Boss Of The Week

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Storyteller Par Excellence

Published

5 years ago

January 31, 2020

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

“I think of myself as a storyteller but I would not mind at all if someone were to think of me as a feminist writer… I’m very feminist in the way I look at the world, and that world view must somehow be part of my work.”

Of all amazons of professionalism, especially those in the writing profession, one name stands out among the rest. She is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; a woman who conquered all odds to carve a niche for herself in every facets of human endeavour. She is beautiful, humble, humane and of course talks tough. She is a dutiful wife, adoring mother and a global citizen.

The fifth of six children, Adichie, who hailed from Abba in Anambra State, was born in the city of Enugu on September 15, 1977, seven years after the devastating Nigeria Civil War, which took away almost everything from her family, ended, and grew up in the university town of Nsukka where her father, James Nwoye Adichie, worked as a Professor of Statistics at the University of Nigeria. Her mother, Grace Ifeoma, is not left out in the academic endeavour as she set a record as the university’s first female registrar. The family is a purely set up.

During her secondary school days at the University of Nigeria Secondary School, Nsukka, Chimamanda won several academic prizes, and maintained the feat at the University of Nigeria where she studied Medicine and Pharmacy for a year and a half.

However, at the age of 19, Adichie abandoned her medical studies in Nigeria for the United States to study Communications and Political Science at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Report has it that she later transferred to Eastern Connecticut State University, primarily to be near her sister, Uche, who had a medical practice in Coventry, Connecticut. She received a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University, with the distinction of summa cum laude in 2001.

It was while studying in America that she was confronted with the challenges of being a person of colour, and this reflected in her work in later years as depicted by her novel, Americanah. It is worthy of note that Chimamanda’s original and initial inspiration came from Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”, which she read at the age of 10. She was inspired by seeing her own life represented in the pages.

In 2003, she completed a master’s degree in creative writing at Johns Hopkins University. In 2008, she received a Master of Arts degree in African Studies from Yale University. The University was later to honour her in May 2019 with a doctorate honours.

Among many other honours she is identified with include a Hodder fellow at Princeton University during the 2005–2006 academic year. In 2008 she was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship. She was also awarded a 2011–2012 fellowship by the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University.

Apart from churning out thought provoking books, Chimamanda teaches Writing Workshops. In 2016, she was conferred an honorary degree – Doctor of Humane letters, honoris causa, by Johns Hopkins University. In 2017, she was conferred honorary degrees – Doctor of Humane letters, honoris causa, by Haverford College and The University of Edinburgh. In 2018, she received an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, from Amherst College. She received an honorary degree, doctor honoris causa, from the Université de Fribourg, Switzerland, in 2019. She is a known name to honours and awards.

A Catholic by background, Chimamanda is a stern believer in feminism, and most times, her views, especially those on feminism, sometimes conflict with her religion. Wikipedia noted that at a 2017 event at Georgetown University, she stated that religion “is not a women-friendly institution” and “has been used to justify oppressions that are based on the idea that women are not equal human beings.”

Her writing ability, like her mentor, is yet to be equalled. Among her publications include a collection of poems in 1997 (Decisions) and a play (For Love of Biafra) in 1998. She was shortlisted in 2002 for the Caine Prize for her short story “You in America”, and her story “That Harmattan Morning” was selected as a joint winner of the 2002 BBC World Service Short Story Awards. In 2003, she won the O. Henry Award for “The American Embassy”, and the David T. Wong International Short Story Prize 2002/2003 (PEN Center Award). Her stories were also published in Zoetrope: All-Story, and Topic Magazine.

Below are her works, and their depictions as portrayed by Wikipedia:

Her first novel, Purple Hibiscus (2003), received wide critical acclaim; it was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction (2004) and was awarded the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book (2005). Purple Hibiscus starts with an extended quote from Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.

Her second novel, Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), named after the flag of the short-lived nation of Biafra, is set before and during the Nigerian Civil War. It received the 2007 Orange Prize for Fiction and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award. Half of a Yellow Sun has been adapted into a film of the same title directed by Biyi Bandele, starring BAFTA award-winner and Academy Award nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor and BAFTA winner Thandie Newton, and was released in 2014.

Chimamanda’s third book, The Thing Around Your Neck (2009), is a collection of 12 stories that explore the relationships between men and women, parents and children, Africa and the United States.

In 2010 she was listed among the authors of The New Yorker′s “20 Under 40” Fiction Issue. Her story, “Ceiling” was included in the 2011 edition of The Best American Short Stories.

Her third novel Americanah (2013), an exploration of a young Nigerian encountering race in America was selected by The New York Times as one of “The 10 Best Books of 2013”.

In April 2014, she was named as one of 39 writers aged under 40 in the Hay Festival and Rainbow Book Club project Africa39, celebrating Port Harcourt UNESCO World Book Capital 2014.

Adichie’s short story, “My Mother, the Crazy African” discusses the problems that arise when facing two cultures that are complete opposites from each other. On one hand, there is a traditional Nigerian culture with clear gender roles, while in America there is more freedom in how genders act, and less restrictions on younger people. Ralindu, the protagonist, faces this challenge with her parents as she grew up in Philadelphia, while they grew up in Nigeria. Adichie really dives deep into gender roles and traditions and what problems can occur because of this.

Chimamanda and beloved husband, Ivara

In March 2017, Americanah was picked as the winner for the “One Book, One New York” program, part of a community reading initiative encouraging all city residents to read the same book.

In April 2017, it was announced that she had been elected into the 237th class of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the highest honours for intellectuals in the United States, as one of 228 new members to be inducted on 7 October 2017.

Her most recent book, Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions, published in March 2017, had its origins in a letter she wrote to a friend who had asked for advice about how to raise her daughter as a feminist.

Chimamanda’s personality is larger than life, and so it seems as accolades from every corner of the earth follow her. It is also presumed that the her name ‘Chimamanda’ is a combination of both Igbo, her origin and English (Chima and Amanda). But that does not seem to be the case. The name, according to source, is purely an Igbo name, meaning My God (Chim) will never fail/fall (amanda). In 2009, she married her medical doctor-husband, Ivara Esege, who a writer described as ‘comically suitable’.

For your ability to hold tenaciously to all forts, speak the truth at all times, you are our boss of the week. Congratulations ma!

Boss Of The Week

Tella Giresse: Accomplished Multi-Dimensional Diplomat, Entrepreneur

Published

3 weeks ago

April 21, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

A Beninese by origin, serving as a high-profile diplomat for Hungary in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Mr. Justin Tella Giresse, is highly multi-dimensional, overtly talented and a distinguished entrepreneur par excellence. His trend of experience, impact and developmental strides in the fields of diplomacy as well as business, is highly recommended and sought after among comity of nations and entrepreneurship.

Known for his ability to thoroughly coordinate international relations, especially as concerning nations, Giresse is also an excellent industrialist, whose acumen led the founding of the Benin-registered computer security, private security, defence and software development company, Impact Palmares R&D, established in 2019 as an LLC, and subsequently became an SAS in 2021. He presently heads the organization, and has been heading it for several years.

He is an expert in the security and safety of administrative documents.

He is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Résidences Appartements, with offices in many countries of the world. Giresse is in a short, the darling of African diplomacy and entrepreneurship. His high flying grace in production capacity, and jaw jaw has remained a reference point in world politics and business.

In addition as a multidimensional professional, Giresse was not long ago handed over a letter to assume duties as the new Hungarian Honorary Consul, serving in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. It is worthy of note that the CEO of ANY Security Printing Company, Gábor Zsámboki also participated at the official event of handing over the letter of commission to the distinguished diplomat.

Also present to confirm the topnotch status of Giresse was the Hungarian Ambassador, András Szabó at his introductory visit with Prime Minister of Ivory Coast Amadou Gon Coulibaly. The Ambassador appreciated the close relationship between the two countries while Zsámboki praised Giresse Tella’s activities performed up to now in the field of development of business relations between Hungary and Ivory Coast and expressed his hope that these relations would become even closer in the future through the new consulship.

During his visit in Ivory Coast, Mr. Gábor Zsámboki, CEO met Mr. Claude Isaac DE, Minister of Construction, and also a number of high-ranking state leaders who, in addition to a cordial welcome, showed great interest to several successful Hungarian products and solutions.

Also making his impact felt in the field of entrepreneurship and development of human capacity through industrialisation, Giresse had led a team to the commissioning of partnership his Impact Palmarès and a state-owned printing organisation.

Impact Palmarès R&D SAS, with MINREX, is involved in the construction of biometric visa issuance infrastructure at the international airports in Yaoundé and Douala.

The perfect service Giresse provides allowed for a 10-year contract with the Cameroonian government, including setting up an online portal dedicated to the application, processing and issuance of electronic visas.

In addition, state-of-the-art biometric equipment is also installed in Cameroon’s diplomatic missions and consular posts for printing biometric visas on secure stickers.

A detailed presentation of the event as captured by Palmarès, is represented below:

“At the national printing house, the lines are moving. The modernization initiated in 2023 is reaching a new level. The state organization is about to conclude a partnership agreement with the company Impact Palmarès R&D.

“A delegation led by its chairman and CEO, the Beninese Giresse Tella, was received in audience by the Minister of Communication (Mincom), René Emmanuel Sadi, in the presence of the Director General of the national printing house, Pierre Nolasque Oyono Bika.

“Opportunity for the partner to present its offers, in view of the electoral deadlines that await the country in 2025. Under the supervision of the Mincom, the National Printing Office will play “a major role for 2025. It must be able to equip itself in order to meet the challenges that await it”, will emphasize René Emmanuel Sadi. L.

“Indeed, the National Printing Office needs this new lease of life in view of current and future requests.

“This group proposes to offer us a partnership in terms of technical assistance with a view to the digitalization of the Printing Office. The opportunities are in the direction of strengthening the production tool of the National Printing Office, but also the construction of a security production unit,” will say Pierre Nolasque Oyona Bika.

“According to the DG, the partnership between these two sub-Saharan African countries will help the State to strengthen its sovereignty, protect the identity of citizens, preserve the integrity of businesses and replenish the State coffers.

“On the partner’s side, we are therefore, serene. “We are here to assist the State of Cameroon to explore new revenue niches,” Giresse will assure Tella . There are therefore many construction sites.

“The operator presented the main areas of its support to the Minister. “The most important thing is the modernization of the National Printing Office’s production tool, the strengthening of capacities in terms of materials and human resources, the optimization of the organization and a certain number of investments that aim to rehabilitate, or even build infrastructures that will strengthen its efficiency,” Nassirou will specify.

“Mbow, Project Director at Impact Palmarès.

“Impact Palmarès R&D specializes in areas such as securing, identifying, recording and analyzing data in the context of state security; the security and internal safety of states; securing, electronic archiving and traceability of state documents, among others. It is also this company that had already signed a partnership in 2022 with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the implementation of the e-visa. Impact Palmarès works with the Hungarian company Any Security Printing Company, which ensures the modernization aspect of its projects.

With his rising profile in managerial abilities, His Excellency, Tella Giresse, was on August 2, 2021 CEO of a simplified joint-stock company headquartered in Abidjan, Cocody Riviera GOLF, Rue du Lycée Hôtelier, with a capital of 500,000,000 CFA francs (16,000 shares with a par value of 25,000 CFA francs), and Sêdé Alida Inès Gwladys GNIGLA, his wife, was appointed Managing Director.

Giresse Tella is also the promoter of the company LES MYRIADES in Benin. In Cameroon, with Impact Palmarès R&D SAS, many are waiting to see the perfect and smooth implementation of its contractual commitments.

Beyond his dutiful and painstaking attention to professional endeavours and wholesome details, Giresse is a complete family man, who has mastered the skills of balancing the home front and duty. He loves his family like the gentleman he is, and goes to any length to defend and provide for them.

He is the complete definition and symbol of what any country needs in diplomacy and (industrial) development. His achievements looms large.

ABOUT IMPACT PALMARÈS R&D

Impact Palmarès R&D SAS is a company specializing in the security, identification, recording, and analysis of data and information for national security and internal safety.

Its activities include the security, identification, recording, and analysis of data and information for national security. It is also active in national security and internal safety; research and development; information protection; and signature protection and authentication.

The company Impact Palmarès R&D SAS is also active in the acquisition, rental and sale of all movable and immovable property, the management lease of all businesses and the acquisition of stakes in companies.

Tella Justin Giresse is simply an international personality, with the capability to fix it all; diplomacy or business.

Boss Of The Week

Aliko Dangote: Celebrating An Industrial Giant at 68

Published

1 month ago

April 14, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

A lot has happened in the life of African richest man, Aliko Dangote, since he celebrated his 67th birthday just about a year ago. One of such is the revolutionary trend in the petroleum industry following the kick off of production in his audacious refinery in Lagos. At 68 today, Dangote has become a greater force, maximizing respect for not just a job done, but a job perfectly done.

Consequently, accolades from personalities across the nation, including President Bola Tinubu, Femi Otedola and a host of others have continued to surge towards the President, Dangote Group, a man of immense entrepreneurial and industrial expertise, as he hit another glorious age, celebrating 68 in grand style.

To President Tinubu, Dangote is “Africa’s industrial icon,” whose unwavering commitment to nation-building must be praised.

“Aliko Dangote’s life embodies hard work, generosity, and faith in Nigeria’s potential. His willingness to invest in people and nation-building reflects profound business ingenuity and love for humanity,” Tinubu noted.

Otedola described him simply as one whose ‘journey is inspiring’, while heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, joined in the euphoria of conviviality, which describes the personality of the rich but simple Dangote.

In fact, the cakes that were presented to celebrate his birthday are all testaments of the accomplished entrepreneur’s strides in the past years.

Organisations such as GTBank, Access Bank, and FCMB each presented custom-made birthday cakes inspired by the legendary business achievements of the celebrant. One of the cakes was a towering depiction of a refinery, another was styled like a grand mosque, while yet another was designed in the shape of a cement factory.

The billionaire businessman has consistently proved that his entrepreneurial skills are not just geared towards uplifting him as a person, but to creating an enabling environment for the Nigeria youth and child to grow and develop in an environment he can proudly co-own. His vision, no doubt, is practically for the greater good of the world in general, and Nigeria in particular.

For so many blessed reasons and very many more, Dangote was named, and for the second consecutive year in 2024, the Africa’s foremost entrepreneur and humanist, and was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The billionaire industrialist was accorded special recognition by the Organised Private Sector (OPS) employers in the country under the aegis of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA). That was just a tip of the iceberg in consideration to the avalanche of efforts he has put into business, and the lives touched so far.

Born in Kano in 1957, Dangote proudly shuttles between three wonderful tags as the richest man in Nigeria; the richest man in Africa and the richest Black man in the world. He has paid his dues, and mankind is the better for it.

Releasing impacts, Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), the private charitable foundation of Alhaji Aliko Dangote. Incorporated in 1994, as Dangote Foundation, is saddled with the mission to enhance opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and broaden economic empowerment opportunities. 20 years later, the Foundation has become the largest private Foundation in sub-Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor.

The primary focus of ADF is child nutrition, with wraparound interventions centered on health, education and empowerment, and disaster relief. The Foundation also supports stand-alone projects with the potential for significant social impact.

The Foundation works with state and national governments and many highly reputable international and domestic charities, non-governmental organizations and international agencies to advance its humanitarian agenda.

In one of its biggest collaboration to date, Aliko Dangote Foundation started working in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and key northern State Governments in Nigeria from 2013 to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunization in Nigeria.

Worthy of praise is the fact that nearly a decade, the Foundation has spent over N7 Billion in the course of feeding, clothing and the general welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons in the Northeast.

To make his host communities feel at ease, and the impact of his presence, Dangote has embarked on an initiative to provide further support to improving educational systems in Ibeju-Lekki and Epe locality. The educational support initiative is a tripartite programme consisting of scholarship, capacity building for teachers and school infrastructure projects.

In addition, Scholarships have been awarded to 52 secondary school students whilst some financial support was provided to their parents and/or guardians. Tertiary students will be included in the next batch of the scheme.

Furthermore, about 100 teachers, principals and school administrators were trained in teaching techniques for the 21st century. After which they were monitored in class on how they were using the skills acquired.

There is hardly any sector that has not felt the milk of human kindness running through Aliko Dangote; the military, media, politicians, governments across boards and more.

Dangote is surely an asset to this world!

As at today, there is no space for slowing down for Dangote as he continues to trudge on, creating firsts after first for himself and for humanity.

He is blessed with three wonderful daughters, who have followed the rewarding footprints of entrepreneurship.

Congratulations are in order for the African giant, and may he continue enjoy many more laurels as his footprints remain indelible in the sands of time.

Sir, continue to dominate the pages of history books with your impactful strides and results!

Boss Of The Week

Olufemi Oladipo Adelowo: Fresh Honours for West Africa’s First Rheumatologist

Published

1 month ago

April 7, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

In recognition of his efforts, and desire to continue to affect humanity, and leave a lasting impact, West Africa’s first Rheumatologist, Dr. Olufemi Oladipo Adelowo, has once again been honoured with yet another feather on his cap of accomplishments.

Prof Adelowo’s latest feat is his emergence as the winner of the Hall of Labour Foundation (HLF) Role Model Award, an award dedicated to professionals, whose impact in perpetrating their craft has rubbed off on humanity on a positive basis.

According to the organizers, in a letter signed by its Executive Secretary, Patricia Otuedon-Arawore, Prof Adelowo’s award is predicated on his established track of outstanding contributions in the field of medicine.

The letter further noted that “this has set him apart as a great Nigerian role model”.

Adelowo will be crowned with his honours at the 28th anniversary celebration of the Foundation scheduled for May 28, 2025 at the Oriental Hotel, in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The medical expert is not new to awards and honours, however, as he has constantly amassed recognition every step of the as a result of his timeless researches, innovations and discoveries.

It would be recalled that not too long ago, The Ogbomoso Pivotal Club, a group of astute professionals, academics and entrepreneurs, celebrated the first Rheumatologist in West Africa, in addition to calling on the Federal Government to recognise Prof. Adelowo with National Honour for making the country proud.

Prof. Adelowo was recognised for his exceptional contributions to the field of Rheumatology with the prestigious APLAR Master Award, conferred by the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR), making him the first African to be so bestowed.

A distinguished Ogbomoso-born scholar, Adelowo received the award fro APLAR in recognition of his remarkable contributions to rheumatology, particularly in teaching, research, and professional service within the APLAR region.

Adelowo is a medical expert of repute, described as a Professor of Medicine, Consultant Physician, and Rheumatologist. He has held numerous academic and leadership roles both locally and internationally.

He served as the President of the African League of Associations for Rheumatology (AFLAR) from 2014 to 2019 and as chairman of the Executive Committee of the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) from 2015 to 2016.

Throughout his career, Prof. Adelowo has made a significant impact in Nigeria and beyond, establishing rheumatology clinics at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and University of Lagos Teaching Hospital (LUTH). He has supervised over 30 FMCP and FWACP dissertations and trained more than 55 rheumatologists in Nigeria, three of whom are now Professors. Additionally, over 25 of his trainees are consultant rheumatologists in Nigerian teaching and specialist hospitals, while 15 others practise in the USA, Canada, the UK, and Kenya.

The Ogbomoso Pivotal Club, had also at a special event in Lagos, honour and presented Prof Adelowo with a special award in recognition of his achievements and as an inspiration for younger generations to follow in his footsteps.

Describing the Professor at the event, President of the Club, Joel Owoade, said Adelowo was an exemplary leader whose dedication, commitment, and hard work have made him a model for others.

“Professor Adelowo is a shining light, and we are proud to be associated with him. We will continue to celebrate him and others who are making Ogbomoso and Nigeria proud in their careers and service to both the nation and the international community,” Owoade said.

Adelowo’s career path is captured as follows:

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, University Ibadan, Nigeria, 1973

FMCP, Nigerian Postgrad. Medical College, 1982

Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians, W. African Postgrad. Medical Coll, 1993

Senior house officer UCH, Idaban, Nigeria, 1975-1978, senior registrar Nigeria, 1979-1982

Honorary registrar St. Bartholomew Hospital, London, 1980-1982

Senior lecturer, consultant physician U.I.T.H., Nigeria, 1983-1985

Medical director Adeola Specialist Hospital, Nigeria, 1985-1992

Professor medicine, consultant Ogun State University, Nigeria, since 1992

Chairman Post Graduate Medical College Board of Rheumatology

Examiner Nigerian Post Graduate Medical College, West African College of Physicians.

Prof Adelowo is presently a Consultant with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and Arthrimed Specialist Clinic, Ikeja, and he qualifies by scholarship to be addressed as follows: MD, FMCP, FWACP FRCP Edin FRCP (Lond) FAMedS MACR MAPLAR.

The Prof specialises in many foelds of medicine including Rheumatology Osteoarthritis, Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Autoimmune Disease. He also has 115 Publications, 21,100 RReads as well as 2,144 Citations.

Apart from being a renowned professional, he is also a distinguished family man, and is blessed with children.