Boss Of The Week

Becky Olubukola: The Charming Queen with High Entrepreneurial Class

Published

4 years ago

September 25, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

When the roll is called among prolific entrepreneurs, who have carved a niche for themselves in skills, oratory, diligence, focus, can-do-attitude, commitment, determination and achievement, one name rings out loud and clear. That name is Dr Becky Olubukola, the erudite mentor, who sits atop the high profile conglomerate, BSTAN Group, a first class real estate company with other mouth watering subsidiaries, that have stood the test of time.

Dr Olubukola is not just skilled in the field of serial entrepreneurship, she is a product of royalty, an academic influence and by every standard, the Midas of our time as whatever she practically touches turn to gold.

Bestriding the Erinmo Land of ErinmoIjesha, Osun State, as the Erelu Atunluse, the woman, who has been academically decorated with a Ph.D, is better known as Her Royal Highness, and has built a number of profitable businesses, controlling at her beck and call one of the largest conglomerates in Nigeria.

Reputed as extraordinary, Dr. Olubukola, is alien to mediocrity, dishing out ideas after ideas to the betterment of the business world, with special emphasis to real estate, which she undertook, principally for the passion to see millions afford their own homes. Many has described her as a shrewd and ambitious investor, and she is not far from that. One thing is however, clear, all her investments are tailored towards uplifting those at the very last wrung of the entrepreneurial ladder as well as encouraging the established to continue to thrive.

Dr. Olubukola is every businessman’s dream partner, and little wonder entrepreneurs fight tooth and nail to get close to her. It is not an understatement to say that she is the one of the most successful real estate moguls in Africa, and those that know her have fondly nicknamed her ‘Africa’s Jagaban of real estate’.

A graduate of Civil Engineering from the University of Benin, Dr. Olubukola, us a strong believer in ownership of homes by all and sundry, irrespective of class or income, and as a result, has targeted to ensure one million Nigerians own their homes in the next one year.

This passion, unquenchable in every ramification, prompted her, about a decade ago, to float her real estate company, Bstan Group, arguably the largest providers of homes in Nigeria as well as the most valuable conglomerate in West Africa.

As an offshoot of her ambitious stride to making homes available, she founded the National House Fair, which today, is reputed as the largest real estate conference in West Africa. The fair, will between October 7 and 9, 2021, be held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, with many participants sure of winning plots of land valued at over N10 million. It must be noted that in the last few years, she has magnanimously brought together over 950 exhibitors from 20 countries to meet over 15,000 industry decision-makers. And the outcome has remained mind-blowing.

Her National House Fair, for the benefit of hindsight, is aimed at helping everyone access quality shelter regardless of their income. Her primary objective is to significantly reduce Nigeria’s number of homeless people and boost Nigeria’s GDP. She has a large heart.

The Fair will also feature Investment in Real Estate, Massive Deals/Discount on Properties, Exhibition, Freebies, Seminar, Raffle Draw, Life Performance, and many more.

Not one to take charity for granted, she believes that everyone deserves quality and affordable housing. She is just a woman with an eye for business, she is a superwoman, whose stock and trade is giving back to the society, as a result, corporate social responsibility forms the bedrock of her film’s business policy.

Her passion for giving back to the society is legendary, and those in the know say that one can hardly come across her, physically or remotely, without being blessed and leaving with a wonderful smile on the face. Testimonies abound of the countless times she has been the reason for people to say ‘thank God’.

Many relate to her in diverse ways, depending on the effect she brings with her. Some call her The real genius as a result of her ability to make something meaningful out of nothing, some others have referred to her as the modern Midas with regards to turning around the worse of situations while some others simply referred to her as ‘doctor’ owing to her well of academic knowledge, which she dishes out as and when required. She is in other words, a whole discipline for study.

Without equivocation or fear of contradiction, Dr. Olubukola boasts of numerous projects in almost every area of the country, and has completed over 25,000 housing units in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt over the last decade she has been visible in business.

The Boss learnt that recently, she began the construction of 10,000 units of affordable homes across five states in the South-West. Some of her projects are but not limited to Beverly Hills Estate, Emerald Estate, Aris City Estate, Casablanca Estate, Primerose Estate, BCC Estate, Primeville Estate, Rosepearl Estate, Harmony Estate, Rosehill Estate, Rosepearl Estate, and Pinnacle Estate. Her hands in every pie have created the much needed equity in housing matters.

Among the presently selling properties as affordable price with flexible payment plan are RosePearl Estate, Aco Lugbe Phase 1, along Lugbe airport road with over 500 plots of land, and offering the following:

( 1 ) over 500% return on investment in less than 5 years
( 2 ) Good topography, and good access road
( 3 ) 10 minutes drive to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and 15 minutes drive to the
Central business district.
( 4 ) Services plot! RosePearl estate is fenced and will have a good network road, electricity, water, security 24/7 etc.

Interested investors can Contact 09086444001, 09086444002 for prompt action. One can own his own house with only 20 per cent initial payment, and subsequent N2300 daily payment or weekly payment of N16500.

Well read in academics and otherwise, Dr Olubukola has not rested on her oars, but has continued to amass knowledge. She is a certified member of COREN, a chartered fellow of Project Management Institute (PMI), Quality Assurance & Quality Control QA/QC, a Member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), and has received numerous awards from within and outside the country.

She is the Author of Bestselling Books “Alpha Woman” and “Making your Money Work”.

Dr. Olubukola, in her magnanimity, has succeeded in changing the housing, and to a great extent, the real estate narratives as she continually releases out of this world to change the face of housing and accommodation.

She has consistently profered ways of correcting the challenges of housing, and coupled with a simplistic approach to change the business of estate acquisition. It is for her grace and splendor in solving housing challenges that earned her a place as a member of the Presidential Committee on Housing Sector and Construction.

It is worthy of note that the three-day Fair with the theme: “The Three ‘S’ of Shelter in Economic Stability” will witness the presence of top personalities in the country including the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Speaking on the fair, which is bill to project a historic affair that promotes economic and social development via sustainable housing, Dr Olubukola said:

“Our theme for this year’s edition is Three ‘S’ of Shelter in Economic Stability – A New Wave”: Viz-a-viz Standard, Secure, and Sustainable. The National Housing Fair 5.0 will provide an opportunity to explore, connect, and provide access to a better life by making quality and safe shelter available to all people, irrespective of social or economic position.”

Apart from doing what she knows best to do in the real estate sector as well as leading the pack in the world of philanthropy, Dr Olubukola has established a pet project to enhance her quest for reckless giving and build on charity called Pricaso Care Foundation (PCF).

The Foundation, which is dedicated to adding value to people’s lives across Africa by supporting health, education, and economic empowerment initiatives, has lived up to expectation, growing in leaps and bounds to become one of the fastest growing private foundations in sub-Saharan Africa.

In her words: “The Pricaso Care Foundation (PCF) is focused on sustainable skill acquisition and empowerment for the relief system for Youths, Women, children, orphans, widows, boy-child and girl-child to facilitate sustainable community and national development.”

Highly jovial and fun to be with, Dr. Olubukola is a distinct family woman, who would not trade her home for anything.

Boss Of The Week

Tella Giresse: Accomplished Multi-Dimensional Diplomat, Entrepreneur

Published

3 days ago

April 21, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Mbow, Project Director at Impact Palmarès.

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT IMPACT PALMARÈS R&D

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

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

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

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

Boss Of The Week

Aliko Dangote: Celebrating An Industrial Giant at 68

Published

2 weeks ago

April 14, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dangote is surely an asset to this world!

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

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

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

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

Boss Of The Week

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

Published

2 weeks ago

April 7, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adelowo’s career path is captured as follows:

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

FMCP, Nigerian Postgrad. Medical College, 1982

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

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

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

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

Medical director Adeola Specialist Hospital, Nigeria, 1985-1992

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

Chairman Post Graduate Medical College Board of Rheumatology

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

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

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

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