Boss Picks
I Want to Take Rotary District 9110 to Greater Heights – District Gov, Rtn. Ify Ejezie
Published
2 years agoon
By
Eric
By Michael Effiong
Ifeyinwa Rita Ejezie is the new District Governor of Rotary International District 9110, covering all the Rotary Clubs in Lagos and Ogun States. The passionate philanthropist, Stockbroker and Commodity Trader is the National Vice Chairman of the Association of Securities Dealing House of Nigeria (ASHON)
In this interview, with The Boss, she speaks candidly about her main plans for her one year tenure which begins today, July 1, 2023.
You are taking over as the District Governor of Rotary International District 9110, how does that make you feel?
I am really looking forward to this assignment, I am looking forward to doing more good in communities in Lagos and Ogun States which our District covers. I feel blessed by God for giving me the opportunity to lead a group of passionate Rotarians, almost 5,000 people, it is an enormous responsibility that I do not take for granted.
In Rotary, we are given at least three years preparation time because you begin as District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND), you then become a District Governor Nominee (DGN), a District Governor-elect (DGE) and finally you take up your responsibility as Governor. I believe this Rotary structure gives enough time for reflection, for learning and planning. It is the execution part that happens when you eventually become District Governor.
Tell us about Rotary, your District and its major impact on communities and in the world?
Rotary is the largest Non-Governmental Organisation in the world , it is a group of business and professional persons who have come together for the purpose of doing good in the world .
My District 9110 , like I said is made up of Rotary Clubs in Lagos and Ogun States. We have been in the forefront of fighting Polio and eradicating it in Nigeria. In addition, we have also embarked on various projects in what we refer as our seven areas of focus. These are: Peace building and Conflict prevention, Disease prevention & treatment, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Basic Education & Literacy, Community, Economic Development, Maternal & Child health and protecting our environment.
Knowing that the governments are not able to do all that is needed for people to be able to live quality lives, Rotary has always filled in the gaps. For the People of Lagos and Ogun States, I can only reassure them that during my tenure as the District Governor there will be a continuity in the delivery of humanitarian services. Our over 140 clubs across the two states would be encouraged and supported as applicable to either individually or jointly deliver impactful projects across the states.
What inspired you to join the organisation called Rotary?
My contact with the Rotary family actually started far back in my university days. I was a Rotractor. In Rotary we have Interact for secondary school pupils and Rotaract for University and young adults, so I joined a Rotaract Club.
There, I learnt the beauty of caring and reaching out to your community through this platform and touching people’s lives. Joining the organisation taught me that there was more to life than looking after yourself alone. And when one saw how people’s faces light up when you touch their lives with a positive project, it was just something that then became a part of me.
Now, kindly tell us a bit about yourself?
I can proudly refer to myself as a pan Nigerian. I was born to a well-lettered father and an educationist mother from Ihiala Anambra State, Chief and Mrs Michael Ejezie in Kaduna State. I have a Diploma from the Ahmadu Bello University, HND in Business Administration from Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, MBA from ESUT Business School and MSC in Corporate Governance & Finance from Liverpool John Moore University, UK.
I have more than three decades of professional and distinguished career in Nigerian financial system cutting across banking, financial management, stock-dealing,capital market and business management advisory services. Currently, I am Fellow, Chartered Insitute of Stcokbrokers. Fellow, Pensions Institute of Nigeria, Fellow, Certified Institute of Public Administrators, Ghana, Associate Member, Nigeria Institute of Management, Associate, Chartered Institute of Bankers, Associate Member, Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria and an Authorised Commodity Trader with the Lagos Commodity and Futures Exchange to mention but a few
I am an active member of the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), where I held the position of Public Relations Officer from 2017-2021 and currently serving on the Executive Governing Council as National Vice Chairman of the association.
In Rotary, I was Club President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro in 2011-2012 and made history!. As President, I led my club to emerge the Overall Best Club in District 9110. The Club also emerged the Overall Best Donor/Contributor to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International that same year.
I have marshalled funds for The Rotary Foundation over the years and contributed over $23,000 to the Foundation while aspiring to be an AKS Member ( commit to donating $250,000) by 2023-24 as District Governor.
Interesting, so as a Chartered Stockbroker, Commodity Trader who works in the financial services industry how will these affect your role as District Governor?
I actually started my career as a Banker , before becoming a stockbroker and Commodity Trader. The different things I have done professionally have required different skill sets though they are related.
I must confess that I was truly inspired by the trajectory of our Past Rotary International Vice President (PRIVP_ Yinka Babalola, a sterling Rotarian who became District Governor when he was still a full time staff at Shell Nigeria.
I approached him at the time on how he intended to manage but he told me, it was all about setting your priorities right and staying focused. You will not believe it, that year, he emerged as the Best District Governor in Nigeria and was also honoured at our Rotary International Convention. That to me was something remarkable that I could emulate as a thoroughbred professional in Rotary.
Therefore my experiences as a banker which include being an early riser, teambuilding and financial discipline, as a Stockbroker which involves having excellent analytical skill and the ability to distill complex information and Commodity Trader, which involves having discipline and integrity will all combine to make me a better District Governor.
So you are invariably saying you are prepared for your new role?
Yes, but I will say you cannot be 100 per cent prepared because in life you learn every day and you discover new things. But I must say that my passion for service , the encouragement of District leaders who believe in my abilities over the years and the various trainings both locally and across borders by Rotary International have prepared me for this position . I will also add that my passion for philanthropy, my professional and social contacts all gave me the confidence to aspire for this position and so we are ready to impact lives.
In Rotary you cannot do it alone. You do everything in collaboration with those that are going to work with you. Presidents of clubs, Chairmen and members of district committees and other past leaders are going to give you all the support. Once you’re given all the needed support and you have a plan, everything will work out well
What are your major plans and activities for the your one year in office?
Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, almost a century ago, stressed that Rotary would need to change with a changing world. “The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again”. So, it’s a good time to reflect and see what, if any, change we would introduce to make the organisation grow.
I’d like to explore new fundraising opportunities, grow our membership and promote the great work of our club.. Growing membership is critical for the future of the club. We seek a younger, more diverse demographic who are committed to Service Above Self. Finally, our clubs do tremendous work but we don’t shine the light enough on our achievements. The plan will be to increase our social media presence and promote ourselves more! We do so much but are not telling our stories, so we will increase our media engagement. This has the potential to attract new members as well as garnering support (financial and otherwise) for our organisation.
We want to put Rotary in the hearts and minds of people. Rotary is much more that the four way test that so many people know. We will also be driving home our avenues of service, which talks of service, integrity, leadership, fellowship and diversity.
Talking of diversity, you know Rotary is one of the few organisations that takes diversity seriously. We have a whole Diversity, Equity and Inclusion handbook that guides our operations. I tell you, if you are not a Rotarian, you are missing a lot.
How would you assess the performance of your predecessor?
My Predecessor, Rtn Omotunde Lawson has done her best. She broke the glass ceiling as the first female District Governor in the 42 year old history of our district and I feel very honoured to be the second. She achieved many feats and has definitely taken the district to a higher level. Rotary is a continuum, it is not a matter of saying, she ran her race, I will run mine, there is a link between past, present and future. So, it is my turn now to continue from where she has stopped, it is only one year and we have to give it our all.
How do you intend to surpass her record?
Our aim is to make District 9110 achieve bigger things, we will definetly strive to surpass her record. Last year was for Rotarians to Imagine Rotary, this year we are all working together as Rotarians to bring hope to the world. We want to bring hope to the world in all ramifications with impactful and sustainable projects.
As a woman who has risen through the ranks, what advice do you have for other women seeking to rise up the ladder?
My advice to women is that they should be steadfast and passionate with service, be good in whatever they know how to do and have confidence in their abilities to deliver. They must never compromise their principles and never give up in the face of intimidation .
You are obviously a very busy career woman. Tell us how you have been able to maintain a work-home/family balance?
I was able to maintain balance by allocating time in order of priorities and having the ability to delegate authority where necessary. I am a team player and believe in democratic style of leadership. I am not authoritarian by nature.
No doubt, you can be described as a successful woman, kindly share your success secrets?
The secret of my success if we can call it that, are hard work, exuding happiness always and my abiding faith in God to see me through any circumstances no matter the level.
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Boss Picks
James Barnor @96: Sights and Sounds of the 2025 HACSA Sankofa Summit in London
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 23, 2025By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
Friends, family members and well wishers last week gathered in Chesterfield Hotel, Mayfair, London, to celebrate Ghanaian born ace photographer, James Barnor, as part of activities to mark the 2025 HACSA Sankofa Summit.
According to a post by the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, who participated in the 2-day intellectual fiesta comprising hearty lunch and fireside chats, noted that the “moving session is a heartfelt tribute to his extraordinary legacy, which spans over six decades of capturing the soul of African identity, fashion, culture, and Diaspora life through the lens.”
The post further stated that “Today’s chat is not only a journey through visual history but also a celebration of life, as we mark James Barnor’s 96th birthday, a testament to a life lived with purpose, vision, and enduring impact.
“The atmosphere is both reflective and celebratory, bringing together cultural leaders, creatives, and changemakers who are united in honouring a pioneer whose work continues to inspire generations. This event encapsulates the spirit of the Sankofa Summit sponsored by Svani Groups, looking back to honour, looking forward to preserve, and moving together to build.”
This is wishing a happy 96th birthday to a prolific image hunter.
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Boss Picks
Yvonne Khamati: The Coming of a Presidential Amazon
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 22, 2025By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
With a focused eye on the presidency of the Republic of Kenya, seasoned diplomat and thorough bred politician, Yvonne Khamati, is a force to reckon with. She is by every intent and purpose born for leadership, having started very early to mount saddles of political and diplomatic seats, dishing out first class acumen and sound ambassodorial gestures that have placed Kenya in better corners of the world map.
As the July 2027 date for the election of a new president for the Kenyan Republic draws nearer, young, seasoned and tested Yvonne Khamati, who was born in 1982, is ready to move the nation to a new level, having set standards, conquered diplomatic territories, developed new horizons, and is set for the task ahead.
Khamati was born in Nairobi, Kenya, where he started his early education, attending elementary school before joining Stretford Grammar School, in Manchester, United Kingdom, where she completed her O-Level studies in 1998. By 1999, she returned to Kenya and attended Peponi High School, for her A-Level education, which she concluded in 2001.
Setting her mind to acquiring the best of academic tutelage, she devoted the period between 2001 and 2009, among other things, for intense studying, studying at various institutions of higher education including the University of Nairobi, the United States International University Africa and the online American World University.
Consequently, she earned a Diploma in Sociology & Criminology, a Diploma in Political Science & International Relations, a Bachelor of Business Administration from San Juan de La Cruz University (Universidad San Juan de la Cruz) and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Counselling Psychology.
In 2012, she returned to the classroom, and earned a Professional Graduate Diploma in Management from Cambridge Association of Managers.
Currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Heroes Council, a parastatal under the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, Yvonne, as close friends, colleagues and family members address her, is a full-blooded Kenyan, and was nominated to the East African Legislative Assembly as Member of Parliament by Ford Kenya Party (and the Kenya National Assembly) at the age of 21. Yvonne cut her political teeth at a very young age, which put her at a gracious advantage of thorough knowledge of thr country’s political and economic terrain.
Again, as a diplomat, she was appointed by then President Mwai Kibaki to serve as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to Ethiopia and African Union at 24. She is a typical example of catch them young, and has garnered thorough and home-based experience requisite for leadership.
She has also served in the past, as the Chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives and Rapporteur of the African Diplomatic Corp, in the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has also worked in various missions. As at November 2018, she served as the Deputy Ambassador of Kenya at the Kenyan Embassy in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia.
In 2017 she was named among 100 top Africans under 40 by MIPAD (Most Influential people of African Descent).
On the side, she runs the YK Foundation which works on empowering women and the girl child in rural areas providing scholarships, sanitary towels, jigger treatment and feeding programs.
Khamati, who is married to Nigerian Oxford University trained lawyer, Laiwola Yahaya, and bless with two children; Zalika Kalani and Kazeem Yahaya, is a bundle of academic, entrepreneurial, diplomatic and leadership skills. These qualities set her apart to give Kenya the next leadership direction.
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Boss Picks
The Life and Times of Gwogwogwongwo Crooner, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha (1930 – 2025)
Published
1 month agoon
June 9, 2025By
Eric
This propelled the song to #81 on Apple Music Nigeria, making Ejeagha the oldest Nigerian artist to ever chart.
His 1983 album, Akụkọ N’egwu Original Vol. 1, also re-entered the spotlight, breaking into the Spotify Nigeria Top 100 Albums, four decades after its release. That was a turning point in his many decades of professional music craft.
Following his death, tributes have continued to pour in for the late highlife musician also revered as a cultural icon.
According to a News Agency of Nigeria report, his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed that the revered artiste died around 8 p.m. on Friday following a prolonged illness.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha carved a timeless legacy with his unique blend of traditional Igbo folk music and storytelling.
His musical journey began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, he had become a household name with classics like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo gwo gwo ngwo).
Ejeagha was born to a father-civil servant, who worked with the Ministry of Health in Enugu. He attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Ogbete, Enugu, and at a young age, played ogene with his friends.
In 1945, he joined Coal Camp Boys, a local music group in Enugu. After completing his primary education in 1948, he continued to pursue his passion for music. In 1949, at the age of 20, he became an apprentice, learning hairdressing with his friend, Cyprain Ozochiawa, who was a barber and musician. He also learnt how to play guitar. Ejeagha was invited by Joseph Ogbu to join his band as a guitarist in 1950.
Following his performance, he was called for an audition by Atu Ona, who was the controller of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service, and was later offered a radio program Guitar Playtime, where he performed on radio and produced musical programs. During this time, he formed Premier Dance Band.
During the Biafran War, Ejeagha disbanded his music group, but continued to perform a radio program Igbo paly on Radio Nigeria. Because of the war, he left Enugu for Umuahia, where he stayed until the war ended. Prior to the war, Ejeagha had released several singles in collaboration with CT Onyekwelu, including: “The unfortunate lady” (1957), “colliery massacre” (1959), and “Ofu nwanne” (1959).
After the war, he was invited by the Nigerian Television Authority as a guest presenter for an Igbo program akuko N egwu in 1972; the program featured folksong lyrically composed by Ejeagha and his group. The program was a success and gave rise to the Igbo expression “Akuko Mike Ejeagha”.
Ejeagha plays his music with guitar and his lyrics were written in Igbo language. He has contributed over three hundred recordings to the National Archives of Nigeria.
In 2018, Nigerian singer Kcee visited him inorder to be permitted to use some of his songs, including: “Ome ka agu” and “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”. On 12 September 2022, Pulse NG reported that a documentary film about Ejeagha titled Gentleman was under production. In July 2024, his 1983 song, “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”, gained widespread recognition due to a viral dance challenge inspired by comedian Brain Jotter.
On September 2, 2024, Peter Mbah renamed the Abakpa Road after Ejeagha.
The President hailed Ejeagha’s distinctive storytelling through music as a cultural treasure, noting his role in preserving and promoting Igbo traditions across generations.
“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” Tinubu stated.
In his tribute, a former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, wrote on X: “I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha.
“His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice — his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth, “he said.
He praised Ejeagha for using music as a tool for teaching, healing, and preserving the philosophical depth of Igbo culture.
“For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people.
“His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old… He immortalised the essence of life—its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience,” he said.
Also, Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi, on X, expressed deep sorrow: “Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State. His fan base transcended boundaries, and he was one of the most recognisable voices in music.
“Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures,” he said.
Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reflected on the resurgence of Ejeagha’s music, thanks to Brain jotter: “It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn.
“Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.”
Gentleman Mike Ejeagha has since been burial in respect to his wishes.
May his soul rest in perfect peace!
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