Boss Of The Week
Why We Are Celebrating All Former Daily Times MDs – Fidelis Anosike
By Eric Elezuo
He is an epitome of administration and goal getting. He is Mr. Fidelis Anosike, the Group Chairman of Folio Media Group and Publisher of the respected Daily Times range of publications. In this interview, the administrator par excellence revealed the intricate nature of himself, the intrigues towards the acquisition of Nigeria’s oldest newspaper, his political future as well as other sundry issues in today’s Nigeria. Here are excerpts:
Kindly introduce yourself
My name is Fidelis Anosike. I am the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Folio Media Group. The group comprises Folio Communications Plc, which is responsible for the acquisition of Daily Times of Nigeria Limited. There is also Folio Media Group, which has access to the technology space and also doing a consolidated media offering with clients. The third leg of the group is the FMG, which is an investment company versed in media and creativity. We also have as part of that Folio Media and Creative Academy, which is also working in tandem with relevant authorities or bodies or companies to train journalists. The aim of that company is to train 50, 000 journalists in the next five years.
Does the Creative African Xchange perform the same function
No, that is Folio Media and creative Academy. The Creative African Xchange is part of the Folio Media Group. It is part of the initiative we are trying to use to consolidate the continental space of the creative industry.
Can you shed more light on October 1st Limited and Miss Nigeria as offshoots of Folio Media Group
October 1st Limited is a publishing company that we set ip in 2007 to publish the birth of Nigeria. So it has evolved overtime because we have done over 10 different publications on Nigeria and state government, and it also went ahead in 2014 to give birth to a global public perception movement for Nigeria called Nigeria, Our Heritage. This was launched at the Kennedy Centre, and it was the first ever African event at the Kennedy Centre, Washington DC on the sideline of Obama African heads of Government meeting. What we are trying to do with October 1st and Nigeria, Our Heritage is to see how we can transition the love of Nigerian to love of Nigeria. We saw a gap there in terms of countries, so we want to create a platform that will enable us to use, especially Nigerians in the Diaspora to drive the love for country because at the end of the day, other countries spend tons and tons of millions of dollars in country branding. Even the United States spends up to $240 million annually to brand their country. You see, once you are in Europe, you take a 30 per cent cut. If Aliko Dangote steps into a loop in New York, and says he is a Nigerian, he takes a 30 per cent minus. That is huge! That’s one of the reasons our national development is funded because our brand, the brand Nigeria has so much deteriorated. Why? There are so many reasons: political instability, military government of thirty something years, advanced fee fraud, imperialistic gang up and many more. So you can see the reason it has happened over the years. There is always a reason for everything. So we as Nigerians, what are we doing to change this for the future because people only do business with people who they trust. Without that trust, we cannot have foreign direct investment coming to Nigeria. You can have $10 billion like in Lagos State, and you are happy, but you could have $100 billion. You can begin to see how that affects national security, issue of banditry and so on. The problem is image. Nobody wants to do business with anybody that is dirty. If you wear a dirty cloth, you become non attractive. There are options; people can sit down in new York and put their money in Scottish windows or savings account and make returns. But if you want people to come from China or America, you must present yourself in a way that even give them the opportunity to fly down in the first place before they can find out there are challenges.
There are challenges everywhere. Afghanistan, which is probably receiving more investment than Nigeria even as they are a war torn country. So it is a matter of how you package yourself as a country. Nigerians must help to improve the whole because when the whole collapses, the part, which may be fantastic, will automatically collapse. That is what October 1st is doing. It is a big project. We just recently partnered with Nigeria Diaspora Commission, and in October, we will start an immersion programme, which is going to bring 100 very young Nigerians from all the Ivy League schools in the Diaspora and bring them to Nigeria. We will train them on issues of national development and deployed them to about 100 companies, and see what Nigerians are doing right. We know that a lot of things are going wrong, but let’s amplify the right ones and let’s also inculcate into the young people. So, it is going to be a deliberate effort to raise 1000 people young people that can become advocates for the country Nigeria. The only thing we are going to do is positive and we can see the reverse impact. This is what October 1st is all about. This is a positive national development platform
Can you please trace your background a little. How did all start
My father was an Inspector of Police. I got into the university by drawing portraits so I am a graphic and creative artist. I graduated from the University of Benin. I tell people that creative industry is not just my passion; it is my job. From there, I went on to do a lot of high profile courses at the Harvard Business school among which is a three years management course. I am a Harvard alumnus, and being there also opened my eyes to how things are run properly.
At 24 years, I established Folio Communications, which went on to acquire Daily Times of Nigeria, the oldest surviving newspaper in Nigeria. I regard myself as a creative and communication player. And since then, I have been trying to see the much I can do with the resources available to me both access to capital and knowledge. I also have investments in other areas such as water, renewable energy, and I am also financing some global companies on major research on mobility and renewable energy space.
You founded Folio Communications at 24, how did it happen
All we need to do as human beings is pray for God to give us consciousness. If you can get consciousness at 10; you can get consciousness at 30; you can get consciousness at 70. If you pray for the grace of God, you can get consciousness early. I think I was lucky to get consciousness early. How did I found Folio at 24? I had an uncle of mine that worked with the Central Bank, and he introduced me to the Head of Communication, Mr Bolarinwa of blessed memory, and Mr. Amobi, and they allowed me to bid. At that time, when they want to make a christmas card or something like that, they make it open, and whoever wins, that is if they pick your design, you wil be asked to go and do packaging. I won on three occasions, and the price for each was N14,500. With that, I was able to get my office, and went to create ecosystem of my friends that studied graphics with me. Whenever I secure a company that needs our services, we all apply, and as fate would have it, we always win. Together we won on many occasions for companies like FirstBank, NNPC, CBN. That was how I was able to build up capital to go into communication business. I created a standard for myself and friends and became a relationship manager for them because they were all in a paid job. We collaborated each time there was a bid. Whoever’s design was chosen shares with others. It was a case of all for one, one for all. I designed, structured and produced all the diaries NNPC is using today. This one has Nigerian idioms. I gave it local content. All because of the love we have for the country. I am fully Nigerian; and I am proud of my ethnicity as an Igbo man. If there is no Nigeria, there will be no Igbo. None of us chose to be here, but we are here. No one chose his father or mother, and so cannot restructure his parents. We must not use all the energy we have to think of how to dethrone what we had no hand in creating. In the past 60 years, we have been talking about restructuring; if we had used that same energy for better things. Both Obasanjo and Jonathan had the opportunity to restructure, but they didn’t. Now, Buhari is here and you are asking him to do this and do that when you couldn’t do anything when you were there.
If all the presidents we have had, had taken up one thing and build on it, it would have been better. Obasanjo should have picked one place and convert it to Eldorado, and same with Jonathan. If they accuse you of ethnicity, it doesn’t matter. Babangida did it with Abuja on the pretense that Lagos was not safe. That was purely an ethnic agenda. And today, everyone is enjoying Abuja, and no one remembers it was an Hausa man that built it. So it doesn’t matter. It will bring about economic development. With economic development, there will be no banditry. The question is why are we even talking about these things? The answer is for years, we have all been sitting down. The governors of the states were busy manipulating local governments, collecting security votes and doing nothing with them, and nobody made a sound. There are consequences for inaction. What is happening today is a consequence of long time inaction; of doing the wrong thing, and not having ideas for doing the right thing. Most of the governors were busy building airports they don’t need, but neglected the primary schools that are supposed to train people that would shape the future. They neglected education, and dwelt on less important things. So when you lose empathy, you start approaching things from the middle. That explains why conspiracy theory comes in. Then someone will start accusing Fulani herdsmen. Those cows they rear are owned by politicians; the herdsmen are just transporters. The cows are expensive, so in the same way a bullion van carrying N5 million goes about with armed escort, well…
When exactly was Folio Communications established
That should be in 1991. In 2004, Daily Times was put up for sale. Before then, they have tried to sell the shares through public offer through the stock exchange, but it failed. So they resorted to Core Investor Sales, which refers to a situation where whoever buys it, manages it. Then we were already a thriving communication company, and so felt that we needed a media voice and had to create a media company. Even then, I was already involved in some creative works for ThisDay, and that was how I met Chief Dele Momodu. I had a lot of background knowledge. I reasoned that if I had to make my dream known, I needed a media voice. So I entered the bid as the only company involved, others were through consultants. We were pre-qualified, and made a deposit of $10,000 and put in our technical bid. We were number one. We actually scored 81 per cent. This terrain was known to me. I learnt under the Dele Momodu and Nduka Obaigbena; these are men who are far ahead of their time. I’m sure that until Dele celebrated 60, people may have been thinking he was 90, and so was Nduka. They are my pillars including Akanbi Aduba, when it comes to how I was able to understand Nigeria and how it works. I connected with their energy which was infectious.
At that point I already had $1 million for the bid bond. This is a security for your integrity, and so no bank will lend you money for bid. You can only finance it with equity. It is money you lose if at the end of the day, you did not pay. Daily Times Bid Bond then was N100 million. You know they have earlier tried selling it via shares, hoping people will buy and someone will acquire the majority, but nobody came in. This was because the media industry in Nigeria is not bankable; it has not been restructured so it doesn’t have capital flowing into it. We bided N1.25 billion. In the first place, we bided N327 million, secondly, we bided eight hundred and something million. In all they were about N500 million above us. But we knew the bid was in two rounds. In the second round, we bided N1.25 billion, and we won.
When we bought Daily Times, its liability was N1.9 billion; the assets was N2.3 billion; the enterprise value was N700 and something million. We bought Daily Times at almost twice the price the government was hoping to get. It is on record, and I was 35 years old then. This underscores what you can do when you believe in Nigeria. I can bet money that things can work in Nigeria. Normally, nobody will give an Igbo man to buy Daily Times.
Daily Times have had seven managing directors and top executives from southwest. The company was created by Adeyemo Alakija and the group. It went on to have Alhaji Babatunde Jose, Aremu Segun Osoba, Tunde Oseni, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi and the rest of them from the southwest. As far as people were concerned, Daily Times was the biggest mouthpiece for the country. At one time, Babatunde Jose was asked if he would run for president, and he said he was already chairman of Daily Times. That was how big Daily Times was. It was the fourth estate of the realm.
Because I did appreciate the enormity of what I took upon my shoulder when I took it over, the commercial problems arising from property though I’m a property person as an aside. The only I own in Abuja was bought with my money. No government or minister to claim to have given me anything. There were about 400 staff in the company then, and money from government was not going to be coming anymore. So we had to restructure. We had to downsize, and fought with the union for two years. during the fight with the union, the business was closed down. Then Hallmark Bank, which loaned us the money took over the company. We didn’t recover the company through legal means until September, 2007. So, I acquired the company in 2004, it was hijacked by Hallmark Bank. Everyone was interested in the assets and no one will thinking about the liabilities. We had to go to court. There was this man who joined us at Folio Communications; his mission was to revive it, and put it on the same pedestal as New York Times. He employed people from all walks of life; both Nigerians and Africans to make it a model. We knew that without a dominant and strong media organisations in Nigeria, the issues of national development will fail. That is why in America, we have Fox, CCN etc on their ideological beliefs, and tied to politics. Without a strong media, there will be fragmentation, and that explains why the masses don’t have a voice – an ideological voice then becomes commercialised and a merchandise. We wanted to make Daily Times what it used to be. Thereafter, all sorts of people started taking us to court. All these people came from third parties because I acquired Daily Times alone with nobody’s assistance. Like the typical Nigeria, everything is contentious not to talk of when you acquire a national asset. We adapted to many things in the cause of all these. So the first Times Heroes Awards we did was massively supported. We interacted with many governors in the process. You see what Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is doing today. We are proud of him. We were the only one that saw the character the man brought with him from day one, and gave him award. We gave award to people like Bello of Kogi State. You know sometimes you have to encourage people with potential or you lose them. What makes you tough is working and performing in tough circumstance like Wike. And that why people respect Aliko Dangote, because walking out on Aliko is walking out on Nigeria. When his refinery starts operation, 90,000 people will be employed. It is about job, job, job – that is what will bring international development. We use Dangote cement, GB tomato and Kebbi rice without remembering that they are owned by Fulanis – they are not just herders. There is good in every part of the country, and in everybody.
Why did you retain the name Daily Times after acquiring it? Is it because of the its influence
No, it is not because of the influence. Daily Times owns the largest archives. it is 95 years now, and will be 100 years in five years. How many media companies in Nigeria is 100 years. Daily Times is beyond a newspaper company. It was here before Nigeria. It created the Nigeria Stock Exchange. it has produced two or three state governors. It is a national development company. In the run off to our 100 years, we have created an event to celebrate icons of Daily Times – our heroes. Times Heroes. The first one that we have designed is for Ambassador Dele Cole. We are hoping to do these in their states of origin like in Port Harcourt. In Port Harcourt, it will be a two-day event. On day 1, we are to going to train about 500 journalists of that area so that he can inspire local journalists of that area; tell them how young he was when he went to in the media and more. On day 2, there will be proper lecture where the likes of Akinwunmi Adesina and co to speak. There is nothing like making impact in your homn state. We have there lined up about 15 of them. The first one will be in Rivers State because that is where Dele Cole comes from. We don’t want to keep celebrating people when they are dead; we want to celebrate them while they are alive, and learn something from them. We will talk about national development and the role media plays. In Nigeria, we let out heroes die without transferring knowledge. We need to have History of Nigeria because if you don’t know where you are coming from, you won’t know where you are going to. And that is what we are doing at Folio Communications. iI is important therefore we get this first one right – 1st Ambassador Dele Cole Lecture towards Daily Times at 100. Secondly, we are developing a book, which Onyema Ugochukwu is handling to be launched soon. It is called History of Daily Times of Nigeria
The event has been proposed to Cole, and he has signed off on it. Dele Cole has proved himself to be an epitome of politics without bitterness. He created the legacy of The Guardian and revived the legacy of Daily Times and when the government was becoming overbearing, he created a new legacy entirely. The second one in November will be Onyema Ugochukwu. Then, early 2022, we will celebrate Dr. Ernest Ikoli, the first ever indigenous editor of Daily Times. Next year also, we are looking at celebrating Babatubde Jose, and then Segun Osoba, Yemi Ogunbiyi, Chief Sam Amuka Pemu, Chief Innocent Oparadike, Prince Tony Momoh and others. We have received concurrence from the family. Our goal between now and the next five years, we would have instituted minimum 10 lectures. Each of them will be in his home state, and all of them and their governors have accepted. And they are all excited about it. And we will send a letter to Wike believing he will be gracious enough to accept.
On the continent, Folio Media Group is exclusive news affiliate to CNN. We are the only one who can beat their chest and say we are affiliates and entitled. We are not advertising partners; we are content partners, we are creating products with CNN. Before the end of this year, we will announce the African content we are working with CNN now. We are currently working on a continental media project with CNN which should be finalised and announced soon towards capacity building in the continent aimed at increasing the African voice in the world, and also curb fake news.
In Daily Times, our focus has remained capacity building in media and creativity industries. This is because those are where the focus is – the number blogger is a Nigerian and so is the number one musician and actors, in Africa. So why don’t we build a competitive advantage. Why are we spending billions building monuments. We have 30 airports; some of them are not working – they are not conforming to aviation rules because the governors just want to build monuments. Why don’t we channel those funds for monuments to other stuffs – things that will create jobs.
Lets talk Nigeria Politics. At the moment there are several agitations: for secession, one Nigeria and restructuring. What is your take
My take is very simple. Of a fact, people’s views are a function of their knowledge. First of all, I will blame the government for not being proactive in the area of communication, but people should understand we are talking of banditry in Nigeria, and we still have coronavirus active. Last year was the first year that the whole country was shut down. What it means it that there will be consequences afterwards. Politicians will lose their livelihood, drivers will lose their livelihood, and when people don’t have livelihood, they look for a way out. When EndSARS was on – yes, Nigeria needed to end SARS because it cannot in the guise of solving a problem become a problem. We have to understand that Nigeria is being exploited by all manner of people, and crime is also all about exploitation. If those people crying about secession are given a position today, they won’t talk about it again. At the end of the day, most those cries and hues are not genuine. They are based on vested interest; that is my problem with it. There is no problem that cannot be solved so dialogue is key. If we shout about restructure, we should ask ourselves we haven’t the country been restructured till today. Obasanjo was in power for eight years, why didn’t he restructure. What was his constraint? So was Jonathan after conveying national conference. There may be reason they did not restructure, so the cries and hues are okay. People must express themselves, but they should all work on the path leading to a true Nigeria. If we must secede, you must explain the meaning and modalities to us; not after seceding, we begin to have issues among ourselves. So all those calls must be interrogated. Now, we have non state actors; people that did not even go to school leading calls. How? Governance is intellectual. You see who do not have temperament, who do not understand good and bad leading calls because they have a voice. The cries and hues are okay though because they can form topical issues for 2023 elections. However, today, APC and PDP are the same; there is no ideology. The issues raise could become ideological, and any party willing to give what the people want would be chosen. That was the situation in Niger Republic recently. The cries and issues are good and bad, but we need to ask ourselves what the real causes are. Nigeria, from far back is seen as red flag state. If your relation is announced as minister today, people will start congratulating you. Why? We need few good men in Nigeria to understand that where you are is better than where you are trying to be, and then work violently to convince the rest to calm down because in the next one and half years, there will be election. Buhari has just two years to pack and go. So let not those clamour be an opportunity for people to further rape Nigeria and take advantage of the weak system, let it be a clamour to formulate the issues that would form the agenda for 2023. When Buhari was coming, he ran his campaign on security, corruption and economy, and so it is easy to score. Others can come with restructuring and more, and Nigerians can see how to vote in the right people. Let the past be bygone.
Given the opportunity sir, can you score the president in six years
Yes, I think the president has done very well. I believe in foundation, and these are the foundations the president has established. What is the reason the president was able to borrow money? I challenge anyone to try and borrow N50 million, and you will understand. It is typical discipline. When World Bank gives you money, they don’t just leave you because the money is specified for project. This is number one We talk about social programmes. we have an out-growers scheme today. It was designed when Akinwunmi Adesina was there. Go and check what is going on in Kebbi. By next month, you will see the amount of tons of rice Nigeria will have. The Dangote refinery has taken years; when it is completed, you will see the impact. It is a social programme because every day, we talk about subsidy, and subsidy cannot work without supply, and then money is channeled every other thing.
On infrastructure, we talk about the rail lines. The rail lines of today were started by Ahmed Joda and Obasanjo. It was an $800 million loan to build various rail. This about N6 trillion, but they were not done, but today the projects were renegotiated and delivered as we can see. That was the president was going to China back and forth. Today, you can enter a train from Lagos to Ibadan, and nobody is talking about that.
In my own region, for 15 years, we had senate president, economic adviser, and others. There are three major roads in the south: East West Road, Enugu-Onitsha Road and Enugu-Port Harcourt Road. It is only in the past six years that we have had consolidated build out. From Enugu to Port Harcourt today will take 45 minutes. This a journey that previously takes three to four hours. There is the Second Niger Bridge. I can go on and on. In technology, the issue of NIN for which Mr Afolabi went to jail has been delivered. Yes, people may have a problem on how it is being delivered but no one can give what he does not have.
In aviation, the former governments took loans to build four airports, and the government added five because the then Minister was from the southeast, she added the Enugu Airport. Abuja International Airport is delivered Port Harcourt and Lagos international airports are delivered as well as Kano all in six years. Thank for the Aviation minister, nobody would have been moving around with this banditry. He has made it possible for airlines to be coming on board. Their styles may be different, but there is a method to this madness.
These are foundations that can connect. One good thing is that Buhari has actually changed to a democratic person. In his first coming, he wasn’t democratic at all. It is a big achievement that he was able to get that transformation. I think the government has done more than average in all ramification, and I can challenge anybody to that.
The problem is have is that of cost of expectation. We can only get a government we deserve. We cannot get an Obama in Nigeria. We are all complicit. So let’s forget about Buhari and talk about 2023. Let us take the good Buhari has done and build on it; let us take the bad things he had done and correct them That is the kind of positivity I want from few good men. Let us not tear the house down. Different versions from different people. Will a Femi Adesina tell you that Buhari is not doing well? No. But the main concern is how is the common man faring.
On a final note, one of the biggest reasons I say Buhari has done well is the 40 year old man he appointed as Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). I don’t care if he appoints only Katsina people; he goes round and round. When Jonathan comes, let him appoint all Bayelsa people.
The Igbo are already leading in commerce. They love competitiveness, building new roads. As of today, Igbo control 50 per cent of lands in Nigeria; we have bought land every where so if you add to the five southeast states we have, we almost control half of Nigeria. To aspire for power, you must be sure you have the capacity to carry it, otherwise it will feel like an elephant on your head.
Do you nurse any political ambition
Life is dynamic. For me to have political ambition, I must have finished what I am doing now. I have not revived Daily Times, why nurse political ambition. One can create impact from wherever he is. Politics is not a vocation. It is supposed to be corporate social responsibility. But people who have failed in their fields have found it as a sure means to buy cars and houses. These are depraved individuals; people that have complex. To have political ambition, you must have thorough knowledge of the terrain and situation in Nigeria. You must also be sure you are going to impart on people. Until I complete the transformation of Daily times, nothing else. Even God will ask me what I have done with the one he gave me. I am constantly building relationships, and learning how I can return Daily Times to become what it used to be
How wonderful a family man are you; married, with children…
No, I’m not married. I have not been married for 10 years, hopefully, I should be. I have been married to my job for 10 years. I won’t say I’ve been a fantastic family man. I’ve been married before. I have a daughter, who will be 14 next month, and a son, who is 11. Hopefully, I should be married soon as I am in a serious relationship/courtship
Thank you!
ABOUT MR FIDELIS ANOSIKE
Mr Fidelis Anosike is the President of Folio Holdings Limited, Folio Media Group, 1st October Publications Limited, Folio Communications Plc – publishers of The Daily Times Nigeria, The Sunday Times (TST) and The Business Times, with business interests in publishing, multimedia content creation and distribution, Renewable Energy, Smart Mobility and Investments among others.
Mr. Anosike is the protagonist for the Creative Africa Exchange (CAX), a creative industry consolidation catalyst (www.caxafrica.com), He also champions the Nigeria our Heritage project, a positive perception movement for Nigeria (www.noh.ng).
Folio Communications under Anosike’s leadership, acquired from the Federal Government of Nigeria, The Daily Times Nigeria (founded 1926) which is the country’s oldest and most noteworthy news organization. Over the past 16 years, Anosike has tirelessly worked to restore this National Heritage to its past glory and further take it digital/multimedia in line with current trends.
FMG incubated and launched Folio.ng in 2018, an afro pop culture and digital content platform (www.folio.ng), which is part of Folio Africa and launched with CNN as an exclusive affiliate.
Mr. Anosike is at the forefront of launching MVMO Africa, a digital distribution and monetization platform for movies, video, music and opportunities powered by V-NOVA cutting edge compression technology (LECVE). MVMO which is live in the 2nd quarter of 2021 will deliver content across Africa on low bandwidth of 2G and 3G.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative & Applied Arts from the University of Benin, a graduate of Harvard Business School Owner President Management Program and Alumni of the Harvard business School; he also holds an honorary doctorate in Philosophy from Trinity International University Georgia USA.
By Eric Elezuo
Presiding over a 47 years old company, MicCom Cables and Wires Limited, with its attendant triumphs, glories, challenges and strategic leadership, Engr. (Mrs) Olubukola Adubi, has come a long way in professionalism, delivery and influence. It is therefore no surprise when she was practically anointed and robed as an honorary FELLOW of the Nigerian Society of Engineers during the 2025 NSE International Conference Exhibition and Annual General Meeting; a ceremony that took place at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
With the hall filled to capacity, families and friends in high expectation, the event kickstarted with the arrival of the President/Chairman-in-Council of NSE, Mrs Margaret Aina Oguntala, and other important guests, followed by the rendition of the National anthem, which triggered speeches from selected dignitaries before the all important robing of Mrs Adubi as an honorary fellow of the Society.
If you call her a woman of many parts, you won’t be wrong. Mrs Adubi is a Pharmacist by qualification, an Engineer by vocation and hospitality practitioner by passion. She is, by the dictates of 9-5, 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. She has also been the president 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, has remained her ultimate selling point, giving her a leeway among competitors, contemporaries and partners. Her take on diverse issues bordering on family, nation building and the need to protect local content, especially in the cable manufacturing sector, is topnotch and proves both her patriotic stand as a Nigerian and individual flexibility.
Adubi’s sojourn in the world of manufacturing has implanted in the spirit of due process and humane mind. She is a student of good quality, no matter the length traveled to acquired. And that explains her pride in her MicCom products. In a 2023 interview with The Boss, she said matter of factly; “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.”
And till date, Adubi has not compromised, but continue to dish out the best of quality under a sustainable atmosphere for both staff and product.
In her self-produced biodata, Adubi, who cherishes a good and a good legacy more than anything, acknowledged her educational trajectory, a brief understanding of the steps taken so and the trophies that have followed and trailed the magnanimous steps.
THE BIODATA IS PRESENTED AS FOLLOWS:
Mrs. Olubukola Adubi began her career as a Pharmacist in the United Kingdom 25 years ago. She was just 22 years. Over the past two decades, she has gained experience across industries, including pharmaceuticals, consulting, hospitality, and manufacturing. She has established a reputation as a transformational leader who consistently delivers impact in complex and competitive environments.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Pharmacy, a Master’s in International Business Administration and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration. She is a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Institute of Directors.
Mrs Adubi is currently the Chief Executive Officer of MicCom Cables & Wires Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading cable manufacturers, where she oversees strategic growth, operational excellence, and industry innovation, ensuring full compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards. This positions MicCom as a leader in quality, environmental, and occupational health standards. MicCom remains the only cable manufacturer in Nigeria with all three certifications.
She is currently leading the design, installation, and commissioning of MicCom’s new, state-of-the-art Smart Cable Factory, which incorporates automation, IoT-based monitoring, and advanced testing infrastructure, making it one of the most technologically advanced cable plants in sub-Saharan Africa.
Under her leadership, MicCom has become a training ground for emerging Nigerian engineers, offering real-world industrial exposure and practical skill development, and has established a strategic partnership with Nigerian universities to strengthen the link between academia and industry, providing a valuable training environment for students and graduate engineers.
A committed advocate for Nigeria’s industrial development, she serves as President of the Cable Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CAMAN) – coincidentally the 2nd female to hold this position, the first being her late mother, Engr. Olufunke Ponnle, FNSE, where she leads efforts to strengthen industry standards, promote local capacity, and engage stakeholders on critical policy and infrastructure issues. She has been recognised for her values-driven leadership rooted in loyalty, integrity, and excellence. From guiding operational teams to influencing national manufacturing policies, she exemplifies a leadership style that is both people-focused and results-oriented.
She is passionate about innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth. She continues to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and broader economic development.
Her leadership at MicCom and within CAMAN demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing industrial excellence, human capital development, and inclusive growth, aligning with Nigeria’s strategic objective of achieving sustainable industrial transformation and global competitiveness.”
Still in her 40s, the plantain loving entrepreneur, has set target for herself as she approaches the golden age of 50, which is in the next three years. She told The Boss two years ago as follows;
“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.”
A woman that loves life, living and family, Adubi is also a philanthropist, who is not in the business of blowing her trumpet. She allows her work to speak for her, and vocally, loudly and intelligently, they have spoken. Her influence radiates the Agege area, where her MicCom factory is located, as the residents can testify of her corporate social responsibility.
Ahe os married to her heartthrob, whom she fondly call ‘My Wole’, and describe as ‘such joy’.
“He 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,” she gushed.
The couple is blessed with three great children.
By Eric Elezuo
Of the many notable and prolific actors that have graced the big screens across the world with enviable African heritage, is the extraordinary Ghana-born actress, who doubles as a film producer; the beautiful Selassie Ibrahim.
Born on May 19 a few years ago, Ibrahim is not only entertainment prone, she is a dotting mother, a loving wife and a thriving entrepreneur, who is the CEO of Smarttys Management and production, which specializes in talent management, corporate events, adverts, documentaries, movie and magazines production, public relations and consultancy services.
If versatility were a person, it would surely be called Selassie Ibrahim, for her ability to effortlessly combine acting with movie production, business consultancy, act of philanthropy and not forgetting management of her home front.
Selassie Ibrahim is educationally savvy, well read and a proud product of some of the best institutions in the world. She is an alumnus of the University of Ghana and the Cumbria University, England, where she obtained Bachelors degree in Business Administration and a Masters degree in Media and Communication respectively.
Additionally, she has also featured in movies like Without Bounds, Love Shenanigans, Graduation, City Crime, I Hate You Too, Meet the Jacobs, 40 Looks Good on You, where she featured alongside Freddie Leonard, Uche Jombo, John Dumelo, Shafy Bello and Roselyn Ngissah, and a whole lot more.
The much talked about movie, 40 Looks Good on You, centres on five best friends; Yaaba, Stacy, Mawusi, Ruth and Araaba, who made a pact to succeed in life before they hit the age of 40 amid twist and turns. It is worthy of note that she won the Best Producer with the film.
With her solid experience in the film industry, Selassie founded the REGAL FILM FESTIVAL and AWARDS (REFFA), a platform for recognizing both up and coming and established talents in the entertainment business. She also runs Selpharma, a pharmaceutical company, as the Chief Executive Officer while also heading a multifaceted consultancy firm, known as DEBO CONSULT.
“Selassie is an astute business consultant renowned for her vast experience and expertise across multiple high-impact industries, including, communication, public relations, marketing, pharmaceutical supplies and other merchandise.
“With a keen strategic mind and a deep understanding of diverse market dynamics. Selassie Ibrahim has become a trusted advisor to many leading corporations and startups alike in Africa and beyond. She has the ability to prioritize tasks, Manage projects and meet deadline,” a stakeholder in the industry, who craved anonymity told The Boss
With so much to show the world, she operates a YouTube channel “Selassie Ibrahim TV”, where her creative works including movies are showcased. She has effectively managed her time in the industry for the greater good, collaborated effectively with stakeholders and proved to be a worthy team player at every point in time, her shimmering cloud of glory notwithstanding.
A creative thinker and problem solving specialist, Selassie Ibrahim has a splendid connectivity within the West Africa sub-region, and that has made a known name in Awards and grant. Some of them are;
Ghana Movie Awards – 2015
Best supporting Actress – shackles
Ghana Movie Award 2019
Best African collaboration
Ghana women’s Award – 2019
Outstanding Woman In Film
Ghana Actors & Entertainers Awards – 2020
Best Film – Entrapped
Ghana Actors & Entertainers Awards – 2020
Best Producer – 40 LOOKS GOOD ON YOU
Ghana Actors & Entertainers Awards – 2020
Best Actress – MEET THE JACOBS
Creative & Business Award – 2021
Special Honoree
Nollywood TV Award – – 2022
Best TV series Actress – Entrapped
Selassie Ibrahim is married to her heartthrob, Ibrahim Adam, who is a former minister with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), in Ghana, and the couple are blessed with two children; a son and a daughter.
The A-list actress has been on a mission of empathy, professionalism, discovery and rewards of talents as well as raising the bar in entertainment, pharmaceutical, marketing, management, public relations and creativity among many others, and has been a great success.
Selassie Ibrahim is still on a mission to do more positives for humanity.
Congratulations ma’am!
By Eric Elezuo
Nigeria, as a country, is blessed. It is the merging point of intellectualism, professionalism and distinct achievements. As citizens, Nigerians have represented themselves to the best of their abilities, and by world standards.
Among celebrated Nigerians, who have stood tall for the country, and for themselves in character, delivery and achievements is a one time Chairman of the Nigerian Football Association, now Nigerian Football Federation, Mr. Anthony Adesegun Kojo Williams, a seasoned international sports administrator and consultant.
In his chat with this medium, Mr. Williams, who described himself as highly organised, went down a long lane of memories and events to expose the juicy intricacies of his stewardship in both the public and private sectors, the things that make him thick, his downtime as well as deferrals and the source of the peace and joy the pervade his current existence. 
Excerpts;
Good morning, sir, my name is Eric
Good morning, Eric. Nice meeting you. Have we met before?
No, never met. I only know you as my former NFA chairman by name and picture.
Okay
So, sir, let’s get to meet you briefly, just a little background.
A little background that speaks for itself. Where do I start?
Start from the beginning
Well, when you say from the beginning, where do I start from the beginning?
There’s always a beginning. In the beginning, God created. In the beginning, you were created.
Do I have to start talking about schools and all that? It’s all out there for you to see. So I’m not going to start talking about all that now.
It’s in the public domain that you have a royal background, so to speak. So, I don’t know if you want to talk about it. Are you of royal breed?
Yes, I am, from both my mother’s and father’s linage. But I don’t really hold on to it. I don’t talk much about it. I’ve tried to carve my own niche divorced from my royal background. It doesn’t have to be part of my story, so to speak. It’s good to have it though. I’m proud of it, but it shouldn’t be a point of understanding for me. It’s just there. No connection as far as my trajectory is concerned. I was and still busy creating my own future.
What was it like reintegrating into private practice after your stint as NFA Chairman since somehow you dedicated your whole being to serving the nation?
While I was serving, I was also doing my business. There was no way I could have thrown my business away while running the Nigerian Football Association. That was just one of the many things I was doing. So my business has always been there.
So what was or is the udea behind your Football Excellence Academy? Who are the beneficiaries?
The idea was to give the youths a sense of belonging and professionalism in what they do, especially in the game of football or athletics. So that was why the Football College of Excellence was established. It is a place one could get educated and also get to play, understand the techniques and the tactics of modern football, and athletics. So that was why the Football College of Excellence was set up.
And then what I did was to make sure we had the best of teachers to work with the students from a very early age, so that it becomes part of them. And then, it’s important to note that not every kid will become a professional footballer at the end of the day. I0t’s equally the same structure as a good secondary school. So one can go out there and become anything else of his choice. You could be a manager, you could be a scientist, or any other profession, but the subject would have gone through the rudiments of the game itself. So that’s what the College of Excellence is.
How long has it been running?
The College of Excellence has been running for many years. It has also been set up in other places like Rivers. Again, I did a lot of consultancy jobs for different states, and then for FIFA, for CAF, the Confederation of African Football, and for some other countries. It’s a brand that I sold.
And then there are some other countries where I was able to put it in place, and in a proper perspective, and we were able to work with it.
Like which countries
In some countries like Burkina Faso, Senegal and Ghana as well as some other places. We’re still working on some, actually. And of course, in Rivers State.
The essence of actually knowing the timeline is to ascertain the products the Football Academy has produced.
Funnily enough, I’m not into sales of players. But you do have many of my products out there, that are playing worldwide. I don’t like mentioning names.
They’re all over the world. Some are in Spain. Some of them have walked up to me at some time to tell me that they came from the college projects. I don’t manage them. I just set up the system.
So the school has actually been very productive
It is productive. But I always know that to get the top, and become a top star player takes time. It’s a process. And then the affiliation with club sides also plays a major role as to how to get there, and get fixed into the top league level. Some of them are there, all over the world. Somewhere in America and other places
As at today, what’s the relationship between you and CAF and FIFA whom you consulted for in the past?
Very cordial. I still work with them. I still consult with them. You see, once you’re in the football family, you don’t just leave. You’re part of it. So, I’ve been in it for the last 28 years. I’m part of the CAF and FIFA families. I still work with them. You don’t just go out of the family. You’re part of the show. So, it’s a continuous exercise.
What could you say was your achievement during the Kojo Williams era as NFA Chairman?
My era as chairman was very short. It wasn’t even up to a year. I didn’t have high achievements, but what I still remember was I put my foot down, and made my point. And I ensured I did things in the proper manner. And that was why I had issues. And I don’t like going back to all those things. I’ve moved on. But maybe in the future, when I write a book, I can talk more about that.
I’m not the type of person who points fingers or starts saying, “Oh this person and this and that and that”, and mentions names. I’ve moved on. But unfortunately, they’re the losers. They’re the ones that lost out in the whole process.
I remember one particular aspect. At the point I left, I had spoken with the oil majors. Mr. Gaius Obaseki, who was the group MD of NNPC then, and I had a wonderful relationship. And he had gotten the oil majors—he wanted to get all the oil majors—to put up a national football centre. And we were going to raise $100 million. He had gone ahead to work on it. And I remember the day he got to know I have been removed, he told me “Anthony, you know something, finished. No more.” So they lost out.
And he didn’t tell you why?
Because they got rid of me. So he just said no. He’s not going to work with them. Because I initiated it.
Since the initiator was no longer there, there’s nothing to contribute. So they were the losers. And so many other things. And it’s still haunting them today, but it’s alright. The period was full of politics.
Was that politics?
What else can we call it? Everything in Nigeria is politics, isn’t it? I think it was just witch-hunt and envy. People call you arrogant if you tell them the truth. They call you names if you actually know what you’re doing.
I think a lot of them act like they have complex. And they really are not well grounded. And the bottom line is that they’re greedy. It’s all about themselves. It’s not about developing a game or anything around them. So when you come up with a blueprint, something really positive, they kick against it. But it’s not only about leadership, it’s about the people as well.
Looking at your life in totality, what kind of person can you say you are?
I’m a stickler to professionalism. I’m very thorough, I’m a visionary. I see things in a proper perspective. And there’s one thing about me. Once I come out and say something, work on something, even if you don’t believe, you will find out later that that thing is very key. It is very vital, both spiritually and physically or anything. It’s a gift.
So most of the time, that motivation comes and I put it into practice. But most times, when I start those things, people fight it, they go against it, because they can’t understand where I am coming from. And then later they realize.
It’s part of me. And I’m very outspoken, very principled, and friendly. But I like perfection. This is my environment. I like perfection. I like things done properly.
What is your take concerning the state of the nation today, politically, economically?
I’m not impressed at all. I’ve to say that because I’m a hypocrite. I thought by now, we’d have moved on. I know they’re trying their best, but you have a lot of hiccups. There’s so much insincerity in our ways. I’m not a politician, and I will never be a politician, but a typical Nigerian politician, from what I have seen, is not sincere. I’m not saying all over the world. There are still those who still go out to do the right thing.
But here, majority of them do not truly have the nation at heart. It’s all about them. And there’s one thing in life people always have to realize. When you’re in a position of strength, and you’ve got the power and finances to do things, make it about building people, not oppressing people. It’s about giving back.
The genuine ones give back. They give back to the society. They build the society. But in this society, our politicians are not ready to do that. I don’t see them ever doing it. I don’t see them ever. The majority of them, I’m not saying all of them, 90% of them are pre-deceased.
So that’s basically it. And it saddens my heart. It’s very sad for a great nation like this. We’re not supposed to be in the state where we are. I’m only saying the truth. There’s so much decadence, and still, you know, you have a deep wound, and you’re rubbing that wound, you keep rubbing it, you keep rubbing it and say it’s fine. What happens? It will decay. And that’s what is happening here.
That would make us shift our gaze to the business world and our business tycoons. Would they be able to affect humanity? Or are they affecting humanity? If they are, who among them do you think we can leverage on?
I would take Uncle Mike, for example, a real businessman. A very cultured man, genuinely building a nation. And not only in Nigeria.
When you say Uncle Mike, I’m thinking you mean Dr. Mike Adenuga
Yes, Dr. Mike Adenuga. So when you look at someone like him; he doesn’t talk, but he’s doing a lot. He’s done a lot in society. There’s a globacom system everywhere. Even in football, he has put in so much for the Nigerian Premier League over the years.
And then there are the scholarship programmes from his oil business. He has done extremely well.
The first time I met Uncle Mike; I call him Uncle Mike for my love and respect for him, was in 1980, in Germany. And he told me a lot of things. I remember then; General Wushishi, who was the Chief of Army Staff, was also there. My father was there too.
Adenuga is a man with functional power to build people. He is a visionary, and doesn’t talk much, but gets things done for the society. He’s given a lot back, a whole lot. That’s somebody I look up to. I have a lot of respect for his depth of intelligence, very astute. He’s one person who’s hardly seen talks.
He reminds me of my father; they have a lot of similarities. My dad was a very quiet person. He didn’t say much. Uncle Mike has that class, as well, and style. You don’t see him around. And he talks so much about my father whenever I see him. He holds him in high regard. That’s one man I have that is high up there and has given so much back, not only to Nigeria, but to Africa. Adenuga is phenomenal.
So, looking at the example of Dr. Mike Adenuga, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs; those that are already up there, and those coming up?
It’s just about about having an open heart for society; give back. See, we’re not going to take all these wealth away when we die. Nobody takes it away. The thing about life is we hold everything, but the day we die, even the life we love so much, we can’t take it with us.
So, it’s best to make sacrifices for the society; to educate and give people hope. It’s a privilege when you’re up there, and it’s God that gives you that. Of course, you’ve worked hard. But there are still people who work hard as well, but who never get anything. Those fishermen who go out at 3 am to catch fish and all that. They work hard. Bricklayers work hard too.
But there are some people that God has given, yes, they have also built themselves up. But I believe when you’re given all those things, you’re supposed to help and reach out, not be greedy. If you do that, it goes a long way, not just for you, but for generations to come.
You have spoken so much about Dr. Adenuga. So, what qualities have you picked from him?
Okay, I’ll tell you one for a start because I have read so much about him. I have learntnthe act of giving back in my own level. I’ve learnt philanthropy.
Are you a philanthropist?
Much as I don’t like talking about what I do, the answer is emphatic yes. Sometimes you have to talk about it though. I do let people see it for themselves. I don’t have to blow my trumpet. Sometimes when you are alone, you talk about it.
If you have that heart of love, if you love yourself, then you give out. It’s people that don’t love themselves who don’t give. When you truly love yourself, honestly, when you genuinely love yourself and appreciate what God has done for you, then you give to others.
It’s people who don’t love themselves that don’t have that heart of philanthropy, that heart of love. God is love anyway. Whether we like it or not, you can’t but love. If God is not love, you and I wouldn’t be sitting here. We wouldn’t breathe. We wouldn’t have any soul. That’s it.
And like I said, it’s all for a time. But, you know, after a while, we’re just going to drop it and go. So the legacy that you leave by giving out, reaching out is very key. It’s very, very key.
I would exactly want to know the scope of your CSR, that’s Corporate Social Responsibility
For me, Corporate Social Responsibility should be for those that own or run multinational firms like Uncle Mike. I don’t have that. But I have my social responsibility.
Number one, it starts with my environment to my local government, and it goes to my state as well, and to other parts of the country. Not only the country, but all the parts of the world.
And like I said, I don’t like saying much about what I do as regards philanthropy.
Except you are going to take me to where you have done it so that I can see for myself?
Yeah, you can come and see for yourself, that’s not a problem.
So, for the benefit of the interview, could you just mention one or two.
I don’t have to shout out, I don’t have to keep talking or noise it, but people can tell. Sure. I don’t have to blow my horn.
One of the things I’ve discovered about you is that you appear demure, with splendid fashion sense, and nobody can accurately tell your age because you consistently look younger. What is the secret of your good looks?
I thank God for my youthful appearance. Honestly speaking, it’s just God’s grace. I’m not saying other people don’t have the grace, but it’s just the peace. And then being very cautious health-wise. I’ve always been an athlete from school and I’ve kept that, you know. I’ve kept a lifestyle of making sure I exercise, but exercise is not everything though.
Peace of mind is very key. You can exercise, you can eat well, you can do all that. But if you’re not settled in your mind, if you don’t have contentment in life, then you will have friction within your heart. And that affects you. You have to have contentment and peace, where you seek the peace of God and stop chasing shadows or trying to be like other people.
Let everybody be themselves. Be yourself and be who you are. You don’t start competing with other people. Everybody is wherever God has made them. So be yourself and be happy. Contentment and peace are very, very key.
Are there other keys? Your Home? Your business? Do they in any way contribute to the peace you have?
Yes, everything. It goes back to contentment. You’re happy and you’re not chasing shadows. You’re not looking at what other people have. You’ve got to be contended with what you have, and be happy.
And then another thing that gives you peace is when you resort to philanthropy, when you can do things for people. It gives joy. When somebody is happy because of you. When you make people happy, when you genuinely make people happy, you can go into your room and feel that joy.
You’re well-read, and well-traveled…
…How did you know I’m well-read? Well, let shed a little light into my fashion sense as you earlier asked. Yes, it’s natural. I like fashion. I like good things. My own comes naturally. My parents were like that, my grandfather had it. It comes naturally, and runs in the family.
But fashion, peace of mind are things that are passionate and natural. Things that make me happy. I advise people to always be happy, find peace and create time to laugh. When you laugh, you create that laughter for others, and joy within yourself. It goes a long way.
And what was it like growing up?
My growing up was striking in a way. I grew up with my maternal grandmother, who runs a Cherubim and Seraphim church. It is fundamental to understand that my father was of the Catholic faith however. Then I use to see things and I would tell people. That explains why I was taken to stay with my maternal grandmother. Her church was at the Bar Beach. People usually gather, and I would tell them things, and it would all come to pass.
So, I was separated. I was treated differently from everybody. What happened was that, because I could see and I would tell things, and they happen, people were careful of me, and kind of avoided me. And it still happens.
You maintained that gift till date?
Yes. It’s not until you start making noise. It’s innate. It’s just a gift.
Some would have opened a church with the gift, but it wasn’t your calling
If you have a gift, you have a calling, it doesn’t mean you should go and open a church, and start calling yourself names.
Most of those guys are not called. The called ones are very special. And you don’t have to open a church and make so much noise to know you’re called. But where God wants you to work, where God wants you to do something, he will get you there to do it. The ones he wants you to help, he will get you there to help them. The ones he wants you to put words in, he will get you to do it. Those he wants you to perfect healings in their life, he will get you to work, that’s God for you, but not the fake ones, not in a fake manner, but in the originality of God Himself in Christ, in the Holy Spirit, when the Holy Spirit dwells in you.
You don’t force it, it comes naturally. It’s a force, it’s a power that comes naturally.
So back to your being well-read and well-traveled. There are two in one question actually. So on the basis of being well-read, kindly tell us your highest level of education? What’s your peak? Masters?
Masters
Which of the schools, sir?
Hamburg University.
Is that where you had your undergraduate degree as well?
Yes.
Meaning you had all your education out of Nigeria apart from the early days?
Apart from early education, yes. But not in Lagos, but in Ibadan. It will surprise you to know that I started boarding school at the age of 7 in the Western Region of Nigeria. They always had to take me from Lagos to boarding school in Ibadan.
Boarding school in primary school? Was your father a professional educationist?
No, my dad was a Marine Engineer. What happened then was that my dad always had to do a lot of business. He always had to travel, and mom was not there.
So my father played the role of a mom and dad. He was a fantastic father. I’d never seen a father like that. He gave us the best of everything. But because he always had to do a lot of travel, he had to put us in a boarding school. But every fortnight he’ll come, spend a weekend with us, then he’ll go back.
So what school could boast of boarding facilities for children then?
Omolewa Nursery and Primary School in Ibadan. Those were top schools then. In the 60s, yeah. They were there. Top schools. Very good, better than what you have today. It’s a matter of facility and moral upbringing. I think it was better then.
Of course, we also had the aunties, the older girls looking after us. But I was very mature. I was a very bold kid, very confident. So I always had my way. I didn’t wait for anyone to teach me what to do. I was very independent.
So, how did those days of early learning, early intelligence affect your growing up? How did they also affect your adulthood today?
When you say early learning, it has helped me a lot. And those things i mentioned, those schools I went to, fashioned my future. It made me understand Nigeria better than a lot of people around me. Even my mates and colleagues, who grew up at home, who had mommies and daddies, I had a better understanding and better exposure than them.
I know life better than them because they fell into a lot of crisis later. But I was like, I was a tough kid. Not nasty, but very bold, very confident kid.
You were able to defend yourself?
No, I started at seven, six plus. I was six plus when I started. And the thing was that in boarding schools, I was always with the seniors. I was the only junior who could sit among seniors. I was the only one who could sit among seniors. They always wanted me around because I would tell them things. And I loved that. So I was always in their midst. I was the only junior who could sit in their midst.
That’s great. So, Hamburg, finally crystallized and cemented your intelligence and made you who you are today. At what age did you return to Nigeria?
1981, after my first degree
How did you zero in on your first career after you return to Nigeria?
First, I worked with my dad in his company. He had a factory that specializes in the manufacture of fire extinguishers among other gadgets. He had a company, two offices, and his headquarters was in Hamburg, Germany. And then we have a factory here, and I was managing it with expatriates.
Meaning you had a degree in Business Administration?
Yes of course, at Masters level. I studied Mechanical/Marine Engineering at bachelor’s level.
So, I worked with my father. And then later, I decided to go solo, partly because it was time, and partly because we always had clashes.
What was it like when you made your first one million?
I can’t even remember. No, maybe because of the way I was brought up. I was aleeady exposed. A little silver spoon here and there. I was always calm and I always had my friends around; the ones I like hanging out. With time, I came to realize that you always have to be more private, more and more discreet.
Sometimes, the first money made is always just spent. It’s much later one realizes that it should’ve been spent more judicious. But really, and honestly speaking, I was always myself. There was nothing to prove.
However, one can’t deny that feeling of being on top of the world, knowing you have the spending power. But it’s not a show-off thing though. It even makes you more humble. Anyway, people say I’m arrogant, but it’s okay.
You know Nigeria, when you’re outspoken, they call you arrogant.
They say geography, and by extension, travelling is part of learning and I believe it’s also part of your own intelligence.
Before you even talk about Geography, I must let you know that I was the best student in my time. Our Geography then was very advanced. Even more advanced than what they have in the universities. And we had this teacher, I remember Mr. Shideke, he knew North America like the back of his hands, and History as well.
I know North America better than Americans from just studying Geography. Apart from traveling, which I did, wherever I go, it’s like, I’ve been here before.
Now, how has travelling itself helped you as a person?
Yes, travelling has given me so much exposure, and schooling abroad is a better perspective. Now, one of the problems we have here is that many of our people abroad don’t mix with the people that matter; the exposed ones. They prefer mixing with their peers, and so gain nothing new to bring back home.
I was the only black kid where I was. So I had to mix. I had no choice but to integrate, and understand them.
And it was a balanced class of the ones that take decisions, the policy makers, and the industrialists. So you have a firsthand understanding of how things work there. It’s not anybody telling you, and that makes it so creative.
How many countries have you traveled to?
I can’t count them.
Really? Across the continent? So which of the continents have you not been to? Australia?
I’ve not been to Australia, yes.
Now, which of the countries combined scenery, aesthetics, beauty, and connectivity for you?
Brazil. Brazil is very interesting. It’s beautiful. South America is equally beautiful, but Brazil has that connectivity and even food, everything about that. And then the beauty, the women, everything about that.
What about Spain?
I like Spain but you know, the Spanish are a little bit boring. They’re a bit clannish, funny and enclosed. They’re not spread.
The Germans are very friendly, if you get to know them very well. People think they’re racist, but no. When a German accepts you as a friend, you have gained a friend. They’re more loyal and more straightforward than the British. The Brits are a bit like us here.
There was a time, sometimes I spent like two weeks in Madrid. I go there alone and spend two weeks. I have friends there. That’s what I mean by world travel. I have friends there. I have friends all over the place, that I went to school with.
So, which of the countries, or city are you longing to travel to?
Slovenia, to see a little bit of there again. I went there when I was younger. But I want to go again.
But really, I’ve been to all those countries. But sometimes, you just feel like your spirit just wants to spend like a few days there again.
How do you relax? Are you a football fan?
Of course, I’m football fan. Remember I’m a football administrator. But if you mean a club fan, I’m not. Maybe, when I was younger. But now, you see, my main club, any day, that I love, is the Stationery Stores Football Club of Lagos of those days. When I was a kid, that was my team. That was the team I used to sneek out watch.
But when you talk about things like foreign teams— I call them foreign teams —no. I just like good football. I’m not crazy about it. I’m not a fan of any team. I just want to watch good football. No team is going to give me a heart attack or high blood pressure. Play good football and you will forget everything else. Very neutral.
I might have a soft spot for one or two teams, but I will not mention their names. I just want to watch good football.
And of course, I support my national team. I’m very proud of them.
After the Italy–Nigeria game in 1994, I was at the stadium — we played in Boston. Do you know, after that game, I couldn’t go out of my hotel room for three days
We have not improved when it comes to football — national side. It’s not about just having individuals; you must have a proper synergy, type of football you play. And it starts from the lower cadre, where you have different zones and some trainers and coaches to work with them. But we have not been able to do that yet. I pray we do that someday.
And how do you relax?
I listen to good music, I read, I go to the gym, I do my weights. I’ve done weights this morning. I did my walk — I did two hours. I’ve done 11.6 kilometers this morning. That’s 15,281 steps. That’s quite something.
What food brings smiles on your face?
I’m not a food person though I like a lot of vegetables and fruits. I like organic stuff, natural. But honestly speaking, I like Amala too.
Earlier, you spoke passionately about the Chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga. Are there probably a few more things you want to say about him? It appears he is a mentor to you.
Yes, thanks for asking again; he’s a mentor. He’s a great mentor. You know, Uncle Mike is not just a businessman. He’s a builder of destiny. And it’s not just about a success story — he’s more of a divine masterpiece in motion. That’s who he is.
Aside from his humble beginnings, he’s towered, you know — he’s towering great. He is a very, very unassuming person. A clean, extremely intelligent, and very discreet man. Talking to him, you could tell that all those things are not on the wings of luck. It’s what he has always had. It’s not about the stroke of luck or whether it’s divine — it’s something God has given him.
Because when I spoke with him on one or two occasions, you could see he had that vision. He’s visionary. He’s very disciplined, so you have to give that to him. And very astute too. A strong man.
So when you look at the organizations he built — like Globacom, on the continent, and then the ones he partners with, or Conoil, and then the banking system — he did all those things quietly, with discipline, he built them.
For him to delve into communications, then, you have to give it to him. It’s a lot of power and strength. The courage — you know, he’s a man who charges out. So that’s why I call him the Bull. You know, it’s not about the size, but that unstoppable drive. He charges forward with courage.
He has humility. He’s calm. He’s not loud. He’s got that grace around him — that kingly thing in him, clothed in modesty. He doesn’t talk much, he doesn’t shout, but he gets things done.
The man builds empires. You have to really give him that. He has that grace. Very graceful man. Very powerful.
So I talked about meeting him in Hamburg when he spoke with me then. And that was where I really knew where he was coming from. And I said, you know, that thing is still lingering in him. And then he was pretty young. Yes. So you can imagine him now — he’s towered around the world.
I give that to him, yes. And I see that, and I admire that in him.
You could tell he has a great mind. That was when I really knew that man, because he told me a few things, asked what I was studying, and he advised me on one or two things. And that was great, and that really helped. Yes.
He’s always spoken fondly about my dad. He likes my dad a lot. He talks about him fondly when he sees me. Even when my dad had passed on, my dad also told me about him once.
My dad once told me a story of when they were together on the flight. My dad was downgraded from first class to business class because the flight was full. But Uncle Mike relinquished his first class seat for my dad, resisting my dad’s refusal.
My dad told me years ago. Uncle Mike may not remember about it. So that tells you the kind of person he is.
So that’s the kind of person I’m telling you about. That humility and respect.
He also invested a lot in football — Premier League, Globacom League, the CAF Awards — you know, and that really… I give kudos to him. A lot of respect. I give him that — a lot of respect.
Supporting African football, taking African football from the local pitch to the next level. He’s still supporting traditional ceremonies across tribes. Yeah. He’s a man of many colours, and very vast.
I pay a lot of respect to him. He’s done a lot, and I look up to him.
He’s a very quiet, very civilized man. He doesn’t talk much. He doesn’t appear much — that’s how my dad was too. You don’t see my dad around. He was very quiet. Once he comes into Nigeria, he’ll do what he has to do, and he leaves — even when he was Chairman, National Sports Commission.
I should say congratulations to you for having a kind of father whom people talk about so passionately.
I thank God.
Thank you Mr. Kojo, you have really been very, very helpful.
Thank you, and God bless
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