or a report—it is an everyday behaviour

Farouk’s leadership saw the activation of a Search and Rescue Simulation (SARS) Exercise in July, held at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The simulation was not a showpiece—it was designed to test operational preparedness, inter-agency coordination, and response times in realistic aviation emergencies. Reviewers lauded the effort as a “resounding success,” signalling that NAMA, under Farouk, is no longer content with theoretical policies but demands practiced competence.

Earlier, in June 2025, Farouk oversaw an Aircraft Emergency Table-Top Exercise at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The gathering drew stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem—Search and Rescue units, Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration, State Security, Federal Road Safety Corps, Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Emergency Management, Airline Operators of Nigeria, and more. The scenario-based planning pushed these agencies to align their emergency plans, clarify communication protocols, and rehearse coordination. These are not paper exercises but essential rehearsals that save lives.

Staff welfare is also witnessing significant improvements, with the clearance of outstanding allowances and the implementation of measures to ensure prompt payments. Engr. Farouk acknowledged these successes as the result of a collective effort, praising the dedication of both the staff and the management team.

To Engr. Farouk,  staff welfare is more than just paychecks. As a result, one of the first areas where his leadership manifested itself was in the realm of staff welfare. Historically, large public agencies—aviation included—have been bedeviled by arrears, delayed promotions, relocation challenges, and morale-sapping bureaucracy. Farouk recognized these issues immediately. Within months of his resumption, he addressed unpaid housing arrears, relocation allowances, and stagnant promotions—longstanding grievances that had dogged employees’ sense of worth and inhibited productivity.

The welfare regime under Farouk has significantly uplifted the psychological climate of NAMA’s workforce. Salaries and wages received unprecedented attention; staff reported greater satisfaction; perceptions of neglect were supplanted by a renewed sense of being seen and valued. Far more than charity, these reforms were foundational: welfare under Farouk became more than a perk—it became an operational imperative.

To Engr Farouk, training: and building of capacity is from the ground up. He has never been one to pay lip service to capacity building. Cardinal among his stated priorities was training—both for veteran staff and junior technical personnel. In May 2025, he launched a two-week on-the-job training (OJT) for the Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPS) within the Department of Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance Power Systems. This facility-based training was held in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, covering all relevant facilities.

Participants gained hands-on experience in critical, practical skills: welding, installing air-conditioning compressors, topping up refrigerants, installation and maintenance of solar power systems, and preventive and corrective maintenance of UPS, AVRs, inverters, and overhauls of generating sets. Farouk emphasized the goal: that Nigeria’s CNS infrastructure should perform “seamlessly, efficiently and optimally in line with the International Civil Aviation Standards and Recommended Practices (ICAO SARPs).”

These training interventions serve multiple functions: improving performance; reducing dependence on external contractors and foreign experts; building institutional memory; and directly tying technical excellence to safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. In short, they contribute both to operational outputs and systemic resilience.

As part of capacity building, the NAMA boss focuses on identifying investment in local and international training programmes for air traffic controllers, engineers and other personnel to align with global best practices. Equally energy efficiency is of concern to him. To ensure this, he upgraded the solar-powered systems to reduce operational costs and ensuring reliable energy supply to critical facilities.

Apart from concern with technical and safety issues, Engr. Farouk runs a leadership that values workers and human transitions.  Of course, technical excellence, infrastructure modernisation, and safety culture are vital, but so is understanding that people are at the heart of every agency. Farouk has shown that he understands transitions—not just in air routes and control centers, but in the lives of workers who serve the agency.

It would be recalled that few months after resumption, the Chief Executive paid serious attention to the NAMA workers condition of service with special focus on their wages and salaries, a feat which the members of staff considered as unprecedented and highly commendable. As it is, NAMA members of staff are happier with the new welfare package regime under Farouk’s watch. Since his first few months in office, staff welfare has always been a key priority for the MD . As an insider, he quickly recognised that long-standing issues like unpaid housing arrears, relocation allowances, and stagnated promotions were affecting morale and productivity. Despite huge debts owed by some airlines, Farouk took deliberate and drastic steps to improve things in NAMA.

Beyond economic gains, the NAMA boss has instituted an effective leadership framework, where concerns can be raised without fear, ultimately ensuring safety is a core value and not just a compliance effort. He has been able to provide many of the needs, as it concern staff welfare and wellbeing.

Not long ago, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) engaged the Instinct Resource Services Limited (IRSL) to train its workers on living quality life after retirement. The 2025 NAMA Pre-retirement Workshop lasted for six days and equipped workers with knowledge and skills in the areas of financial planning and security, health and wellness strategies, pursuing hobbies and passions and building social connections after their retirement.

Engr. Farouk, who was represented by Director, Air Traffic Controller, Tayo John, said the training equipped workers with the knowledge and tools necessary navigate retirement, which he described as a significant life change.

“Retirement is not just an end to a chapter but also a beginning of new opportunities”, he said adding that the training explored financial planning, lifestyle adjustments, and personal growth strategies to ensure a smooth transition.

The IRSL’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ayuba Fagbemi Mba, in his opening address commended the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk; the Director of Human Resources, Mr. Ladipo Abimbola, General Manager, Human Resources, Mr Olufunshio Adebola Otubusen, and all other esteemed members of the management team for their commitment to the welfare and development of NAMA’s workforce.

He further appreciated NAMA’s management team for finding Instinct Resource Services Limited worthy to train the retiring workers. Fagbemi told the workers they were united on the same path marked by dedication, perseverance, and resilience pursuit of excellence. My own journey is quite unique. It reflects the shared experiences of many who have dedicated their lives to service. He recalled his journey after working in some companies and retiring from the banking sector saying he found a new challenge that allowed him to explore his entrepreneurial spirit.

The workshop provided both roadmap and resources for that beginning. Participants left not burdened by the unknown, but equipped with options, hope, and purpose.

As a result of all these strides,  Engr. Farouk was conferred with a prestigious fellowship award by Better Nigeria in Practice of Good Conduct, a forum facilitated by Observers Watch which is dedicated to promoting ethical conduct in public service and private sector, in recognition of his “exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to ethical governance in public service.” That was on May Day.

The award ceremony, which took place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2025 International Workers Day, attracted government officials, eminent Nigerians and the general public, where awards and recognition were given to individuals and institutions who had exhibited dedication to transparency, accountability, and the advancement of national development ideals.

In his citation, the group commended Engr. Farouk for his transformative leadership at NAMA as well as efforts at modernizing the nation’s air navigation systems, promoting professional standards, and fostering a culture of service excellence.
“Under his stewardship, NAMA has witnessed significant operational improvements, enhanced safety protocols, and the implementation of cutting-edge air traffic management technologies, all achieved with a strong ethical foundation,” the citation stated.

Receiving the award, Engr. Farouk expressed gratitude for the honour. He said he would  dedicate it to “the hardworking staff of NAMA,” stressing that the recognition would go a long way in strengthening his commitment towards upholding the principles of good governance in the agency.
“This award is a testament to the fact that integrity still counts in public service. It will inspire us to continue to deliver on our statutory mandate with diligence, transparency, and a deep sense of national duty.”

Indeed, it is obvious that good leadership is not a 100 metres dash race but a well coordinated, conscious and deliberate efforts of a committed leader. This is exactly what Farouk is doing in NAMA. With what is on ground at present, it is self evident that, ab initio, Farouk has been very  focused about stabilising the system, earning the trust of staff and stakeholders, which has ultimately yielded positive results.

Born on January 18, 1964, in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Umar Ahmed Farouk attended Government Science Secondary School in Birnin Kebbi before obtaining a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma from Sokoto State Polytechnic in 1985 and 1988 respectively. He went on to the Federal University of Technology, Minna, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. His also obtained a Master of Business Administration from Lagos State University in 1999, followed by a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2009.

He joined NAMA  in 2002 as a Chief Engineer, and over more than two decades he rose through the ranks, occupying strategic roles such as Airspace Manager, General Manager (Minna Airport), Procurement and General Manager Special Projects in Kano Region. In 2016, he was appointed Executive Director, Safety, Electronics and Engineering by former President Muhammadu Buhari. His career has bridged aeronautical engineering, systems operations, executive management, and international benchmarking—exposure within Nigeria, the UK, Europe, and beyond. This wide-ranging experience forms the foundation of his current leadership style: measured, technically informed, and deeply aware of what it takes to drive change in complex institutions.

His professional affiliations further attest to his gravitas: he is a member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE), the Chartered Institute of Administration (MCIA), and the Chartered Institute of Supply, Purchase and Management. In recognition of his technical contributions, he was awarded fellowship by the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) in 2018, and in 2019 he was conferred with the National Productivity Order of Merit Award (NPOM) for his role in improving communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) facilities in Nigeria’s airspace.

Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk’s leadership at  NAMA has created an imprint few leaders achieve in decades. He has demonstrated that with vision backed by technical know-how, with courage anchored in ethics, and with compassion coupled with discipline, even the most challenging sectors can be transformed. He has raised both expectations and standards—not for himself, but for all who share the skies of Nigeria.

In a world that watches closely schools of leadership as litmus tests of national progress, Farouk is setting one. A sky once troubled by inefficiencies, by deferred promises, by fragmented systems, is becoming a sky where flights are safer, operations more reliable, staff more committed and fulfilled, and Nigeria more credible. If the past 23 months is any guide, then the best of Engr. Farouk’s leadership is yet to come.

Azibapu Godbless Eruani, President  and founder of the Azikel Group, is a man of vision, grit, and audacity. A man of commitments and unrelenting grit, Dr. Eruani has etched his name boldly in Nigeria’s industrial development. From a celebrated medical doctor to a government commissioner and now an industrial powerhouse, Eruani has redefined what it means to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Beneath the tidal creeks of Bayelsa State, beneath its forests, beneath its skies often choked with despair over economic neglect, Dr. Eruani has built more than a business; he is building a revival – not just for himself, but for an entire region long condemned to watch others harvest its riches.

Today, the Azikel Group is not just a company — it is an industrial movement that has turned Bayelsa, a state often dismissed as a backwater, into a budding hub of private-driven industrialisation.. With this, Eruani has etched his name not only into the entrepreneurial annals of Bayelsa State but also into the wider economic story of Nigeria.

The Azikel Group with  headquarters in  Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has over 700 employees, an annual revenue  exceeding $80 million, and with subsidiaries straddling sand dredging, aviation, power, agriculture, and petroleum refining, the Azikel Group today stands as an inspiring testament to what courage and good thinking can achieve in an environment where excuses often drown ambition. The Azikel Group has brought some industrial revival.

At the heart of this revival is Azikel Refinery- a member of  the Azikel Group –, an $850 million hydro-skimming modular refinery in Obunagha, Gbarain-Ubie near Yenagoa, Bayelsa State in Nigeria, near  the East-West Road and the Isaac Adako Boro Expressway that connects to Yenagoa and Port Harcourt. It is surrounded by Obunagha community on the north, Nun River on the south, proposed Azikel power plant on the west and is 20m away from the Gbarian-Ubie Shell Gas Gathering Facility on the east.

Today, rising proudly on the swampy lands of Obunagha, Yenagoa, stands the Azikel Refinery—  one of Nigeria’s most audacious private industrial projects —  It is Nigeria’s first privately built condensate refinery and the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is Dr. Eruani’s boldest project yet—an endeavour that may shift the story of industrialization in Nigeria

Licensed in 2015 by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the refinery was conceived to address Nigeria’s long-standing paradox — being Africa’s biggest crude producer but still reliant on imported refined products.

“This is not a topping plant producing only diesel,” Dr. Eruani explains passionately. “We are Africa’s first refinery that processes both crude oil and condensate as feedstock. What was once wasted is now turned into value.”

The refinery, built on 19.9 hectares of reclaimed swamp, is strategically located near the Shell-operated Gbarain-Ubie Gas Gathering Facility, ensuring direct supply of feedstock through a pipeline connection. Its 12,000 barrels-per-day capacity will produce premium-grade PMS, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel, and LPG, meeting Euro 6 international standards.

Sometimes ago, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri visited the place.  After  a tour of the facility, he praised Eruani for “breaking the jinx” of industrial stagnation. “He has made Bayelsa a refinery-hosting state,” Diri said, calling the project a milestone for job creation and revenue.

Diri added, “Dr. Eruani has made Bayelsa a refinery-hosting state. He has broken the jinx of industrial stagnation… this refinery will improve IGR (internally generated revenue) and create jobs for our youth.”

That “bold move” was into sand dredging—a vital but unglamorous industry many considered unworthy of a man with his pedigree. His mother, deeply proud of his medical laurels, opposed the decision. But Eruani persisted, driven by the acute infrastructural needs of Bayelsa, a state that sits precariously below sea level and relies heavily on sand for construction.

“I knew from the outset that I was going to redefine the business,” he says. “When I started, I didn’t even own a dredger. I partnered with those who did, hired local canoe operators, and built gradually. From there, Azikel Dredging grew into the leading dredging firm in the state—and the foundation of what would later become the Azikel Group.”

Also, a few weeks ago, last August, former President, Goodluck Jonathan paid a visit to the Azikel Group. He lauded what he described as the high standard investment of the Azikel Group which includes dredging, power, aviation and petroleum in Nigeria.

Jonathan speaking at the unveiling of two brown new helicopters to the fleets of the group at the operational base in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, said the two additional new helicopters were equipped facilities, special and spectacular to match the challenging operations in the Niger Delta which is mostly riverine and offshore.

The Azikel Group conglomerate has acquired fleets of helicopters for the safe and efficient movement of the Company’s Executives and operations.  Jonathan averred that the newly acquired 2025 Bell helicopter 505 and 2025 Agusta 109SP Elite Configuration helicopter will enhance efficiency and safe operations.

The former president, who also visited the Azikel Refinery, lauded the speed of work at the Azikel Refinery which is at its completion phase. He shared the optimism that the refinery when fully operational will benefit the overall economic and industrial benefit to the people of Bayelsa and Nigeria in general.

In his response, President of Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, appreciated the former President, for the visit to the Azikel Operational Base and the Azikel Refinery and for unveiling the new helicopters.

Dr. Eruani, expressed confidence that the products of the refinery are of the best quality and of the highest grade which meets international specifications.  “The products of the Azikel Refinery are of highest quality and grade euro 6 to meet the highest international specifications”, the Azikel chief executive said.

“The Agusta 109 SP is the best helicopter, it is built to adapt to challenging weather, highly efficient and reliable for maximum comfort and safe flight. The 2025 Agusta 109 SP flew from Italy to Nigeria and so owing to the inbuilt capabilities, it only requires programming to fly to different destinations in Nigeria with little supervision by certified pilot.

“This is the latest Bell 505 which is the best of its kind; and it’s also built for comfort, and safety, such that the computerized device can detect turbulence and send signals for safe landing”

Azikel Refinery is a greenfield hydro-skimming refinery project being developed by Azikel Group in Nigeria. The project is estimated to involve an investment of $12bn. Operated by Azikel Petroleum, an Azikel Group subsidiary, the 12,000 barrels per day refinery is Nigeria’s first private refinery project with hydro-skimming configuration. When completed, it will produce mixed LPG, gasoline, kerosene, aviation fuels, and diesel as primary products and heavy fuel oil, naphtha and gas oil as secondary products.

Though rooted in Bayelsa, Azikel Group’s outlook is global. Azikel Aviation provides private aviation services to top executives and government officials. Azikel Agriculture is investing in food security, while Azikel Energy is positioning for Africa’s future energy mix. But to understand its full weight, one must first retrace the steps of the man who dared to imagine it

As such, today in the story of Nigeria’s rising industrial titans, few names resonate as boldly as  Eruani, From humble beginnings as a celebrated medical doctor to becoming one of Nigeria’s most audacious industrialists, his journey exemplifies what happens when foresight, determination, and purposeful relationships converge to fuel destiny.

Dr Eruani resigned from his positions as a commissioner in Bayelsa State and ventured  into the entrepreneurial space. At that time, he started business by selling sands, having seeing opportunities within the building and construction industry, since people needed plenty sands for building, because the state is below sea level.

He became a sand seller to Bayelsans. And soon, he re-defined the business as he had a burning desire to support infrastructural development of the state and the Niger Delta, by easing the difficulty in getting sand. When he started the sand business, he had didn’t have the needed equipment beyond a few workers who were mining sand , using local canoes. He tells of the early days.

“When I started this business, I had didn’t have a dredger so I hired people that were mining sand through help of local canoes. In the long run I did not only change the business, I took the driver’s seat and my company, Azikel Dredging, became the leading dredging firm in the state. I must let you know that Azikel Dredging started the entire conglomerate called Azikel Group.”

Using his creativity and social connections, he acquired dredging machines to scoop sand. And thus the compamy evolved into Azikel Dredging, which within years became the leading dredging firm in the Niger Delta. And contrary to assumptions of inherited wealth, Eruani used his creativity to power the business. How did he do this? He raised N30 million to acquire a truck. But how does a man move from taking a ₦30 million loan to buy his first truck, to commanding an empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars? The Secret Sauce: vision, grit, and relationships.

“Not many people knew that I took a loan when I started business, but I did. I took the first loan of N30 millionto buy my first truck and I took the second loan of N70 million to buy other trucks. Interestingly, when I started the dredging business, I didn’t even have up to N5 million in my account but then I came up with a strategy and partner with one Akpe from Sagbama LGA who own a dredger that wasn’t in use. I told him “come and dredge sand for me on my land and I will pay you”, of course, I paid him from sale of the heaps of sand he dredged for me. What I’m I saying is that I deployed my business acumen to source for money when I started and it worked. Therefore, I dare to say wealth is a function of right thinking and the application of thought out plan to action.”

That mix of financial ingenuity and courage has marked every step of his expansion.

“Business is about good thinking,” Azibapu explained. “Wealth is a function of the right mindset, translated into concrete action.” He didn’t have millions when he started, but he had strategy, grit, and the ability to build relationships that mattered.

From dredging, Azibapu took a bold leap into energy. “Most Bayelsa businessmen at the time invested in hotels or trading,” he said. “But I wanted to change the industrial narrative of our people. I wanted to prove that we could play in spaces considered too complex.”

In 2015, Azikel Power secured a 500MW on-grid power generation license from the Federal Government — a feat that placed the company on the national energy map. Not long after, Azikel Petroleum Limited emerged as one of only 22 companies to be granted a refinery license out of hundreds of applicants. Today, the $850 million Azikel Refinery in Yenagoa is nearing completion, standing as the first and only condensate hydro-skimming refinery in sub-Saharan Africa.

The refinery is perhaps his boldest project yet. Sitting on land near the Shell-operated Gbarain-Ubie Gas Gathering Project, it is 87 percent complete and will refine five million litres of premium products daily.

“This is not a topping plant producing only diesel,” he explains. “We are Africa’s first and only refinery that processes both crude oil and condensate as feedstock. What was once wasted is now turned into value.”

The project already employs over 400 workers, with 250 Bayelsans among them. Many have been trained overseas, ensuring world-class expertise is transferred home.

The proximity of the refinery to Shell’s Gbarian-Ubie oil and gas facility will ensure affordable feedstock supply. The Shell facility will directly supply Bonny light crude and condensate to the Azikel refinery storage tanks via pipeline.

The refinery rates 5.3 in the Nelson Complexity Index (NCI), which is a measure of oil refinery sophistication. The state-of-the-art operation system of the refinery will work on the emission control mechanism to attain the lowest achievable emission rate (LAER), supporting the facility to be the cleanest refinery in Africa.

A very high research octane number clear (RONC) reformate will be produced in the refinery, using UOP Reformer technology, which will be mixed with light straight run (LSR) naphtha and butane to produce premium motor spirit (PMS) at 89 RONC.

The refinery will require 140 gallons per minute (gpm) of raw water, cooling water circulation of 1,200gpm and boiling feed water of 52gpm.

A lot of people say the Niger Delta helps Nigeria  make fortunes with  substantial crude oil  coming from Bayelsa, but rarely does its own soil refine it. Until now when Aziikel Refinery come into being.

And what makes it different? Why does it matter? There are refineries in Nigeria, but few are private, fewer still combine feedstocks, and almost none have been realized despite government promises. Azikel stands out as:

Dual feedstock operation: processing both crude and condensate, transforming what was once wasted or under-utilised, adding value internally.

Hydro-skimming configuration: allowing more complete refining, more variety of end products beyond just fuel oil or diesel.

Modular construction: Many core modules built overseas (notably by McDermott, USA), shipped in and assembled, helping manage risks and reduce some delays.

Local content, jobs, skills: Over 400 indigenous and expatriate workers already employed, 250 of them Bayelsans; staff trained at home and abroad.

No such mammoth project comes without formidable opposition and challenges. These include financial hurdles, especially in accessing foreign exchange for imported equipment and modules. Then skepticism: from every layer—neighbors, analysts, sometimes even his own family. When Dr. Eruani left medicine and public service for sand and dredging, many wondered whether he was wasting a gifted mind. His mother reportedly asked, “You’re a celebrated medical doctor, why stoop so low?” Eruani also has regulatory and bureaucratic inertia to deal with. Though licenses are granted, many private refinery projects in Nigeria never begin; many stall. But Azikel has kept being measured not by promises, but by work on the ground.

Dr. Eruani often calls this “good thinking” – wealth as a function of the right mindset translated into concrete action. It is a belief: that structural change requires not only capital, but resolve, patience, relationships.

Dr. Eruani Azibapu’s story is not just one of riches, but of purposeful persistence. His path from treating patients, to treating communities, is more than metaphor. It is built into sand, into pipelines, into modules, into the dreams of young Bayelsans now being trained as refinery technicians and engineers. It’s in the rust-red soil of foundations, in the glow of welding torches, in the roar of turbines yet to spin.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigeria’s economy was teetering on the brink. The country faced a crippling debt crisis, inflation had eroded purchasing power, and over 46 percent of citizens lived below the poverty line. With food inflation skyrocketing, many Nigerians spent up to 70 percent of their income just to eat. Infrastructure gaps—in power, transport, and logistics—further stifled productivity, while insecurity and weak state capacity compounded the nation’s woes.

It was, by every measure, a moment that demanded courage. And courage is precisely what the Tinubu administration displayed. Through his Renewed Hope Agenda, the president launched an ambitious suite of economic reforms that, though painful at first, are now beginning to deliver tangible results. The removal of the petroleum subsidy and the floating of the naira were controversial and initially punishing to ordinary Nigerians. But these measures have proven to be the bitter pills that are gradually restoring the nation’s economic health.

Today, the tide is turning. The pressure on the naira has eased, and the currency has begun to appreciate steadily. The Nigerian Stock Exchange is once again vibrant, with renewed investor confidence reflected in roaring indices and rising capital inflows. The macroeconomic outlook, once bleak, now gleams with hope. GDP expanded by 3.9 percent in the first half of 2025, while foreign reserves climbed past the $42 billion mark. The public debt-to-GDP ratio, which peaked at 42.9 percent in 2024, is projected to decline to 39.8 percent by the end of 2025—a testament to disciplined fiscal management and improved transparency.

Inflation, Nigeria’s most stubborn foe, is also on the retreat. The cost of a basic food basket—once an unbearable burden for low-income households—has fallen significantly in recent times. Food inflation, which had disproportionately punished the poor, is finally easing. For the first time in years, millions of Nigerian families can stretch their earnings a bit further without sacrificing their dignity or their next meal.

The government’s commitment to social protection has been another bright spot. Targeted cash transfers to vulnerable households have helped cushion the impact of reforms. Although these initiatives must be scaled and institutionalized, they signify a conscious shift toward inclusive governance—one that seeks to ensure that economic stability translates into social equity.

The gains of the last two years are not accidental. They stem from deliberate, well-sequenced reforms that aim to rebalance Nigeria’s macroeconomic fundamentals. By stabilizing inflation, promoting exchange rate flexibility, and enhancing fiscal transparency, the government has created much-needed fiscal space. That space, if prudently managed, could catalyze deeper structural changes—improved public service delivery, better infrastructure, and a more enabling environment for private enterprise to thrive.

Nigeria is no longer languishing in the low-equilibrium trap of dependency and underproductivity. A new policy direction, grounded in discipline and reform, is steering the nation toward competitiveness and inclusive growth. With the economy gaining stability, attention can now turn to the next frontier: consolidating progress through human capital development, industrialization, and climate resilience.

Still, this is no time for complacency. The road ahead remains steep. Sustained progress demands monetary discipline, higher revenues, and efficient spending. Trade barriers must be dismantled, logistics and power supply improved, and public spending efficiency tightened. The ultimate goal is to ensure that macroeconomic stability translates into measurable improvements in livelihoods—jobs, food security, and social welfare.

Economic reform, by nature, tests the patience of nations. It is slow, complex, and often painful. But the current trajectory shows that Nigeria’s pain is beginning to yield progress. The economy is stabilizing, investor confidence is returning, and poverty indicators are improving. For a country long accustomed to cycles of crisis and recovery, this moment marks a critical turning point.

President Tinubu’s administration deserves credit for its political will in confronting entrenched distortions that had hobbled Nigeria’s economy for decades. Yet, the ultimate measure of success will be how well these macroeconomic gains are translated into micro-level prosperity—into meals on tables, power in homes, and opportunities for youth.

Nigeria stands today at the dawn of a new economic chapter—one defined not by dependency and despair, but by reform and resilience. The early fruits of the Tinubu administration’s reforms are proof that progress is possible when difficult choices are made for the long-term good. The challenge now is consistency: to sustain the discipline, deepen reforms, and ensure that the light of renewed hope continues to shine on every Nigerian home.

Indeed, from pain has come progress—and from progress must come prosperity

Dr  Ayodele Ogunsan- entrepreneur and statesman, Chairman of the Executive Group,    – is the  Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). The seasoned entrepreneur, innovative security expert, public administrator, and educationist, is a man of exemplary leadership, of virtues, capacity and efficiency. He has seamlessly integrated great values with his public service, entrepreneurship, and security expertise, making him a leader of great influence and integrity.

When Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the appointment of Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan as the  CEO of LSSTF, it was not merely an administrative decision—it was a strategic stroke of genius. In a city that stands as Africa’s commercial heartbeat, where millions converge daily to trade, work, and dream, security is the invisible architecture holding everything together. Strengthening that foundation meant finding a man who embodies integrity, intelligence, and innovation. That man is Dr. Ogunsan. Ogunsan’s life is a remarkable story of faith, purpose, and public service—a blend of spiritual devotion and pragmatic leadership. His emergence as the head of the LSSTF marks a new dawn for Lagos—a city that continues to expand its frontiers as a mega city of global significance. Under his watch, Lagos is poised not only to deepen its security architecture but also to inspire renewed confidence in governance, business, and social life.
Few appointments in the Sanwo-Olu administration have resonated as strongly with the public  as that of Dr. Ogunsan. To understand why, one must appreciate the place of security in the socio-economic life of Lagos. Beyond its glittering skyline and bustling highways, Lagos thrives on one essential element: safety. Every thriving marketplace, every growing industry, every innovation hub owes its life to security—the silent force that ensures stability. For years, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund has been the nerve center of this effort—linking government, private sector, and law enforcement in an unbroken chain of collaboration. When Ogunsan was named Executive Secretary/CEO last month-Octtober, those who knew his record as a board member of the Fund since 2020 nodded in approval. He had already demonstrated extraordinary insight into how security fuels development. His elevation was therefore both a reward for excellence and an investment in continuity. Governor Sanwo-Olu captured it succinctly when he described Ogunsan as “a man whose track record of integrity and dedication to public service speaks for itself.” Indeed, Lagos could not have asked for a more capable hand to run its security funds and ensure modern equipment and , logistics and motivation for the police and other sister security agencies to help make Lagos streets crime-free.. Born into humble beginnings in Agege, Lagos, Ayodele Ogunsan’s story is the Nigerian dream personified—a journey from modest origins to prominence through faith, diligence, and vision. His early education at Ibido Primary School and St. Joseph Secondary School, Idimangoro was marked by an insatiable thirst for learning and a determination to rise above limitations. Even as a young boy, he displayed traits that would later define his adult life—discipline, humility, and a quiet strength that commanded respect. His tertiary education journey took him to Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, where he studied Business Administration and Management. That decision would prove prophetic. It was here that Ogunsan began to understand the symbiotic relationship between commerce, governance, and security. He later refined his business acumen at Yaba College of Technology, studying Business Administration, and furthered his professional training at the Peugeot Automobile Postgraduate College in Kaduna.
Each of these experiences broadened his understanding of how strategic management and efficiency could transform systems—whether in business, education, or government. They laid the foundation for the formidable administrator and entrepreneur he would become.

Before stepping into the public limelight, Dr. Ogunsan made his mark in Nigeria’s private sector. As the Chairman of the Executive Group, he built a reputation for excellence and ethical leadership. His businesses, spanning diverse sectors, created jobs, empowered young people, and demonstrated that profit and principle can coexist. In an environment where corporate responsibility often takes a back seat, Ogunsan distinguished himself by placing people before profit, showing that enterprise could be a force for social good.

His business philosophy is simple but profound: “When you build people, you build a system that endures.” This principle mirrors his later work in public service—building security systems not just around infrastructure but around people, values, and partnerships. When he joined the Lagos State Security Trust Fund Board in 2020, he brought with him a rare blend of corporate discipline, security insight, and faith-based integrity. His contributions were immediate and measurable—bolstering partnerships between government and private organizations, improving the efficiency of resource allocation, and helping to equip security agencies with modern tools.
It is impossible to discuss  Ogunsan without acknowledging his deep and abiding faith. A devoted member of the Deeper Life Bible Church and a close associate of Pastor William Kumuyi, Ogunsan exemplifies what it means to bring spirituality into leadership. He is widely known as “God’s General in the government space,” a fitting description for a man whose faith informs every decision he makes. For him, faith is not a private sentiment—it is a framework for public ethics. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and service is rooted in his Christian belief that leadership is stewardship. His integrity radiates across both public and private spaces, earning him the trust of colleagues, subordinates, and even political leaders.

In a society where values often seem negotiable, Ogunsan stands firm, proving that a man can succeed in governance without compromising his principles. He has often said that “leadership without morality is like motion without direction.” His life gives meaning to those words.
Lagos today is a metropolis of 20 million people, a city that never sleeps. With its rapid growth come complex challenges—urban migration, infrastructure pressure, and of course, security concerns. From traffic robberies to cybercrime, from community policing needs to inter-agency coordination, Lagos’s security demands are as dynamic as its economy. This is where the LSSTF under Dr. Ogunsan’s leadership becomes indispensable. His appointment represents a strategic renewal of Lagos’s commitment to proactive, intelligent, and collaborative security management.
Building upon the foundation laid by his predecessor, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, Ogunsan has injected fresh energy and direction into the Fund. His approach emphasizes public-private collaboration, recognizing that security is everyone’s business. He believes that when citizens, businesses, and government work together, crime can be curbed more effectively than through policing alone.

Under his leadership, LSSTF is pursuing a comprehensive roadmap for security reform—one that includes modern surveillance systems, improved logistics for security agencies, and strengthened community intelligence networks. The goal is simple but ambitious: to make Lagos not just safer, but smarter. Security, for Ogunsan, is not just about policing; it is about creating an environment where commerce, creativity, and community life can thrive. He understands that investors and innovators are drawn to stability, and that safety is the ultimate enabler of progress.
Dr. Ogunsan’s leadership and contributions extend far beyond Lagos and Nigeria. His recent appointment to the Advisory Board of the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) at the University of the West of England, UK, is a resounding international endorsement of his intellect and impact.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Jo Midgley, in announcing the appointment, lauded Ogunsan’s “extensive experience and contributions to Africa’s higher education sector through training university leaders and teaching personnel.” Through this new role, he joins a select group of African thinkers and policymakers dedicated to driving research, education, and social transformation across the continent. It is yet another recognition that his leadership transcends geography—his vision is Pan-African. Under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, Lagos continues to consolidate its position as West Africa’s commercial powerhouse. Yet, none of this prosperity would be possible without a robust security framework. Dr. Ogunsan’s leadership at the LSSTF has become a bridge between security and economic growth, ensuring that the engines of trade, tourism, and technology operate in an environment of peace. His initiatives go beyond providing patrol vehicles or equipment; they are about building trust between citizens and security institutions. That trust, once broken, takes years to rebuild—but under Ogunsan’s stewardship, Lagos is witnessing renewed confidence. Businesses are thriving, nightlife is returning, and the city’s social fabric feels more secure.

In essence, Dr. Ogunsan has become a custodian of Lagos’s collective hope when it comes to security and helping to make funding available—protecting lives, enabling dreams, and securing the city’s place as Africa’s window to the world. He is an inspiring example of value-driven leadership. At just 49 years old, he embodies a leadership model desperately needed in today’s Nigeria—one that harmonizes competence with conscience, success with service, and ambition with accountability .Whether as an educationist, entrepreneur, or public servant, his mission has remained constant: to serve humanity through excellence and integrity. He represents a generation of Nigerian leaders who see governance not as a privilege, but as a calling. His journey from the classrooms of Agege to the corridors of power in Lagos and the boardrooms of international academia is more than personal success—it is an inspiration for young Nigerians who believe in the transformative power of hard work and faith.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been characterized by bold infrastructure projects, urban renewal, and people-centered policies. But at the heart of it all lies security—because without safety, there can be no sustainable development. By appointing Dr. Ogunsan to lead the LSSTF, Sanwo-Olu not only secured Lagos’s physical future but also reaffirmed his faith in leadership with integrity. The synergy between the Governor’s vision and Ogunsan’s executional brilliance promises to usher in a new era of safety, stability, and prosperity. Already, their collaboration is bearing fruit: enhanced logistics for security agencies, improved inter-agency coordination, and new frameworks for community engagement. These are not just administrative wins—they are life-changing realities for millions of Lagosians. In the grand narrative of Lagos State’s security transformation, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan stands as one of its quiet architects—a man whose faith-driven vision will help redefine what it means to lead. His story teaches that success is not measured merely by titles or achievements, but by impact—the lives touched, the systems improved, the values upheld. Through his role at the LSSTF, his entrepreneurial achievements, and his global contributions, Dr. Ogunsan is demonstrating that security and development are not parallel pursuits—they are interwoven destinies. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s choice of Ogunsan is, indeed, one of the greatest gifts to Lagos State in this era of expansion—a testament to what happens when faith meets foresight, and leadership meets integrity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked two years in office on May 29, 2025. These past two years have not only tested the resilience of the Nigerian state but have also illuminated the character of its leader—his courage to confront difficult truths, his vision to chart a new path, and his determination to lay the foundation for long-term national prosperity. No wonder the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, declared that the achievements of President Tinubu in two years has relatively superseded other administrations. Idris made the assertion during his address at the 2025. Voice of Nigeria’s (VON) Forum in Abuja recently. And he seems right. When he came in on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu inherited a storm. Inflation was high, debt levels were rising, foreign exchange markets were distorted, and the trust of citizens in government had waned significantly. It was not a time for half-measures or cosmetic fixes. What Nigeria required was structural reform—bold and comprehensive—and that is precisely what President Tinubu set in motion.

One of the most defining features of Tinubu’s presidency so far has been his audacious economic reforms. In just two years, he has embarked on transformative initiatives across various sectors, laying the groundwork for sustainable development.

Key reforms include the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate, creating a market-reflective and stable currency environment. These measures have enabled the Central Bank of Nigeria to increase foreign exchange reserves, now more than $38 billion. These reforms have resulted in a surge in investment inflows, with domestic and international investors regaining confidence in the economy. Fitch upgraded Nigeria’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating from B- to B and revised the outlook from Negative to Stable in April 2025. This upgrade reflects increased confidence in the government’s commitment to policy reforms, including exchange rate liberalization, monetary policy tightening, and steps to end deficit monetization and remove fuel subsidies. The World Bank recently reported that Nigeria’s economy grew at its fastest rate in nearly a decade in 2024, attributing this to the early successes of the President’s macroeconomic reforms. The country’s fiscal deficit dropped from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, bolstered by increased national revenue, from ₦ 16.8 trillion to ₦ 31.9 trillion. Expectedly, the most contentious, yet necessary, was the removal of the decades-long fuel subsidy. Long perceived as a drain on public resources and a magnet for corruption, the subsidy system had crippled fiscal policy, diverting trillions of naira into the hands of rent seekers. Tinubu’s government ended it decisively. The first day he was inaugurated he put an end to the fuel subsidy regime. Though the move initially led to hardship for many citizens, it was a painful but essential correction.

In its place, the funds are now being redirected into critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and health—sectors with long-term benefits for the common man. To mitigate the impact, the government has expanded conditional cash transfer programs and food security initiatives while working to boost local production and reduce dependency on imports.

Another game-changer was the introduction of the Naira-for-Crude policy, a bold initiative designed to stabilize the naira and streamline international trade. Coupled with comprehensive foreign exchange reforms and the unification of exchange rates, the policy has contributed to restoring investor confidence. The accumulation of over $23 billion in net foreign reserves stands as testimony to the renewed confidence in Nigeria’s economic trajectory. Indeed, the declaration of Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation should be believed regarding the achievements of President Bola Tinubu these past two years. He drummed during his address at the 2025 Voice of Nigeria’s (VON) Forum on in Abuja, with the theme, “Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizen Engagement and National Security” organised by VON with support from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

The Minister explained that the starting point of Tinubu administration was rough and challenging, adding that, after the challenges, the country is looking bright, because Tinubu is steering the ship to prosperity with the prices of food dropping. He added that the implementation of local government autonomy facilitated by Tinubu and the establishment of Ministries of Regional Development and Livestock Development were deliberate efforts to provide development across the country. “A new study has shown that if the livestock sector is fully optimised, Nigeria can take in about N33 trillion, meaning there is that potential of making such an amount from that sector.

“Also, over two years ago, people were scared to travel to Kaduna by road, but now, people are moving to Kaduna with peace of mind. “This is not to say that it is uhuru, but there is a clear indication that there is cooperation in the management of our security system and for the first time in a long time, we are seeing effective coordination among the security agencies. Also, close to the heart of the president is institutional reforms which include local government autonomy, so that third tier of government will better able to serve the people. President Tinubu is also concerned with providing infrastructure connecting Nigeria for growth. President Tinubu’s administration recognizes that infrastructure is not a luxury—it is the lifeblood of development. Under his watch, Nigeria has witnessed groundbreaking progress in infrastructure development. Two legacy projects stand tall: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway. These highways are not mere roads—they are lifelines for trade, tourism, and national unity. By opening up previously inaccessible areas, they promise to create new economic corridors, stimulate job creation, and foster regional development. In addition to these, the administration has committed to revitalizing the nation’s railway system, seaport modernization, and energy sector reform. These projects are key to unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential. No national transformation can occur in the absence of peace and security. Nigeria has, for years, battled terrorism, banditry, and communal violence. In 2023, traveling the Abuja-Kaduna corridor by road was a nightmare. Fast forward to 2025, and people are now traveling that same route with peace of mind. The appointment of credible security chiefs and sustained engagements with community stakeholders have also yielded measurable success. While challenges remain, the improved peace in several troubled regions underscores the effectiveness of the strategy. Perhaps one of the most understated achievements of the Tinubu administration is the move towards local government autonomy. This is a historic step towards decentralization, accountability, and grassroots development. For years, the local government system in Nigeria has been a mere extension of state government bureaucracy, often stripped of resources and capacity.

Tinubu’s push for constitutional reform and the actual enforcement of local government financial autonomy has started to yield results. Local councils are beginning to function more independently, taking charge of basic healthcare, education, and rural

infrastructure—services critical to the masses. Additionally, the creation of the Ministry of Regional Development and the Ministry of Livestock Development highlights a leader thinking not just in terms of administrative convenience, but strategic national development. New Journey of Transformation Continues as Nigeria moves beyond the second anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, there is a sense of measured optimism. The economy is stabilizing, infrastructure is expanding, security is improving, and governance is becoming more responsive. The challenges are not over, but neither is the courage of this administration waning. As the “Renewed Hope” agenda continues to unfold, the dream of a better Nigeria—a secure, prosperous, and inclusive nation—is no longer a distant vision. It is becoming a reality, step by determined step. Indeed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proven that with vision, courage, and purposeful leadership, a new Nigeria is possible. The journey has begun—and there is no turning back.

Asiwaju Good Governance Council is CHRONIC COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED’S signature project, covering institutions, political leaders, opinion leaders, government officials, global financial leaders, scientists, and project developers as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu embarks on reforms to reposition Nigeria for global reckoning and development, to guarantee industrialization and investments in the country to engender progress and national restoration.

The council shall be involved in round table conferences, reinforcing its position as a premier event for high-level dialogue and strategic action for good governance on the watch of President Tinubu. Its programmes will also spotlight how state governments across the country through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, are setting the stage for transformative investments in the country.

GODWIN IGHODALO – Director General (DG)

KUNLE OLU-OJO- Chairman

POWERED BY: THE TELESCOPE MAGAZINE

CHRONIC COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED RC 1022098

For All Enquires please call: 08034725884, 0808 457 4074

INSURANCE

LET INSURANCE BE YOUR WELL

Insurance is purchased to provide financial protection or reimbursement against losses resulting from accidents, injury, fire or property damage or business protection, especially for small and medium enterprises. An insurance company pools clients’ risks to make payments more affordable for the insured. Having an insurance cover is a shield against life’s unpredictability. It is therefore the lifeline you never knew you needed.

In a world of uncertainty—where fires raze homes, accidents crush dreams, illnesses strike without warning, and life’s earnings vanish in the blink of an eye—insurance stands as the quiet, often underrated hero. It is the protective shield that cushions individuals, families, and businesses from the financial devastation that could follow unforeseen calamities.

Yet, many Nigerians still ask: Why insurance? Why now?

To understand the relevance of insurance in today’s fast-evolving economic climate, one must first grasp its essence. At its core, insurance is a financial arrangement that provides compensation for specific potential future losses in exchange for a periodic payment called a premium. Whether you’re safeguarding a vehicle, a home, your health, your business or even your life, insurance offers a guarantee: that in your darkest hour, you will not be alone.

Every day, Nigerians lose millions due to incidents that could have been mitigated by proper insurance. Think about the market woman whose shop burns down, the young breadwinner crippled in a car accident, or the farmer whose crops were destroyed by floodwaters. Without insurance, their lives often spiral into poverty, debt, and despair. But with insurance, that same market woman could get capital to restart her trade, the young man could access treatment and compensation, and the farmer could replant with minimal disruption.

Insurance does not stop misfortune from striking; rather, it absorbs the financial shock, giving people the room to breathe, recover, and rebuild.

One of the most brilliant aspects of insurance is its model of risk pooling. Here’s how it works: thousands or even millions of individuals contribute small sums (premiums) into a pool managed by an insurer. From this pool, claims are paid to those who experience insured losses. As a result, the financial burden of the few is shared by the many—a communal buffer that protects all participants.

For example, a fire that destroys a house worth ₦20 million might financially ruin the homeowner if faced alone. But if insured, the cost is distributed across the wider policyholder base, and the homeowner can be compensated without needing to sell other properties or beg for help. Personal responsibility meets social stability in insurance. It is not just a personal safety net; it also promotes economic and social stability. Countries with widespread insurance coverage are better able to respond to natural disasters, public health emergencies, and business interruptions. Insured businesses recover faster from crises, insured individuals return to work quicker, and insured properties are more likely to be rebuilt.

Moreover, insurance encourages savings, discipline, and long-term planning. Life insurance, for instance, is both a protective measure and a wealth-building tool. Health insurance reduces out-of-pocket medical expenses, which can push families into poverty. Motor insurance ensures that accident victims get justice and repairs are fairly funded.

Despite its benefits, insurance uptake in Nigeria remains low, largely due to ignorance, mistrust, and past experiences of unpaid claims. But this is changing. Regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) have tightened oversight, forcing operators to become more transparent and efficient.

Fintech is also making micro-insurance accessible to low-income earners via mobile apps and USSD codes. More importantly, Nigerians are gradually awakening to the truth: insurance is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) President, Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, believes in consistently fostering forward-thinking conversations and collaborative innovations that prioritise technology in reshaping insurance operations.

She noted that the Insurance Meets Technology is helping in dismantling long-standing barriers and ushering in an era of innovation tailored to younger and tech-savvy Nigerians.

“The IMT is changing the narrative of our industry, bringing relevance, improving acceptance and creating a sustainable impact on the wider economy,” Ilori said

“The future of insurance lies in how effectively we integrate digital thinking into every layer of our operations.”

Equally, the Commissioner for Insurance, Olusegun Omosehin, acknowledged the IMT’s role in disrupting traditional practices and leading the charge for modernisation across the industry.

“Digital innovation is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity,” Omosehin asserted. To live without insurance in today’s world is to walk a tightrope without a safety net. You may never fall—but if you do, the consequences can be catastrophic. Insurance ensures that when life knocks you down, it doesn’t keep you down. Whether you are a student, artisan, business owner, or CEO, you need insurance—because tomorrow is uncertain, but your protection shouldn’t be. In the words of an old proverb, “It is better to dig a well before you are thirsty.” Let insurance be your well.

In his Independence Day broadcast on October 1, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a transformative 30-day youth conference, signaling a renewed focus on empowering Nigeria’s youth as an engine of national progress. This presidential initiative could be a potential game-changer at a time when Nigeria’s young population needs to be made ready to take center stage in reshaping the country’s future

The upcoming 30-day conference represents not only a policy gesture but also a clarion call to harness the energy, creativity, and resilience of Nigerian youth in nation-building. For this conference to truly make an impact, however, it must move beyond mere talk and toward sustainable, actionable outcomes that directly address the most pressing concerns facing Nigerian youth.

The 30-day duration of the conference is particularly admirable, but it should be participatory. Equally, it should be totally devoid of politics. The time duration will allow for time to go beyond superficial discussions, enabling deep dives into practical solutions. We propose that the conference be structured around workshops, dialogues with industry leaders, government collaborations, and skill training, this initiative could provide a blueprint for youth development in the coming years. However, the key lies in ensuring that these sessions are participatory and genuinely focused on equipping young Nigerians with actionable skills and opportunities.

Moreover, this format gives young Nigerians the space to interact directly with policymakers, industry experts, and global thought leaders, ensuring that their perspectives are not only heard but valued. Over the years, Nigerian youth have been vocal about systemic issues, from the #EndSARS movement to advocacy for job creation and security. By dedicating a full month to these discussions, we believe the Tinubu administration seeks to honor these voices, creating a roadmap that positions young Nigerians as pivotal partners in governance and societal transformation.

For this conference to be representative, it must include voices from every corner of Nigeria and every socioeconomic background. Young people from rural areas, often sidelined in national dialogues, should have equal access to participate and benefit. This inclusion is particularly vital as the youth population is incredibly diverse, with varying educational backgrounds, skills, and exposure levels. A deliberate effort must be made to ensure that women, differently-abled individuals, and marginalized groups have an equal platform during this 30-day event.

To ensure broad participation, the government could leverage digital platforms and partnerships with youth organizations to facilitate regional and online participation for those unable to attend in person. By incorporating digital channels, the conference could reach a wider audience, extending the benefits to youths in remote areas and providing a virtual space for ongoing engagement after the physical event concludes.

We counsel that the outcome of conference should be harvested to deliver the change that Nigerian youths have been crying out for—the renewed hope promised Nigerians by President Tinubu receive attention: job creation, economic relief, and an accountable government, to mention but a few.

So, sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development—areas that are critical to long-term national growth-should be focused upon. We advise that government also focus on creating a more transparent and participatory political environment. This could involve reforms to the electoral system to make it easier for young people to run for office and participate in decision-making processes. It is disappointing that despite the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act, exorbitant nomination form fees remain a significant barrier for young Nigerians.

The Presidential 30-day youth conference is a bold and visionary step towards a more inclusive Nigeria. It signals a shift towards recognizing young Nigerians not just as beneficiaries of policies but as active architects of the nation’s future. This conference holds the potential to unlock the creativity, resilience, and leadership embedded in Nigeria’s youth—a resource that, if fully tapped, could transform Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.

The success of this initiative rests on genuine engagement, actionable outcomes, and sustained commitment from all sectors of society. If Nigeria seizes this opportunity to empower its youth meaningfully, it will be laying the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future—one where the dreams and aspirations of its young people become the pillars of a stronger nation.

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, the Nigerian Army Resource Center, Asokoro , Abuja , was agog with activities. That day marked the launch of a book written by the Chief of Account and Budget in Nigeria Navy Rear Admiral (Dr). Kashimu Bushi. (Ph.D), a man the public can rely on where trust, honesty, and accountability are required.
Titled: “Fundamentals of Nigerian Public Finance and Accounting”, it was presented to the reading public as a jewel that will advance the public account sector and help enhance innovation and accountability in Nigeria’s public finance. It is the third book from the stable of Rear Admiral Bushi.
The book launch was well attended by many distinguished Nigerians from all walks of life. Prominent among those who graced occasion included royal fathers, top military officers, politicians, captain of industries. These included but not limited to the , Emir of Lafia, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed 1, and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero , the Chief of Naval Staff,, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. George Sekibo, Prof. Ibrahim Saleh, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State and other prominent Nigerians.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Bush explained that the book was written in response to the u to adequately prepare young graduates and newly employed accountants in public sector for the job. He said he also realized that throughout his 29 years of service in the public sector and indeed in the Nigerian Navy, most work experiences in different sphere of endeavours were not documented.
According to him, accounting graduates are not exposed to the practical issues in public sector accounting and those that are newly employed in the public sector are not well equipped with the knowledge of public sector financial management and accounting.
“Even public sector accountants are barely exposed to the regulatory aspect of public sector accounting, which often serves as a guide to accounting functions. Suffice to state that most accountants in government sectors improve their knowledge and skills of public financial management and accounting through safe efforts. Therefore, there is need to involve professional training of the public accountants.
“This informs the publication of this book to add value to the existing body of knowledge in the field of public finance and accounting in Nigeria.
“The accountants, as we know, are the key driver of government financial management system, which is key to economic development and prosperity because all policies are hinged on finance, budget and the accountants are the key implementers of our budgets,” he said.
Bushi said that getting it right at the training stage would help the finance managers and accountants to have the knowledge of implementing policies effectively and would impact the achievements or success of the budget.
He added that developing the knowledge and skills of accountants would help in improving the performance of the national budget. The book also provides the requisite knowledge on public sector financial management and accounting.
The Chief of Transformation (Navy), Rear Admiral Okon Eyo, who represented the Chief of Naval Staff, described the author as forthright officer with high sense of dedication and passion to service.
Rear Admiral Eyo said the senior officer had continued to make the Nigerian Navy proud both in service to navy and contribution to national development, adding that Rear Admiral. Bushi was a disciplined officer and a go-getter. According to him, it is a clear reflection of the attitude he brings to bear in his primary responsibility as the Chief of Accounts and Budget and the books that are churned out.
“He is quite becoming a prolific writer because this is the third book in quick succession and they are all on financial subjects.
“So I think he is trying to share his experience and the knowledge he has gathered both in classroom as students and practically on the on the job so people can learn from it,” he said.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. George Sekibo, commended the author for giving back to the public his wealth of knowledge through the book. And he charged the author to continue to write more books so that Nigerians could learn and benefit from his knowledge as the country would be better for it.
The book, presented to the reading public by the Institute of Governance and Leadership Studies in Africa (IGLSA), was reviewed by Prof. Ibrahim Saleh, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State.
A lecture with the theme: Public Financial Management and Accounting: Impact on the Nigerian Economy’ was delivered by Prof. ABC Akujuobi, a former Head of the Financial Department, Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
Who really is Rear Admiral Bushi? Kasimu Bushi was born on 5 April 1968 in Kumbo, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State. As someone who is mindful of what he wanted to become in life, he wasted no time to advance his academic pursued. He started his primary and secondary education early and gain admission in one of the prestigious Universities in the country, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc.) in accounting in 1991.
Rear Admiral Bushi did his National Youth Service with Dayo Oloje & Co (Chartered Accountant) in Akure, Ondo State and completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1992.
After his service years, he enlisted into the Nigerian Navy on 23 August, 1993 and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant on 23 August, 1994. He rose through the ranks. He became Rear Admiral in 2022, a course of direction which remains his career pursued till date.
It is this undeniable zeal to serve the nation that made him join the prestigious Nigerian military force. Bushi has become a true iconic example of a citizen who places national interest above personal one, whose passion is to serve the nation with his life inborn.
The personality of Bushi is very amassing; humble, patriotic, loyalty, perseverance, hardworking and dedicated to service. In Nigeria today, the desire for self-attainment and self-aggrandizement has taken a center stage rather than patriotic service to fatherland. Leadership challenges have contributed immensely to the current problems faced in the country such as corruption, banditry, militancy, kidnappings, rubbery among others.
Thus, the need to spot charismatic and dynamic young and up-coming leaders that can be trusted with leadership positions is important. It is in this light that, individual personality in the public sector (including the military) who through their selfless service, dedication to duty, exemplary and good leadership qualities as well as contribution to the development of their organizations, communities and the nation in general are often identified and honored for good performance as motivation for enhance service delivery.
In many circles, Bushi has made his mark in this regard; contributed immensely to the Nigerian Navy and the nation at large both professionally and otherwise.
In an attempt to improve his academic prowess, Bushi attended several schools. Some of the things that stands out clear and highly paramount is that he has an uncompromising interest in the field of Accounting and Finance as well as Public Administration.
In his quest to achieve the best, he has attended many courses. These included his stint at Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration where he obtained PGC in Public Administration 2002. He also attended Federal University of Technology (FUTO) and obtained PGD in Financial Management and MBA Finance in 2001 and 2008 respectively.

He further enrolled for MSc Programme in National Mathematical Centre affiliated to University of Abuja in 2015 and obtained MSc Financial Mathematics and a PhD in Finance. As a result of his sterling qualities and service to the nation, Admiral Bushi has received several honours and awards. These include Productivity Centre Merit Award, Humanitarian Service Award, Financial Prudency Award, Ethical Ambassador Award, Integrity Award, Good Ambassador of Taraba State Award, ICON of Hope Award and the prestigious National Public Service Award (NPSA) amongst others.

A highly trained and very discipline officer, Admiral Bushi has attended several conferences and seminars both local and abroad, prominent are: International Conference on Pre-retirement Planning at Ghana in 2015, International Conference on Public Finance and Administrative Strategies in the Post Covid era held at Kigali, Rwanda in 2021, Chartered System Accountant International Conference at Louisiana, USA in 2022, ANAN. Chartered Institute of Finance and Control (FIFC) yearly conference amongst others.
He has several decorations which includes Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS) and Distinguished Service Star (DSS). Others are Chieftaincy titles; Santali of Gudape, Bebeji of Lafiya Kingdom and Katuka of Gire Adamawa.
Equally, Admiral Bushi has been honoured with two honorary Doctortate degrees. He has honorary Doctorate Degree in Leadership and Good Governance from South American University as well as honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Affairs from University of Benin Republic.
Bushi also had his military training in the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College as well as Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Nigeria where he obtained Pass Staff Course (psc).
Bushi is highly decorated and also, an astute professional and certified accountant whose knowledge and competence has gained him several Fellows both national and international institute which include: Fellow Chartered National Accountant (FCNA), Fellow Chartered Institute of Taxation (FCTI), Fellow Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria (FCIFCN), Fellow African Institute of Strategic Managers (FAISM), Fellow Institute Corporate Administration (FICA), Fellow Chartered System Accountant (FCSA-USA), Fellow Occupational Safety and Health Association – UK (FOSHA), and a Certified Fraud Detector (CFD) UK.
In terms of service delivery, Dr. Bushi has proved himself as an effective financial manager and administrator, an inspiring motivator and intelligent leader. He gets job done on unobtrusively and efficiently and communicate well with creative ideas which he can see it to completion. He certainly has led a very good example of reliability, dependability, loyalty, and commitment.
He has also made a remarkable impact on the cultural ethics of public service life and led by example in all he has done. This has been attested by his trust to hold several sensitive and crucial appointments on financial management and public administration; a job which requires trust, honesty, and accountability.
His first appointment was Staff Officer (Cash) in Western Naval Command Headquarters, Lagos in 1995 – 1999. He was then transferred to Defence Headquarters in Abuja to work as Staff officer finance in 2000 – 2006. He later became the Base Account and Budget Officer (BABO) in Nigerian Naval Base, PATHFINDER, Port Harcourt from 2007 – 2009. For his outstanding performance void of malpractices and with his enthusiasm and discipline, he was later made Assistant Director (AD) Computer, Military Pension Board (MPB) between 2007 and 2010. A period which witnessed unprecedented transformation of the Military Pension Board. He brought dynamism in the management affairs of the Military Pension Board.
Dr. Bushi was instrumental to the introduction of biometric data system in the management and Administration of military pension which drastically curtailed corruption, manipulations and other forms of financial malpractices that were militating smooth administration of the Pension Board. He screened and vetted all the pensioners’ data in the retirees’ payroll and ensured that only eligible pensioners were enrolled into the biometric data system. He also ensured the integrity of the personnel payroll data.
In addition, he intensified measures to eliminate fraud and financial malpractices in an organization. Dr. Bushi deployed some strategies to deepen transparency in the financial management system. All these were achieved through constant training and sensitization of the personnel on the need to be ethical and professional in the discharge of duty.
Another area of competence of the officer is developing financial ideas that tends to solve problems in the society: he developed annuity funding model for the implementation in FMBN for loan disbursement to the benefit of public servant who are contributors to Federal Housing Scheme of Nigeria. In 2019, Dr. Bushi was a member of the committee for the Manual of Accounting and Financial Administration approved by Mr. President C-in-C for the Armed Forces of Nigeria which brought enhanced salary and allowances to the Armed Forces personnel.
Furthermore, Dr. Bushi focus is to ensure that the grass root, cleric accountant and all the people involve in keeping financial records in the navy are kept abreast of the accounting standards and practices. This informed his decision to publish a working book titled ‘Understanding the Basics of Nigerian Navy Financial Management and Accounting System’ in 2020.
Ever since Admiral Bushi’s commissioned into the Nigerian Navy, he has not disappointed that institution, one day, with his conduct and activities. He has not only been sustaining the rich tradition and ethics and principles of the accounting profession, he has been galvanizing the people for development and productivity.
He has sponsored countless entrepreneurship and empowerment programmes to build capacity for youth and make them useful to themselves.
What is unique about this admiral? Well, almost everything. First apart from being a distinguished scholar, he is a man who radiates much goodwill. His physical presence is a delight and inspiring. A man with graceful gait, Rear Admiral Bushi is a man with a chord of empathy. And he speaks with wisdom and the most kindness upon many things of common interests.
Some people are inspiring like chancing upon a fine poem; people whose handshake is like a brimful of unspoken fondness. Meeting Admiral Rear Bushi is one such experience. Second, he is a strong message of hope for young public sector accountants. He offers a unique vision for global well-being and competitiveness.
The essence of Admiral Bushi’s philosophy is that a conscious attention to productivity, discipline, moral responsibility be seen as parts of the public sector account. Then the practitioners should key-in to unlock the full potentials and deliver great services to the country. To him, walking on the path of these values is the only way to solve some the problems that face public sector accounts in Nigeria.
Over the years, Admiral Bushi has worked commendably towards these and developing those values and strengthening the public awareness of truth and integrity, hardwork and creativity in public sector finances.
All these explain why the people hold him dearly for his simple, yet life-impacting activities and scholarship. No wonder, his works are gaining wider acceptance. Thus, his influence and popularity continue to grow.

Tony Elumelu, chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and founder of Heirs Holdings leaps with energy, innovation and ideas. He gets his energy and creativity in a quiet place. And usually, when he geos somewhere alone, he finds that new ideas just begin to flow and gets so much connected with himself.

Personal connections generate new thoughts and ideas for him, as he travels the world and works hard to make great things happen. He gets so tired of being in specific places, so moving around gives him fresher energy. It displaces old ideas.

So he keeps dreaming about great things, about a great nation, about a greater , prosperous Africa, about a peaceful world, about how the African youth can survive and flourish in a new world order of Industry 4.0, about how do we design international institutions for a world in which the liberal dream of growing harmony is in flood.

“My successes – and yes failures – have always driven me to create opportunities for young people. I believe that our young have the talent and the zeal to transform our world.” Said Elumelu.

This enigmatic global business leader clocks 60 this month. And what does Tony mean to business people, the youth in Nigeria and Africa generally? Role model, enabler, a man of great vision who helps so turn their lives around.

Elumelu went through banking career at Standard Trust Bank where after growing in leadership he found himself to be the youngest managing director of a bank, nationally , at that time And a very creative one, for that matter. Tony became a bank chief executive at the age of 34, one of the youngest in the industry at that time, by a dint of hardwork and luck. He was the CEO of the defunct Standard Trust Bank (STB) at the time before a business combination with UBA saw him become the chief executive of the new larger entity.

“I owed my accelerated career and successes to two things: hard work and luck, and I know firsthand how these factors are inextricable in success,” Elumelu said in a Facebook post recently.

Mr Elumelu currently chairs Heirs Holdings, a family-owned investment holding company, and also Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, where he holds a 2.1 per cent stake. He has a 7 per cent interest in UBA also.

His philanthropic initiative Tony Elumelu Foundation empowers young entrepreneurs in Africa and has active presence in 54 African countries.

Elumelu noted that the time he took the helm at Standard Bank coincided with a period of fast-paced transformation in banking when “reform-minded policymakers had opened up paths for consolidation and strengthening our sector”.

He added that even though competition was stiff within the industry, being young posed no barrier. Hence his commitments to putting the youth on sound footing in terms of leadership and entrepreneurship. The idea came to him when he was still in the banking sector.

While working in bank, in UBA as managing director, Tony was stunned by the problem of poverty in Africa. Even though he grew up to know there was poverty in Africa, it was really his banking career and travelling round Africa that helped him to uncover the real magnitude of poverty in Africa, and its impact on the continent. He was intrigued and in the end, felt like this is the path he needed to take. Something that would change lives in Africa.

He felt what concerned him at the moment was really trying to figure out how he could create the biggest impact  in the continent. And he saw many avenues to do that. One is working alongside young people and being an encouragement to them in any way he could through making them creatively productive. But also to engage differently in society just to see areas that he could help to make improvements in people’s lives.

More important to him , of course, is working with youth on entrepreneurship through his philosophy of Afrocapitalism. And as they learn leadership and entrepreneurship, he also ensures they are so versatile with technology, so comfortable with it. He painted different scenarios about these and the future of Africa.

He thought and thought, and eventually decided to launch a war on poverty. To do this he must create  a sort of liberal new order among African youth to smash apart the triple rocks of poverty, unemployment and productivity turmoil. Tony’s priority then became how to make as many people as possible productive, prosperous, truly independent and not rely on others.

Some years later, he floated the Tony Elumelu Foundation to solve the problems of poverty and unemployment through leadership training and entrepreneurship for African youth.

To him, the wealth that our parents accumulated or built is not ours to brag about.
We have no idea how long it took or what situations they went through to build themselves up.
We must build our own from sweat and guts, only then we will know the formulae.

This formulae he knows so much. And he is initiating many African youth into its secret through his philanthropic initiative the Tony Elumelu Foundation. In 2010, he created The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the pan-African philanthropy empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, catalysing economic growth, driving poverty eradication and ensuring job creation across all 54 African countries.

With this Foundation, encouraging the youth into innovation and productivity became easier, so they can be the change they want to be for their generation. To him, there is no need to fear for the youth, now that we are in the advent of the fourth industrial revolution, because they are born at a time like this to handle the challenges of the day like this. Not to fear but to guide them to make a difference. That is his task now across Africa, more than anybody in the continent.

Since inception, the Foundation has funded over 20,000 entrepreneurs and created a digital ecosystem of over one million Africans as part of its ten year, US$100m commitment through its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme. Self-funded, the Foundation is increasingly sharing its unique ability to identify, train, mentor and fund young entrepreneurs across Africa, with institutions such as the United Nations Development Programme, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other global development agencies. His businesses and Foundation are inspired by Tony’s economic philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector, and most importantly entrepreneurs, as the catalyst for the social and economic development of the African continent. Tony sits on a number of public and social sector boards including the World Economic Forum Community of Chairmen and the Global Board of UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited. He was named in the 2020 Time100 Most Influential People in the World, recognised for his business leadership and economic e

The Foundation empowers young entrepreneurs in Africa and has active presence in 54 African countries. It is the leading champion of entrepreneurship in Africa, with purpose being to empower women and men across the continent, catalysing economic growth, driving poverty eradication and ensuring job creation. We believe the private sector’s role is critical for Africa’s development and that the private sector must create both social and economic wealth.

The great thing about the foundation is that people are always at the heart of all the strategy of its activities. When it comes to young people, the strategy is clear: TEF is focused on ensuring that tomorrow is always better than today  for young people, through their own empowerment and the betterment of the communities where they live and develop.

For Tony, he believes that youths are fundamental to build a better shared future. For that reason, he developed programs to aid young people in entering the labor market. For example, BoothCamp training which seeks to promote the entrepreneurship of the youth, it has already reached more than 500 young people throughout the African continent to date, and Tony hopes to continue increasing the offer of training and participant quotas in the coming years. All programs are free and 100% online, aimed at young people who reside anywhere in Arica.

This has already impacted more than 39,000 young people in African communities spread throughout the 54 countries in the continent.  Of the total number of beneficiaries, more than 80,000 entered the labor market.

In addition, he seeks to boost their talents through quality opportunities and inclusive education. I’m proud to say that we employ 240,000 youths of the region. We know we cannot do it alone, so we work on these efforts with many allies across Africa. We will keep working on providing better and more opportunities to boost their talent and help them achieve their dreams.

At a recent forum, Elumelu urged successful leaders to champion young people who are focused, hardworking and committed to making a difference in their communities, because their drive and determination make things happen.

“More than ever, all of us who have attained success must become role models for the younger generation, so that the next generation can learn from our mistakes and achieve even more than we have,” he said.

“I believe that prioritising our youth – supporting their dreams and aspirations – is how we can create a sustainable future for the world.The greatest success in leadership is leaving a legacy and pathway for the next generation.”

Part from this, Elumelu believes that leaders must focus on long-term goals and succession planning to build a lasting legacy and ensure long-term success.

Elumelu is one of Africa’s leading investors and philanthropists. The Chairman of Heirs Holdings, his family owned investment company committed to improving lives and transforming Africa, through long-term investments in strategic sectors of the African economy including financial services, hospitality, power, energy, technology and healthcare. Tony is the Chairman of pan-African financial services group, the United Bank for Africa (UBA), which operates in 20 countries in Africa, the United Kingdom France, and is the only African bank with a commercial deposit taking presence in the United States. UBA provides corporate, commercial, SME and consumer banking services to more than 21 million customers globally. He also chairs Nigeria’s largest quoted conglomerate, Transcorp Plc whose subsidiaries include Transcorp Power, one of the largest generators of electricity in Nigeria and Transcorp Hotels Plc, Nigeria’s foremost hospitality brand. He is the Founder and Chairman of Trans-Niger Oil & Gas Limited (TNOG), an upstream oil and gas company which owns and operates Nigeria’s OML17, (with 2P reserves of 1.3 billion barrels of oil equivalent) and committed to creating resource based added value on the African continent. Tony is the most prominent champion of entrepreneurship in Africa.  And he is one of the most impactful role models for the African youth right now, more than any African at present.

At 60, Tony is helping to put Africa on a sound footing beyond being just exporter of crude resources. He is a most visible protagonist of productivity and philanthrophy in Africa. his desire is to bail out the continent from the clutches of underdevelopment in a world of “global discord” that desperately needs a John Maynard Keynes or a Milton Friedman who can range over a variety of disciplines like a master, but also translate them into gripping English.

Tony is helping to put Africa on a sound footing beyond being just exporter of crude resources in a world of “global discord” desperately needs a John Maynard Keynes or a Milton Friedman who can range over a variety of disciplines like a master, but also translate them into gripping English.

Now at 60, Elumelu wrestles with the chaos and confusion assailing Africa, amidst a raging global disorder, trying to help put some order.

And as Adrian Wooldridge has written in Bloomberg early January, 2023 “the overall impression is one of extraordinary flux and confusion: Europeans are trying to come to terms with the US’ growing nationalism; companies are flexing their supply chains for an unstable world; emerging powers are shifting their alliances; economic globalization, and national and regional politics are pulling in different directions at once; global organizations are losing their legitimacy; and the academics who are supposed to make sense of these things are so immersed in their subdisciplines that they either cannot see the bigger picture or, if they can see it, they cannot explain it to lesser mortals. The world of disorder remains a world of confusion as well.”

In some decades from now, historians would at least be able to bring the benefit of African children the significant contributions of Tony Elumelu to the socio-political and economic liberation of Africa.

This is the world of the Lion king,  “ the African child” who has been able to help Africa maintain some order and stability when global chaos rages.

As individuals, we too need to make great things happen. As individuals, we need to set goals and work towards our dreams. Let us not be spectators in life. We need to be working hard.
We need to be putting our heads down. We need to be able to dream again. If anyone has put his own dream in the coffin, it’s time to remove it from there. You have to see your dreams become a reality. This is the lesson in Elumelu’s activities across Africa as his ideas and mentorship become pivotal to African youth prosperity.