Boss Of The Week

Bola Olabisi: Worthy Amazon of Inventions and Innovations

Published

3 years ago

December 3, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Seeth thou a woman diligent in her work? Let’s introduce you to one. She is a dutiful amazon, the inventors’ inventor as well as the innovators’ innovator. She is the Founder & CEO of the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GWIIN), better known today as GlobalWIIN – a successful global network that has since grown to become the most dynamic gathering of women with great intellectual property and unparalleled capacity. She is also the Founder and CEO of the British Female Inventor of the Year Award which continues to put the spotlight on women inventors across Britain and bring worldwide recognition and acknowledgement. She is Dr. Bola Olabisi. A woman reputed to wear several hats with hands in different productive and innovative pies.

Dr Olabisi is not just the run-off-the-mill social entrepreneur; she is grounded and an authority, coupled with the fact that she is a seasoned author, innovator, coach, and above all, a champion for an inclusive society that allows for creativity, invention and innovation, with special bias to women.

Programmed, created and designed to lead, empower, unite and inspire to greatness, Dr Bola Olabisi, who was born in Coventry, England with both English and Nigerian base education, has an innovative platform, which supports women to take their life changing contribution to job creation and a better quality of life to the next level of achievements. In addition to offering great opportunities to share enriching stories of transformation of success, words of encouragement and life lessons.

A proud product of the Queens School, Ibadan, where she completed her secondary education on her return to Nigeria, Bola, as she is fondly called, was born to the family of Mr and Mrs Bolanle Odepidan of Ibadan, Oyo State. Her mother is from Ile Ife, Osun State, and she is a proud claimant of Ibadan and Ile Ife ancestry. On completion of her education in Nigeria, she returned to the United Kingdom, where she attended the University of East London, graduating with an Hon LLB and Doctorate in Business Administration. Obviously, she is well read.

Consequently, for over 24 years since its conception, Bola has bestride, like a colossus, the invention and innovation hub, and the social platform has expanded to regional networks covering Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin & North America, Middle East and most recently the Caribbean.

GlobalWIIN has remained a catalyst organisation that acts as a first stop shop for all necessary services for inventive minded women, including assistance with Intellectual Property rights, Product Development, Networking, Product launches and various Knowledge Exchange opportunities

Prior to the establishment of GlobalWIIN in 1998, Bola was privileged to be involved in community development and regeneration, having worked with for the development of social housing and capacity building and empowerment of residents for the London Borough of Ealing, gathering in her wake an extensive experience spanning 18 years.

She is endowed with all the qualities of the very women she seeks to celebrate, which she describes as incredible and fascinating trailblazers that may be very different but have in common: tenacity, the determination to succeed, commitment, extraordinary potential, positive influence capable of spreading, transcending borders, or have something that can contribute to the future and quality of life on earth.

Committed, dogged and determined in her quest to create regenerating environment for the women folk, Bola’s focus over the years has centred on building a most effective platform in recognition and celebration of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of the women who have created, invented or brought about the innovation of novel products & unique services. And this, she has done with relative ease, and the admiration of all and sundry. Little wonder so many has described her as a thoroughbred go-getter.

In furtherance of her efforts, she has outlined as her main goal, to increase the amount of knowledge transfer in the area of enterprise, innovation, technology and intellectual property rights in order to alleviate poverty, create jobs and wealth for many of the disadvantaged. Presently, testimonies abound of lives touched and regenerated.

Bola’s deeds and influence actually precedes her. In 2006, she partnered with London Metropolitan University to build opportunities for creative, inventive and innovative women and young people under the age of 30 with the main focus of the workplace, home and learning environments. Her work has raised aspirations, improved self-confidence and self-esteem, increased motivation and broadened horizons and experience.

Relating with the superlative performances of Dr Olabisi, most professionals and high profile personalities, have contributed glowing tributes at one time or another in her honour.

For HRH Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin “Dr Bola Olabisi is the delightful visionary & Founder/CEO of the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GWIIN). A Recipient of numerous national & Global Recognitions & Awards, Bola has for over 14 years been quietly doing what she does best – Mentoring, Training, Encouraging & Putting the Spotlight on Inventive, Innovative & Exceptionally Creative Women Entrepreneurs across the globe!…She is indeed an awesome woman whom I have had an amazing experience working alongside her for over seven years & so proud to be associated with. I highly recommend Dr Bola Olabisi to any organisation or individuals who wish to engage with her on a professional and/or collaborative platform. She is very much a professional woman to look out for in 21st century!”

On her own part, Gaynor Morgan has this to say: “Bola is certainly an inspiration to any woman. She doesn’t stop striving to help get women from all walks of life a better quality of life through helping and guiding them to independence into the business work. I am proud to have learnt so much from Bola.”

Bola is not particularly a feminist as most practise. She is a woman on a mission. A woman with convince passion to raise the bar in favour of the female folks. A woman with a conviction that all countries should invest more in their women. That necessitates the establishment of the platform which serves as a catalyst for necessary services for the introduction of novel ideas. She truly believes in that old saying that ‘Necessity is the mother of invention’.

She says: “Ingenious minds need to flourish in a more enabling environment than what is currently available in many countries. It is by creating a platform and vehicle to bring these fascinating change makers and trailblazers forward that can help society really appreciate how invaluable they truly are to solving a lot of the world’s problems”.

She is a trainer, an International Motivational Speaker and Writer who continues to share her ideas, experiences and insights nationally and internationally. Her work with GWIIN has extended into several countries including Britain, Wales, Northern Island, Scotland, Canada, South Africa, USA, Spain, Hong Kong, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, India, Iceland, France, Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Italy, Singapore and most recently Antigua. She is the proverbial much talked product.

Bola has gained wide recognition for her work and received The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh’s invitation to Buckingham Palace to mark her contribution as a Pioneer to the Life of the Nation. She has been presented with the International Federation of Inventors Association Award for her dedicated work and support for inventive women, the New Impact Award and the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs’ Joyce Award in 2001.

Bola’s approach has not gone unnoticed as she has worked in collaboration with the European Commission, IBM, IFC – financial arm of the World Bank, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria, Ministry of Trade & Industry, South Africa, KVENN-Iceland, SMEDAN, Doregos Private Academy, Nigeria, Bahrain Petroleum Company (BABCO), Institute of Intellectual Property Awareness, to name a few.

She has also served on a number of boards such as being a Governor on East London University and that of the Business School of Regents University London. Her personality looms large.

In her capacity as invention and innovation ambassador, she takes upon herself to facilitate the reward of distinguished women, who had exceled in the act of innovation and sundry duties. Consequently, she is overseeing the celebration of some of the hidden gems of selfless social innovators that contribute to the advancement of Nigeria on a yearly basis.

This year, the award recipients include the First Lady of Osun State, H.E. Kafayat Olaitan Oyetola, who was highly commended for her Ileri Oluwa Development Initiative (IOD) initiative with her incredible and innovative approach to health, agriculture as well as her bid to eliminate harmful traditional practices. Also under the spotlight is Tamkara Adun recognised for her exceptional creativity after realising that a majority of African languages are at risk of extinction and a great danger of losing its values therefore creating Ọdúnìfẹ́ with the aim of educating and advocating for the preservation of African, indigenous languages. Also on the global platform is Aboyowa Ayida-Otobo, Founder of Incubator Africa and School of Politics, Policy and Governance – an innovative concept of creating wealth in Africa through the development of human potential, life transforming programmes with measurable and demonstrable impact. Without forgetting the role of supportive men, Dr Olabisi included putting the spotlight on male champions – this year the recipient of the Honorary Male Champion Trail blazer award which went to a Nigerian in the government department – Eng. David Abu Ozigi of SMEDAN.

MORE ABOUT GLOBALWIIN

GWIIN was set up in 1998 in the United Kingdom mainly to research, develop & encourage the growth and emergence of women entrepreneurship amongst inventors and innovators. GWIIN connects with women from across the globe with a special focus on creative, inventive, innovative skills & abilities. GWIIN works in partnership with The Accelerator, a part of The London Metropolitan University in the delivery of knowledge transfer concepts. GWIIN holds regular Conferences, Exhibition & Award ceremonies and other events annually and bi-annually in the UK, Europe and across the globe, in recognition and celebration of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of the women who have created, invented or brought about the innovation of novel products & unique services. Many of our members have gone on to become very successful with their products & services

GWIIN is now the leading accolade for bringing inventive & innovative women into the spotlight. GWIIN has extended its services to include working with Government departments, leading industry experts, voluntary organisations and enterprises in finding effective ways to bring support, assistance, tools, advice and information that assist women in achieving significant growth in their businesses.

Dr. Bola Olabisi is happily married to her heartthrob, Mr. Ademola Olabisi, who was also born in the United Kingdom though at a stage in his life, was privileged to school in Nigeria at Loyola College, Ibadan.

Mr. Olabisi’s supports and encouragements have stuck out as the desired catalyst needed for the success and development of Bola’s career pursuit.

The couple is blessed with four adult daughters and son. They are Olanrewaju, Oluwafisayo, Oluwatobiloba and Oluwadamilola.

Ma, for your innovations, painstaking efforts to see that women have a pride of place and commitment to the dignity of labour, you are our Boss of the Week. Congratulations!

Boss Of The Week

Aliko Dangote: Celebrating An Industrial Giant at 68

Published

2 days ago

April 14, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dangote is surely an asset to this world!

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

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

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

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

Boss Of The Week

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

Published

1 week 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.

Boss Of The Week

Eric Gumbo: The Excellent, Gutsy African Administrator

Published

3 weeks ago

March 22, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

African originality is not in contest. It is evidenced in the prodigious achievements of the rank and file of citizens, who on a daily basis continue to churn out one great after another. Among the list of prolific achievers of Africa is the undisputable Eric Onyango Gumbo; a true African son of Kenyan origin.

Masterful, focused, determined and an all round goal-getter, Gumbo is a legal egghead, who is an Advocate of the Court of Kenya, with over 20 years of legal and advisory experience across Africa, in addition to being an entrepreneurial genius, whose chain of businesses and endeavours speak volume of the mettle he is made of.

Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Moi University, and a Post graduate Diploma in Law fro the Kenyan School of Law, Gumbo has added a lot of feathers to his cap of merit, including the Commissioner for Oaths, Notary Public and being a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He is one man, who knows his onions in the legal profession, and has used his skills to project the Kenyan justice system as well as project the African continent in the positive legal limelight.

Gumbo is the Managing Partner of G & A (Gumbo and Associates) Advocates LLP, which he founded in 2006, and later established as a Limited Liability Partnership, G&A Advocates LLP, in 2017. And as a visionary leader, he was to expand the firm further to operate in both Nairobi and Eldoret with solid partnerships and collaboration with other leading law firms across Africa.

Beyond his qualification in the normative training of Law, Eric Gumbo has over the years, also enhanced and focused his practice of law in Dispute Resolution and Commercial Law. Towards deepening his training and experience within the two areas of practice, he has also undertaken and completed programs on Financial Markets from Yale University, Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya Branch) and Fintech Law and Policy from Duke University. He is currently undertaking a course in Green Business strategy from the Hongkong University of Science and Technology.

Gumbo is not the regular run-off-the-mill Advocate. In his career of over two decades, as an Advocate, he has successfully handled numerous highly sensitive matters according to the G and A website. Some of these include as copiously re-presented:

As part of the team selected to advise and represent Kenya’s elections management body in all the three (3) Presidential Election Petitions filed in in the Supreme Court of Kenya. Acted as legal counsel for one of the state corporations in relation to a claim presented against the state corporation by a downstream affiliate of one of the multinational oil and gas companies where the value of the subject matter was in excess of US$ 45 Million.
Advised and represented a leading electric power producer in a ground breaking transaction between it and the Government of Djibouti for drilling of three geothermal wells in Djibouti.
Provided legal advisory and contracting support to a transport-sector state corporation which involved reviewing and drafting of commercial agreements, and negotiating of diverse aspects with various contracting parties in relation to one of the countryâ€™s flagship infrastructure projects.
In the Public Private Partnership space, Gumbo is currently part of a team that is advising and representing one of the energy sector state corporations in relation to a claim filed before the Public-Private Partnership Petitions Committee in relation to a project valued in excess of US$ 320 Million.
Gumbo also continues to act for diverse entities entrusted with the carrying out of various regulatory and independent constitutional mandates in sectors such as health, energy, telecommunication, education, trade, aviation, procurement, environment and natural resources, capital markets and financial services.

Gumbo is involved in numerous other activities beyond engaging in the actual practice of law.

In the first place, he currently serves as a Non-Executive Chairperson of the Legal Aid Centre for Eldoret (LACE), and also a Council Member representing the Law Society of Kenya in the Council for Legal Education (C.L.E). This is not excluding the fact that he is also a Board Member of the Kenya Re-Insurance Company Limited (Kenya Re), a public listed company.

Larger than life itself, Gumbo’s profile keeps expanding with mouthwatering appointments, requiring zeal, experience, gusto and can-do-attitude. Recently, he was appointed by His Excellency the President of Kenya, Willam Ruto, to serve as a member of the panel mandated to recruit the Auditor General for the Republic of Kenya, and has affiliations that enhance his proclivity to meritorious practice of law. Such affiliations include memberships of the Law Society of Kenya, the East Africa Law Society, Chartered Institute of Administrators and the Legal Aid Centre of Eldoret.

A seasoned legal counsel with over 20 years of experience across Africa, Gumbo has built a strong reputation in the legal industry, specializing in financial services, regulatory matters, advisory roles, commercial transactions, and dispute resolution. He is highly sought after as a consultant, and provides advisory services to both private and public sectors on high-stakes transactions and regulatory frameworks in banking, infrastructure development, energy, and ICT.

His website also described him as “A seasoned public speaker and thought leader, he actively contributes to legal reforms and policy discussions, particularly in financial engineering, electoral law, and governance,” and “has successfully led legal teams in significant sovereign finance transactions and complex cross-border projects, showcasing his expertise and commitment to advancing the legal landscape in Africa.”

Beyond consulting for the Kenyan government, Gumbo has proved his trans-border billing by offering generous consultations to the governments of Somaliland and Tanzania as well as corporate entities such as Rasmala Trade Finance Fund, Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa and Ardmore Capital Management LLC among others.

In addition to his many endeavours, which include advocacy and consultancy among others, Gumbo find time to engage in speaking Engagements as captured below:

● Presented a seminal paper on the recent developments in electoral law in Kenya to the Faculty of law Mount Kenya University of Kenya on 31st January, 2024.
● Presented a paper on the art of persuasion and legal drafting in a symposium organized by the Law Society of Kenya for advocates in private practice on the 9th June, 2023.
● Presented a paper on trial advocacy in a seminar for advocates in dispute resolution practice in Kenya on the 15th September, 2023.
● Presented a paper on employment law and practice in commercial banking institutions on the 29th November,2023.

Married with an enviable family of adorable children, Gumbo is a great sports enthusiast, with special bias to golf, which he plays voraciously. Golf, to him, is the next big time.

Africa needs Africans. African needs prolific Africans. Africa needs Eric Onyango Gumbo!