Boss Of The Week

Why MicCom Cables and Wires Remain the Preferred Choice – Mrs. Bukola Adubi

Published

3 years ago

May 6, 2023

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

If you call her a woman of many parts, you won’t be wrong. She is a Pharmacist by qualification, an Engineer by vocation and hospitality practitioner by passion. She is Mrs. Bukola Adubi, the Chief Operating Officer of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous cable and wire company, MicCom Cables and Wires Limited.

Adubi’s sphere of influence is overwhelming as she compliments her official responsibilities with wifely and motherly duties as well as the presidency of the Cables Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (CAMAN), which is the umbrella body for essentially all the cable manufacturers in Nigeria.

Her intelligence, an adequate blend of genuine personality and beauty, was brought to the fore when she spoke to The Boss Newspapers on diverse issues bordering on family, nation building and the need to protect local content, especially in the cable manufacturing sector.

Excerpts:

What does it feel like managing this company set up in 1978, over four decades ago, and keeping it afloat through thick and thin?

Well, I was born into this. It was founded by my parents, and it is a joy to also see the company continue to exist beyond them. For every family business, it is probably one of the biggest wish that their legacy exists beyond, and overstays their own time. That is a joy on itself. This is what I have always known.

We branched into hospitality over twenty (20) years ago, but this has always been the core business of the family.

It is something I have always known; something that has been a source of joy for the family, and I am happy to be here. There’s a special sense of fulfilment that comes with the fact that you are part of the team that is bringing the company to a different level in a different generation. There’s a whole different joy that is associated with this.

Can you trace the trajectory of MicCom Cables from inception till when you became the CEO

In 1978 when the business started officially, the company was more or less an electrical contracting company. Then there were only two manufacturers and these were tied to foreign affiliates. This gave my parents the nudge to reason that if others can do this, then they could as well.

My parents were both engineers, and that’s how they started. They gave it a shot. From a humble beginning, the factory started in the Akowonjo area. We started small, and very gradually. We are the very first indigenous cable manufacturing company, and we set the bars very high. We opened the trails for lots of newer Nigerian companies that joined after us. Between then in 1978 and sometime in the early 90s, it was just my parents doing their thing. My mum was the factory person, more of technical, and my dad was more of sales and marketing. While dad transverse the nook and crannies, my mum was saddled with managing the factory. They had a very good balance. It was in the early 90s when my older siblings started to graduate from the universities that they started to join the business. There are three engineers. They all passed through the system, and it is interesting to know that all three of them had a stint in the business, and they had their part to play in wherever the company has found itself now. One particular sibling ran the company for over 15 years, and that was a joy for him too because then, he took the business from where my parents sort of dropped off for him and brought it to a new level. The system had been run by different hands up until when I officially started…well, I have had one leg in and one leg out since 2012. It was in 2015 when I officially took the reins as the COO. I do report to my superiors (of course, I have ‘ogas’ too) and to the board as well.

I am the face of the company and the chief oversight officer so to speak. Some people think I have PhD in Engineering, but the only real PhD I have is the fact that I was born into this, and it was very easy for me to grasp, and honestly, this is my life.

So if you are buying a MicCom product, you can go to sleep because I know the processes that we go through in the factory. I know how intentional we are about quality. We are certified with the quality management system. We are currently being certified for the occupational health safety and the health & safety management systems. We are particular about safety and quality. I can assure you.

Does it mean that MicCom is the only place you have worked?

No, remember that I am not an Engineer. I have worn many different hats. I graduated as a Pharmacist from the United Kingdom, and I worked as a Pharmacist in the UK for a couple of years. Then I came into Nigeria, and did some kind of pharmacy exchange programme. I worked briefly as a Pharmacist and also did some business consulting as well. But then in the middle of my youth service, something came up. I was not posted in Lagos; I was posted somewhere else, and there was an imbalance doing the work I got in Lagos. At a time, we had started a golf hotel and resort in Osun State, again part of the family business – the MicCom Golf Hotel & Resort. That, I will always say is my baby. It was birthed officially in 2003. I grew that business from scratch. It’s such a joy, especially because I never had any experience in hospitality. I literally learnt on the job.

I love where it was when I had to hand it over in 2013 when I had to assume my present position. So you can see my life has been spent in different industries including medical, hospitality, and engineering. I wear different hats, and of course, I am also a wife of almost 20 years, mother of two beautiful teenage girls, and so you can conveniently say that Buki is a woman of many parts.

From 2015 to date since you took over as the COO, what has been your achievement as a person

I feel a lot of pride. In 2015, we took over management as a result of the company going through some changes. Unfortunately, it wasn’t doing so well; we’ve lost a lot of market share owing to some wrong decisions that had been made. It is therefore, a joy to see where we are at today, and to have been part of that is something I will forever be proud of.

One thing I will always hold dear is the respect people have for the company, and for the quality name it had made for herself. That definitely helped our growth again.

Now, being the first indigenous company, what was the competition like when other rivals started joining the market?

I think this is also something that my parents have instilled in us. It is that feeling of inclusiveness. They have always been proudly Nigerian, and would say it anywhere, and they raised us also to be proudly Nigerian. When more people started coming into fold, there was joy all around. There was no feeling that they were coming to compete with us. MicCom was very supportive of the new businesses. At the end of the day, we are all still in the business.

We continue to talk to government, SON, CPC, Ports Authority, Customs and more just to see how we can minimise all these fake cables that come inside the country. SON is doing well, but there’s more to be done. That is the number one issue that affects everybody’s bottom line.

Over the years, we have tried to distinguished ourselves and have carved different niches for ourselves. For instance, you will not find MicCom cables in the open market. That is one very significant thing that we did. Everyone else is in the open market. If you have a good thing, you protect it with everything that you have. The open market unfortunately messes up our brand equity. We know how they adulterate and produce fake cables. Out of every 10 coils of cables that is in your name, you will be lucky if you find one that actually came from your factory, and it is a problem; a big problem. A few years ago, we took the odd decision to take ourselves off the open market, and it has segregated us from everybody else. So when you buy MicCom, you know you are buying the real thing because there is no chance of its fake being anywhere.

That’s really a tough one. How do you manage to control that decision knowing that dubious staff to frustrate the effort and take it out to the open market

The truth is that those who deals in fake things feed on the availability of the real thing in the market. If there’s nothing to copy, it becomes difficult to copy, and there will be no fake. If we have a distributor, and we are in the market, it becomes easier for them to say it is from their distributor, and then we can’t deny. But if it’s not there, then it’s one less thing to think about.

Well, take trust into consideration because among the staff, there may be some who can be mischievous, do the unthinkable, and take it out. What measures are in place to dissuade staff from acting contrary

For the longest time, I think one of the greatest assets we have, apart from our product itself, is our people. I am a strong believer in the fact that it is how you treat your people that they will treat you, and whatever it is they are handling for you. Simple. If people around feel mishandled, mistreated and that their integrity has been wronged in anyway, people will be people and people are human – the bible says that the heart of man is continually wicked. It doesn’t take anyone anything to say ‘so you think you are smart abi?’. But we have people here who have been working with us for decades. So I have such short turnover of staff that is unbelievable. For every new staff, they come into an environment where they are taught; the older staff are happy to transfer the information, and they see that there is a path here, and they stay. Yes, people come and go, but the core of my staff are very loyal, and I thank God for that.

Feelers around say Nigeria cables are one of the best in the world; can you beat your chest and say that as the first indigenous cable manufacturing company, you set the path to that victory?

Absolutely! We are the most experienced of all the Nigerian companies. We have been around longer than anyone else so we can actually track history, and so we know how the whole thing started and much more. Even in the lull of the business once upon a time, one thing that spoke for us was our quality. When you have a good product; forget it, people will find you.

Why do you think that those who are not customers of MicCom should come on board, and why would those already on board remain on board

If you want to sleep with your two eyes close, you choose MicCom. We have heard of buildings collapse, of fire outbreaks; the reasons do not go beyond the use of substandard products. I can beat my chest and say that because MicCom products are not in the market, there’s no chance of a fake product. So if you are buying a MicCom product, you can go to sleep because I know the processes that we go through in the factory. I know how intentional we are about quality. We are certified with the quality management system. We are currently being certified for the occupational health safety and the health & safety management systems. We are particular about safety and quality. I can assure you. A lot of my other colleagues in the industry wonder why we are not in the market and there’s a reason. Sometimes you have decide what is more important – whether it is money or to protect the quality of the name. This, for us, is just about out name, and nothing can stop that.

Have there been challenges in your sojourn, and how have you been able to surmount them?

You know I mention as well that I am the president of CAMAN i.e. Cable Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. Obviously, all legitimate cable manufacturers in Nigeria belong to that group. So whatever challenge I have as MicCom is the same challenge all of us have. Part of what the group does is lobbying to make sure we get all the challenges sorted. One major challenge is this issue of fake cables. The reason Nigeria cables remain the best is because we checkmate ourselves. If one person is doing anyhow, we call him to order, and so everybody is on their toes. That makes us conscious of that quality. You are protected buying cables from any company in the group. We continue to talk to government, SON, CPC, Ports Authority, Customs and more just to see how we can minimise all these fake cables that come inside the country. SON is doing well, but there’s more to be done. That is the number one issue that affects everybody’s bottom line.

There is also the issue of foreign exchange. A lot, if not all of our materials are imported. We don’t have access to CBN rate. We have to buy from the black market. Even the raw materials – we are bringing comes with a tariff. This makes us expensive unfortunately. That’s where all those dealing in fake are enjoying because they make themselves cheaper by short changing on the main ingredients of the product, and you hear people say, this is cheap, yet they don’t know what they are buying.

But have you and your team embarked on any kind of sensitization campaign against the menace?

That’s what we are doing now. There’s a lot of online, print, TV, radio and more going on now campaigns going on the moment to let people that there are certain things, as a consumer, you can do yourselves to checkmate what your electrician is buying for you, just to be sure you are buying the right thing. It is a good thing that I am here right now in this capacity as CAMAN President. I know what it costs to keep a company like ours running. The overhead alone are huge; power alone is a problem. We have processes in the factory that even if there is power from the DISCOs, you have remain on alternative power because if they take the power from the grid, the whole process is messed up, resulting in waste. So I am very passionate about getting things right for us as an industry, and I am looking forward to that. And I am again looking forward to this transitional year for the country as it is a perfect time to get our issues heard.

Again, by the time I’m 50, I want to be thinking of dialing down a notch. I have spent a lot of my years in work. I do enjoy working, and put everything I have in my work, but it will be time to dial it down. I want to travel around the world. I want to enjoy myself. I want to travel for once without thinking about or taking my computer as I do now.

Are you members in CAMAN giving you the necessary cooperation to ensure this is achieved

The biggest thing we have been able to achieve is the unity among us over the years. As much as we are competitors outside, once we come into that meeting, we see ourselves as our brother’s keeper. Again, the fact that we are allowed to be checkmated by ourselves means we understand why we are doing what we are doing. We go to one another’s factory to inspect production process, and no one is afraid when we visits his factory because he has learnt to understand this is the right thing. There is the belief that no one will sabotage the other.

That’s very rare. How did you managed to achieve that?

Yes, very rare. It’s really amazing and I am very thankful for that, I believe it is also because everybody is vested in the industry. It is a very hard industry to break into because the start-up capital is huge. So it is better to have collaborative power among your selves so that you can fight a common enemy. It’s a of challenge but the fact that we are all focused on the same goal helps and goes a long way.

Tell me, is cable manufacturing business very lucrative?

It can be if you don’t have all these other issues

But it is, considering that you have been in business this four decades and counting

That’s why we are still here (laughs). You know one of the better things that could happen to the industry is localisation – local content. There is at the moment an executive order by the president that says that every parastatal must buy from local companies certain items that they need. I really wish that order is being followed to the later. It’s still a bit shaky but we are getting there. However, there a board; the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB). They monitor local content in the oil and gas industry. They are so insistent. All the foreign oil companies including Total, Shell and others doing business in the country can’t import directly any goods or service, otherwise the board will shut down their project. They are that powerful & effective; they are really efficient. They opened a new door for us. Five years ago, we wouldn’t have been able to go to say Total, and they will give you RFQ – Request for Quotation, and say they want to buy cable – never – they see you like you can’t solved their problem. But now, the Board has made it easy to approach them so they have no choice but to patronize local content. However, the Board also checkmates you on the gains you make to make sure that you improve and expand. So don’t think you are making free money. It must reflect on everything you do so you can make yourself better – cause investment in your systems.

Already now, a lot of our members are enjoying this benefits because they listed some from where cables must be bought from. They are not saying buy from only this person, they are giving options, saying as long as it is from these people, we are okay, and it is made in Nigeria.

Again, you the beneficiary must live up to expectation. They have to see traction, and it is developing us. We are increasing capacity, buying machines, employing more people, giving revenue back to the government, and everybody is happy.

But the NCDMB is only in the oil and gas. If only we could have similar thing in construction, have them in telecoms, and other sectors, local companies will be better off

So what efforts are you making to have them in other sectors, especially yours?

That’s the reason behind all the lobbying. We thank God for the new government that are coming in now because this is a fantastic time for us to make our voices heard from a different perspective. We have plenty things to show that we have done well and deserve the assistance. By the time everyone settles down, we will begin to make our voices heard so that these things can be replicated in all the industries, and then the cable industry will be versatile.

Now what do you think is future of cable and wire manufacturing industry in Nigeria?

The way we are going, two things can happen because things are pretty bad now in terms of infrastructure, power, foreign exchange and all of that. The best thing that can happen is that all these issues are dealt with. If all these issues are dealt with even by 50%, the traction we would get will be double for the industry. So either things go that way or things get worse, and nobody is praying for things to go worse. So we can only pray that things get better, and with better things come a win-win situation for everybody. It is looking bright; that is my optimistic belief.

And I guess it will look brighter if government shows more interest in the sector

They don’t have a choice; they must show interest but we have to get very vocal as well. This is my industry so it’s not about MicCom. It is about the survival of the industry. And people need to take it serious. Unfortunately, a lot of unfortunate things are also happening – buildings are coming down every other day. There’s a lot of attention on fake building materials and the causes, and cables form an intricate part of building. Even if you put up a ramshackle building, you must put light there. Even if the building is not made from concrete, it must have a bulb, and you must have wire for the bulb. So whether we like it or not, we are an industry that nobody can just ignore.

Are cable manufacturers consulted before buildings are erected?

It depends on your electrician because he is part of the process. But yes, in making up the BOQ during every project, where it is decided what and what is need, cable has to be there, and somebody needs to be able to rationalise that cable need. One way or another, we are getting involved.

How do you juggle being an ‘engineer’, a pharmacist, a hospitality personnel, mother and wife, and still maintain your composure?

It is the grace of God…

But the NCDMB is only in the oil and gas. If only we could have similar thing in construction, have them in telecoms, and other sectors, local companies will be better off

And…?

Good support at work because a lot of the things I do involve late nights and traveling. I am happy now that my children are teenagers. When they were small, every job I had had always been involving, and it is good to have people that supports you. Of course my husband is my number one champion. If he had made it difficult for me to explore, I wouldn’t be there today. The grace of God is major as it is a lot to pile up. Then again, I saw my mother did it. She raised a fantastic family, and she was very hands on at work. So if she can do it, I can. And I see how she managed it, so it’s just to take a peep off her own handbook. Nothing is impossible.

With all the work load, how do you find time to recreate, and which areas of recreation do you find attractive?

That is one thing I’ve always been told I need to do more of. I’m not much of a social butterfly. So if I am going out, it is because that person is important to me. If I am not doing anything, I am in my house because my Mondays through to Saturdays is all about work.

Notwithstanding, there must be something you do to maintain your youthful outlook

It’s the grace of God

Yes, but there’s always something that the grace of God use to accomplish it

I think one of the biggest thing for me is I try not to worry. I discovered that worry is one of the things that cause high blood pressure, headache and other diseases that then overwhelms someone. I don’t worry. People have approached me and asked what kind of human being I am. In the middle of all the issues, something will happen. You know, when you hit a brick wall, it’s either you pass through the wall or you bounce back; something will happen. So if I can’t control the narrative, why give myself headache. That is one thing I know has given me a lot of peace. And when you have peace, everything else become easier. But I won’t tell you it’s because I eat a definite kind of food or do a certain kind of exercise.

Do you actually have a certain kind of food – best for you?

Plantain – in any form. This is something I eat anytime. I eat well and good. I don’t do breakfast, lunch and dinner in that order necessarily. I can wake up and say I want to eat eba or pounded yam and I’m good for the day.

How about sports? Do you support any team?

I’m not really a sports person. I’ll flow with any situation around me. My husband is the more ardent football fan. I keep myself busy; I don’t like wahala. The fanaticism of most football fans makes me wonder if they are sharing the money with them. I walk away from whatever is going to cause headache for me.

What target have you set for yourself by the time you clock 50?

Oh…50 is very close. To be honest, I have actually been thinking about it recently, and I am pretty fulfilled. I will be 50 in five years, my children will be much older. I have a daughter now going into the university, and the other one will be joining her in a few years. By that time, the one going in now would have graduated, and the one following would be almost graduating. That, in itself is fulfillment for me. That I have two girls that are self-sufficient. And that God has helped me to have done the best I can with them, then it will be them and God.

Again, by that time, I want to be thinking of dialing down a notch. I have spent a lot of my years in work. I do enjoy working, and put everything I have in my work, but it will be time to dial it down. I want to travel around the world. I want to enjoy myself. I want to travel for once without thinking about or taking my computer as I do now. I can sit down and read. Of course, that’s one thing I do enjoy very well. You are transported to a different world when you read. It takes me away from work, and I love that.

Who are really your parents? How did they motivate you so much that you are giving so much?

My mum, Comfort Olufunke Ponnle is late now. It is worthy of note that MicCom is a combination of two names; Michael and Comfort. My dad’s and mum’s names. One couldn’t have asked for a better parent – growing up was a joy. I am the last of five, and by the time I came along, they were already rich, and sometimes I used to wonder that if we can afford to do this, why are we not doing it – if you afford to take the children to a different school, why are they attending public school – if you can afford to hire a house help, why are you doing things yourself – so some of the trainings we went through, we might have thought they were pointless at the time, but now I see a huge difference to our lives. I’m sure I speak for the rest of my siblings. My mum was very intentional with us – she was very busy, but very intentional. She has been late over 10 years now…

…And your dad?

Dad is very much alive though retired. He lives in the village. I enjoyed my growing up days. It strengthened and grew me.

And your husband?

My Wole is such joy, and has allowed a very ambitious and career minded person like me to be what I wish to be. Honestly, I chose a good man, and I am happy. And my children are better off for it. One of us is always available. He’s always there when I’m not. We have a great partnership, and it’s fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for a better husband.

What do you regret in your 45 years of existence?

Nothing. Whatever has happened has moulded me. They say that whatever does not kill you makes you stronger. I am happy for my life, and give thanks for the part God is playing in my life. A lot of the time, it’s not about me. It’s really not about me. The fact that I also realised that, helps me to free myself a lot more, and be able to do more. No, no regrets.

MicCom has seen 44 years already, is there any possibility of MicCom seeing another 44 years.

By God’s grace, yes. The biggest thing I have also learn in this business is the succession. The worse thing you can do to your business is to hold on to something you can’t replicate. It’s a good thing it is family that is replicating the succession now, but even if it is someone else that is going to come in to take over for whatever reason, there’s going to be a succession plan.

I guess there’s already a succession plan on ground

Yes, there is. MicCom can’t die by God’s grace.

What do you think you would be leaving behind for the person that will succeed you?

A good name. A good legacy. That brand equity that we’ve grown.

And there’s every possibility the next person wouldn’t need to go through stress

Well, at the end of the day, it is a different world. The world my parents were in is a completely different world from the one I am in today. Theirs may also be different. So, they need to be ready for that change, and that change starts now. Change is one constant thing in this world. If we are set in our ways, we won’t be where we are today. We would’ve just died a natural death as a result of someone claiming that this is how we’ve always done it. Everybody has to be on their toes.

Thank you very much for your time, Mrs Adubi

Thank you too. I really appreciate.

Boss Of The Week

Meet Gen Chinedu Nnebeife, the Brain Behind OyoRescue

Published

1 week ago

July 12, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

One man has remained at the centre of attraction as the intelligence-based rescue of the Oyo students and teachers continue to trend. He is Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan; one of the major strategic military formations in the country.

The efforts of General Nnebeife and his team did not only heighten their personality as individuals, but further buttresses the Military’s role in tackling the menace of insecurity across the country.

The rescue operation, which culminated in the safe return of 44 schoolchildren and teachers, has been widely celebrated by Nigerians and has further cemented the reputation of the senior military officer as an accomplished and result-oriented commander, a writer Ken Chukwudi Raph wrote.

A Proud Son of Anambra

Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife hails from Umuogbu village in Awka, the capital of Anambra state.

For many indigenes of the state, the latest successful operation coordinated by the General has become another source of pride, as one of their own continues to distinguish himself in the service of the nation.

Over the years, Anambra state has produced many distinguished military officers, public servants and professionals who have contributed immensely to national development, and Major General Nnebeife’s accomplishments have added another illustrious chapter to that rich history.

Those who know him describe him as a calm, disciplined and thoroughbred officer whose leadership style is defined by professionalism, courage and dedication to duty.

Distinguished Military Career

The journey to becoming a two-star General in the Nigerian Army is never an easy one.

It is a path that requires years of hard work, discipline, sacrifice and exemplary service.

Major General Nnebeife’s rise through the ranks of the Nigerian Army reflects his commitment to excellence and his ability to deliver results in every assignment entrusted to him.

Throughout his military career, he has served in various operational and command positions, earning the respect of both his superiors and subordinates.

His appointments over the years have exposed him to different security challenges across the country, equipping him with the experience and expertise needed to handle complex military operations.

It is this wealth of experience that many observers believe played a key role in the successful rescue of the Oyo pupils and their teachers.

Coordinating a Complex Rescue Mission

Kidnapping has become one of the major security challenges confronting many parts of Nigeria.

The abduction of schoolchildren, in particular, often creates fear and anxiety among parents and communities.

Therefore, the successful rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren and their teachers without loss of lives represents a significant achievement.

Military sources said the operation involved extensive intelligence gathering, strategic planning and coordination among various security agencies.

As the General Officer Commanding the 2 Division, Major General Nnebeife was at the centre of the operation, coordinating efforts that eventually led to the safe rescue of the victims.

The feat has attracted commendation from various quarters, with many Nigerians praising the professionalism displayed by the military personnel involved in the operation.

Previous Rescue Operations

The latest rescue mission is not the first time Major General Nnebeife has been associated with successful operations against criminal elements.

During one of his previous assignments in Kwara State, he reportedly led an operation that resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped victims.

The operation further strengthened his reputation as an officer capable of handling difficult assignments and producing positive outcomes.

Security experts have often noted that effective military leadership is crucial in addressing the country’s security challenges, and officers such as Major General Nnebeife continue to demonstrate the importance of experience, intelligence and strategic planning in combating criminality.

Commitment to National Service

Beyond the commendations and accolades, Major General Nnebeife’s achievements underscore the sacrifices made daily by members of the Nigerian Armed Forces in protecting the country’s territorial integrity and safeguarding lives and property.

Military personnel often operate under difficult and dangerous conditions, sometimes risking their own lives to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens.

The successful rescue of the Oyo pupils and teachers serves as another reminder of the commitment and dedication of Nigeria’s security forces.

For the Anambra-born General, the latest achievement is another milestone in a distinguished career devoted to national service and the pursuit of peace and security.

A source of inspiration

As congratulatory messages continue to pour in from different parts of the country, many have offered prayers for God’s continued guidance, protection and wisdom for the senior military officer.

They have also expressed hope that he will continue to excel in his responsibilities and attain even greater heights in his military career.

For many young Nigerians, especially those from Anambra State, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife’s story serves as an inspiration and a testament to the rewards of discipline, hard work and dedicated service to the nation.

His role in coordinating the rescue of the Oyo school pupils and teachers has not only brought relief to the affected families but has also further enhanced his reputation as one of the Nigerian Army’s finest officers and a worthy ambassador of Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

The entire nation stands in obeisance of the seasoned military officer, and wish the military continous success in its onslaught against terrorism, banditry as well as internal and external insurrection.

Congratulations General Nnebeife!!!

Additional information: Blueprint

Boss Of The Week

Fashion Icon, Eniafe Momodu, Joins Berlin Contemporary Jury

Published

2 weeks ago

July 6, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The appointment of fast rising world’s fashion influencer, Eniafe Momodu, into the Berlin Contemporary Jury, did not come as a surprise to as many that know the charisma and talent the young fashion enthusiast is endowed it. This is coupled with the landmark achievements that have trailed him in the pursuit of his chosen profession.

Eniafe is widely regarded as one of the most respected young figures in African fashion, whose work spans creative direction, image making, editorial development, cultural research, and brand strategy.

Sired by one of world’s leading journalists, Aare Dele Momodu, arguably the most influential and famous DELE in Africa, Eniafe has completely carved a strong niche for himself, taking a deep dive into the world of self awareness.

From a very young age, Eniafe had exuded style, composure, elegance and the flair to ‘look good’ at all times. His signature large bourbon attires, that was privately original, created distinct visibility for the young man, who continually has success as his motivating slogan. And success he has achieved in such a brief 28 years period.

Fondly referred to as ‘My Twin’ by his dotting father, Eniafe has continued to not only uplift the Momodu brand, but continually project the image of Nigeria and Africa in the brightest of colours.

Eniafe’s appointment reflects his growing influence as a creative strategist, producer, photographer, writer, and cultural commentator whose work has helped shape contemporary conversations around African fashion and its global impact. Recognised by platforms like Vogue Magazine and ESSENCE as a leading voice in the industry, he has built a reputation for bridging fashion, culture, research, and storytelling across international markets.

“It’s been an incredible process serving on the jury,” said Momodu. “The jury selection this season includes designers from Asia, Europe, Africa and America. I think this really underscores the German Fashion Council’s commitment to celebrating design talents from all over the world.”

More so, his appointment places the Nigerian creative among the industry leaders responsible for selecting and supporting emerging fashion talent.

The programme, one of Europe’s leading fashion development initiatives, awarded €25,000 grants to 19 winning concepts this season. Among the selected designers were Nigerian brands Orange Culture and Fruché, alongside talents from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Momodu described the selection as a reflection of the German Fashion Council’s commitment to celebrating design talent from around the world, further highlighting the growing presence of African voices in global fashion decision-making.

A PEEP INTO DESCRIPTIONS OF ENIAFE MOMODU BY FASUION MEDIA

In January 2022, Vogue captured the growing influence of Eniafe Momodu, through its reporter, Vincent Desmond, in story titled: Eniafe Momodu’s Style Shows the Extravagance of Men’s Fashion in Nigeria, as follows:

There’s a changing of the guard in fashion and culture. Gen-Z creators are pushing the conversation forward in ways both awe-inspiring and audacious. Our latest project, Youthquake, invites you to discover how these artists, musicians, actors, designers, and models are radically reimagining the future.

Where elsewhere men may shy from colorful fabrics and oversized dramatic silhouettes, in Lagos, Nigeria, they wear them as a symbol of wealth and great personal style. Each fashion week, you’ll see these men dressed in their best eye-catching prints, dramatic arm details, and flowing bodices, determined to outshine everyone else on the street style scene. Among this group is Eniafe Momodu, standing out and dominating over the rest not just in height—he stands at a towering 6’6’’—but also with one of the best looks.

Within the last two years, Momodu, a graduate of the University of Leeds who currently works as a photographer, producer, and writer, has become one of Lagos’s most recognizable Gen-Z style icons with over 24,000 Instagram followers. Momodu has brought to life campaigns and productions for companies like Arise Fashion Week, Alara, and Ebony Life, and has also been a host for his own projects, like New World Brunch. His custom green aso-oke and gazar silk agbada from Fruche, which he wore to the last Lagos Fashion Week in November, was lauded by many publications, including Vogue, as one of the best looks from the event. To attend Lagos Is Burning, a ballroom-inspired party, he wore custom-made all-black robes, which, in his words, channeled “Andre Leon Talley, Billy Porter, and Dominique Jackson.”

“My style is often described as grand, larger-than-life, and reminiscent of André Leon Talley.” Eniafe Momodu says from Dubai. But that extravagance belies his core fashion philosophy. “My typical silhouette involves something long and free-flowing,” he says. “There’s a certain ease of movement that I try to convey through my style, which also speaks to my personality. I don’t subscribe to the belief that fashion is pain. Comfort can be very stylish. For me, what I wear isn’t really about how I look. I’m far more concerned with the message behind what I’m wearing. I always think deeply about what a garment says about me, but also what it says about culture, gender, sustainability, and other facets of our society.”

Despite being a fashion capital, Lagos stores offer limited options for plus-size customers, particularly from the ready-to-wear brands. Plus-size outfits are often double or triple the price for the same outfit in a smaller size. Momodu has often faced this struggle and instead relies on easily accessible tailors in Nigeria to create his custom wardrobe. It’s a process with less hassle, but still not ideal.

“I would not describe fashion in Lagos as particularly size inclusive,” Momodu says. “However, thanks to the prominent bespoke culture in Lagos, the ready-to-wear industry and its shortcomings do not have as totalitarian an influence on our clothing as they do in other parts of the world. People here regularly turn to the made-to-measure industry and employ local tailors to create clothing for special occasions like weddings, funerals, and birthdays, as well as for their day-to-day traditional attire.” The caftans that Momodu has become known for are mostly made-to-measure by his favorite tailor (the two have a collaborative relationship and Momodu will send fabrics to him). He describes the process as many Nigerians would: Tailors rarely stick to deadlines, but they always get the job done well.

The easy access to tailors and bespoke fashion isn’t the only thing Momodu is grateful for as a stylish man living in Lagos. He considers himself lucky to have access to the culture and history that surround him in Lagos. The creative scene and the never-ending supply of fashion inspiration fuel his storytelling as a creator.

“In Lagos, we are privileged to have access to such a rich and vibrant cultural history. As a creative, you can find inspiration everywhere you look,” Momodu says. “When it comes to prints, patterns, textiles, and color combinations, we have centuries worth of references to choose from. At its core, Nigeria is a melting pot of different cultures and influences, so local designers and artisans can draw from aspects of Nigerian culture without becoming homogenous.”

In August 2025, prestigious lifestyle and fashion magazine, ESSENCE, through Ugonnaora Owoh, wrote the following on an encounter with Eniafe Momodu with the topic, How One Of Nigeria’s Most Influential Style Icons Eniafe Momodu Is Crafting His Own Style Legacy

When I finally catch up with Eniafe Momodu, it’s in person at the Nordic Hotel in the middle of Lagos’ bustling suburbs, which Momodu has been calling home for the past week while working on some projects. Our conversation commences as we share thoughts on the recent Met Gala. He lights up as we unpack and undress this year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” It’s a lighthearted conversation, but he speaks with the clarity and authority that you would expect from Nigeria’s most prolific cultural dandy.

Momodu, a producer, photographer, writer, and entrepreneur is one of the most notable, young forces in African fashion. At just 27 years old, his creative repertoire is impressive. Born in London to a journalist father and an accountant mother, he describes his childhood as ridden with the characteristics of a multi-hyphenate. He was a precocious child whose earliest memories were shaped by his love of music and literature.

Momodu’s eccentric style has propelled his status as one of Lagos’ highly stylish individuals. Characterized by colorful garments and long-flowing silhouettes, his signature style has been replicated by many. Growing up tall and large, fashion to him was originally about concealment. His mother would dress him in clothes aimed at making him blend in and stand out as little as possible. The global pandemic and subsequent #EndSARS protests spurred his return to Lagos (having left at 16 to complete his studies in the UK), which led him to craft a new style identity.

At 11, he tells me he stumbled across an old digital camera, which instantly sparked a long-term relationship with photography and filmmaking. Throughout his early teens, he would capture candid moments of his family and friends at school. At 14, advised by a cousin to pursue photography more seriously, Eniafe approached his dad asking if he could buy him a professional camera. “I was lucky to be a second-generation creative,” he says. “My dad always encouraged my creative interests, but he was also a stubborn believer in academia.” Momudu explains that when he asked his father if he could buy a professional camera he declared he would if he received all A’s on his next report card. He notes that he doesn’t recall ever studying harder–however, he ended up receiving all A’s–and his camera was gifted by his father several weeks later.

That Nikon DSLR camera ushered in a new era for a young Eniafe, who quickly adopted photo-sharing apps like Instagram and Tumblr, becoming his secondary school’s de facto student photographer and yearbook editor shortly after. When Venus and Serena Williams visited Lagos in 2012 and hosted an inter-school tennis tournament, he was the youngest photographer granted access to document the showdown.

“I was able to see that there was a real power in photography. Being able to document specific moments, whether they were intimate or big, and seeing the joy in people’s faces as they relive moments you’ve captured. Not to mention the access it gives you. This was before everyone was a photographer and could take high-quality pictures from their phones. It was a superpower back then,” he tells ESSENCE.

Eniafe’s image continues to loom large, and it can be imagined how much more of a great achievement he is poised to bring to the table in the coming years.

A hearty congratulations to the fashion icon!

Boss Of The Week

Professor Abiodun Adeniyi: An Epitome of Leadership, Scholarship and Media Entrepreneurship

Published

3 weeks ago

June 29, 2026

Eric

By Adeoye Inioluwa

Professor Abiodun Adeniyi is a distinguished Nigerian media scholar, journalist, and academic leader whose career reflects a rare blend of professional journalism, rigorous scholarship, and institutional administration.

He currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, where he provides strategic academic leadership focused on innovation, excellence, and the advancement of higher education.

His academic foundation was laid at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He furthered his professional training in journalism at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja, before proceeding on the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. There, he obtained a Master’s degree in International Communications and later completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communication Studies, with research that explored internet-mediated communication among Nigerians in the diaspora.

Before transitioning fully into academia, Professor Adeniyi built a solid career in journalism. He worked with Today Newspapers and later spent over a decade at The Guardian, where he distinguished himself as a reporter and editor covering politics, governance, and national affairs.

His years in the newsroom not only shaped his understanding of media practice but also grounded his later academic work in real-world experience.

Following his doctoral studies, he returned to Nigeria and briefly served as a Communications Consultant on the World Bank-supported Economic Reform and Governance Project at the Bureau of Public Procurement.
He later established Witswords Consults Limited, where he offered strategic communication advisory services to public and private sector institutions.

At Baze University, Professor Adeniyi has played a central role in academic development and institutional growth. Over the years, he has served in several capacities, including Head of Department of Mass Communication, Deputy Dean, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, University Orator, Registrar, and ultimately Vice Chancellor.

He is widely recognized as one of the pioneering figures in strengthening postgraduate education and communication studies within the institution.

An accomplished scholar, his research interests span strategic communication, journalism studies, political communication, media and governance, diaspora and migration studies, and digital media. He has authored and co-authored scholarly works published in reputable outlets and has contributed to advancing discourse on media, democracy, identity, and communication in contemporary society.

Beyond academia, Professor Adeniyi has maintained active engagement in public discourse through consulting, research collaborations, and policy-related advisory work. He has worked with international development partners, including organisations such as the World Bank, European Union, USAID, and the International Organization for Migration, among others. His expertise has also been sought in media commentary, public lectures, and intellectual forums across Nigeria and beyond.
Colleagues and observers often describe him as a “public intellectual” whose work bridges the gap between theory and practice.

His contributions reflect a consistent commitment to ethical journalism, critical inquiry, and the role of communication in strengthening democratic governance and civic engagement.

Professor Abiodun Adeniyi stands today as one of Nigeria’s notable academic voices in media and communication studies. He is an intellectual whose career continues to demonstrate the enduring relevance of scholarship in shaping society, policy, and public understanding.