• I hold a First Degree in Finance & Banking of the University of Lagos (1988), in addition to two (2) Master’s Degrees - Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2001), and Master of Banking & Finance (M.B.F) of the University of Lagos (2000). I have multifaceted skills and aggregate work experience of 32 YEARS, including C-Suite Board Executive Positions of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with verifiable record of outstanding achievements in SEVERAL industries of Banking & Financial Services (including FinTech, Corporate & Investment Finance), Telecommunications & Technology, Infrastructures, Agriculture & Exports, Manufacturing & FMCG, Energy/Oil & Gas, Real Estate & Construction, Transportation & Logistics, as well as Renewable Power Generation & Distribution across various economies in West Africa, South Africa and East Africa.
• I commenced my working career in the banking industry and attained the height of Executive Director of a commercial bank in Nigeria (Equitorial Trust Bank). I have acquired extensive international exposure to micro and macro issues affecting the orientation and structures of various businesses in several countries of Africa! Beyond the banking industry, I also excelled as a consummate and passionate Business Builder by strategically managing and transforming major companies and conglomerates. In the capacity of pioneer Chief Executive Officer, I was instrumental to funding and nurturing the Central Cement & Logistics Group which successfully sealed a multi-Million Dollar Strategic Partnership Deal with a world-class foreign conglomerate (LAFARGE Group of France) for rapid expansion across the Nigeria markets.
• I was actively involved in growing the renowned glo telecoms brand from its cradle to the current giant status. I played the cardinal role of Strategic Business & Market Development Director to expand the telecoms infrastructure and range of products/services beyond Nigeria and the African continent to Europe and America, through the successful execution of a widely-acclaimed global GLO 1 marine cable!
• I have strong networking capabilities for business development, coupled with wide business contacts and clout among top executives/key decision makers. In addition, I possess the ability to raise equity, debt and hybrid capital (including structured finance) to fund business growth. In the capacity of Vice President/Chief Operating Officer (COO), I was actively involved in the turnaround of both Aquila Group and First Independent Global Group, as well as sourced first-rate European Investors in a highly successful private equity capital injection.
• On the role of a Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer (COO), I initiated and anchored the transformation of Nigeria’s oldest, largest & most capitalised non-aligned Mortgage Banking Group (ABBEY Mortgage Bank PLC) to an international brand by leading the World Bank (through International Finance Corporation - IFC) and FMO (the biggest and leading European Development Finance Institution) to invest substantially in the bank, thereby making it to become the FIRST Mortgage Bank in Nigeria to hold foreign share capital!
• I have won several Performance Awards on the various executive management roles, and acquired substantial experience in strategy and Board-Room management. I am currently a Business Transformation Consultant to emerging conglomerates across Nigeria, Ghana, Cote D'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Republic of Benin, South Africa, East Africa, Europe, Asia and America!
