Why CitySports Group remains Africa’s leading provider of growth, development platforms for sports talent, by Opaleye

The Nigerian sports industry is an integral part of the nation’s economy and cultural heritage. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the country has produced world-renowned sports legends, who have brought pride to Nigeria on the global stage, the industry is still largely plagued by myriad of problems. The list is endless; from insufficient funding for sports development, lack of direct support from government, poor welfare package for both active and retired sportsmen/women, scarcity of qualified coaches, high rate of unskilled and unqualified coaches, lack of adequate sports infrastructures, poor maintenance of sports facilities, lack of investment in sports infrastructure development, to inadequate sports technology and equipment. 

However, in the midst of these sundry challenges, City Sports Group – a dynamic and innovative organisation focused on promoting sports development and providing world-class sporting experiences across the African continent, emerged. Founded in 2018, City Sports Group, an African Sports Group Company, often referred to as a total or multi-sports development company based in Lagos, Nigeria, is on a Mission “To Become Africa’s Leading Provider of Growth and Development Platforms for Sports Talent”. 

According to Shola Oladipo Opaleye, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of City Sports Group, “Total means looking at the broad spectrum of sports. Currently, City Sports is into five distinctive sports namely; football, tennis, basketball, swimming, and athletics, which is multi-dimensional with many events within it. Furthermore, total means everything that makes these sports available including facilities, training and capacity building for coaches, provision of the right equipment, sports kits, and technology using data for sports development. All these are the enablers. 

At City Sports, our actual programme focuses on the real sports, to develop children and enhance their technical development in sports through our Academy located at Victoria Island, with other nine centres spread across Lagos, while Kano and Abuja have one each. Therefore, we have a number of different companies in the group that ensure that we build, provide and maintain facilities, train coaches, provide sports wears, balls, boots, and other equipment. Equally, we have an ICT platform installed to enable us gather data. We have the plan to grow the number of our development centres across Nigeria. 

City Sports Academy’s very robust programme ensures that our students are very engaged, from trainings to playing in competitions, to moulding character and monitoring their leadership attributes. We also create opportunities for them to transform into professionals in foreign leagues. Basically, we train every day after school (apart from Mondays) and our busy training schedules are filled with activities that are quite enormous for our students across these centres for the whole year.”

Speaking about the programmes, partnerships, and the overall impact on its activities, Opaleye noted that “City Sports Group is engaged with several entities in ensuring the actualisation of total sports development mission. Under the group, we have a number of subsidiaries that are limited liability companies, focusing on the development of students. We can take a child as little as four years old who wishes to become a professional footballer. Through the City Sports School, we handle coaching education and train coaches to fill obvious gaps in public establishments’ certification of coaches whose eligibility is often questionable. 

In truth, coaching is about capacity and not essentially about certification. There was an instance when we had to interview fifteen ‘certified swimming coaches’. After being shortlisted to eleven, only two could swim in reality. Quite worrisome was the fact that they disagreed that they cannot swim and lacked the practical skills, talkless of being coaches! That experience made us include training of swimming coaches in our curriculum.

For excellent delivery, we have numerous partnerships. In swimming, our technical partner is Swim England, the body that handles amateur swimming in England. Apart from assisting in training our swimming coaches using their curriculum, the organisation equally offers direct training of our coaches. Also, we have the United States Amateur Basketball with the same partnership model imparting through their curriculum and equally training our basketball coaches here at City Sports online. With these partners, the criteria for our sports development is 100% score, no less. 

Talking about technology-driven sports development, we have a subsidiary called Capacity. It is an App platform where we store data of all our students as they grow. Importantly, one of our strong points is the ability to provide data for every area of our operation which enables us make better decisions. Using analytic data and monitoring trends, we are able to predict future projections and progressions. For example, we can project the progress of a child who has been captured on our database for a couple of years and his area of strength in a particular sport. Our students can equally access the data for their use including assisting them to get sports scholarship based on the profile of such student in our archive. 

Talent hunt is part of our consultancy services. At City Sports, we have a model whereby all our services are commercialised. Although, sports is not elitist or meant for the elites alone, our slogan is “City Sports for All” and this is reflected in our operations whereby we take up a number of indigent students who ordinarily cannot afford our services. However, based on our assessments of their capabilities, we offer them free service to develop with others by extending scholarship programmes to this category. 

Thus, under the group, we have an NGO called City Sports Foundation with the objectives to provide everything City Sports is doing, from coaching education, people development, facility construction, data management for candidates amongst others, to those who cannot afford it but need it. That is why we have a number of community centres spread across the place where they play and at some point, based on assessment and potential, we bring them into the academy proper at no cost.

Our main academy is Legacy Stadium in Surulere with about a thousand football players assembled to compete in our “League of Champions” which last for 4 hours, every Sunday. There are designated teams dividing the stadium into eight sections containing a total of 32 teams where one champion must emerge to take the trophy and defend same a week after. It is a very engaging programme that all of them look forward to, weekly. We supply jerseys and other kits for the weekly tournament. We also have the Omode League for children between the age 6 and 12 years. We do these within the community space where we equally have partners including public spirited individuals and parents who are impressed by our activities and express interest to sponsor one or more kids in the leagues. We give them the cost for one year or more and they pick up the bill. In terms of corporate sponsorship, the Bank of Industry (BOI) stands out by giving us support from time to time.

Today’s reality is that academic and sports must go hand-in-hand, and the truth is there is a very slim chance that a student who is not good academically there is a very little chance that such can succeed in sports or any other endeavour. Thus we have a category of the awardees that are referred to as Partner Schools. There are ten of them, who we have been working with year in, year out. Some of them outsourced their sports development to us, including one with 600 students with a plan that each of the students must learn at least two different sports. We have eight of our coaches for who resume at the school daily. 

A lot of big footballers today actually graduated from academies where normal school works were combined with sports. On Marcus Rashford debut with Manchester United in a game against Arsenal, he scored two goals and was asked how he was going to celebrate, he replied that he was preparing for an exams in Chemistry the following Monday. Football and other sports are very scientific these days and if a student’s mind is not sound and well developed there is hardly a possibility that he can flow with growth in sports.”

Concerning the expectations from the new Honourable Minister of Sports, the City Sports boss said “Right now, the sports development industry in Nigeria is very chaotic without any definite framework, roadmap, regulations, no direction everybody is just choosing their own direction, corruption is rife. There has to be a clear plan and he must unveil his vision and roadmap for sports development in Nigeria. What are his objectives and how does he want to achieve same? From experience a lot of organisations are actually interested in supporting sports development but there is a lot of trust deficit. That needs to be addressed.

Similarly, he must focus on building and developing facilities – no sport can grow without facilities. Meanwhile, these may not be necessarily big or mega facilities, he can start from very many community parks littered all over the country by converting them into sports arena, mini football field,  small basketball court, people will take advantage of these and develop their potential in different sports. Afterwards, train more youthful coaches at different levels, create an effective capacity building programme, data collection is also very key in harnessing this and avoid winking in the dark.” 

On how he came into sports development, the award-winning sports entrepreneur said he felt it has always been part of him right from childhood “I think it was always been there I probably did not notice then, When I was like eight years old, my father singled me out of my other five siblings to give me sports souvenir (football caps, jerseys, etc) whenever he came back from a trip while my other siblings received normal gifts. Then, it did not occur to me and did not consider that act being strange until when I grew older. One day, I asked why he did that and he confessed that he had always suspected that aspect of me as his child. Truly, I loved sports and in the time past I had organised sporting event just on impulse and I never tied it to my future engagements.

Even, during my time at the Nigeria LNG Ltd, I started a football club named C.O.D United owned by the RCCG City of David Parish – the most innovative private football club in Nigeria between 2007 and 2017. At the time, we had former players like Austin Egueavon as our coach, Ann Chiejine and other top names in Nigerian football. In 2015, I started feeling uncomfortable working and thinking about developing sports. It was a divided attention, so, I took a very difficult decision to leave NLNG in 2016 and started CitySports to focus on taking my age-long dream to the next level. Although, this space is not as fruitful compared to the energy sector but I have contentment and fulfilment of purpose. Yes, it is good to make money but only passion can take our country to the right pedestal. 

There has to be something that drives an individual to fulfilment. Another thing is the opportunity to be able to provide for the youths who I look on as victims of the bad system – even the referees that are involved in malpractices. We can change the narratives and create the opportunity for many youths who are so talented and hungry to excel through sports but the system does not give them the chance.

Sometimes, fear or lack of courage can take away what you have, therefore Nigerian youths should not be afraid but be bold, determined and confident to express themselves because opportunity will always come and it is very important they prepare themselves for such.

City Sports started five years ago and the recognition is increasing and growing, yearly. Currently, it seems we are the only organisation in total sports development market in Nigeria. No other does total sports or have the kind of robust sports programme with over fifty staff trying to make it work. No other competitor is putting a lot of energy, resources, and investment into the foundation so the growth can be rapid. In attestation to the growing impact of our activities in the sector, we received the “West African Best World Quality Sports School Award of 2022”, by the World Quality Alliance.

We already designated 2023 as our year of establishment – establishing the name, the brand. One of the things we are working on currently is the Annual City Sports Awards Night coming up on 2nd December. It is an event aimed at rewarding and celebrating all our champions, partners, institutions and government agencies that have been supportive and instrumental to the development of our young sports talents.”

MOSUNMOLA OBEMBE: Savvy, Versatile, Highly Resourceful HR Professional, Expanding The Scope of Impact In Human Productivity, Organizational Growth

Mosunmola Obembe is a seasoned lawyer called to both the Nigerian and Ontario Bar. She embarked on her illustrious career in the legal domain, gaining valuable experience in the Banking Industry before transitioning into diverse career paths. Her journey led her to the thriving tech hubs of Canada, where she honed her skills as a Business Analyst, Six Sigma professional and Project Manager contributing to pivotal projects within organizations. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, customer service, and unwavering integrity, 

Mosunmola co-founded 56Bridge (an IT firm) and BridgeGap Consults (a Human Resource firm) that has become a trailblazer in the realm of HR services and software applications. These transformative tools have not only simplified the lives of HR professionals but have also enhanced organizational efficiency on a grand scale. 

Beyond her corporate success, she is a dedicated advocate for community development and entrepreneurial empowerment. She has spearheaded impactful projects like the “Game of Business,” an initiative aimed at empowering, educating, and fostering the development of entrepreneurs. BridgeGap Consults Limited, a beacon of diversity and inclusion, reflects Mosunmola’s belief in nurturing young talent to propel sustainable development. Her multidisciplinary background serves as the bedrock for continuous growth, ensuring that her endeavors remain at the forefront of innovation. In the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology, Mosunmola stands as a testament to leadership that transcends boundaries, bridging the realms of law, technology, and entrepreneurship. Her vision, coupled with a tireless commitment to community welfare, marks her as a trailblazer shaping the future of HR and IT. 

In the short years of her careers, matched with so many awards and recognitions, and her not resting on those accolades, she is determined to expand her scope of impact, level of human productivity, and organizational growth. She looks forward to spreading into other paths of African while aiming for a global spread. Mosunmola Obembe believes that there is a lot to still be done in the IT, HR, Humanitarian and organizational space.

While describing the greatest passion that has brought her thus far, Mosunmola said “In the trajectory of my career, the driving force that has propelled me forward is an unwavering passion for finding enduring solutions to real-life challenges. The output of our relentless solutions builds family units, strengthens relationships, and creates better working environment for employers and employees. The synergy of the skills acquired over the years has not only fostered creativity but also laid the foundation for innovation—a crucial element in navigating the complexities of today’s business landscape.“

Concerning the level of professionalism involved in BridgeGap Consults’ operations, she noted that “As a stalwart provider of multidisciplinary professional services, catering to local and international organisations, professionalism is not just a standard; it’ is our cornerstone. In every face of our organization’s operations, we set the bar high, ensuring that our commitment to excellence is reflected in every interaction. At BridgeGap, the quest for excellence unites us, driving us to deliver services that not only meet but exceed customer expectations. we believe in the collective responsibility of all stakeholders. Our commitment to outstanding technical mastery and execution forms the cornerstone of our services. Integrity is the bedrock of our operations. Our actions are grounded in transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct. We believe that trust is earned, and it forms the foundation of enduring partnerships with our clients. We do not just identify problems; we thrive on crafting solutions. 

Our team is geared towards innovative thinking, ensuring that we approach challenges with a mindset focused on resolution and continuous improvement. Putting the customer first is more than a mantra; it is a daily commitment. Understanding our customers’ needs and peculiarities allows us to tailor our services, creating bespoke solutions that align with their goals and aspirations. Our organizational growth is not solitary but collaborative. We foster an interactive team connection that serves as a breeding ground for creativity, synergy, and shared success. In recognizing and valuing each team member, we strengthen the collective force that propels our growth trajectory.” 

She added that “As a stakeholder in the HR industry, I believe the government plays a role in shaping the landscape for economic development and wealth creation. Government strengthening educational platforms by investing in a robust educational framework that aligns with the demands of the contemporary workforce. It includes fostering partnerships between educational institutions and industry players to ensure graduates are adequately prepared for the dynamic challenges of the workplace. Introducing comprehensive Employment insurance schemes through centralized platforms can be a transformative step. Such initiatives would provide a safety net for individuals in between jobs by offering financial support and access to skill development programs that enhance employability. Reviewing and modernizing existing labour laws is imperative to meet the current economic landscape’s demands. This involves ensuring that regulations are flexible, adaptive, and supportive of innovation. A balanced approach is crucial to safeguard workers’ rights while creating an environment conducive to business growth and job creation. There is the need to continuously foster a conducive environment for entrepreneurship. It can be achieved by simplifying bureaucratic processes, offering financial incentives, and providing mentorship programs to encourage the establishment and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).” 

On the toughest decision she ever made and the lessons learnt, she indicated that “The most formidable decision of my career was resigning from the comfort and certainties of a paid employment, notwithstanding the prevailing narratives of failed businesses and the absence of an infrastructure conducive to ease of business. The lesson gleaned from this experience is profound – embarking on any career journey transcends the mere pursuit of opportunities; it’s about presenting value and offering solutions. Achieving new heights demands the audacity to shatter existing barriers and push oneself beyond perceived limits. In this dynamic journey, continuous learning is not just beneficial; it’s imperative. Relearning becomes a mandatory exercise, and Unlearning becomes the hidden key to unlocking fresh perspectives.”

How professionalism, innovation, deepened Dovewell’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth, by Ajala

Dovewell Oilfield Services Limited is a fully Nigerian owned Oil and Gas service with offices in Lagos and Port Harcourt), West Africa (Ghana) and South-Western Africa (Angola). The company’s primary focus to employ specialized, technical expertise and motivate its team of professionals in contributing positively to the Nigerian Petroleum and Energy main industry, in particular, and West Africa in general. Prided as a powerhouse of technology, creativity and expertise, Dovewell possesses unrivalled problem-solving proficiency and acumen in the Petroleum industry. 

The depth and variety of oil industry knowledge, experience and expertise available within Dovewell Oilfield Services Limited and Principals lends credence to the earlier assertions. The company is led by a team of seasoned oil industry professionals with an excess of 25 years combined hands-on and top management experience in all phases of the upstream Oil and Gas Industry in Petroleum, Mechanical, Production Engineering and Materials Procurement services backgrounds. This is in addition to a wealth of experience and technology of our affiliates and technical partners. 

Being a force and significant player across the entire value chain of the Oil & Gas Industry beyond Nigeria, the company is poised to deliver solutions to client’s technical problems and provide project management services as needed. Dovewell’s culture is one of focused, innovative and entrepreneurial management, which brings effective services to our customers, through communicative teamwork, combined with efficient business and information technology systems.

The Founding Executive Director of Dovewell Oilfield Services Limited and an Official Member of Forbes Business Council is Dr. Tunde Albert Ajala – a well grounded professional with track record of excellent performance and vast experience spanning over 20 years in energy (downstream and upstream sector). He described how professional training has shaped his worldview and journey in life, as well as the impact on his day-to-day activities, especially as a top Executive in one of the leading organizations in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas services sub-sector. In his words, “The purpose of professional development is to give professionals the opportunity to learn and apply new knowledge and skills that can help them in their job and further their career. Professional developropment is all about building your skill set and knowledge base for your field. Professional development in form of training can be instrumental in growing a stronger team.

As a Founding Executive Director, I partook in various professional development opportunities which from my experiences it promotes higher productivity and job satisfaction. Thus it has sharpened my career path in a number of ways. Firstly, it improves higher overall job satisfaction, employee performance, productivity, and overall morale It has Helped me to stay up to date with industry trends and be relevant in the industry. Secondly, it has improved my innovative and problem-solving skills which helped me to harness my can-do attitude to get the best out of my organization. Professional development helps prevent potential stagnation by maintaining and improving employees’ skills

Furthermore, professional development opportunities helped to expose me to new ideas and expertise which ultimately shows ambition and the space to practice those new competencies which has brought me thus far. It also helps me develop new skills on how to run the affairs of my organization during the pandemic and post pandemic without having to halt our operations. Finally, professional training helped me harness my career and discover my innate potentials which has brought me to limelight.

Speaking about his experience in the last few years in Oil and Gas Sector, and how innovation has impacted the running of Dovewell Oilfield Services Limited under his watch, Ajala noted that “Innovation is the key to success in any industry, but it is not just about coming up with a great idea. It is about taking that idea and turning it into a reality. Several innovative ideas have been implemented in Dovewell Oilfield Services Limited which has yielded huge positive impact to our operations. Dovewell’s innovative skills cannot be over emphasized. Dovewell has created a system wherein employees’ suggestions may be reviewed, and they will be promptly thanked and given feedback later.

For Dovewell’s delivery of NDT Inspection, visual inspection was replaced by guided waves piping inspection for the detection of corrosion under insulation in piping of process plants of which the performance parameters defined, the new technology is superior to the old one. This is a huge technological advancement which has ended up creating huge opportunity for Dovewell with the likes of SPIE, Stardeep and Chevron on projects at the awardment stage.

We are also working in conjunction with world class valve manufacturer Perar valves in setting up a facility for assembly, maintenance and repairs of Perar valves in Nigeria. This has created room for Nigerians to be well trained by OEM reps and has created employment for Nigerians whilst they improve on the job.

For our corrosion control-blasting and coating services in which we need to access height using scaffolds, our innovation has included rope access services which has helped us access unimaginable heights and delivered the services satisfactorily. By doing this IRATA personnel certified from Level 1 to 3 were employed and this has reduced unemployment level. This has created huge opportunity for us with the likes of SPIE, SNEPCo, Stardeep and Chevron.

Dovewell recognizes the team’s innovative thinking and hard work with some tokens and rewards. In addition, Dovewell rewards the efforts of those staff members who contribute novel ideas that aid the company in achieving its objectives. The satisfaction of having one’s efforts recognized is shared by all. We always incorporate rewards and motivations into our initiatives to promote innovation and business productivity.

Furthermore, the introduction of cloud storage has made it easy for Dovewell teams to work together from anywhere. When everyone on a team has access to the project’s shared drive from wherever they happen to be, it makes file sharing a breeze. When everyone gets access to the information they need, there is less time wasted and less potential for confusion.

Also, Dovewell has set up a world class facility for maintenance, Supply And Repairs of peerless Fire Water pump and associated spares in Nigeria of which we are the sole representative in Nigeria. We are continuously implementing technology and exhaustively using social media to realign the company as an attractive, modern option. Social media is utilized in marketing Dovewell’s product unusually or appealingly to increase sales.

Apart from maximising collaborations within the local/host community to drive brand awareness with core audiences, Dovewell is certified to ISO 9001;2015 Quality Management System to streamline our online processes or functions and ensure conformity to the standard.

As an organization, we have worked in driving the Energy Sector in Nigeria through diverse energy support for major Oil and Gas companies of Nigeria and the notable achievements include the award of the contract for Provision of Maintenance Inspection on Bonga FPSO and recognized by SNEPCO for her Robust performance on the BONGA NDT Project. Also, Dovewell Oilfield Services has been successfully registered in Ghana and Angola and it is fully operational.

Furthermore, the company awarded a performance booster for delivery of huge sales in millions of Dollars to PEERLESS PUMP in Indianapolis. We have been developed to have successful business relationships with reliable and quality driven OEM/Partner companies in Italy, France, Europe, USA and Asia. And lastly, Dovewell and Butech have entered a sales agreement for Nigeria region territory. This will foster on-time delivery on major projects with all I.O.C’s.

Between 2019 and 2020, Dovewell won several projects that are being executed currently. These include: Blasting and painting contract on ERHA for SPIE; Supply Of Diesel Engine Driven VT Fire Water Pump (PBE-1000 / 1001) for Escravos Dockyard for Chevron; Hydraulic Crane Cylinder Repairs on OML 99,100,102, AMD 1 & 2 for Total E&P; Stripping, Maintenance / Repairs and Pressure Testing of Ball Valves; Crane maintenance and repair for Globestar /subsea 7.

We also have a running contract with Exxon Mobil on supply of pipes, valves and fittings; SAA as GE Buying house for Chemicals and Lube oil. We have a buying house agreement with NLNG for various materials as electricals, safety equipment, valves, fittings, gaskets etc; Supply agreement with Shell on supply of Perar valves AND CLAVAL running into millions of dollars; Maintenance Inspection for Bonga FPSO and Stella Buoy for SNEPCo-NAPIMS; Crane maintenance contract for IME Cranes for Total E&P—NAPIMS; Manpower Supply Services; Technical support Services for Agbami FPSO for Stardeep—NAPIMS; Inspection Support Service contract for Total E&P

Similarly, in 2022 Dovewell was awarded the Provision of Insulation Services for Chevron; Provision of Maintenance Intervention for SPDC Land and Swamp Assets; Provision of Mechanical Modification for SPDC Land and Swamp Assets. 1n 2023 Dovewell was awarded the Contract Management Services for Chevron and Provision of Broiler Rental for CNL.”

These turn key projects and achievements were championed by Mr. Tunde Ajala – a strategist and purpose-driven businessman whose entrepreneurial spirit and innovative skills have led to the establishment of other companies such as I-Flow Energy Ltd, Dominion Mining Company, and Dovewell Exploration Limited.. He is a resilient goal getter and a proactive problem solver who utilizes exemplary interpersonal and effective communication in maintaining excellent working relationships with people at all levels. The sustainability of these critical project over the years has been measured by the advanced of new ideas, sustainable work-team, robust technological deployment, sound technical and engineering experts, training and exposure of engineering work-team etc. These among other sustainable approaches has driven Dovewell Oilfield Services to an enviable height that has propelled the organization to be a house hold name in these major IOC and EPC companies in Nigeria. 

Concerning the recipe in tackling the nation’s Oil and Gas Sector’s basic problems such as complications with currency convertibility and financing structures, technology supply, amongst others, Ajala said that “Although, the Industry’s basic problems affect operations, Dovewell has been able to overcome them without having a negative effect in our operations. In terms of financing, we have been able to secure facility offer with top commercial banks to facilitate our projects for the IOC’s in millions of dollars thus operations are done seamlessly. Equally, in terms of currency convertibility we have set up principles to encourage split of currency in projects to ensure profit maximization. For supply, we have created a robust supply chain management system with very effective supply chain experts handling all freight and logistics need thus all deliveries are concluded in due time with little or no hitch.

In the area of technology supply, Dovewell has been developed to have successful business relationships with reliable and quality driven OEM/Partner companies in Italy, France, Europe, USA and Asia and this has created vast opportunities for us in the oil industry. We have proven track record and relationship of working with OEMs on our previous projects in Nigeria.  

In order to manage risks, control costs and optimize the performance of employees, Dovewell saw the need to gain increased visibility into their operations. One strategy for achieving this has been the adoption of a digital oilfield or integrated operations to optimize production and reduce economic, environment, health, and safety risk. We have also developed a high-performing culture through training, new systems and ongoing management. That is, employee onboarding, retention and training have become a critical issue in oil and gas, as competition for talent heats up. It cannot be said enough, Dovewell has retained its skilled staff over the years through robust learning and development and succession planning opportunities.”

How HyMac’s blazing the trail, setting standards in Nigeria’s real estate sector, by Ayogu

Hon. Okey Ayogu is the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of one of fastest growing real estate companies in Enugu State, HyMac Real Estate Limited. Since joining the real estate business after a successful career in mining and construction some years back, Ayogu has charted a new order through acquisition, development and management that has changed the phase of   real estate sector in the Nigeria’s Southeast region and beyond.

The real estate developer, who is also a Pastor of a Pentecostal Church, is a man of integrity and character. These attributes have been imported into his company to give it an edge over others. HyMac, now a household name in the real estate business, is the developer of Graceland, Kateland, Beautrice Garden, Redemption and Mercyland Estates, amongst others.

Ayogu shared with The Guardian the gaps that elicited his interest in real estate in the Southeast; what the future holds for the sector among other issues. Excerpts…

Greatest passion that drive my career success

When I stopped construction business, I had the choice to pursue mining in full. I have an interest in mining but I have the passion for service in the Southeast and that is based on my understanding of the needs of our people. We have a very large Diaspora community and the culture of any Igbo man is to have property at home. 

Oftentimes, there is a disconnect between what people want and what they get and there are a lot of things that inform that disconnect; people call their family members who they think they can trust and send money to them, acquire property in a thriving environment and build structure so that when they come back they have a place to lay their head. We have had cases where when the Diaspora relatives return, they find out that not even a foundation was laid. Pictures that were sent to them were pictures of somebody’s property somewhere. We also have cases where when Diaspora relatives returned back, the property he sent money to be built has been usurped by his brothers back here. Some go to the extent of doing charm so that the man does not return again just because he sent money to build property.

Again, there is a group who are land fraudsters that take advantage of this gap to sell to the Diaspora community non-existing property. We also know that Diaspora wealth repatriation is the mainstay of the Southeastern economy because the budgetary allocation of the Federal Government for the Southeast is the least compared to every other regions. This is simply because there are only five states in the region. Furthermore, Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Southeast are the least compared to other zones in the country and allocations are shared based on LGAs, number of states and population. The Igbos take to adventures and once they make money there, the first thing they do is to come back and establish a home because they say, east, west, north and south, home is the best. But some fraudsters  have taken advantage of this godly desire from our Diaspora community (Igbos outside the Igboland) by presenting themselves as developers and defrauding them. 

The implication on the foreign direct investment and foreign repatriated resources which is the mainstay of the Igbo economy is that when you dupe one person, the other person will not come and buy property in the Southeast. So, this whole idea about Akurulo cannot work until there is integrity to the land acquisition and ownership. Hence, some of us came in as a way to stop the menace. I started HyMac with my partners. Our motto is that service to the other, is the preservation of oneself.

Apart from building quality roads in our estates, we make sure all our property has C of O. One of the reasons why we fought to recover property is that we believe that for real estate to thrive, there must be the sacrosanctity of land ownership. There must be integrity of land title and for other investment to thrive in the southeast; real estate must be the mainstay. It is when you have a place to inhabit that you begin to think of developing the area. It is when you are able to repatriate the fund and own a home that you will begin to think of talking to your white friends and partners on how to come and site a company in the Southeast. That was why some of us really stood against the behavior of the past administration that was busy taking properties from people and claimed to own the court. HyMac aims to bridge that gap.

Impacts of HyMac so far

It is not real estate that brought me to Enugu. I have been in road construction, mining, oil and gas and finally decided to go into real estate. When I came into real estate, I found out that except for a few competitors, what people used to have here is a layout. A community will make a layout, call a few agents that will parade themselves as estate developers, they just take the layout, sell it out and everybody goes. There is no development, no infrastructure and that is what caused the problem that I talked about.  You give somebody a document that has no root of title, the person cannot even register it. Therefore, most communities still go to the government that they have property to give, then government gives them 15% as compensation and takes over the land!

Thus, when we came in, the first thing to do is proper acquisition and title documentation. We acquire, we register to the highest level with C of O, then we develop (with drainages and earthwork.) before selling. So, the selling of empty land is not our concept of an estate. We brought what we call the home-city estate concept. Home City Estate Concept is an estate concept that incorporates home, city and ultra conservative designs. Some of us grew up in the villages, and we know that there should be a playground for the children. We incorporated that communal concept. That is why, in all our estates, there are play fields where children can do sports, amongst other activities.

We also site primary schools, crèche, and ensure that residents do not have to leave the estate looking for schools outside. That is more convenient, safer and saves precious time. We also build a health centre where anyone within the estate can be managed until he/she is taken to a specialist hospital. We also have worship centers. Based on these common facilities and modern privacy concepts, our design is a combination of communal setting. That is why we call it the home-city concept. This is for people to enjoy their privacy to the maximum and equally enjoy things that bring them together. We provide street cameras, street lights, central security system and situation room where the entire CCTV cameras are situated. Nobody goes out and comes into our estate (except actual residents) without clearance, and no child below 12 can be allowed to exit the estate without clearance from the parents. These are our concepts.

Estates of this nature are not easy to come by in terms of affordability. How affordable are your estates?

In our estates, land alone is between N8.5million to N100,000.00 per plot. For our buildings, it ranges from N85m per duplex to N250m per duplex. Clients are free to acquire land according to choice. Meanwhile, hotels are not in our estate, it is purely residential. Building hotels just anywhere is not decent. There should be distinction between residential areas and business district. These are the innovations that we have brought into estate development in the Southeast. Anybody that buys property from us will attest that as you are completing your payment, you have your documents immediately. The very day you pay, you have the allocation.

Challenges in the sector and how should the government help out?             

But for what started happening now under Governor Peter Mbah, I am not trying to praise him but he has done well. If real estate must thrive, the lady justice must be allowed to remain blind. There should be justice so that at every point in time, what matters is not who he is but what is right. The challenges in real estate are that of litigation and unhealthy interjection of the powerful.  I have had my share of persecution by powerful people. Almost all my properties were collected by powerful forces. What can you do? ; Until God brought Governor Mbah who by the mercy of God decided that there must be integrity in the landed property /ownership document. 

Thus, if government like that of Dr Peter Mbah administration are allowed to thrive in the Southeast, and maintain this course where everyone is sure of the genuineness of land documents no matter whose ox is gored and if you are holding anybody’s property, you must let it go, no matter your claim so far as it does not stand the test of law and equity, then there should not be extra judicial force to sustain such claim. 

Those are the challenges. These are more important than building access roads. The truth about Igbo men and Igbo culture is that if you allow Igbomen who want to do business in an uninterrupted environment to do what he wants to do, the desert will be turned into a garden of wonderful fruits. A situation where somebody will come and say “he is not a member”, and I ask a member of what? What should entitle someone to own a property anywhere in Nigeria is whether he is a Nigerian, and again, have you made your money through the right sources? If Southeast people can go to Lagos and own property unchallenged, why won’t they come back to the Southeast and own property unchallenged? If Igbos can go to Abuja and own property, and nobody cares where you come from, why should people care where you came from to own property here? If the government can do what the books say, as in to hold the land in trust for all Nigerians, then real estate can thrive. I am very confident that real estate will thrive now that sanity, integrity is being restored because that is just what people want. If somebody wants to put up property there, government should ensure that he is the true owner and that he has a title to the property.

Tough decisions ever taken 

Sometime in 2021, after we had acquired Plot P/23C, Independence Layout, Enugu, and the power then decided they would seize the property, a lot of people called me and said you cannot fight the government, I acknowledged that no person can fight government and I was not in anyway pretending to but I told them that if I must be in the real estate business, I must play a role in repositioning it. Again, a lot of people who insisted on doing the right thing have lost their jobs, like those Directors in the Ministry of Lands, who were posted to Head of Service without portfolio for refusing to do the wrong thing against my company. I said I do not have any other way of pursuing this matter; the court is the last resort of the common man. Some tried to discourage me, but I told the them that there are judges of high integrity, just like Justice C C Ani of Enugu State High Court. There are still judges that believe in the dictates of their legal concept. I said I would go to court and if the then Governor wins, I will leave it for God. 

However, God showed up when the compassionate and very sincere Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, came in and decided to restore the land ownership integrity and public security which he discovered are the prerequisites for attracting the needed foreign direct investment for private sector driven economy through industrialization of Enugu. This is his pathway to raising the state internally generated revenue to $30billion per annum. We became beneficiary of his good policy as we are now allowed to enjoy our properties undisturbed for which we are grateful to the Governor and his wonderful team. And we give all glory to God.

KINGSLEY EZE: Digital Transformation Leader, Bridging Gap Across Industries Through Technological Innovation

His track record as a technology enthusiast and result-driven management consultant sets him apart from his contemporaries, having raised the bar in the delivery of quality and bespoke services to various organizations within and outside Nigeria.Engr. Kingsley Eze, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Tenece Group is an exceptional digital transformation leader with proven methodologies for establishing new businesses, identifying key market opportunities, fostering a culture of inclusion, and celebrating the diversity of thought. He is recognized internationally as a visionary and thoroughbred leader with a passion for excellence in information technology.

A graduate of Computer Science and Engineering, Kingsley,as he is fondly called, had his goals planned early in life, and he was tenacious in pursuing these goals, which have seen him hold different positions in banking, information technology, and consultancy, successfully deploying the most sought-after solutions to the most significant industries and governments. He started his career as a financial analyst at Diamond Bank, after which he joined Accenture as a technology consultant. His innovative and leadership skills later saw him serve as the founding Managing Director/CEO of GPS Solution Limited and later as the founding Managing Director/CEO of CFS West Africa, a global service management outfit that provides technology-enabled Integrated Service Quality Information Services (ISQIS) for customer-centric service organizations.

He led the company’s transformation into the leading service management consulting business, supporting Nigeria’s most service-focused businesses, including the banking sector. Between 2005 and 2008, he was Head of E-Business, a strategic business unit, at NEXTZON Business Services Limited. In that capacity, he led the most aggressive e-government and technology strategy initiatives in Nigeria, providing technology-enabled transformation strategy and advice to state governments and their agencies in areas including land reform.

In 2008, Kingsley capitalized on his over ten years of technology consultancy by launching Tenece Professional Services with a vision to provide first-class, unique, and premium solutions geared towards meeting the business objectives of clients through the use of appropriate and cost-effective technologies. In its 15 years of existence, he has successfullyturned Tenece into an internationally recognized elite-driven innovation technology-consulting firm specializing in delivering world-class solutions and superior value to clients. 

According to him, “Tenece Professional Services has evolved significantly from our early days as a tech start-up. Initially challenged by the dynamic tech landscape, we’ve made substantial progress in staying competitive through continuous learning and adaptation.Currently, Tenece is on a positive trajectory, steadily achieving and surpassing our goals. Our success is attributed to a robust and supportive community of content employees, satisfied clients, and valuable partners – a goal set from our inception recognizing the pivotal role this community plays in our success remains our top priority as we forge ahead.”

Tenece is renowned for its competitive edge in the provision of critical services in fintech, software engineering, enterprise security and infrastructure, communication technology, e-business development, government transformations, systems integration, IT consulting, as well as process re-engineering, which has seen the company become a force to reckon with not just in West Africa but also in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. Achieving this feat within its first decade of existence speaks volumes about the consistency, dedication, and astuteness of the team assembled by Kingsley, which boasts of industry-defined professionals who are guided by integrity, innovation, quality, and excellence in all they do.

“From the start, we prioritized customers, partners, and stakeholders with innovative solutions, excellent support, and transparency. This commitment is the cornerstone of our operations, contributing to a robust reputation and enduring, mutually beneficial relationships. Our dedication to excellence is integral to our identity, and we’ll continue upholding these values as we move forward”, he said.

As a multi-competency, enterprise transformation, and technology firm, Tenece has an outstanding track record in the private and public sectors. With its tested methodologies and best practices, its clients get best-fit, quality solutions that meet their business demands.

In his assessment of ICT deployment in Nigeria, he explained that the deployment of ICT in both public and private enterprises has made significant strides, but challenges persist. “Public institutions have made efforts to embrace technology for improved service delivery, but there is still a need for further integration and digital transformation. In the private sector, larger enterprises tend to have more advanced ICT systems, while smaller businesses may face barriers to adoption due to factors such as cost and awareness. Collaborative efforts between the government and private sector, along with initiatives to bridge the digital divide, will be essential for maximizing the benefits of ICT across the board”, he added.

Over the years, Tenece has continued to evolve through strategic positioning as the ideal IT partner for small and large businesses.It aims to see its clients flourish by allowing them to focus on their core work while Tenece improves their productivity with the right IT solutions. According to him, the adoption of ICT has indeed provided SMEs with a platform to grow, provide valuable information, improve performance, improve relationships with customers and suppliers, increase efficiency, and reduce production costs, among other things.

“SMEs are vital for economic growth, and their reliance on ICT is undeniable. Tenece supports SMEs by providing them with tailored ICT solutions, including business process automation, cloud services, and digital platforms. Our goal is to enhance their efficiency and competitiveness, fostering innovation and sustainability in the rapidly evolving digital landscape”, he said.

Kingsley is a lifelong learner who believes investing in knowledge pays the best returns. He has attended several local and international training programs on strategy, e-commerce, and enterprise applications design and deployment. He is an alumnus of the London Business School and holds an MBA from the prestigious INSEAD business school. He was named the ICT Personality Leadership Prize Winner of 2018 by The African Institute for Leadership Excellence. 

“Our greatest source of inspiration has been the continuous pursuit of knowledge and the desire for personal and professional growth. Learning from experiences, overcoming challenges, and adapting to change have been crucial aspects of our journey. The ability to make a positive impact, contribute to meaningful projects, and work with a diverse and talented team also fuels our passion for the work we do”, he said.

On future projections for Tenece Group, the quintessential CEO explained that the ultimate goal is to build a global corporation. He said, “Our vision for the Tenece Group in the next five years aligns with our overarching goal to become the foremost enterprise technology consulting services firm in Nigeria and throughout Africa. By 2028, we aim to have significantly expanded our presence and influence in the industry, solidifying our position as a key player in the African business landscape.”

EZEKIEL ADAMU: Visionary, Purpose-Driven Strategist, A True Trailblazer In Event Management and Cultural Celebration, Setting New Standards Through Balmoral Group

Ezekiel Adamu is a dynamic and accomplished serial entrepreneur, investor, and visionary with an impressive track record of success in event management, whose journey to excellence began with a strong foundation in education and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. He initiated his educational path at Arwin College in Leicester City and then embarked on a journey of academic achievement by pursuing a degree in Computer Science at the University of Luton (now known as Bedfordshire). His thirst for knowledge led him to a Master’s degree in Financial Decision Analysis from the University of Portsmouth and culminated in the prestigious attainment of a Doctorate of Science in Business Administration and Corporate Governance. 

Ezekiel’s professional journey began at Schlumberger Nigeria, a global leader in energy services and equipment, where he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience. Yet, it was his passion and entrepreneurial spirit that ultimately led to the birth of the iconic Balmoral brand, catapulting him to industry stardom. 

Sixteen years ago, Ezekiel embarked on his entrepreneurial odyssey by founding Balmoral Events and Halls. Under his visionary leadership, this venture evolved into a resounding success, boasting over five prestigious event centres/venues in Lagos. These include the renowned Balmoral Convention Centre in the heart of Victoria Island, Villa Valhalla, Balmoral Event Centre in Oregun, and the Balmoral Convention Centre at Sheraton. His intentional results orientation, ambition, and unwavering commitment to excellence have established him as a proponent of exceptional service delivery. In 2023, he further showcased his innovation with the launch of Kultureland, a family-centric event at the Sheraton, Ikeja, with the vision to export Nigerian culture. 

A true trailblazer in Event Management and Cultural Celebration throughout his career, Ezekiel has successfully managed projects for esteemed States and Federal Government events in Nigeria and beyond, consistently surpassing expectations and setting new benchmarks for event management services. He is a driving force behind the heritage festival known as L.I.F.E, an acronym for Lagos Independence Festival of Excellence, and the co-founder of Wonderland Lagos holiday festival. 

Elevating the Industry through Innovation through his unwavering commitment to industry growth, Dr. Ezekiel has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives such as the Balmoral School of Events, equipping professionals with proven procedures and principles that have fueled the expansion of the Balmoral Group. High-profile events like COPA Lagos demonstrate his commitment to utilizing technology for streamlined operations, seamless experiences, and broader audience engagement. Furthermore, he has pioneered events such as the International Drinks Festival and MarlianFest, TECNO Camon 20 Launch CREDITS, and played a pivotal role in advising the Style By ZenithBank (1st and 2nd Editions), integrating innovative technological features to enhance attendee interaction, event promotion, and overall event management. 

In transforming traditional concepts and revolutionizing the Industry beyond event management, Ezekiel has diversified the Balmoral Group with technological ventures and immersive experiences, introducing e-ticketing platforms, virtual reality, and augmented reality to transform traditional concepts and revolutionize the industry. The Wonderland Lagos event held at Eko Energy City in 2022 exemplified the implementation of these technologies, reshaping traditional event concepts into interactive and memorable experiences. Living a balanced life of achievements and family outside of his professional endeavours, Ezekiel finds joy in his family and cherishes the blessings of being a proud father of three children. His professional profile exemplifies excellence, vision, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service delivery.

Through his relentless pursuit of success Dr. Ezekiel Adamu continues to shape the event management industry and leaves an indelible mark on the world of business. In attestation to his exemplary and excellent attributes, the event management maestro has received a long list of awards and recognitions, some of which include the 2021 “Leadership Excellence and Nation Building” by Bollyjoe Media Award; 2021 Impactful Patriotic Award of Distinction (IPAD) for “Most Distinguished Support Service Company”; 2022 Institute of Chartered Administrator and Researchers of Nigeria Award for “Fellow of the Institute”; 2022 Landmark African Magazine Award for “Landmark African CEO achiever award”; 2023 Rotary Club of Gbagada Award for “Icon of Hope to the Youth” 

In this brief interview in response to his Recognition by The Guardian as one of “Nigeria’s Fifty (50) Most Inspiring and Definitive Top CEOs in 2023”, Dr. Ezekiel Adamu speaks about his career journey, work experience, Balmoral Group’s set objectives, milestones, challenges and solutions for growth in the nation’s Hospitality Industry, amongst other sundry issues. Excerpts …

What would you describe as the greatest passion that has brought you this far in your career? 

My steadfast commitment to making a difference and serving as a solution provider has been the driving force behind my entrepreneurial journey. I firmly believe that as entrepreneurs, our primary role is to solve problems and contribute to community betterment. This passion extends beyond business, encompassing a profound desire to effect positive change on a larger scale. The entrepreneurial journey, for me, is not solely about personal success but leveraging my skills and resources to elevate the status quo. Whether through training, innovative solutions, or community development, I am dedicated to playing a pivotal role in making Nigeria a great country. As an entrepreneur, being a catalyst for progress requires a keen awareness of societal challenges and a relentless pursuit of viable solutions. This mindset fuels my determination to navigate complexities and contribute to transforming Nigeria into a beacon of success and prosperity. 

Essentially, my greatest passion lies in the profound impact I can have on people’s lives and the positive imprint I can leave on my community. It’s not just a career; it’s a mission to be a positive force, a problem solver, and a key player in the collective journey towards greatness for Nigeria. 

As a leading company in the nation’s events management and entertainment sector, how can you describe the level of professionalism and astuteness involved in handling Balmoral Group Nigeria’s business operations? 

The Balmoral Group, is a 360 Degree hospitality Solutions Company providing all round event and hospitality management services for its’ discerning clients. As a leading force in Nigeria’s events management and entertainment sector, the Balmoral Group exemplifies a level of professionalism and astuteness that transcends industry norms. This commitment to excellence, deeply embedded in the company’s ethos, not only distinguishes it locally but propels it to international acclaim/standards. 

The journey begins with a personal anecdote, a pivotal moment after returning from London, where I, despite jests from friends, recognized the potential within the “tent and event” business, instead of the more conventional oil and gas sector. It was not just about tents; it was a vision for a Fortune 500 business opportunity for me. 

At the core of Balmoral Group’s operations lies a transformative approach. Recognizing the need for sophistication in an era dominated by street parties that constituted nuisance to the society, the company pioneered meticulously designed event centers, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP and creating employment opportunities to millions of people. What sets us apart is an unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and unmatched professionalism. 

For Balmoral Group, professionalism is not a mere organizational standard; it is ingrained in their core values. Each team member is committed to exceeding expectations, cultivating an environment that delivers services reflecting the highest standards of quality and refinement. Amid evolving trends and the influx of new players in the event management space, Balmoral Group’s commitment to professionalism remains steadfast. This commitment serves as the foundation of our success, ensuring every event is executed with precision, creativity, excellence, and an unparalleled level of expertise. 

In essence, at The Balmoral Group, professionalism is not just a benchmark; it is a philosophy permeating every aspect of our business. This philosophy, coupled with a global outlook, positions us as trusted leaders in events management and entertainment in Nigeria, setting standards that resonate both nationally and internationally. 

What are the innovative approaches that Balmoral group has brought to impact the industry in particular and the nation’s economy in general? 

The Balmoral Group, under my leadership, has become a pivotal force in revolutionizing the events industry in Lagos and making a substantial impact on Nigeria’s economy. Our strategic positioning of top-notch facilities has transformed us from an option to a necessity for major events. Recognizing the untapped potential in the country’s event industry, we aim to attract foreign direct investment by creating an enabling environment and acting as a bridge between local businesses and foreign investors. 

The company’s role goes beyond providing event venues; it acts as a catalyst for economic growth. We advocate for a governing body that brings businesses together, leveraging event spaces for impactful connections. Recognizing Nigeria’s potential in manufacturing and fashion, we stress the importance of a supportive government environment for these sectors to thrive. Retaining talent and supporting creative industries, such as music and entertainment, are key to exporting Nigerian culture globally and contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP. 

As a key practitioner and stakeholder, what steps do you think the government needs to take to address obvious challenges in the Sector in order to fast-track economic development and wealth creation for the nation? 

To expedite economic development and wealth creation in the tourism sector, collaboration with the government is paramount. Our vision for enhancing tourism relies on a synergistic partnership, acknowledging the government’s limitations. A collaborative relationship ensures shared responsibility and a comprehensive approach to problem-solving. Our organization actively engages in the creation of job opportunities, a vital component of economic development. In our various venues, we contribute significantly to employment, with, for instance, over 200 vendors involved on any given event day. This serves as a tangible example of how public-private partnerships can yield positive outcomes. 

Meanwhile, it is essential to emphasize that our organization acts as a catalyst for job creation, taking a substantial number of individuals off the streets. The impact is exemplified by events like the Wonderland event last year, where we provided employment for over 500 people over a 30-day period, encompassing both skilled and unskilled labour. This not only reflects our commitment to job creation but also underscores the tangible value we add to the community, showcasing the positive outcomes of public-private partnerships. 

As self-reliant event venue operators, we urge the government to provide tax breaks, create an enabling business environment, offer social amenities, and extend grants and support to alleviate challenges, for example the issue of multiple taxation. Recognizing the event management industry’s potential for employment generation and SME support is crucial. A united approach will position the tourism sector as a catalyst for national economic growth and prosperity. 

Nigeria’s landscape, while presenting challenges, is a fertile ground for cultivating successful leaders. Rather than shying away from difficulties, perceive them as avenues to innovate and offer impactful solutions. Recognize problems as opportunities to make a positive difference in people’s lives, setting the stage for commendable achievements. Collaboration stands as the cornerstone of success. By uniting forces with like-minded individuals and organizations, we can collectively address and surmount national issues. This collaborative spirit not only strengthens our collective impact but also creates an environment conducive to the growth of visionary leaders. Changing the narrative about Nigeria is paramount. Upholding a positive discourse about our country contributes to a more favourable global perception. Let us highlight our accomplishments, emphasize our strengths, and showcase the incredible potential that lies within our borders. Shaping a positive narrative lays the foundation for attracting investments, fostering innovation, and, ultimately, cultivating a new generation of award-winning CEOs. 

What do you consider as the toughest decision that you ever made and the lesson(s) learnt? 

The most challenging decision I ever made was to navigate a constantly changing environment, where comfort was elusive and the landscape of choices was continually shifting. This experience taught me the invaluable lesson that adaptability and resilience are crucial attributes in both decision-making and life in general. In the face of uncertainty and perpetual change, I learned to embrace flexibility and remain open to new possibilities. Rather than seeking a static state of comfort, I discovered the importance of cultivating a mindset that thrives on evolution and continuous learning. This decision has fundamentally shaped my approach to challenges, encouraging me to view them not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and development. In summary, the toughest decision of adapting to an ever-changing landscape has instilled in me the wisdom of flexibility, resilience, and the recognition that true fulfilment often lies outside the boundaries of a comfort zone. 

Concerning our long list of awards and recognitions, they are not just personal triumphs but a testament to my team’s collective commitment at Balmoral Group, whose dedication has been instrumental in our shared success.

OREOLUWA BOBOYE: Exceptional Human Resource Wunderkid, Promoting Business Growth In Nigeria

Meeting him for the first time will suggest to anyone that he is indeed a man of humane character, a silent achiever and a man whose personality recognizes dexterity at all times. Mr. Oreoluwa Boboye, Chief Executive Officer, Jobberman Nigeria is a pragmatic, highly focused and result oriented individual with foresight and problem-solving skills. Oreoluwa is a man who always opts to hold his head high when others are losing theirs in a chaotic business world. An accomplished professional, Boboye’s life is characterized by hard work, diligence and integrity, as evident in how he has managed the affairs and positioned Jobberman Nigeria to be one of the best managed organisations in Nigeria. 

In response to his recognition as one of the Nigeria’s Fifty Most Inspiring and Definitive Top CEOs In 2023, the Jobberman boss shared his views with Tijani-Alabi Fatai in this exclusive interview.

As a Pan-African company that has been at the forefront in connecting qualified professionals to their dream jobs and employers to the best talents, what strategies have you adopted in expanding your portfolio over the years?

Jobberman Nigeria has been in operation for over 14 years now. What has helped us remain relevant as a market leader in the recruitment space has been our ability to respond to changes in the market, adopt new technology to serve our clients faster and more effectively while also investing in upskilling professionals across the country.

Recently, we adopted artificial intelligence processes to help employers sort candidates, match top skills with role requirements, and curate the most qualified candidates based on their profile information. We launched this upgrade to our platform earlier this year, and the impact has been incredible. Employers now spend considerably less time searching and sourcing candidates, giving them more time to focus on more resource-intensive tasks like interviewing and onboarding.

What this new system has done is to automate a significant portion of time spent searching for jobs by candidates and endlessly sourcing for potential hires by employers. Because our aim is to provide value to both client segments, we have retained relevance in the market.

What makes your organisation unique as a human resource and recruitment firm?

I think a key value proposition of Jobberman is that we live by the ethos we teach. We are pro-internal growth and promotion, with opportunities for advancement for staff within the organisation. This is evident in our own organisation.

Another key factor that makes us unique is that we grow with our clients through their various stages. For the job seeker, we provide them credible job and upskilling opportunities as they start out in their career; as they advance, we review the listings we show them based on their level of skill and years of experience. And then we headhunt them as they become available for executive-level positions. We have heard from several seekers how Jobberman has been their partner as they changed jobs over a decade and more.

It’s the same process for the employers who partner with us. From the MSME business that can list vacancies directly on our platform to mid-large scale organisations that require more extensive automation to make recruitment more effective, to multinationals that need to outsource their HR and payroll functions, our capacity to offer end-to-end human resource and people management solutions stand us out in the market. 

Jobberman Nigeria has continued to raise the bar of excellence through the numerous services it renders; can you highlight some of these services?

To reach all market categories, we have designed several product packages. Our digital products are affordable self-serve offerings that allow employers to reduce the clutter and find the most suitable job candidates in the shortest amount of time. These products are Basic Listing, which helps employers filter to find the best candidates, and Standard Listing, which identifies and highlights candidates based on the job criteria set up.  It also delivers the 10 best-qualified and tested candidates to an employer’s radar, and they can invite them to apply. We also have the ‘Link Out’ service, which redirects candidates from an employer’s listing on our platform to theirs.

Our hybrid offerings are called Pro Recruit and Executive Recruitment, both offering employers the option to make the final hiring decision while Jobberman headhunts and oversees the initial recruitment processes.

Ultimately, we also offer full manpower outsourcing services that allow us to provide payroll management, performance tracking and full recruitment services to organisations.

Given the peculiarities of the Nigerian business environment, what are the challenges faced in your sector, and how have you been able to overcome those challenges as an organisation?

The Japa wave has been a critical challenge, especially in the last two to three years. But this challenge also provides an incredible opportunity for us to collaborate with our development partners to provide upskilling programs across the country. In the last 5+ years, we have upskilled over 1,000,000 young professionals across the country with heartwarming testimonials of new jobs and promotions at work because of the new skills learnt.

One thing we have realised is that each opportunity provides an avenue for growth. We just need to have the right perspective.

What are the important lessons that have helped shape your career as a CEO?

At the end of the day, we are a people business. I have realised that the more invested I am in my people, the better the results the business will deliver.

What are the next big things for Jobberman Nigeria?

We will continue to expand our reach and impact, especially to sectors in the country that require urgent intervention in people development and business operations support. Our recent report on How Young People Survive without Jobs threw up some alarming data, and we have taken it up as a challenge to engage development partners who want to collaborate with us to implement the region-specific recommendations that will reduce unemployment rates across the country.

RAPHAEL IDU: Young, Dynamic, Passionate Creative Strategist,  Shaping Vivid Brand Ideas Through Poke Media

Hardwork can be painful to many professionals whose lives are devoid of purpose, but it is one of the principles which have driven his indigenous mind to global reckoning and placed him among the shining Chief Executives Officers in Nigeria. Mr. Raphael Idu, CEO/COO, Poke Limited is a strong creative strategist, a business leader, vivid ideas person with passion and expertise in brand building; a storyteller and a marketing communications specialist. 

With over 15 years of creative leadership experience, Raphael has helped shape the narrative for some of the leading brands in Nigeria like MTN, BankPHB, Indomie, 9Mobile, Kelloggs, Property Mart, Gulder, Sterling Bank, Access Bank, 7up, Pepsi, Golden Penny Foods, Golden Penny Noodles, Peak, SUNMAP, Scanfrost, Konga, Heritage Bank, Maggi, Golden Morn, Nestlé Waters, Leadway Assurance, Custodian Pensions, Crusader, Union Bank, World Bank (Lighting Africa), JAC, CHI to name a few.

His creative mantra is founded on the belief that “creativity is most powerful when used as a force for good”. His passion is overseeing ideas that not only impact the business bottom line but also impact the consumer positively. In this interview, the Poke Limited boss speaks with Tijani-Alabi Fatai on his recognition as one of the 50 Most Inspiring and Definitive Top CEOs In 2023 ….Excerpts.

As a company that has been at the forefront of delivering excellence, what strategies have you adopted in expanding your portfolio over the years?

At Poke, we have a plethora of strategies for expanding our portfolio of clients. Some push, and some pull. But most important amongst these strategies is our approach to doing great work and maintaining great relationships that help empower our clients to be our biggest salesmen. For us at Poke, acquiring new clients should first be a fall-out of doing great work. It’s a bold strategy that we adopted from day one and has stayed relevant since then.

What makes your organization unique as an agency?

In traditional terms, we wouldn’t really consider ourselves an Agency and our clients can attest to this after a few pleasant encounters. Our approach is significantly different from the age-old agency model that has existed since the dawn of advertising. At Poke, we are what happens when storytelling and science meet. At the heart of our creativity is a scientific and empirical approach to marketing problem-solving. We are also media agnostic, putting the idea before the platform. Our approach to briefing is to ask our client what the business problem is, and not what the media (TV, Radio, Digital, OOH) should be.

Poke has continued to raise the bar of excellence through the numerous services it renders; can you highlight some of these services?

Being media agnostic has allowed us to offer solutions that aren’t limited by being a traditional agency. This therefore means that our services range from helping to create organic brand conversations on social media to designing interactive billboards on highways. This is beneficial to our client’s bottom line because they concentrate on spending on one partner instead of multiple agencies. This also helps ensure the quality of delivery across multiple channels. At Poke, we specifically created internal competence for execution oversight for hydra-headed campaigns.

Given the peculiarities of the Nigerian business environment, what are the challenges faced in your sector and how have you been able to overcome those challenges as an organization?

No industry in Nigeria is un-plagued by several issues, but we make sure optimism remains high so we see the solutions and not focus on the problems. One of the biggest challenges is the issue of skilled manpower on both the industry and client side. To mitigate this at Poke, we maintain a strict methodological approach to upskilling our team. The faster we can imbibe our way of work, the quicker and more competent we can be. Regulation in the industry is also evolving, and we have thrown our hat into the conversation to help guide and impact positively.

What are the important lessons that have helped shape your career as a CEO?

There are so many. From the role good mentorship by the great Jimi “Baale” Awoshika, has played in my life to studying structure and performance in companies like Insight and Leo Burnett, to digging deep to find my resilience when faced with challenges. However, I would say the most important would be building a team of smart people around you. At Poke, we have a team of highly skilled and motivated young people who match passion with being bold.

What are the next big things for Poke?

Nothing excites us more at Poke than talking about the future. Right now, we just completed work on a disruptive campaign that delivered unmatched results for a new client. We are excited to see where the conversation goes next for that client and our several other clients. In terms of owned, we are looking at creating more exciting B2C platforms that give our client measurable access to their target audience. Result is always key at Poke. Our content studios Buzkast and Griotly Films will kick-off in 2024, helping us empower creators and positively impact the audiovisual industry. Finally, we are very excited at what we are set to implement internally in the coming year for our people, the Poke team, whom we fondly call Ally’s.

OLADIMEJI PETERS: Integrity-Driven Business Leader With Exceptional Ingenuity to Achieve Uncommon Feats

With a vision to be the best, preferred and trusted credit and information reporting agency in Nigeria, Firstcentral Credit Bureau Limited is part of an emerging global brand that is committed to designing and deploying solutions that turn data into strategic tools for information and risk management. FirstCentral Credit Bureau Limited leveraged on the technical partnership of Xpert Decision Systems (XDS) Pty Limited of South Africa, with established credit bureau operations in South Africa, Ghana, Malawi, United Arab Emirates and Australia. Led by a well-grounded professional with track record of excellent performance, 

Oladimeji is a man whose success story is laced with hard work, doggedness and resilience. FirstCentral Credit Bureau Limited being the first and only independent credit bureau in Nigeria, owing to its policy of not allowing any financial institution own equity or participate in the management of the company, can be said to be one of the best managed corporate organizations in Nigeria. 

The highly rated company, FirstCentral Credit Bureau Limited is also ranked the number one credit bureau in Nigeria with the largest subscriber base, in addition to having the widest coverage and fastest growing representation in some African Countries.

He is a graduate of Economics and an MBA holder from Durham University with vast experience spanning over 18 years in Business Development and Analytics, both within and outside Nigeria. He is also a professional and associate member of various institutions, which includes Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Microsoft Corporation, Chartered Institute of Administration and Fraud Examiners (CIA), amongst others.

Through his astuteness, the forward thinking Oladimeji who is also a man with ingenuity to achieve uncommon feats, has  also led the company to receive numerous awards and recognitions, including Most Responsive Credit Bureau CEO of the Year, received at the The West African Innovation Awards, 2023, Most Customers Focused Credit Bureau Agency of the Year, received at the The West African Innovation Awards, 2023, Africa’s Most Reliable Credit Reporting Agency of the Year 2023 at the African Brand Leadership Merit Awards 2023, and Africa’s Best Credit Bureau Services Brand of the Year 2023 at the African Fintech Brands Innovation Awards. 

On his recognition as one of “Nigeria’s Most Inspiring And Definitive Top CEOs In 2023” recognised by The Guardian, the FirstCentral Credit Bureau Limited boss speaks on the Nigeria’s weakened economic development.

“The difficulty is simple, yet it is delicate. Succinctly, it is the act of safeguarding the primacy of economic needs – and it begs the question, whilst crediting may sustain human lives in the short run, is it piloted in a sustainable fashion for the longer run? 

Purveyors of credit understand – that at the most rudimentary level – credit bears the risk of repayment/ default. Consequently, this risk ignites other dynamics such as asymmetric credit constrictions, selective allocations and other larger economic variables 

The difficulty stems however from the credence of – should entities or people borrow money for any reason, be it investment or other human related needs, such borrowers will repay the lender without default of obligation or contest of rights in a manner that subjects the lender to a comparatively retrogressive position.

Our objective is one of balance and sustainability- a proactive merger of needs without abdication of responsibilities for the involved parties.

This essentiality has enabled the structure of a concrete system of credit reporting, credit scoring and other analytics that has improved performance of loan repayments and adherence to prior obligations. Statistically, this is obvious in reduction of non-performing loans (NPRs) and winding-up of financial entities over the years.

However a new era is here, it is novel, it is efficient and it is digital, as such it poses its own challenges, behoves a new thought leadership; these challenges may include, but are not limited to issues of NPRs and appropriate/proactive recovery processes, data disclosure (implicit cross-border data disclosure) with operational and national implications, FDI and other Macro-economic issues pertaining to credit amongst others, a summary of such issues in itself may be encyclopaedic.”

CHAMBERLAIN S. PETERSIDE: Highly Resourceful Professional, Providing Financial Solutions, Amidst Nigerian Business Sector Limitations

Chamberlain S. Peterside, Ph.D. is the Chairman/CEO at Xcellon Capital Advisors Limited. He has a diverse background spanning over 23 years in the global business arena, covering Investment Advisory, Wealth Management and Public Finance. He earned a Ph.D in Economics from Friendship University, Moscow in 1992.  Prior to founding New Era Capital Corporation, New York in 2004, he spent several years in the Global Private Client Group of Merrill Lynch, NY as a Certified Financial Manager (CFM) and HSBC Brokerage USA, as Investment Manager and Securities Principal.

He founded Xcellon Capital in 2008. his dedication, hard work and expertise made him a member of Rivers State Economic Advisory Council (RSEAC) from 2007 – 2015 and he subsequently served as the Commissioner of Finance in Rivers State, Nigeria from 2011 – 2015. His passion for advising public and private clients in Africa made him rejoine Xcellon Capital Advisors after his public service. He currently serves as an independent director in International Energy insurance (IEI), PLC. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria.

Strategies employed in expanding business portfolio 

Financial services have evolved over many decades and have a variety of products beyond what we used to know like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, insurance etc. So, our task is to keep abreast of the changing trends and design financial solutions that are bespoke and tailored to client needs including private equity, hedge fund, forex, real estate, risk management and other unconventional instruments. Such service offerings must take into account dynamic global economic climate then factor specific profile; time horizon, objectives and risk tolerance of client, whether they are large corporations, public sector or high net worth individuals. 

Unique attributes of Xcellon Capital Limited as an investment management and financial solution provider

We believe that our uniqueness lies in our nimbleness and innovative approach to designing products/services and delivering solutions. We operate differently, unlike your typical stock brokerage or family office investment firm. The ability to understand trends and adapt to market situations make us stand out among our peers. A boutique investment firm like us must find its niche and define a comparative advantage to stay competitive, relevant and successful. 

How Xcellon Capital Limited raises the bar of excellence through its services  

We have not only remained engaged in the highly volatile and challenging operating environment but continued to strive for greater heights. We keep exploring means of diversifying our investment portfolio and staying ahead of the curve. Challenges always arise in every operating environment, but also, opportunities do exist. So, we see the cup as half full and think outside the box rather than bemoaning whatever difficulties may exist or dwelling on the downside of the market curve. We seek to make sense of the huge information available to discern what’s suitable and can be actionable in our work. Our flagship Xcellon Capital Research (XCR) is an online newsletter that provides insight and analytics on the financial markets and overall economy on a daily basis. “Our areas of core competency remains – investment advisory and asset management services in publicly quoted instruments. As well as principal, private equity investments in emerging and nascent sectors”.

Overcoming peculiarities in the Nigerian business environment

Challenges always exist, but the upside can at times be proportionate to how well you navigate and survive in the midst of turbulence. No doubt that Nigeria has been quite economically unstable in recent years and the operating climate remains an uncharted water, but we can’t dwell much on the downside. We look ahead to determine how to capitalise on untapped opportunities. At the end of the day, the harder we strive, the more likely that we will succeed. So we just have to keep forging ahead despite the odds. 

Lessons that have shaped Peterside’s career 

The key lessons that have shaped my career is consistency, determination and learning from my mistakes. What keeps you awake and why do you even strive? When you are able to determine your purpose and passion, the rest becomes a routine. You almost become resilient to challenges and obstacles. As a business leader your unwavering sense of purpose enables you to wake up every morning, rally your team, keep your eyes on the ball and keep swinging. You win some, you lose some, but more often than not you will triumph. Ultimately always be able to answer the simple question – Why am I doing this? What’s my end game, and what do I want to achieve? This allows you to stay focused, grounded and undeterred. 

Next steps for Xcellon Capital Advisors Limited

The next major thing for our group is to continue operating and expanding our horizons, breaking new grounds beyond our comfort zone. We also seek to align our future strides and achievements with what we call “The Xcellon Principles”. Whereby we envision that we just don’t operate or exist in a silo but also knowing that we must recognise the needs and interests of a larger society within our stakeholder ecosystem, including our clients, staff, board members, equity investors and community at large. We are actively investing in the financial technology space and automation of payment processes across various sectors. Renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies are also areas of potential focus for us.

In our daily operations, we are guided by the ethos of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, in which our company was recently gladly admitted to be part of. In pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), there’s clearly an understanding by corporate entities around the world to work collaboratively and ethically towards achieving a set of common targets that could benefit humanity beyond our individual gains. We totally share in this ideals and strive to work along those lines within our organisation.