Boss Of The Week

We Are Lifting 42 Million Nigerians Out of Poverty – Basorun Adebola Orolugbagbe

Published

3 years ago

December 11, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The business of cooperatives has been taken to greater heights in Nigeria because of the top notch managerial abilities of Basorun Adebola Orolugbagbe, who sits atop the National Cooperative Financing Agency of Nigeria, the umbrella body of cooperative societies in the country. In this interview, the man reputed as always selflessly thinking about the betterment of others, speaks on the associations efforts at lifting 42 million Nigerians out of poverty among other sundry issues. Excerpts:

Could you please introduce yourself

My name is Basorun Adebola Orolugbagbe. I am the President of the National Cooperative Financing Agency of Nigeria. I am also the Founder and CEO of Coop Exchange Investment Trust and Credit Union Limited.

Before all these positions was you. Kindly tell us a little of your personality and background

I studied History and Political Science in the University of Ibadan, and graduated in flying colours in 1985. Thereafter, I proceeded to the United States of America where I studied Real Estate and Finance at Lumbleau Real Estate and Finance College inside University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). I graduated and worked with several real estate companies including Mike Glickman Realty, Musselli Brokers, AMRIC Real Estate and finally Coldwell Banker, the largest real estate firm in the US. Afterwards, I returned to Nigerian, and established a real estate firm in Victoria, and with my background in information technology, which I obtained while I was in the US, I also established DTK Solutions in partnership with a UAE based IT company.

Well, a time came when I felt that there was a vacuum in the way we handle and practice our micro finance system in Nigeria, which everybody was seeing through the lens of the CBN, which I disagreed with, and I still do. And so, we looked for an alternative market system, and came up with the cooperative, and it enabled us to do everything we want to do under micro financing and financial inclusion. That led us to establishing Coop Exchange Investment Trust and Credit Union in 2011, and we marked our 10th anniversary earlier this year. Since then, I have risen to become the president of the National apex body for financial cooperatives in Nigeria, which is the national Cooperative Financing Agency of Nigeria, and that has been since 2012. And God willing, I should be finishing my term by 2023 and hand over to a new administration.

How did you manage to switch from Real Estate to Financing which appear to be two different industries

They are one industry. I studied Real Estate Finance, and we were involved in the finance aspect of real estate, not really property development. Of course, we got involved in property development. We noticed the vacuum for finance for those at the Bottom of the Pyramid. Finance for bottom of the pyramid involves finance for their personal uses, which include finance for their children’s school fees, payment of bills and for anything that catches their fancy. However, we also noticed that they could not get financing to purchase their homes; that’s where real estate comes in. So real estate is one thing, but to finance the purchase of the home is where the synergy comes in. I am still within that realm of finance.

In the couple of years you have been in this business, you sure must have made some achievements. Can you itemise some of the achievements made so far

Oh, we have made quite a lot. We have done tremendously well. In the first place, through our national body, we have been able to established a streamlined and sustainable process of financing for our members across board in Nigeria, with due respect to the six zones of Nigeria; North West, North East, North Central, South East, South West and South South. The north west is our weakest link though. It is such that our members are able to go through a systemised process and access finance for any of their uses. That is one. Secondly, we have also been able to establish a N100 billion National Agriculture and Investment Cooperative Fund (NAIC FUND), which caters 70 percent of agriculture and 30 percent for other uses, and our members are accessing it presently. Then, how do we come about this? Usually, the CBN will come up to tell us that they have established funds for use in Nigeria, but in the end, what we have established and found out is that our members are unable to access funds when they establishes, so we have to come up with our own innovation, and people can easily access. We have had a lot of support from Lagos State government and they have opened the road for us to do that for our members to access funds for all the five stages of the agreed value chain.

Again, we have been able to establish what we call Cooperative Banking System. This means that our members are able to use our streamlined processes to manage their various their financial cooperatives such that members are able to access loans and credit through that systemised process. That is actually referred to as FOSA (Front Office Service Activities). That is ongoing. But the topmost part of it is our ability to establish the fifth exchange in Nigeria, which is the cooperative shares exchange (CSE). Presently, we have the Nigeria Exchange Group, which was formerly called Nigeria Stock Exchange. We also have the NASDOTC Exchange, we have FMDQ Exchange and lately Lagos Commodities and Features Exchange (LCFE). Those are the four existing exchanges in Nigeria. The Abuja Commodity Exchange was established during the General Sani Abacha era, but it never saw the light of the day. So our exchange, which is dedicated to cooperatives enables cooperative societies to come and list the shares of their societies and buy into the shares of others, and so check the capital market for the cooperatives. This is what is presently ongoing. We have completed all the processes. We have also received all regulatory approvals; from NLC, Lagos State and government approved agencies for us to be able to take off before the end of the year. So these are some of the innovative we have brought into cooperative financing and which is beginning to bear fruit.

You may wish to know that the cooperative financial access in Nigeria is in excess of N2.4trn of which we have in excess of 121 thousand registered cooperative societies. Our membership base is over 42 million across Nigeria. So, we are very large. We are the single largest business entity in Nigeria across board. Not even the Nigeria Labour Congress has our numbers. And we exist in every corner, from the Federal ministry of any establishment to the central bank to the oil industry – NLNG to Total to the remotest corner such as Zungeru. Just name it, we are there. We cover the entire strata of the Nigeria economy.

Is the accessibility of loans open to only members or just anyone in need of loans and credit

Yes, it is open to just members, however, who is a member? He is anyone in the society that has opted to join.

So what are the procedures for joining

One just have to pick a society that is of interest to him and join, and once you join, that brings you into the entire fold. So in essence. what it means is that any member of the society is a potential member, and for you to be a cognitive member, you must join the society. For example, if you want to do business with any bank, they will tell you to open an account. Opening an account means that you have a relationship with that financial institution, so it is the same time in cooperative. What you need to do is complete a membership registration process, and once done, you become a member.

Does it attract registration fee and other sundry fees like monthly dues

More oftentimes in cooperative societies, one has to pay registration and monthly fees, membership and development levies. One has to attend meetings and decide how much you wish to contribute on a monthly basis in terms of savings, which of course gives you access to either twice or thrice the amount of savings you have contributed whenever you want to borrow money. What it does really is that it encourages members to save money because of the rainy day. And most importantly, one is able to access credit whenever he needs money to do anything in the future.

Out of the 121 active cooperative societies in the country today, what special features will make me choose Coop instead of any other

Well, basically like any other thing; it is service and what you get in return, and then the assurances of your investments in the cooperative society. When we talk about investments, we mean your main savings, and you want to be sure that at the end of the day, whatever amount of money you saved in the society is save. And if you wish to apply for credit facility, you will be able to access the credit facility. So, that is what makes the difference. And we run ours in a professional manner than any other society. I make bold to say with all due respect to most of us that are in cooperative that regulation is still very weak within the cooperative sector. So for a society to keep to the tenets of financial regulation means that the society has actually chosen to remain on the side of probity. That is very important to us, and we have kept to that on since 2011 when we began operation. This is our 10th year, and we have been waxing strong.

Our focus is not even on us as the secondary society. The focus is on the national body where I preside over and runs affairs of things across the entire country. So, what we chose to do is to ensure that the processes of managing the activities of the cooperative societies has sustainable effect on the lives of the average persons across Nigeria. Remember we have 42 million members in Nigeria. So what it means in essence is that if I am affecting even 50 percent of the members, which is 21 million members; the total number of voters we have at every given election is less than 30 million, so you can equate us as a cooperative apex with that of a government in Nigeria. So, the truth of the matter is that we are a pseudo government, affecting the lives of our members positively.

Does it mean you can be a pressure group, and are you taking advantage of that

Correct! That is what we want to take advantage of now.

How soon

We have been working on it. We didn’t just start yesterday. We have been working on it as far back as 2013, and this is 2021. That is some good eight years that we have been on it. We believe that we should be able to have a say on who becomes the president of this country. And God willing, by 2023, we want to make sure that happens.

Economically, controlling 42 million Nigerians, can we say you have what it takes to lift 20 percent of Nigerians out of poverty

That is correct. We do as an institution, not in my person. But the institution of the cooperative – the movement – going by our capacity, yes, we do have what it takes to lift 20 percent of Nigerians out of poverty.

What is the response of members in terms of contribution and maximizing the opportunity to access loans, and how are the loans collected monitored to ensure prompt payback

Oh yes. You see, lending and credit, across board, has similar characteristics. When you want to lend, you must conduct due diligence on the borrower to know if he has the capability to repay. If he does, what is the source of the repayment? What is the credibility of the borrower, and then are we going to collateriase the loan? There are different ways to look at all these. They have similar characteristics across board whether it is GTB, Access or World Bank. There are lending characteristics, and we are not any different. Except that we have buyers for cooperative lending. This has its own peculiar characteristics that extend further than the normal lending characteristics e.g our lending is also based on trust. The trust content of it means that there must be two members within the cooperative that are standing as guarantors to the borrower. Meanwhile, those two guarantors must have their assets with which the cooperative will place a lien on. Then they will be able to access some credit. Which ever way, it is a win-win situation for both; lender and borrower.

Without mentioning names, can you give instances of those who have changed their lives positively through society borrowings

It is rather difficult not to mention names. However, it goes beyond the length and breadth of the cooperative lending movement. We talk about NLNG, Dangote Group and many others. This is what they do basically – For instance, we have NNPC cooperative wanting to set up a poultry farm in Kogi and needed to invest N1 billion. The One Billion was borrowed from a financial institution, but security for the lending was given by a cooperative movement. And they were able to service that, and the project is still existing in Kogi State even now for fish farming. There are so many; it cuts across the country. That is one of the key components of what we are happy to have achieved.

Don’t you have issues with the banks in the cause of your duties as regards taking their customers from them

Yes, there is. They fight us, but they cannot succeed. There are two key reasons why. Number one: the money that we lend to ourselves is sourced from within ourselves. Number two: all of the money are domiciled in these commercial banks because of the existing structure. So it is a win-win situation. It is very difficult for them to say we cannot lend to one another our own money. At the end of the day, we came to understand that we don’t have to see ourselves as competitors, but collaborators. And that is how we are surviving now.

Is there any law backing the establishment of cooperative societies

Yes, there are laws. The laws are on the Recurrent Legislative List of the Nigerian Constitution. They have what they call Nigerian Cooperative Societies Act 2004 Cap 98 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. It was converted from the Decree 90 of 1993 and its Subsidiaries. And every state of the Federation plus the FCT has an adaptation of the Nigeria Cooperative Societies Act as the state cooperative laws which derives its powers from the Federal law. That is how we operate. It explains the reasons we are registered either by the office in the states or the office of the Federal Director of Cooperatives under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which is the chief regulator of cooperatives in Nigeria.

Basically, the activities of the Cooperative Societies are legit

Yes, fully legit. It is not like that in Nigeria alone, it is the same thing worldwide. Now, let me explain that the cooperative has six chaired level in the entire world. Four levels in Nigeria, and two worldwide. One – the primary societies, which we join as members. Two – secondary societies, which is made up of registered primary societies as members. We have state apexes and the national apex of which I am the national president. Those are the four levels in Nigeria. The fifth level is the African region, ACCOSCA, African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations, and then the World level, WOCCU, World Council of Credit Unions based in Wisconsin in the US. It is the same system across the world.

What advice do you have for those not members of the Cooperative societies yet

The advice is simple: join. Look for a cooperative society to join because a lot of things are happening in the societies now. This is the place where you can have access to the cheapest source of finance. I make bold to say that where your bank is charging you as high as two percent per month on your loan or credit, which gives about 24 percent per annum, cooperative will charge you not more half. You don’t have to deal with the issues of finance charge, procession charge, residence charge etc. You are better off with a cooperative society.

How did you come about your bashorun title

I am the Bashorun Adorun of Ayede Kingdom in Ekiti State. Ayede is one of the seven recognised old kingship institutions in the whole of Ekiti State. So, I am honoured to be a title holder for Ayede kingdom. I have been since 2009.

What is your marital status

I am married with very beautiful children and very lovely home

How do you relax

I read, and spend time with friends and family. I also love traveling. More importantly, I go through what is going on in the world of cooperatives with a view to discovering how to better the Nigerian cooperative societies, and that gives me a lot of joy.

Of all the countries you have travelled to, which of them left a more lasting memories in you

For me, it is South Africa. It is somehow in-between the European world and us, Africans. Whenever I am there, I feel like I am in a developed environment within the African context because I am fully African. I have been to a lot of places, but South Africa is it for me.

What is your favourite colour

I am very comfortable in white colour though one don’t get to wear white all the time. I love my traditional attires most especially. I wore foreign attire for the better part of my career, now at almost 60, I think I have to stick to traditional.

Boss Of The Week

Aliko Dangote: Celebrating An Industrial Giant at 68

Published

5 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

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.

Boss Of The Week

Eric Gumbo: The Excellent, Gutsy African Administrator

Published

4 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!