Boss Picks
Still Earth Construction Thrives on Delivering Qualitative Projects – Managing Director, Col. Vinay Singh (Retd)
By Michael Effiong
Still Earth Construction and Realty is a premier indigenous, diversified company, with an illustrious list of satisfied clients and successful projects; some of its clients include all tiers of government, parastatals, agencies and multinationals.
The company is highly regarded as one of the leading engineering and construction companies in Nigeria with a portfolio of completed projects and satisfied clients that are in both the public and private sectors.
With the company’s headquarters situated at Parkview, Ikoyi, Lagos, Still Earth is committed to developing the country’s infrastructural base by responsibly executing every project it is entrusted with, while creating real benefit for communities it serves by adopting principled and uncompromising approach to its professional and value standards. Its portfolio includes but not limited to roads, bridges, civil works, buildings and fit outs across Nigeria.
In this interview with its Managing Director, Col. Vinay Ashish John Singh (Retd), he reveals what makes the company unique and its future ambitions.
Can we begin with you detailing what areas of the economy Still Earth presently operates?
Still Earth is a company that is into construction. We have been in the construction space for about 10 years and in these 10 years, we have done a variety of projects both for the government both at the Federal and State levels. We have also served sub-contractors to multinationals such as Julius Berger on a number of notable projects. Our completed projects are mainly in building constructions, roads, bridges, civil works for industries, fit-outs for buildings and plants, which we have delivered excellently. The works that we carry out are mainly in the space of infrastructure and realty. We look froward to doing several development works partnering with the government and other companies.
Interesting, having told us about your operations, what makes Still Earth unique?
I feel we have a very strong foundation which stands out. We have solid direction and guidance from our Group Managing Director (GMD), Ms Oyindamola Lami Adeyemi.
She is an individual that has a lot of focus and has instilled in us a lot of discipline, she has a process-driven attitude to work which has been responsible for our steady growth.
We pride ourselves as having a very immaculate type of system which guides our business. We do not compromise on rules. We have strict standard operating procedures on which we run and follow. We follow very detailed designs, we endeavor to give our clients the best results, the best engineering and the best technology. These qualities distinguish us from the rest.
The general impression is that local Nigerian companies usually cut corners and hardly deliver good quality, is Still Earth different?
Yes, we are very different. There are a lot of examples where we have actually improved on the job specification we were given. One recent one that comes to mind was a drainage project we did for Lagos State Government. We improved on what was provided to us by the ministry, we improved on the design, we are looking on how to make it even better through technology since we believe the lifespan of the projects should be up to its designed life. We do not have any issue of recall or cutting corners in our projects. Basically, we deploy the best of manpower, the best of engineering, the best of technology, the best of material and the best of equipment.
That takes me to the vision and mission of Still- Earth?
Our culture, our focus and our sense of corporate social responsibility are captured in our mission and vision which have summarized into the company’s Global Objective which is “To add exceptional, lasting value through our technical expertise, corporate culture and corporate social responsibility to our staff, clients, country and humanity”.
Okay, many companies complain of the tough operating environment here in Nigeria, are you also facing these challenges?
Yes! Nigeria does have unique set of challenges that we face and some of these include the unavailability of technical skills in the manpower. There are challenges of knowhow with the available manpower which means there is a need for training and motivation.
Further, we also have challenges with the working environment that we face in respect of the unique weather, which is often wet and is not too good for our kind of work.
Also, we have challenges in respect of constraints in certain technologies, some of which are not available here and so we have to import them. In addition, we have to bring in expatriates to fulfill certain responsibilities which we would not have done if the experts were available here.
To summaries, we do have challenges, but we have developed processes in our system which enable us to overcome these challenges.
Can you expatiate on how you have been able to overcome these challenges?
Like I was saying, the processes that we have developed have helped. The processes cater for all the shortcomings that we face and the reporting systems that we have put in place are excellent.
Daily reports, system of requisition, purchases, etc. help us take care of the manpower challenges. The technological background of our staff, the expatriates as well as the indigenous staff also helps. We have a robust system of importing items that we require. We have our shippers who deliver on time when required. We have excellent vendors too who provide us with technical expertise when required.
Manpower is a key challenge for many industries and you have just mentioned it too, do you offer internships here, which can actually be a way out?
Yes, we have a program that we are developing that will bring in interns. We have contacted Registrars of eleven leading Universities in Nigeria and we have asked them to provide us candidates whom we can recruit as Graduate Engineering Trainees, who if found suitable can be permanently absorbed into the company. We have looked at the civil departments of these Universities to source for their best talents. We are optimistic that this will reduce our manpower challenges in the future.
That’s a very good one because on the long run, it will benefit you, I have to commend Still Earth for this initiative.
Thank you. Even on social media, we are putting up certain educational posts, memes and infographics that can give information to students about construction and construction practices. We are developing student-friendly content for our social media platforms. It is all geared towards attracting them to our company.
The buzz word in today’s world is the new normal, so how has Still Earth been able to adapt to COVID-19. Has the pandemic affected you?
Yes, it did affect us initially. Around April and May, during the lockdown, most of our projects were stopped due to the restrictions put in place. We were still doing some interior works in buildings, but in the exteriors we could not. But here in the office and on the site, we have put in place the parameters required, we adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols. We have hand sanitizers placed at all strategic locations in the office, we also have temperature check system in place, and we have sanitization every two to three hours of the contact points: railings and door handles etc, our cleaners ensure that this is done.
Also, we have strict rules of wearing face masks in the open office. When we are in company of others, masks are worn.
Onsite, we follow all the protocols too. We have washing points; we have masks being worn by workers who are in proximity of each other. We also have sanitizers placed for workers to sanitize their hands while working, we have provided all the protocols required by the federal and state governments.
You have these protocols on all your sites?
Yes.
Let’s soften up a bit, I would like to meet you, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I have 37 years of work experience. I was an Officer in the Indian Army. I was in the Corps of Engineers which deals with Civil Construction. I am a Civil Engineer. I attended the National Defence Academy, where I obtained a B.Sc. from the Jawahar Lal Nehru University, I also attended, the College of Military Engineering where I obtained a B. Tech and I also have a Post Graduate Diploma in Construction Management from National Institute of Construction Management and Research.
I am a strategic Architect with over three decades of rich experience in Business Process Management, Project Management, Tendering & Contract Management, Operations Management and Quality Assurance.
My experience span across the combat engineering part of the Army where we deal with explosives, mines, operating equipment, road construction, bridges, ferries, buildings, field fortifications, obstacles, barb wires etc. and other skills required in the war scenario.
Then I later had the opportunity to move to government organizations in India. I was seconded to the Border Roads Organization in India which is responsible for the strategic roads required for the Army in the border regions. I was responsible for 420-kilometre roads in a high-altitude mountainous terrain, it was a large project with over 2000 staff and numerous equipment.
I was later seconded to the Indian Coast Guard Headquarters to manage their works pan India. There, I was Works Director and worked closely with the Ministry. I had a lot of experience in dealing with the Government Ministries.
From there, I became the Project Director at the Project Implementation Units in the National Highways Authority of India.
I was responsible for coordinating the construction of the NH-25 & NH-26. Also, I handled the rehabilitation and resettlement of 7800 Project Affected Persons as per Asian Development Bank Standards and handled other key responsibilities in the almost four years that I was there.
I became for a brief period, Commanding Officer, Indian Army 970 Railway Territorial Army Regiment where I managed the construction of the infrastructure at the new location of the regiment with training areas, offices, accommodation, play areas, workshop and classes. I then took voluntary retirement from the Army and joined the private sector.
In the private sector, I have had the opportunity of handling large projects basically in roads. I was the Project Director for an SPV “Simhapuri Expressway Limited”, a DBFOT Project in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. The main assignment was construction and structure the operations of the 181 Km 6 lane highways by formulating the organization and commissioning of the Tolling & Highway Traffic Management System.
My job also included ensuring proper collection of revenue and maintaining the toll collection without hitches.
I went on to work as Project Director, Vindhachal Expressway Pvt Limited in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India where I was given the responsibility to turnaround stalled project by rekindling the financial structure of the sub-contract, revive the quality mechanism of the project by infusing fresh vigor in the project management consultancy and developing an operational structure to prevent overloaded vehicles from plying on the completed highway.
I was also the Head Infra, the Business Head at Lanco Infratech Limited, EPC Division, Gurgaon India where I was reasonable for the P&L for all infrastructure projects and the went on to Autostrade Indian Infrastructure Development Private Limited where I worked as CEO, Pune Solapur Expressway Pvt Ltd, a Highway Development Project in the State of Maharashtra, India.
There, I reorganized the tolling operations, created revised tolling software to refine the tolling process, provided effective leadership and guidance of various teams among other responsibilities. I left in September 2019 to resume at Still Earth.
I should add that at Lanco, I was also the Head of Power Transmission and Distribution, so I had tremendous experience in that respect as well. We had projects in sub-stations, power distribution projects and power transmission projects. There I handled the plant and machinery for the Lanco Group and all mechanical matters too. My father was a Mechanical Engineer, so I have spent my childhood in workshops developing skills in Mechanical Engineering as well. I have a lot of automobile experience too.
So, you have a lot of hands-on experience in all areas of engineering?
Yes. I like to get involved as much as I can.
What attracted you to Nigeria, why did you take up this responsibility after working in India for years?
Actually, right from the time I was still in the Army, I had few opportunities of going abroad but I didn’t have the experience of actually working abroad.
I have travelled a lot, I have been to the US, I have been to the Gulf, I was actually born in Nepal, So, you can say I was born travelling. But I have had no work experience in a foreign country which I always wanted to have.
Therefore when I got this opportunity to come to Nigeria, I knew it will be different from all I have been doing before, I saw it as a good experience for me and an opportunity to deploy my skills in a different environment. I believed it will also give me a perspective of how people do things here.
I felt that it will be different from what I have been doing so I thought it will be good experience and good education for me to learn how people do things other than in my own country.
But I notice something about you, at your last two jobs, you spent just two years, what happened?
Yes, you see, construction is a line where nothing lasts, because if you are on the field, you are selected for a particular project. So, when that project is done, you are sent to another project if the company has another project that is in line with your schedule or you can then move there. There is nothing static in that industry.
My problem was my schedule. Right from 2006, I have been a Project Director, being able to get the position of Project Director in the same company back to back is usually difficult. When your project finishes, you have a choice of waiting for the company to get another project, but I chose to move on to seek work on another project. That is why the tenure is shorter.
You spend averagely two to three years on a project and that is why you take the decision to move on or stay. I believe moving on also gives you varied experiences which is why I usually move on to seek opportunities elsewhere.
I love new challenges and that is why I am now in Nigeria. It helps you in your all-round growth.
How has the experience in the last one year been in Nigeria?
Nigeria is a developing economy, therefore there are a lot of opportunities and areas of improvements which gives you a good challenge and also helps you in developing good skills trying to train people, educate them, and make them understand how things can be done in a better and more organized manner.
So I am taking this opportunity as a good challenge and a good way of using my experience to be able to improve things and that is part of the targets I have set for myself in life, which is to go to a place and try to improve something there. There is this satisfaction you get when you are able to add value anywhere you go.
So, I am quite satisfied with what I am experiencing here. I feel it is a good challenge.
Now I have to ask you about your meeting with the GMD, what kind of person is she?
As I already said while answering your first question, she is such a unique lady. She is a person who has so much drive. So much discipline, she is someone who strives for perfection. She really likes things to be done in a correct manner, she is a role model for all of us and we really appreciate the work environment that she has created here which is rare for people who own businesses.
I feel she really motivates us, keeps us on our toes, she never allows us to relax at all. This is helping us to develop a better Still Earth.
The last time I was here, I saw the cordial relationship that exists here, how she related so warmly with staff
Yes, she’s very informal but still very stern. She complements both sides which makes her a good leader. She takes her business seriously.
Earlier, you indicated that the philosophy that drives you is to always improve anywhere you work, what other philosophies drive you?
Like I said earlier, I like to go to places and make an impact, and ensure there is improvement, I like to see my mark left behind. I like to go somewhere, meet something at a level, and then take it a step better. I also feel blessed that I have a sense of imagination, understanding of process-oriented systems which ensures that things are organized in a better manner.
I believe if I use my skills and experience, and I succeed in the creation of a system which runs without me being physically present, that will be the best. That is what gives me satisfaction, and this is the philosophy that drives me.
Putting something sustainable in place for the success and smooth running of the company is what I strive for all the time.
If I walk into Still Earth today as a client, what would I find that will make me engage your service?
What we guarantee any client that walks in here is mainly detail. There is nothing that we do without deep thought, planning, research and a lot of interaction. We are very deliberate in our approach.
I will give you a simple example, on site, if we have a carpenter, our carpenter should have a carpenter’s pencil not a normal pencil, we are that thorough and detailed.
The second thing that we offer clients is engineering. With my vast experience and the experience of our team and Project Managers, we have a pool of experience that there is no type of project that we have not encountered, which gives us the ability to give expert advice to clients. With us, you can get top engineering concepts, design improvements etc.
The third is quality. We have a quality system that we follow strictly. We have methodologies which we use at all our projects. When we get a project, we develop the methodology, we handle the quality processes, testing processes, so quality is assured at Still Earth.
Last but not the least is that we are economical. We try to develop a project in such a way that we do not waste anything. We always look for the best solution before we start. We offer the best for the least cost. Quality as you know comes with a price. But we do not overdo it. We do not encourage waste, we do not add anything that is unnecessary, and we offer the best solutions all the time.
I know Still Earth is not a project like your previous appointments, I believe you are not coming here for a two-year period, so where do you see Still Earth in 5 years?
In five years, Still Earth will be a bigger company. We are targeting turnovers which will be in billions. Already the target that I have myself is huge monthly. I see a situation where we will be having eight to ten projects running simultaneously. I am looking at us getting involved in very large projects, we would have established regional offices in South West, South South and in the North also. With each office handling 2 to 3 projects from their base.
I will say in 5 years about 15 projects at one time including the North if the situation improves and surely a few projects in other African countries.
Which parts of Nigeria have you travelled to since your arrival?
I have been to Uyo which is in the South South, I have been on a road trip to all the South West states: Ondo, Osun, Oyo and Ogun, repeatedly, I have travelled to Ibadan many times because we had a project there. Of course, I have been to the Federal Capital, Abuja. I move around quite a lot.
Have you tried Nigerian jollof?
(Smiles heartily) Yes, I have. I have tried some stews and soups. It is a little spicy for my palate, but it is okay. It is tasty.
How do you want to round off?
I wish we can carry on excellently with the guidance of our GMD with the line of business that we have chosen and get involved in good projects.
I pray that we can get out of this pandemic in good time so we can deliver big projects to our clients and continue to grow and succeed.
By Eric Elezuo
The tears were palpable. The grief was tangible, and emotions ran high as the 41 years old, Philip Neilson Charles Taylor Jr, son of former President of Liberia, Charles Ghankay Taylor, and former Vice President of Liberia, Jewel Howard-Taylor, was laid to rest in Monrovia, Liberia.
The events, which gathered and reunited the best of Liberian elites, spanned an activity-filled four days, creating an atmosphere of united-in-grief.
With two former presidents, Mrs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Dr. George Opong Weah, joining the incumbent president, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, in solidarity with the parents of the deceased, who also were top executive members of government at different levels and different times, the atmosphere was quickly charged with the colours of Liberia, and the tears of a nation greatly bereaved.
Born on September 2, 1984, the young Charles Taylor lived till January 20, 2026, when he succumbed to a respiratory ailment at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia, Liberia. He was aged 41, and survived by his mum and dad, and five children among brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, and other relatives. He was the only child of his mum, Mrs. Howard-Taylor.
He was a graduate of Political Science from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences of the African Methodist Episcopal University, and a recipient of many awards, cutting across orthodox, academic and social cares.
The funeral obsequies kicked off in earnest on Wednesday at the County Administrative Building Gbarnga City, Bong County, Liberia, where dignitaries gathered to eulogise life and times in what appeared to be a Service of Songs and Tributes, in addition to Lying-in-State of the beloved of the son, after the initial removal from A. Stryker Funeral Home. The body three other stops at diverse locations before returning.
Conducted by General Overseer & Founder
Peace Praise Full Gospel Church, Apostle Dr. Lucy C. H. Bulgar, with the theme, “THE GRAVE AWAITS YOU”, the solemn dovetailed into sections of quiet eulogy, praises, songs and special presentations.
Taking his text from II Corinthians 5: 10, which says For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad, and Hebrews 9: 27, which says, And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment, Apostle Bulgar led the congregation through redecorating themselves to God as death is inevitable.
With Life Reflections of deceased read by his son, Charles Ghankay Taylor IV, the floor was opened for high profile tributes by the Liberian President, Vice President, Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, former presidents Sirleaf and Weah, the National 55th Legislature, Chairman, Ovation Media Group and former Presidential Candidate, Chief Dele Momodu, Founder, African Women Leadership Organization, Hon. Elisha Attai.
Tributes were also received from major political parties; The National Patriotic Party of Liberia and The Mighty Congress for Democratic Chang as well as from churches, institutions, organisations, members of the immediate and extended families and his children.
Below are excerpts of the memorial tributes from the deceased’s parents:
A MOTHER’S MEMORIAL TRIBUTE BY JEWEL HOWARD-TAYLOR
My beloved son,
Philip Neilson Charles Taylor
There are no words strong enough to describe the pain of standing here today. No mother is ever prepared to say goodbye to her only child. You were my heart walking outside my body, my greatest blessing, and my deepest love.
Philip, from the moment you came into my life, you changed everything. You gave me purpose beyond measure and a love so pure it reshaped my soul. You were my joy in quiet moments, my pride in your growth, and my comfort in times when life felt overwhelming.
Your smile carried warmth. Your presence brought peace. Your spirit carried gentleness and strength all at once. You were thoughtful, kind, and full of promise. You loved deeply, and you were deeply loved. Losing you has left a space that nothing on this earth can fill.
As your mother, my heart is broken. There are days when the grief feels unbearable, when the silence where your laughter once lived feels too heavy to carry. Yet even in this pain, I remain grateful to God for the gift of you for every moment, every memory, every embrace, and every lesson you unknowingly taught me about love, patience, and faith.
Though your life on this earth was far too short, your impact was lasting. You mattered. You were seen. You were cherished. And you will never be forgotten. Philip, I release you now into God’s eternal arms, trusting that you are at peace, free from pain, resting in divine light. While I must walk this journey without you by my side, I carry you forever in my heart. Sleep on, my precious son.
Rest in eternal peace.
Until the day we meet again.
– Mama –
A FATHER’S TRIBUTE TO HIS SON BY CHARLES GHANKAY TAYLOR I
A TRIBUTE IN PRAYER FROM FORMER PRESIDENT H. E. DAHKPANHAN DR. CHARLES GHANKAY TAYLOR I, ON THE OCCASION OF THE LOST OF HIS BELOVED SON, PHILIP NEILSON CHARLES TAYLOR.
As we gather here today to celebrate the life of my son, Philip Neilsen Charles Taylor, let us begin with thanksgiving and blessing to the Most High God- the King of the Universe – the righteous Judge who is true and perfect in all His works. For all His ways are justice. He is a God of faithfulness, without iniquity, righteous and fair, and we thank Him for the blessings He bestowed upon Philip during his sojourn on this earth.
Now, let us bless the Lord our God. Blessed are You, O Lord my God, King of the Universe.
I thank You, the God of my forefathers, forever and ever. You are the Rock of my life and the Shield of my salvation from generation to generation. You are the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. You give us life, and You uphold us to continue to do Your will and to serve You wholeheartedly. Amen and Amen.
Philip… Philip…
Your father cannot be here today to say goodbye to you personally as you journey onward to your eternal home. But he has sent your sister, Charen Zally, to read these words so that you may know what is in his heart:
“My son, I love you. There were rocky and difficult steps along the way, but life itself is a battle. As you travel on, let not your soul be troubled. Your mother and I now release you into the infinite mercy and perfect will of the Lord God.
We forgive you for any time you may have angered us or sinned against us whether against our property, our honor, or in any way whether accidentally, carelessly, or intentionally; whether through speech, deed, thought, or intention; whether in this life or beyond. We forgive you fully.
May it be the will of the Lord our God and the God of our forefathers that whatever sins you may have committed before Him, may He, in His great mercy, forgive you, cleanse you, and receive your soul in peace.”
O God our Father, we plea that you blot out his transgressions in Your abundant mercies, but not through suffering as he journeys to Your eternal world. Amen.
Philip, our dearly beloved son, was a blessed young man. His father, Dr. Charles Ghankay Taylor, served as President of this glorious and blessed nation. His mother, Honorable Jewel Howard-Taylor, also served as Vice President at a different period, with great honor and distinction.
We bless God that Philip was given to us for a season and has now been summoned home to be with Him.
He is in a better place. And so, we are not here today to mourn without hope. I do not question the quality of the judgment of Almighty God.
Who can say to God, “What are You doing?” No one.
For God alone rules above and below. He gives life and permits death; He brings down to the grave and raises up.
O Most High God, You are righteous. You gave Philip to us, and You have taken him back. Blessed be Your holy name.
With righteousness in Your right hand and correction in Your left, You judge Your creation.
We accept Your judgment for you are the knower of all mysteries and keeper of all secrets.
And now O God our Rock, we plead for mercy. Do not set our iniquities before You.
O God, Relent your anger concerning us, Your servants. Let not our trespasses bring separation between You and us.
Have mercy on the remnant of our family, the flock of Your hand.
And say to the angel of death, “Hold back your hand.”
O God in your infinite mercy, show us your mercy and kindness, and do not erase our memory from before your throne.
To you alone we honor and glorify in Jesus precious name.
Amen.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this is not a sight any parent should ever have to see.
It is a very, very bitter pill to swallow.
This pain is deep.
It is personal.
My grief is sharper because of many variables surrounding this loss.
I know that perhaps millions of people-here at home, in the diaspora, and across our world-have experienced this kind of sudden flood of unanticipated emotion and though I am not easily moved to tears, I must admit that I am overcome with deep grief.
It hurts. Yes, it truly hurts.
For Parents are not meant to bury the fruit of their own loins. It should be the other way around.
Yet God understands this mystery. He is just. He knows best.
To our families, I say: let us celebrate his life, because God alone knows the absolute truth about His creation. We, as human beings, understand only relative truth through our finite minds.
And perhaps more importantly, we must realize that Philip is not “dead,” but has been born into a new life with Almighty God.
Death, in its deepest sense, is not the end-even in the relative sense.
He is now journeying to higher planes of existence for ages upon ages. The universe is our home, and before the end of time, we will explore its farthest reaches.
Even now, we dwell within the infinite mind of Almighty God, and our possibilities remain infinite both in time and in space.
And at the end of the grand cycle of the ages, God will gather us unto Himself. Then we shall know the whole truth-the truth of being at one with Him.
Philip will be there. And we will meet again.
And I say to Jewel: we loved Philip deeply, but God loved him more and has called him home. Rest in your faith that it is well.
To Philip’s children, his brothers and sisters, his aunts, cousins, nieces, and all his extended family: I assure you that he is safe and protected with the Almighty – the “Knower of All Mysteries.”
In moments like this, we must examine ourselves in quiet retrospection. Reflection is necessary as we try to understand this great mystery of life and death. As it is often said: the past is a statement; the future is a question.
In closing, on behalf of our bereaved families all of them and in my own name, I extend heartfelt thanks; to the President of our nation, President Joseph Boakai and his family; members of his government; former officials of government, bishops, pastors, deacons, laymen and laywomen; the Imam and members of the Muslim community; our chiefs, elders, zoes, and our ancient ancestors the custodians of the land; and all the people of our unique Liberia, our “coat of many colors.”
We also thank nationals of foreign lands and members of the diplomatic community for their expressions of sympathy and condolences in this time of profound grief.
Shalom.
Rest in peace, Phil.
Rise in glory.
May flights of angels sing you to your rest.
Amen.
A TRIBUTE: WE CELEBRATE A UNIQUE AND EXTRAORDINARY SON – CHIEF DELE MOMODU
Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. Due to time constraints, please, permit me to stand on already established protocols.
I have come from Nigeria to join families and friends of the TAYLORS OF LIBERIA, not to mourn and inter CHARLES TAYLOR JR., but to celebrate their unique and extraordinary son, an only child of my very dear friend and Sister, former Vice President, DR JEWEL HOWARD-TAYLOR, one of Africa’s most notable leaders of the 21st century.
In our grief, let’s not forget to thank God for this special gift. At 42, Charles has succeeded in reuniting the wonderful people of Liberia. Look around this gathering and see the array of the creme de la creme of society, the rich, the poor, there’s no discrimination. We are all one held together by Almighty God. That is the privilege Charles has granted us on this auspicious day. On a personal note, it has taken Charles to bring me back, the Kiazolu of Grand Cape Mount County, to Monrovia.
Let me leave this congregation with a food for thought. In celebrating Charles, let’s remember the popular Yoruba adage which tells us that the death that takes away our neighbours and contemporaries is only
reminding us that our own will come, sooner or later. The reason we must all make the world a better place…
Thank you and God bless the Republic of Liberia.
SHORTLY before the end of the service, the father of the deceased made a special of a song with the title, “Hold back the Night”, and which was rendered by a A joint assembly of the New Life Mission Choir and, The National Evangelical Mass Choir of Liberia.
The congregation was thereafter permitted to view the remains of Philip Neilson as the service came to an end.
The funeral rites continued the next day at Peace Praise Gospel Ministries, Barnesville Township, Montserrado County, Liberia, where the congregation erupted in more songs and tribute to the memory of the deceased.
On the night of the same day, a Wake Service was organised at the Harvest International Cathedral, Tubman Blvd., Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia.
The remains of Philip Neilson were finally committed to mother-earth after a funeral service at the Harvest International Cathedral, Tubman Blvd., Congo Town, in Monrovia, Liberia, with close family members and friends in attendance, and conducted by His Eminence Archbishop Nicolas Duncan-Williams, of the African Chapel International, Accra, Ghana, and supported by other eminent spiritual leaders including Archbishop Isaac A. Winker of the Isaac Winker Global Ministeries International.
Philip Neilson was buried at the Shiata Flowers and Vaults Cemetery, Lower Careysburg, Monrovia.
Charles Taylor Jr may have died, and been buried, but his death has become a unifying force for the Liberians as the crème de la crème of the nation were brought together irrespective of political alienation or differences, as one indivisible people.
By Eric Elezuo
The idea behind one of Nigeria’s elevated private higher institution of learning, the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) is not only humongous, but filled with classy intentions, beautiful landscape, and professionalism in tutelage and character molding.
A visit to this great citadel of learning is not a one day affair, cause no one can see ABUAD in One day; not even in one week, one month or a year, as this reporter can attest to. ABUAD is huge. ABUAD is large. ABUAD is an institution beyond the literary definition. ABUAD is a dream projected to last a lifetime, and it has not failed to live up to billing.
Navigating through the bustling streets of Ado-Ekiti via the centre of Ekiti Parapo Arena, and into the gracious Olusegun Obasanjo Way enroute Aye Ekiti, the institution is situated at an altitude of over 1,500 feet, and located on a 130-hectare piece of land; large enough to birth a kingdom, and accommodate whatever facility dreamt of.
The Boss learnt that the institution was established to address the mismatch between academic programmes and the demands of the labour market in Nigeria.
Established in 2009, in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, by a distinguished legal icon, academic pillar and seasoned entrepreneur, Prof Afe Babalola, ABUAD has distinguished itself as a force to reckon with in the fields of research and training, developing and churning out creative minds, who have constituting a megaforce in global development.
By the benefit of hindsight, the University offers Academic programmes in seven Colleges: Sciences, Law, Engineering, Social and Management Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Pharmacy and Postgraduate Studies. Beyond the academic ratings, ABUAD boasts of the very best of facilities for health, recreation, environmental, electricity, agriculture and more. It is also a centre of academic discipline with academic and non-academic staff of repute, whose stock-in-trade remain the production of all-round, well-tutored and easy-to-fit personality.
The institution is managed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Smaranda Olarinde, which academic and administrative catalogue is quiet envious to behold.
By every standard, the institution merits its Time Higher Education (THE) Impact ranking as at 2025 as the 84th in the world, 3rd in Africa and 1st in Nigeria. Great feat!
The Engineering College, one of the foremost architectural intelligence on the ABUAD land, is built on three and half acres of land, and is reputed to be one of the largest in Africa. The college was inaugurated by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Campuses
Admission requirement
The admission requirement for the school varies between the different colleges. However, as with all Nigerian universities, for undergraduate programs the candidate is required to have at least 5 credits in subjects such as mathematics, English language and any other three subjects that are relevant to the course of study. The student is required to have passed the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), after which the candidate is expected to take an oral interview with an academic staff of the prospective college before admission can be given. The university also offers direct entry admission to students who wish to transfer from another university or have undergone either an Advanced Level program or a degree foundation program. The level at which they are admitted into is decided by the college and varies among them.
Undergraduate colleges
The university operates a collegiate system and has six major colleges. They are the College of Engineering, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Sciences, College of Law, College of Social and Management Sciences, and College of Pharmacy. Some of the colleges offer post graduate programme in some departments.
The College of Law
The College of Law is fully accredited by the National University Commission (NUC) of Nigeria. The college consists of fully furnished classrooms, a common room, a library containing law journals and articles, and a moot court for students to have court practice sessions. There are a number of student chambers in the college backed by a staff mentor who battle against each other in moot court sessions. Associate Prof. Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde (FCAI) is the pioneer provost of the college of Law and is still the current provost of the college; she is also the acting vice chancellor of the university. The College of Law, which is regarded as one of the best law colleges in Nigeria, offers both undergraduate and post-graduate degrees (master’s level) in law.
The College of Engineering
The college of engineering was accredited by both the NUC and COREN during their one-week visit to the college. The main engineering building which houses laboratories, a central engineering library, lecturer rooms, an auditorium, a central engineering workshop and a certified Festo training center. The engineering building is named after the former Nigerian president Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and was commissioned by him on 20 October 2013 during the university’s first convocation ceremony. Prof. Israel Esan Owolabi served as the pioneer provost of the college of engineering; he stepped down from the post in 2015 and he is currently engaged in teaching activities in the electrical/electronics engineering programme.
Academic programs
- B.Eng. Mechanical Engineering
- B.Eng. Mechatronic Engineering
- B.Eng. Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- B.Eng. Petroleum Engineering
- B.Eng. Civil Engineering
- B.Eng. Chemical Engineering
- B.Eng. Computer Engineering
- B.Eng. Agricultural Engineering
- B.Eng. Biomedical Engineering
- B.Eng. Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
The College of Sciences
The College of Sciences is one of the pioneer colleges of the university after the university’s approval by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC). The university admitted students at inception on 4 January 2010.
Academic programs
- B.Sc. Microbiology
- B.Sc. Human Biology
- B.Sc. Biotechnology
- B.Sc. Biochemistry
- B.Sc. Chemistry
- B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry
- B.Sc. Computer Science
- B.Sc. Geology.
- B.Sc. Physics with Electronics
- B.Sc. Physics
- B.Sc. Petroleum Chemistry
- B.Arch Architecture
The College of Social and Management Sciences
At inception, on 4 January 2010 the university admitted students into the College of Social and Management Sciences, being one of the pioneer colleges of the university. The session ran smoothly without hitches from 4 January to August 2010. The second session of the university started on October 4, 2010, with over 1,000 students. So far the, university has maintained strict compliance with its academic calendar which makes it possible for students to pre-determine their possible date of completion of their programmes even before enrolment. It has been the policy of the university to post on-line students’ results within 24hours of approval by the Senate.
Academic programs
- B.Sc. Economics
- B.Sc. Accounting
- B.Sc. Banking and Finance
- B.Sc. Business Administration
- B.Sc. Tourism and Events Management.
- B.Sc. Political Science
- B.Sc. International Relations and Diplomacy
- B.Sc. Peace and Conflict Studies
- B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies
- B.Sc. Social Justice
- B.Sc. Communication and Media Studies
- B.Sc. Marketing
- B.Sc. Entrepreneurship
- B.Sc. Sociology
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences
The college commenced activities in October 2011 having been approved by National Universities Commission.
Academic programs
- Medicine and Surgery (M.B.B.S)
- B.NSc. Nursing Sciences
- B.MLS. Medical Laboratory Science
- B.Sc. Anatomy
- B.Sc. Physiology
- B.Sc. Human Nutrition and Dietetics
- B.Sc. Pharmacology
- B.Sc. Public Health
- Pharm.D Pharmacy
- B.DS. Dentistry
- OD. Optometry
The College of Arts and Humanities
Academic programs
- B. A. Performing Arts
- B. A. English
- B. A. History and International Studies
- B. A. Linguistics
The College of Agriculture
Academic programs
- B. Agric. Animal Science
- B. Agric. Agricultural Economics
- B. Agric. Extension Education
- B. Agric. Crop Science
- B. Agric. Soil Science
Postgraduate college
The university operates a collegiate system and has five major Postgraduate colleges. They are the College of Engineering, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Sciences, College of Law and College of Social and Management Sciences.
ABUAD INDEPENDENT POWER PROJECT
To harness thorough academic and character building, the institution is operated off the national grid as it is run on its own power project, with a dam that powers its electrical needs.
HEALTH AND AGRICULTURE
ABUAD operates of the best medical schools and facilities in the country as it boasts of almost all equipment, space and atmosphere for sundry medical conditions, with reputable medical personnel to complement the environment.
In the vein, the institution runs a developed farming culture, that accommodates rearing of livestock and production of cash and food crops.
The farm sits on a large expanse of loamy soil, complimented with consistent flow of irrigation and drainage, and maintained with the classic of horticulture. The settlement is run by a team of professionals made up of Agroeconomists, horticulturist and more.
It is also worth knowing that the school has its Cassava Processing Factory just as it operates a self sustaining Carbonated Drink Factory.
ABUAD practically offers everything!
ABUAD’S FOUNDER, AARE AFE BABALOLA
Born in 1929, Aare Afe Babalola SAN is one of the most distinguished legal luminaries of his generation, renowned both in Africa and globally for his profound contributions to the legal profession and the advancement of education. With over five decades of uninterrupted legal practice, Aare Babalola’s career is a testament to exceptional dedication, strategic advocacy, and visionary leadership.
A highly accomplished advocate, he has led some of the most celebrated cases in Nigerian legal history, representing high-profile clients, including government institutions, multinational corporations, and individuals. His advocacy spans domestic and international courts, including contributions as a consultant to the Federal Government of Nigeria, World Bank, and various conglomerates. His extensive experience includes his role in arbitration, both locally and internationally, where he remains a respected authority. Aare Babalola has appeared in numerous landmark cases, shaping Nigerian jurisprudence and establishing himself as one of the nation’s most formidable legal minds.
His influence goes beyond the courtroom. As the Founder of Afe Babalola & Co. (Emmanuel Chambers), one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, Aare Babalola has trained over 300 lawyers, including 14 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), judges, and attorneys-general, making his chambers one of the most significant contributors to the legal profession in Nigeria. His exceptional litigation skills and legal acumen earned him the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1987, cementing his place at the pinnacle of legal practice in the country.
A renowned scholar and author, Aare Babalola has authored several authoritative legal texts, including Injunctions and Enforcement of Orders and Law and Practice of Evidence in Nigeria. His contributions to legal education extend to teaching at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and delivering lectures at prestigious universities such as the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan. His popular column, YOU AND THE LAW, published in the Nigerian Tribune, reflects his commitment to educating the public on legal matters.
Beyond his legal practice, Aare Babalola has made extraordinary strides in education. His experience as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos (2001-2007) exposed him to the declining standards of education in Nigeria, spurring him to establish Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
ABUAD has quickly become a beacon of academic excellence, setting new standards in Nigeria’s educational system. His efforts in education have been recognized globally, with numerous honorary degrees from universities, including the University of London, University of Lagos, and Ekiti State University.
Aare Babalola’s leadership in academia and law has earned him numerous accolades, including the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and international recognition such as the Queen Victoria Commemorative Award at the Socrates Awards in Oxford, UK. He was named Africa Man of the Year on Food Security and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Management by the Federal University of Technology, Akure. His groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire generations of lawyers and leaders across Africa and beyond.
In addition to his legal and educational contributions, Aare Babalola remains a committed philanthropist and advocate for reform in various sectors. His vast experience, unmatched expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him not only a legal icon but also a trailblazer in the fight for quality education and justice.
Key Achievements:
- Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), 1987.
- Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).
- Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
- Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Lagos (2001-2007).
- Founder and Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
- Queen Victoria Commemorative Award winner, Oxford UK.
- Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
- Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of London, Ekiti State University, University of Lagos, and more
ABUAD is a legacy, just like its Founder, Afe Babalola SAN.
Photos: Ben Osei and Ken Ehimen
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