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Who is Behind Attacks on Tingo, Mmobuosi?

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1 year ago

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By Eric Elezuo

Dozy Mmobuosi is a renowned entrepreneur, who established Tingo Mobile in 2001, with a mission to bring mobile technology and Fintech solutions to underserved rural communities in Nigeria. This singular act marked the beginning of his journey towards revolutionising the access and utilisation of technology in the Nigeria’s remote areas. The entrepreneur’s visionary drive has continued to unfold even as he founded Tingo Inc. in 2015, successfully taking the company public on the OTC Markets Group, signaling its growth and potential in the business landscape.

In January, 2019, Mmobuosi added yet another feather to his cap of entrepreneurial ingenuity by introducing Nwassa, Africa’s pioneering agricultural technology and digital platform, revolutionising the continent’s agri-marketplace with its innovative approach. Nwassa is currently undergoing a major upgrade to make it super efficient.

In February 2023, it was reported that Mmobuosi was close to completing a £90 million takeover of the newly- promoted English football club Sheffield United.

Perhaps the present travails and media trials the Chairman of Tingo Group, Mr. Dozy Mmobuosi, and his organisation are going through at the moment is a ripple effect of his intention to buy and own an A-list English Premiership club.

Ever since the pronouncement, fifth columnists have gone to town, and one objective has been uppermost in their minds – run the man and his business down. It is believed that Tingo’s attacks come under the purview of cases of research executives who misuse corporate trading plans and spoofing – a type of futures market manipulation technique.

That explains the reason a U.S. investment research firm focused on activist short-selling, Hindenburg Research, accused Dozy and his Tingo Group, of all manner of malfeasance. The ” reports” cast aspersions on Tingo’s meteoric rise and impact in mobile phones, food processing, and online food marketplace for farmers primarily located in Nigeria.

Tingo had vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as “misinforming”, stating that they contained numerous errors of fact which Hindenburg intends to profit from as a “short investment” firm.

It is worthy of note that Hindenburg is a Short-selling outfit in the practice of seeking to profit off bets that a stock will fall, and most times their reports are bent on causing ruckus or seek gains unduly, and that has come to the searchlight of the of U.S. prosecutors, who have pledged that there will be more activity by the Justice Department in coming months to curb their menace, according to a report in Reuters.

The medium maintained that “the recent rout in shares of U.S. regional banks brought fresh scrutiny by criminal prosecutors and regulators of short sellers, who had previously come under review in the wake of the “meme stock” craze of 2021.” Avi Perry, the chief of the market integrity team, said at a Practising Law Institute event in New York that Short selling, including via options, is a priority for prosecutors.

“You’ll see some more activity from us involving short sellers sometime in the next few months,” he said.

Reuters reported “that prosecutors and other regulators are looking at short-selling activity in bank shares, which have whipsawed following three bank failures since March.

“Since at least 2021, the Justice Department and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission have been investigating potential manipulation by short sellers and hedge funds around the publication of negative research reports.

“The broad probe is an example of the agency’s efforts to use data to root out potential misconduct by traders and to dig more deeply into securities markets.

In the midst of the brouhaha, the Tingo Group, in a bid to restore its image as a profitable and fast growing fintech and agri-fintech company, has engaged White & Case LLP, a leading international law firm, to conduct an independent review and report to its independent directors over the allegations contained in short seller Hindenburg Research report published on June 6, 2023.

Tingo believes that Hindenburg, a self-described short seller, has a disclosed economic incentive to negatively influence its share price with the tainted and warped report.

The Company strongly believes it is in shareholders’ best interests to allow White & Case’s independent review to be carried out unhindered and it is committed to protecting its integrity. As such, the Company intends to make no further comment on Hindenburg’s allegations until the review has been completed.

TINGO’S REBUTTAL

Tingo Group Inc (NASDAQ: TIO), a leading fintech and agri-fintech company, strongly refutes the misleading claims made by Hindenburg Research in their recent report. Hindenburg Research’s allegations are baseless and intended to harm the reputation of Tingo and its esteemed founder and CEO, “Dozy” Mmobuosi. Tingo Group stands by its commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of its business. The company’s growth and achievements are a testament to its dedicated team and visionary leadership.

Hindenburg Research’s claims regarding Dozy Mmobuosi’s background are false and without merit. The Research institution’s allegations regarding Tingo’s food division and its revenue are equally misleading and inaccurate. Tingo Group has established a robust network of partnerships with Nigerian farmers and third-party food processors, enabling it to operate as an intermediary in the food supply chain. The revenue generated by the food division is a result of these collaborations, and Tingo Group is fully committed to ensuring the highest standards of transparency and accuracy in its financial reporting. Regarding the groundbreaking ceremony for Tingo’s planned food processing facility, Hindenburg Research’s claim that the rendering used was from a stock photo website is false. The rendering accurately represents Tingo’s vision for the facility, and any suggestion otherwise is baseless.

Tingo Group is disappointed by Hindenburg Research’s attempt to cast doubt on the company’s agreements and partnerships. The claims made regarding Tingo’s collaboration with Evtec Energy are incorrect. The funding agreement with Evtec is in progress, and any information regarding the company’s financial status should be sought from official sources. The allegations surrounding the acquisition of Tingo Foods and the disappearance of inventory are entirely misleading. The inventory transition was a result of operational adjustments and was properly accounted for in Tingo’s financial statements. Any insinuation of impropriety in this matter is without merit.

Also, Hindenburg Research’s attempts to undermine Tingo Group’s reputation by questioning the existence of farming cooperatives and the company’s mobile services agreement with Airtel are unfounded. Tingo has established fruitful relationships with farming cooperatives, and the mobile services agreement with Airtel has been duly established and adheres to all regulatory requirements. The allegations of Tingo’s Ghana expansion and the functionality of Tingo Mobile’s office are also fallacious and misleading to the public. Tingo Group is committed to expanding its operations in Ghana and ensuring excellent customer service. Any claims suggesting otherwise are unsubstantiated and lack credibility.

Tingo Group strongly denies the allegations surrounding its payment systems, NWASSA platform, and Tingo DMCC’s export business. The company operates with integrity and adheres to all regulatory requirements in its business operations. Hindenburg Research’s claims regarding financial statements are explicitly untrue and deceiving. Tingo Group’s financials are prepared following industry standards and audited by reputable firms. Any minor errors are rectified and do not impact the accuracy and reliability of the financial reports.

Tingo Group is confident in the accuracy and integrity of its financial statements and will continue to work diligently to maintain the trust of its shareholders and stakeholders. The company is open to engaging with regulatory authorities and other relevant parties to address any concerns and provide clarity on its operations and financials. Tingo Group remains focused on its mission to revolutionize the fintech and agri-fintech sectors, and will not be deterred by baseless allegations. The company is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, transparency, and ethical practices. Tingo Group is confident in its business model, its talented team, and the positive impact it is making in the fintech and agri-fintech industries.

MORE ABOUT TINGO GROUP

Tingo Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: TIO) is a global Fintech and Agri-Fintech group of companies with operations in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Tingo Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, Tingo Mobile, is the leading Agri-Fintech company operating in Africa, with a comprehensive portfolio of innovative products, including a ‘device as a service’ smartphone and pre-loaded platform product. As part of its globalization strategy, Tingo Mobile has recently begun to expand internationally and entered into trade partnerships that are contracted to increase the number of subscribed farmers from 9.3 million in 2022 to more than 32 million, providing them with access to services including, among others, the Nwassa ‘seed-to-sale’ marketplace platform, insurance, micro-finance, and mobile phone and data top-up. Tingo Group’s other Tingo business verticals include: TingoPay, a SuperApp in partnership with Visa that offers a wide range of B2C and B2B services including payment services, an e-wallet, foreign exchange and merchant services; Tingo Foods, a food processing business that processes raw foods into finished products such as rice, pasta and noodles; and Tingo DMCC, a commodity trading platform and agricultural commodities export business based out of the Dubai Multi Commodities Center. In addition to its Tingo business verticals, Tingo Group also holds and operates an insurance brokerage platform business in China, with 130+ offices located in China’s cities and major towns; and Magpie Securities, a regulated finance services Fintech business operating out of Hong Kong and Singapore.

AFAN DEFENDS TINGO’S INITIATIVE

Reacting to the controversial Hindenburg research and allegations, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria has confirmed its partnership with Tingo Group, saying that an estimated 11 million of its members have adopted Tingo Mobile’s smartphone and fintech applications.

In a press statement, AFAN clarified that its partnership with Tingo Mobile “is progressing”.

The press statement titled, ‘AFAN announces progress in partnership with Tingo Mobile”, and signed by AFAN’s National President, Dr Farouk Rabiu Mudi, noted that some farmers have started making their produce available for processing to Tingo Foods Plc, an affiliate of Tingo Mobile.

THE STATEMENT READS:

“The All Farmers Association of Nigeria is pleased to announce a noteworthy progression in its lease and service agreement with Tingo Mobile Limited, a significant provider of mobile and fintech solutions in Nigeria.

“As of today, AFAN reports that an estimated 11 million of its members have adopted Tingo Mobile’s smartphone and fintech applications, including the Nwassa platform, as part of their daily operations.

“This update signifies a considerable stride in AFAN’s goal, established on December 14, 2022, to provide its members with access to advanced mobile technology and financial services.

“In addition, some members have started making their produce available for processing to Tingo Foods Plc, an affiliate of Tingo Mobile. This development is a modest but promising step in AFAN’s partnership with the Tingo Group.”

The National President of AFAN also expressed farmers’ pleasure with the progress made, noting that through Tingo, the use of technology had grown among farmers in Nigeria.

“We are encouraged by the progress we have seen through our partnership with Tingo Mobile. The use of digital technology among our members is growing, and some of our farmers have started to engage with Tingo Foods Plc. We remain hopeful for more growth and improved utilisation of the products and services offered by Tingo and its group of companies,” he added.

“This collaboration underscores AFAN’s dedication to modernising agricultural practices and ensuring its members are given the necessary tools to adapt in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

AFAN is also excited by the recently signed N3billion loan agreement with Tingo to enhance rice, wheat production and warehousing facilities.

Mmobuosi remains a trailblazing African tech entrepreneur, who has attracted cover features in Forbes Africa and GQ South Africa among a host of others.

And despite the barrage of attacks, he told Reuben Abati on ARISE TV that he will not lose focus, and would conrinue strive to grow his businesses, fly the Nigerian flag proudly and will not give up on acquiring Sheffield United.

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Who Will Rescue Nigeria from Political Bandits?

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5 days ago

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October 6, 2024

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By Eric Elezuo

The Oxford Dictionary defines a bandit as a robber or outlaw belonging to a gang and typically operating in an isolated or lawless area. In a layman’s language, a bandit is a basically a robber, most of the times, heavily.
In many professional sectors, bandits have arisen in form of leaders, as a result of their high handedness, disrespect for constituted authorities, greed for power and disregards for humanity. Among the bandits of the Nigerian society are the political bandits. They are members of diverse political parties spread across the judiciary, legislature, executive, business environment and more. The banditry has created dissension across boards, affecting the main and opposition political parties, the Nigerian economy, the judiciary with the infamous conflicting judicial pronouncements and judgments, creating a typical musical staccato.
As a result, while the country battles the known bandits of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina and Niger among others, the people are unfortunately putting up with the rascality of the new kind of banditry, which shares public space with the populace, albeit politicians and public office holders. But while the shenanigans persist, the government and people keep a blind eye, pretending that all is well.
“It’s no longer news that the issues prevailing in the country today vis a vis political crisis, judicial rascality and the total economic downturn ravaging the nation, unleashing hunger among the populace is a direct invention of the government of the day.
“Firstly, to decimate the opposition parties so as to create a leeway for a smooth return to power in 2027 as well as impoverish the people, make them hopeless so as to feed them crumbs without questions. Of course, the constant phoney distribution of palliatives is a consequence of the self-made affliction,” an analyst told The Boss.
It would be recalled that the nation has experienced more than a far share of democratic brigandry and political banditry since the May 29, 2023 inauguration day pronouncement of ‘subsidy is gone’ by President Bola Tinubu. Apart from the economy hitting the rocks since then, the opposition parties have continually remained on each other’s neck in what political analysts have described as a deliberate ploy of the government in power to instigated crises across board, and propel the country towards a one party state under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leadership tussle has remained endemic, creating factions between those loyal to the Acting Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum and the the rest of the members, with an allegation that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, has a superlative control of the leadership; a situation that has made it absolutely difficult for the opposition party to successfully play its opposition role.
“No matter what anybody says, it’s obvious that Wike is working for the APC, and at the same time maintains a strangle hold on the PDP for the very wrong reasons. It’s completely difficult for the PDP leadership as presently constituted to speak against the APC or even Wike himself. It is not by accident that Senator Dino Melaye, a vocal chieftain of the party, described it as a ‘dead party’. You know that New Nigeria’s People’s Party’s Rabiu Kwankwaso has echoed that line of thought,” a PDP stakeholder, who prefers anonymity said.
The crisis of leadership has also divided the Governors Forum under Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, causing the party to abandon Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara, in his battles for the state structure against Wike.

While Bala Mohammed had earlier indicated that the forum was considering the return of the national chairmanship to the North-Central, describing the current leadership arrangement in the North-East as unconstitutional, a decision that was supported by Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke.

“My brother from the North-East is currently acting as the national chairman, which is a constitutional anomaly. According to our Constitution, any vacancy in a leadership position should be filled by the region from which it was originally created,” Bala said on Tuesday.

The Bauchi State governor explained that the North-Central region had been expecting the position and hinted that the forum was working with the chairman, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the broader party structure to return the chairmanship to the North-Central.

“We have discussed the issue and will work to ensure that the North-Central is given the opportunity to assume this responsibility,” he stated.

However, Governor Fintiri of Adamawa, in a sharp contrast to Bala’s stance, declared his strong support for Damagum’s leadership.

Fintiri noted that the North-East zone, which includes Bauchi, supports Damagum remaining as acting national chairman.

He referenced a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that restrains the NWC, Board of Trustees (BoT), National Executive Committee (NEC), PDP, INEC, and any affiliated bodies from removing, replacing, or nominating a new chairman outside of Damagum.

“The court’s ruling is clear, and we must respect it for the sake of our party and democracy,” Fintiri stated in a statement earlier issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou.

The Adamawa governor further praised Damagum’s leadership for rebuilding public confidence in the PDP following the party’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election, and he endorsed him to complete the tenure of the former chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, a situation many members of the party disagree with.

Fintiri also emphasised that the North-East, having delivered strong results for the PDP in the 2023 elections, deserves the national chairmanship more than other regions. The zone includes Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe states, and Fintiri argued that their performance in the polls strengthens their claim to the chairmanship.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also declared his full support for the NWC under Damagum’s leadership, underscoring the growing division within the PDP Governors’ Forum over the party’s leadership crisis.

Makinde noted that, while internal disagreements are inevitable in any political party, the focus should remain on unity as the party prepares for critical elections.

The party also agreed to support Fubara in Rivers, resolving to hand over party structure to him against Wike’s quest to hold to the structure. But in response, Wike threatened to step fire in the states of the PDP Governors, who took the decision. But while Mohammed called his bluff, Makinde pleaded to be exempted, acknowledging alleged Wike’s superiority.

The dissension that has continued led to the party’s loss of the Edo State governorship election. They claimed it was rigged by the APC.

Demagum continues to argue that the party’s rules allow for some flexibility in leadership positions and pointed out that the deputy chairman from the North could naturally assume the chairmanship if it were vacated.

The political rascality has further transcended to the judiciary, where what appears to be judgment for the highest bidder, is in vogue.
This situation has been witnessed in Rivers State, where the several court judgments continue to flow from several courts in favour of anyone, who applies for it.
On September 30, the court barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the elections.

The judge, Peter Lifu, cited RSIEC’s non-compliance with its 2018 law concerning the voter register as a reason for the court’s decision to halt the elections

Many lawyers and judicial stakeholders have expressed their disagreement with the court order and stressed the importance of judicial independence.

They argued that the case underscored the unconstitutionality and undemocratic nature of caretaker committees managing local governments.

A lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, noted as follows:

“Section 1 of the 1999 Constitution makes the constitution supreme and binding on all persons and authorities, including Nigerian courts.

“Section 287(1) further stipulates that decisions of the Supreme Court must be enforced across Nigeria by all persons and courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.

“Judgments of the Supreme Court, whether rightly or wrongly decided, cannot be questioned or ignored by any courts or individuals in Nigeria; they can only be criticised.”

Also toeing the line of political banditry in the nation is the recklessness that has been exhibited by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The body has been accused of also giving electoral victory to whomever expresses monetary and influential concern, especially the government of the day. The situation was further brought to light with the handling of the Edo State governorship election.

The situation of almost complete lawlessness that has pervaded the length and breadth of the nation’s political and economic sectors, have reduced the society to enclave enslaved by a group of individuals, who do not wish corporate existence, but selfish fulfillment of individual agenda.

In Rivers State, Governor Fubara appears to have called the bluff of the Bola Tinubu-led APC, the camp of Wike and all, who were bent on undermining his administration, but the question still stand, who will rescue Nigeria from political bandits as the situation is far from over.

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Glo Splashes Millions of Naira on Partners at Luxurious Event in Lagos

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6 days ago

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October 5, 2024

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Globacom, Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital solutions services provider, on Thursday treated its business partners across the country to a luxurious ceremony in Lagos. The event was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.

At the event, Globacom honoured its top-performing partners that fulfilled all regional and national deliverable requirements with millions of naira in recognition of their outstanding work.

A total number of 71 partners were rewarded in two broad categories, with the winners receiving millions of naira in cash prizes. Category 1 comprised 22 Activation Award winners and 33 Divisional Recharge winners.

In Category 2, 16 partners were rewarded for outstanding performance at the national level. They included partners who performed excellently in Sponsored Data and Activation and those who won national awards in the Recharge category.

The event was held to “honour not just individual successes, but the collaborative spirit that drives innovation and growth”, according to a statement from Globacom. It added that each of the partners “continues to play crucial roles in Globacom’s mission to empower people and businesses, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in telecommunications”.

Globacom shared with them its current and future projections to grow the company and maintain a win-win partnership with the business partners and promised to constantly take their interest and that of other stakeholders into account in all of its plans and projections.

“We are excited about the future, of our continued partnership in serving our customers, fulfilling their needs and helping them achieve their ambitions. We count on you all to be by our side all the way”, the company reiterated to the business partners.

Globacom, which recently clocked 21st, noted that it has grown from being a telecommunications service provider to becoming a Digital and Technology Company, leading the drive into Nigeria’s digital future. It promised to continue to explore unlimited opportunities to serve the customers by investing heavily in the latest tools and technologies.

The company recently unveiled My-G which gives subscribers more data value and more freedom to explore their passions. It has also reinvigorated the Glo Cafe app to give subscribers total control and access to entertainment, gaming, data solutions and other VAS services on their mobile devices. Glo also enhanced the Berekete tariff plan to give unparalleled juicy benefits to subscribers, ensuring that every new business innovation, product and service bring Glo customers one step closer to their goals.

However, the partners had a terrific time being entertained, so the event wasn’t just about business presentations and prizes. Lilian Yeri Danceworld, an all-female dance company with a lot of versatile dance movements, was available to entertain the guests.

Celebrated musician, Flavour, also brightened up the evening with great music, adding color to bring the celebration to a close. Several guests joined him on the dance floor to enjoy his songs and flow along with his captivating performance.

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Charles Osuji: Canada Celebrates a Legal Wizard

Published

2 weeks ago

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September 30, 2024

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By Eric Elezuo

From a very humble beginning in Imo State, South East Nigeria, Charles Osuji has not only found the golden fleece, but had nature give him a soft landing on posterity; the evidence of his prolific hard work.

Here’s the story of a man, who transcended boundaries and borders, challenges and huddles as well as barriers to take the legal profession by storm, hitting the highest echelon with panache in far away Calgary, Alberta in Canada. He graduated top of his class with honours from Imo State University in 2009, and called to the Nigerian bar from where he migrated to Canada. He was absorbed into the then Smith Law Office, where he had a successful articling before being admitted into the Alberta Bar in 2014. He became a partner in 2016, and moved to sole ownership in 2017.

Today, Canada celebrates a man of vision, impact, focus, determination and commitment to growth, just as Nigeria walks tall with pride at a total package of dignity, influence, affluence and candor exportable to the global world. His name is Dr. Charles Osuji, the Chief Executive Officer of one of Canada’s most thriving law firm, Osuji & Smith Lawyers. Osuji proved from day one to be a man, who knows what he wants, and it is no accident that he has achieved so much, and yet not rested on any oars. He sits comfortably as the owner of the largest black-owned law firm in Canada.

Osuji’s larger than life achievements have been encapsulated in what most authorities have said and written about him.

In a speech during the welcoming of The Boss Publisher, Chief Dele Momodu, in Calgary the week before, Barrister Juliet Omonigho, has this to say about Dr. Osuji

“Sir, let me tell you a bit about Dr. Charles Osuji; like Chief Dr. Momodu, he embarked on a journey fueled by vision and determination. Charles arrived in Canada and quickly rose through the ranks with sheer hard work, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In just a few short years, five years to be exact, he went from a young Nigerian boy in his twenties who, though graduated at the top of his class, seemed to have no prospects when he arrived in Canada, working three menial jobs to make ends meet, to finally getting an articling position after over 200 rejections! He bought the firm just three years after Articling and, in just five short years as managing partner, led it to become the largest black-owned law firm in Canada! His story is one of resilience, innovation, courage and the kind of tenacity that transforms dreams into reality.

“Osuji & Smith Lawyers, under Charles’ leadership, mirrors the journey of Ovation International. Both entities began with a vision, faced numerous challenges, achieved feats that had never been achieved before… and ultimately became symbols of success and excellence in their respective fields. Just as Chief Dr. Dele Momodu has become a beacon of pride for Africa in the global media landscape, Dr. Charles Osuji and his firm have become shining examples of what can be achieved by a young immigrant lawyer with no connections in Canada but through hard work and a commitment to uplifting others rise to national recognition in this country.

“Through the Foot in the Door Initiative, FIDI, an organization founded to empower internally trained lawyers Charles, our firm’s reach is international, giving incredible opportunities to internationally trained lawyers around the world to gain legal experience so they do not have to spend years writing hundreds of applications as he did before getting a foot in the door into a legal profession.

“As a director of the program, we get contacted by lawyers from around the world about the opportunity to be part of the initiative, and we say yes, which gives them the confidence to move to Canada to pursue their legal careers. The impact of the FIDI innovation is truly global.

“Our firm is so successful because Charles has assembled an incredible team of legal minds producing first-class work and the most dedicated and brilliant administrative staff. And collectively, we are all determined and dedicated to giving back. We are a full-service law firm with a diverse staff that speaks over 31 languages; by the way, Chief Momodu, we know you are a linguist who speaks several languages. Our ages range from twenties to seventies, and we serve a diverse Canada.

“As a result of Charles’ leadership, Nigeria is uplifting others regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality. Over 200 FIDI students from different races have passed through our doors. Osuji & Smith has won landmark cases that established precedents, especially in employment law.

“Our firm has won over 105 awards across Canada, and Charles was recognized as one of Canada’s 25 most influential lawyers at age 35.

“Chief Dr. Momodu, you have led the way, setting an incredible example for a person like Dr. Charles Osuji—to rise to remarkable heights while keeping your focus on a larger mission: showcasing excellence, rewriting narratives, and creating opportunities for others. Your story continues to impact us even in the diaspora. It reminds us that with vision, determination, and the courage to stand for something greater than ourselves, there are no limits to what we can achieve.”

For a gentleman, who moved to Canada in 2011, it is quite impressive how he has climbed the ladders of success, and settled at the very height of greatness.

OF CHARLES OSUJI AND OSUJI & SMITH LAWYERS

By the age of 30, Charles Osuji, an internationally trained lawyer from Nigeria, bought a 37-year-old firm wherein he had served as an articling student not long before. Today, Osuji & Smith is a thriving small-sized firm that offers multi-generational and multi-cultural perspectives to its client base. The firm’s diverse staff includes lawyers who are educated or trained abroad, as well as individuals who can speak English, Igbo, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, French, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. Professionals at Osuji & Smith can bring their diverse legal, financial and lived experiences to the table, which is what sets the firm apart from others.

Charles Osuji acts as a role model for young professionals and as a mentor to the associate lawyers, articling students and legal assistants at the firm. For these reasons, Three Best Rated has consistently named Osuji & Smith, beginning in 2017, as one of the top-rated employment and business firms in Calgary.

Also on the endless list of those, who have one or two things to say about Osuji is the site LEXPERT Business of Law, who wrote in 2021 as follows:

In 2011, Charles Osuji uprooted himself — and his developing legal career — to move to Calgary from Nigeria. An internationally trained lawyer, he came to Canada knowing he’d have to become re-accredited and develop a new network of personal and professional colleagues — but Osuji wasn’t daunted by these challenges. He joined what is now Osuji & Smith Lawyers in 2013 as an articling student, was called to the Alberta Bar in 2014, became partner at the firm in 2016 and then, at the age of 31, made another bold move: he became sole owner of the firm. At an age when most lawyers are still preoccupied with learning their craft, Osuji stands at the helm of a thriving and fast rising small-sized law firm as managing partner and CEO.

Osuji was recently named one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers; was recognized in both Canada and Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 Award categoryies; won the Immigrant of Distinction — Achievement Under 35 Award from Immigrant Services Calgary; was recently recognized, and voted by his fellow lawyers across Canada, in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2022, for his outstanding professional excellence in private practice; and was a nominee for the Canadian Bar Association’s 2020 Douglas Miller Rising Star Award.

Osuji & Smith covers a number of areas of law including personal injury, immigration, civil litigation, business, wills and estate, real estate, family, and employment and labour. Clients, which represent a cross-section of Alberta businesses and individuals, benefit from the firm’s multi-generational and multi-cultural perspectives, and Osuji’s willingness to provide these different perspectives sets his firm apart in the Calgary market. He strives to bring an entrepreneurial, multi-cultural and holistic approach to the practice of law.

Osuji is dedicated to providing mentoring and leadership for his staff and is also “a volunteer extraordinaire.” He plays piano at his church, provides pro bono work such as with E-Fry and legal clinics and is a mentor for other newcomer professionals through the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Counsel, where he participates in workshops and panel conversations as well as serves on the Board of Directors and as Secretary.

Despite his fast and furious rise in the Canadian legal community, Osuji remains humble, genuine and kind. His unique combination of high intellect, tireless work ethic and business acumen fuels this rising star, but Osuji remains grounded by his role as a model citizen for all young professionals.

A multi-award-winning lawyer across divides, Charles Osuji remains undaunted, churning out firsts after first.

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