The Nation Newspaper

Category: CEO

  • Ekundayo named president of corporate secretaries international association

    Ekundayo named president of corporate secretaries international association

    Governance expert and seasoned corporate executive Funmi Ekundayo has been announced as the new President of the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA), the foremost body representing governance professionals and corporate secretaries across more than 4 continents.

    The announcement which was made over the weekend on the Association’s offficial website marks a major milestone for Nigeria’s governance community and reinforces Ekundayo’s standing as one of the country’s most accomplished voices in corporate governance, law, and the financial services sector.

    Ekundayo currently serves as Group Managing Director of STL Capital Group, a role in which she has led strategic transformation and strengthened the firm’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading trust and fiduciary services institutions.

    An alumna of the Harvard Business School, Ekundayo holds Bachelor and Master of Laws degrees from the University of Lagos and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), where she serves on the Governing Council. 

    She recently completed her term as President and Chairman of the Governing Council of ICSAN (2023–2025), becoming the first female to hold the position in the Institute’s 57-year history, a tenure remembered for significant institutional reforms, capacity building, and unprecedented visibility.

    With more than 29 years of professional experience, Ekundayo began her career at Bentley, Edu & Co (in association with Irving & Bonnar), spending nearly a decade in legal practice before transitioning into the financial services and capital markets sector. 

    She later held senior roles at Sterling Asset Management & Trustees and United Capital Trustees, before joining STL Trustees where she rose through the ranks to become MD/CEO and later Group Managing Director of STL Capital Group.

    Her professional influence spans multiple sectors and sub sectors. She is a Past President of the Association of Corporate Trustees of Nigeria and previously served as Honorary Treasurer and Vice President of CSIA before assuming its presidency. 

    She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria; Institute of Capital Market Registrars; the Chartered Institute of Directors; the Institute of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers; and the Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals. 

    Ekundayo is an Associate of both the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).

    In a statement, STL Capital Group said, “We are pleased to share the exciting news that, this afternoon, our MD/CEO was officially announced as the new President of the CSIA. Congratulations are in order as we celebrate this remarkable achievement.”

    Funmi on her part, stated that she looks forward to working with member Institutes across the globe to strengthen corporate governance standards, expand professional capacity-building programmes, and further position CSIA as a global leading voice for governance professionals.

  • Experts demand bold rethink from entrepreneurs

    Experts demand bold rethink from entrepreneurs

    Business leaders and development advocates have charged Nigerian entrepreneurs to rethink their business models, embrace innovation and adopt strategic systems capable of sustaining long-term growth.

    They noted that the country’s evolving economic landscape demands fresh thinking, disciplined execution and courageous reinvention from entrepreneurs determined to scale.

    The call was made at the 10th Annual Entrepreneurs Conference and Expo organised by the Masterpiece Resource Development Centre (MRDC) in Lagos. The two-day event, was themed “RISE- Reinvent. Innovate. Strategize. Expand”, a message organisers described as critical for entrepreneurs seeking relevance and resilience in 2025 and beyond.

    Convener, Pastor Modupe Oyekunle said the theme reflects a deliberate call for transformation, urging participants to confront limitations and tap into new opportunities for growth.

    She said MRDC, founded to discover, develop and deploy entrepreneurs for national development, has grown into a “vibrant platform for leadership development, business empowerment and community transformation.”

    Oyekunle said: “RISE is more than a theme; it is a mandate. It calls each of us to embrace change, think differently, and pursue expansion with clarity and determination. In an economy where industries are shifting and the rules are changing, your ability to reinvent yourself will determine your relevance.”

    She added that since 2007, MRDC has trained more than 10,000 entrepreneurs through conferences, expos, masterclasses and strategic partnerships.

    “What began as a simple vision has become a movement, no participant should leave this conference the same. The conference avails you the opportunity to encounter ideas, relationships and opportunities that can shift your business forever.”

    Delivering the keynote address, Managing Director/CEO of Mainland Oil & Gas and Chairman of Chrinak Group, Dr. Chris Igwe, inspired participants with a candid account of his journey from post-Civil War hardship to becoming a leading entrepreneur.

    He said: “I did not come from privilege, I came from a background where survival was the goal, not success. But even in those moments, seeds of innovation were being planted. Where you start is never your full story. Reinvention gives you permission to rewrite your story.”

    “I started business in 1992 with just N10,000,” he recalled. “I travelled on night buses as an escort so I wouldn’t pay freight. Every naira mattered. Entrepreneurs today must understand that innovation is not always technology, sometimes, it is simply thinking differently about the same problem.”

    Igwe added that the conference pillars, reinvent, innovate, strategize and expand, are not theory, but a roadmap for entrepreneurs determined to build sustainably.

    Chairman of Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc, Segun Oloketuyi, urged entrepreneurs to remain grounded and uphold integrity in their dealings.

    “Entrepreneurship is not a race to impress, the moment you start running with other people’s pace, you lose direction. Stay focused, stay prudent, and let integrity be your biggest capital. Discipline and fairness are non-negotiable,” he said.

    Chairman of the MRDC Board, Dr. Abiola Popoola, told participants to see the conference as a deliberate investment in their capacity, saying reinvention is essential for business survival.

    “Reinvention does not mean abandoning what you have built,” he said. “It means rethinking it, improving it, aligning it with where the world is going. Innovation requires courage. Expansion requires structure. Growth must be intentional and measurable.”

    Popoola stressed the need for digital capacity, new business models, strong networks and disciplined long-term planning.

  • Blake Resort boss Akunedozi wins African giants entertainment personality of the year award

    Blake Resort boss Akunedozi wins African giants entertainment personality of the year award

    Celebrating and rewarding agents of economic growth and social advancement in Africa, Black Giant Signature, the organisers of the popular African Giants Awards has honoured the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of foremost Abuja entertainment hub, Blake Resort with Entertainment Personality of the Year Award.

    The 9th edition of the annual event hosted by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Okpe Lawrence Okpe was held in Abuja at Cyprain Ekwemsi Center for Arts and Culture on Sunday, 30th November 2025.

    The event witnessed a large turnout of notable dignitaries from politics, entertainment, business and creative industries.

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    Receiving the award, Chief Akunedozi, represented by his Personal Assistant (PA), Mr. Innocent Okoh thanked the organisers for the recognition and dedicated the award to God and his hardworking team at the Blake Resort.

    “I thank the organisers of the African Giants Awards for the recognition and humbly dedicate the award to God and to my hardworking team at the Blake Resort.”

    Among notable personalities who received awards in different categories included Seyi Tinubu, Oba Barr. Chukwudi Oli, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro,
    Dr. Hajia Ramatu Ibrahim, Media veteran Ali Adoyi Abah, Comedian Koboko Master, Chief David Daser, Engr. Tony Nakale of Bingham TV and Compound Group.

    Okpe thanked attendees for their support and announced that next year’s edition would mark the 10th anniversary of Black Giant Signature.

  • Rahma Mohammed recognised among global 100 most impactful leaders

    Rahma Mohammed recognised among global 100 most impactful leaders

    Hajiya Rahma Adam Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of Amaryadotcom and Founder of HER360, has been named among Africa’s Global 100 Most Impactful Leaders by the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation (PAYLEF).

    The recognition was conferred at the 2nd Edition of the Global 100 Awards held in Kigali, Rwanda. The award was received on her behalf by Summaya Mohammed, Chief Operating Officer of Amaryadotcom.

    The honour highlights the growing influence of the Amaryadotcom group and its women-centred initiatives , including HER360, Sahara Secrets, the Women Empowerment Network (WEN), and several other programmes focused on advancing the wellbeing, leadership and socio-economic participation of women and girls in Nigeria.

    HER360 has grown into one of the country’s most innovative platforms, integrating beauty, wellness, identity, leadership and enterprise development within a comprehensive 360-degree model. 

    The initiative also extends its mandate to young girls through the MentHERship programme, which holds annually during the United Nations International Women’s Day commemoration.

    Industry experts have described HER360 as the first initiative in Nigeria to combine beauty, psychology, wellness, leadership and cultural heritage at scale.

    Although Hajiya Rahma is the driving force behind HER360, Sahara Secrets and other Amaryadotcom brands, the organisation’s COO, Summaya Mohammed, has been instrumental in expanding the group’s reach and coordinating its nationwide impact.

    In its citation, PAYLEF commended Rahma’s contributions as “a beacon of empowerment, innovation, and cultural intelligence transforming the lives of millions of women and girls.”

    Her inclusion in the Global 100 list places HER360 and the wider Amaryadotcom ecosystem on a continental platform, further establishing the organisation as a leading driver of women’s wellness, capacity development and social advancement in Africa.

    Reacting to the recognition, Hajiya Rahma stated, “This award is not about me. It is about girls, women, and womanhood. My confidence is that as HER360 rises, so do women; and as women rise, Africa will also rise and make the world a better place.”

  • Olatunbosun applauds Adeduntan’s banking legacy as UI confers honorary doctorate

    Olatunbosun applauds Adeduntan’s banking legacy as UI confers honorary doctorate

    The Chief Financial Officer of Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited, Kayode Olatunbosun, CFA, FCCA, has applauded the banking career and national impact of Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan following his conferment with an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree by the University of Ibadan at its 2025 Convocation Ceremony.

    In a congratulatory statement on Monday, Olatunbosun described the honour as a fitting recognition for a man whose influence on Nigeria’s financial landscape spans decades. 

    He noted that Adeduntan’s transformation from a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate of the University of Ibadan to one of Africa’s most respected banking executives reflects “a legacy built on resilience, intellect, and purpose.”

    Olatunbosun highlighted Adeduntan’s distinguished career trajectory, including his formative years at Arthur Andersen, his leadership roles at Citibank Nigeria, the Africa Finance Corporation, and ultimately his decade-long tenure as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited. 

    According to him, Adeduntan championed reforms that repositioned the institution for stability, digital transformation, and financial inclusion, making FirstBank one of the continent’s most impactful financial institutions.

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    “Dr. Adeduntan’s contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry go beyond boardrooms and balance sheets,” Olatunbosun said. 

    “He expanded access to financial services for millions, rebuilt trust in an era of institutional uncertainty, and mentored a new generation of financial leaders. His legacy is both national and continental.”

    The Midwestern Oil & Gas CFO further commended Adeduntan’s philanthropic commitments, describing him as a leader whose compassion matches his professional excellence. 

    He cited his support for education, youth empowerment, and community development initiatives, acts that the University of Ibadan also acknowledged in its decision to honour him.

    The honorary D.Sc. degree, conferred by Nigeria’s premier university and Adeduntan’s alma mater, recognises his outstanding achievements in banking, corporate governance, economic development, and social impact. 

    Olatunbosun expressed pride in seeing the University of Ibadan celebrate one of its finest alumni, stressing that Adeduntan’s journey continues to inspire young professionals across fields. 

    “This honour is richly deserved. It is a testament to a man who embodies excellence, integrity, and visionary leadership,” he said.

    He added that the recognition reinforces the importance of character, competence, and service, qualities for which Adeduntan has become widely known both within and beyond Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

  • From Lagos newsroom to war-torn Ukraine: Adedeji Ademigbuji named among Industry’s Top 50 Men of Impact 2025

    From Lagos newsroom to war-torn Ukraine: Adedeji Ademigbuji named among Industry’s Top 50 Men of Impact 2025

    When The Industry Newspaper unveiled its Top 50 Men of Impact 2025, one name stood out not for campaigns or corporate milestones but for telling the stories of people affected by crisis — from conflict and hunger in north-east Nigeria to climate-driven displacement in Somalia and the full-scale war in Ukraine.

    That name was Adedeji Ademigbuji, a former Nigerian journalist who now serves as Public Information and Reporting Officer for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Ukraine.

    Ademigbuji, who spent nearly 16 years in Lagos newsrooms before moving into humanitarian communications in 2017, was listed number 45 on the Industry roll of honour under the category “Media & Humanitarian”. 

    The list places him alongside leading figures across Nigeria’s marketing, media, banking, telecoms, technology and energy sectors.

    Media reports highlight honourees such as Steve Babaeko of X3M Ideas, Lanre Adisa of Noah’s Ark, Israel Opayemi of Chain Reactions Africa, Anthony Chiejina of Dangote Group, Amaechi Okobi of Access Corporation, Olumide Iyanda of QED.ng and Dr Patrick Korie of SUNU Health.

    In this mix of boardroom leaders and creative powerhouses, Ademigbuji’s work reflects a different kind of impact: using storytelling and public information to keep global attention on civilians caught in conflict.

    Now based in Kyiv, he contributes to OCHA’s public information products on the humanitarian impact of the war, including Humanitarian Bulletins, Situation Snapshots and thematic reports. His work supports global humanitarian messaging on issues ranging from winter preparedness to civilian protection.

    Before Ukraine, he worked with the World Food Programme and OCHA in north-east Nigeria, documenting the human cost of the long-running conflict driven by non-state armed groups and how COVID-19 deepened hunger in already fragile areas. His features have profiled displaced families, frontline responders and communities struggling with food insecurity.

    The award ceremony, held on 4 November 2025 at Radisson Blu, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, underscored the organisers’ aim: to recognise men demonstrating leadership, innovation and positive societal influence while promoting balance and well-being in demanding professional environments.

    Ademigbuji has previously won several journalism prizes, including the Schneider Electric Award for Reporting on Electrical Counterfeiting in Africa.

    On the rationale behind the ‘Top 50’ practitioners in the inaugural edition, the Editor-in-Chief of The Industry Newspaper, Goddie Ofose, said: “Men of Impact in the Industry” is simply about influential and accomplished individuals in the IMC sector, making significant contributions, driving innovation, and shaping the industry’s future.”

    Ofose added that “Men of Impact” acknowledges their achievements and recognizes their influence in the industry; therefore, celebrating male practitioners is essential for several reasons.

  • A second passport new power tool for global Africans – Okeke

    A second passport new power tool for global Africans – Okeke

    Executive Director of Business Development at Optiva Capital Partners, Ambassador Amaka Okeke, has called on African entrepreneurs and families to embrace second citizenship as a powerful strategy for global access, wealth protection and generational security.

    Speaking during an interactive session with select business editors in Lagos, Okeke highlighted the transformative power of second citizenship in today’s fast-changing global landscape, describing it as “the new power tool for global Africans. 

    “A second passport is no longer a luxury; it is a life strategy,” Okeke declared. “It gives you global mobility, access to quality healthcare and education, opens doors to new markets, and ensures that your family’s future is secure across generations.”

    She explained that through Optiva Capital’s investment immigration programs, clients gain not only visa-free access to numerous countries but also access to global systems that promote financial independence, security, and intergenerational prosperity. 

    According to her, the benefits of a second passport go far beyond travel convenience. 

    “We have seen clients transform their lives — from entrepreneurs expanding across continents, to families accessing world-class healthcare and education, to investors preserving their wealth through global diversification,” she said.

    Citing real-life examples, Okeke recounted how a client’s family relocated to Canada allowing his children to access free quality education and healthcare. 

    In another case, a client leveraged his second citizenship to establish a multi-billion-dollar tile manufacturing business in the Middle East, repatriating foreign exchange earnings to Nigeria. 

    “These are not abstract stories,” she noted. “They are proof that second citizenship is about empowerment, continuity, and peace of mind. Whether you live, retire, or transition, your family’s dreams continue.”

    Okeke also emphasised that Optiva Capital Partners’ approach goes beyond investment immigration.

    “Optiva Capital is a wealth retention and investment advisory company,” she explained. 

    “We don’t provide one-size-fits-all services. We design bespoke global access and investment plans based on clients’ aspirations — whether they want to travel, relocate, invest abroad, or simply secure their wealth for future generations.”

    As part of its expanding portfolio, Optiva Capital Partners collaborates with leading global partners across the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East, offering citizenship and residency-by-investment options in countries such as Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Turkey, Portugal, Greece, the USA, and Canada.

     Okeke further reaffirmed Optiva Capital’s mission to empower African families to think globally and invest wisely. “Our mission is simple,” she stated. 

    “We exist to protect, grow, and optimize our clients’ wealth. We want Africans to have access to global opportunities — to earn in foreign currencies, secure their children’s futures, and ensure their wealth outlives them.”

    With over a decade of experience at Optiva Capital Partners, Okeke has been instrumental in shaping the company’s success and its reputation as Africa’s number one name in investment immigration.

    She concluded with a call to action for entrepreneurs and professionals across Africa: “In today’s world, mobility is wealth and access is power. The question is no longer whether you can afford a second passport — it’s whether you can afford not to have one.”

  • Awode launches Global Empowerment Foundation

    Awode launches Global Empowerment Foundation

    Nigerian entrepreneur and social-impact advocate, Louis Awode, has launched the Louis Awode Foundation (LAF) — a global empowerment initiative focused on expanding access to education, supporting young entrepreneurs, and promoting inclusive community development across Nigeria and beyond.

    Growing up in Ogbere, Ijebu East, Ogun State, Awode experienced firsthand the challenges of limited educational resources. These early experiences inspired his lifelong commitment to “build a home of opportunity for those who need it most.”

    “My journey taught me that opportunity is the greatest form of empowerment,” Awode said. “When young people are given access to education, mentorship, and support, they do not just succeed — they transform communities.”

    Awode went on to study at the University of Lagos and the University of Dundee, and  completing an MBA in Business Analysis at Georgia State University in the United States. Professionally, he has worked with Transsion Holdings and founded the youth-driven creative brand ClovisCasuals, which has collaborated with cultural talents including Asake and Olamide.

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    The Foundation’s mission is delivered through four core pillars of education, youth & women empowerment, community development as well as global impact and partnership. 

    The Foundation will begin with pilot programs in selected Nigerian communities, followed by expansion into regional and international initiatives.

    “Real change happens when communities are not just helped, but heard,” Awode emphasized.

    “Our work is to create pathways to opportunity — and we are only just beginning.”

  • Nigeria must address internal problems rather than rely on foreign intervention – Seun Mafa

    Nigeria must address internal problems rather than rely on foreign intervention – Seun Mafa

    US-based tech entrepreneur and healthcare innovator, Seun Mafa, has cautioned against embracing foreign political promises directed at Nigeria, stating that the country’s challenges must be confronted and resolved by Nigerians themselves.

    Mafa, who is the Chief Executive Officer of 5Africa, made the comments in response to recent remarks by United States President Donald J. Trump suggesting that he would “rescue Nigerian Christians.”

    Mafa said the statement, though likely to spark attention among religious communities, presents a narrative that diminishes Nigeria’s sovereignty and portrays African nations as dependent on external saviors. He noted that history has shown that foreign intervention in domestic affairs of other countries often results in instability and long-term consequences.

    According to Mafa, past examples of global powers entering foreign nations under the guise of assistance should serve as cautionary lessons. He stated that such actions frequently resulted in unrest and weakened national institutions rather than the stability initially promised. He explained that these patterns have been seen in different regions and that Nigeria should not repeat those experiences.

    Mafa stressed that Nigeria is not without capacity or agency, adding that the country is rich in resources, talent, and resilience. He said the real issues facing the nation are internal, including governance, accountability, and social division. He noted that these are challenges that Nigerians must collectively confront.

    He also emphasised that calling for external intervention diverts attention from the responsibility of political and religious leaders, civic institutions, and citizens to strengthen the country from within. 

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    Mafa stated that the country’s progress depends on confronting corruption, strengthening justice systems, and building unity across cultural and religious lines.

    Mafa explained that while he prays for the safety of Christians and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria, sustainable solutions will not come from foreign governments. He said the country must build systems that protect its people and preserve dignity without reliance on outside influence.

    He added that Nigeria should look inward, demand accountability from leadership, and ensure that institutions serve the public interest. He noted that the future of the country depends on the decisions of its citizens and leaders, not pledges from abroad.

    Mafa concluded that foreign nations will always act according to their own strategic interests. He said Nigeria must take responsibility for shaping its own future.

  • Mission to bridge spirituality with strategy unveiled

    Mission to bridge spirituality with strategy unveiled

    Transformational strategist and spiritual teacher, Femi Jubal has unveiled his mission is to solve the key problem of “the fragmentation of human potential” by bridging the gap between deep spirituality and practical strategy.

    Jubal, the convener of the International Conscious Conference (ICC) and founder of The 144 Conclave, explained that he does not see himself as a conventional entrepreneur, but as a “Spiritual counselor and teacher to Entrepreneurs, politicians, entertainers, etc.”

    He stated that his work is driven by a profound conviction, noting, “My biggest fear is ignorance, Femi Jubal’s work is born from a deep conviction that humanity’s greatest untapped resource is conscious awareness.”

    Explaining the inspiration behind his global mission, the neuroscience and esoteric educator revealed that he was moved by the stark contrast between Africa’s rich potential and its poor alignment. He has since made it his life’s work to empower individuals to integrate their spiritual intelligence with practical tools.

    “His journey reflects a man who turned personal evolution into a movement, one that challenges individuals to rise, realign, and reimagine what’s possible,” the report on his journey stated.

    When asked about his proudest accomplishment, Jubal bypassed material gains, expressing that he is most proud of “building a movement that transcends titles, trends, and borders.” He defined his success not by recognition but by “resonance, the ability to leave an imprint on minds and systems that outlive him.”

    Looking forward, the visionary shared an ambitious goal for the continent, stating, “He believes Africa’s renaissance will not come from politics or foreign aid, but from awakened individuals mastering both esoteric and exoteric intelligence.”

    His long-term vision is to expand his platforms to nurture a new generation of conscious Africans, ultimately making consciousness “Africa’s greatest export to the world.”