Boss Of The Week

Khadija Ibrahim: Amazon Redefining Agriculture, Manufacturing

Published

3 years ago

September 2, 2023

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

One would not be wrong to call her a woman of many enterprising parts: dedicated, focused, and determined. She is Engr. (Dr.) Khadija Kuburat Ibrahim MNSE, COREN, FGAU (CYPRUS), the Chief Executive Officer of KK Farms Limited, Kubib Food and Spices Limited, Kubib Limited, Task Event Planners Limited, Senior Investment Advisor and Business Partner with a global leading real estate firm, Bilaad Realty. She is a businesswoman of repute whose primary objective is to ensure that society basks in the euphoria of abundance, especially in food and agriculture.

In this brief chat, the young entrepreneur, who was born on October 17, shared with The Boss the very essence of humanity and how she intends to create sustainable food chain to ensure the nation remains self sufficient in agricultural products, using her diverse personalities as a farmer, engineer, entrepreneur and fashion icon. And she has stories of happy customers trailing her.

Excerpts:

Can you trace your background?

Sure. I was born in Ilorin, from the popular Ileko family in Idi Ape, Ilorin, Kwara State. I am the first daughter and third child of my parents; Alhaji Ibrahim Katsina Isa, a retired Customs officer, and Hajia Fatima, also a Customs officer, who passed on while in active service. I am known as Alhaja, which incidentally is a sobriquet; a name I got at the age of three when I returned from Saudi Arabia with my grandmother, Alhaja Salamatu Akewushola, who was a successful business woman. I must say she had a great impact on me as I practically inherited my business skills from her.

Apart from your business acumen, you are also an engineer by profession. Tell us about it.

Yes, I obtained a Bachelors of Engineering in Civil and Water Resources from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State. Not only that, I am a certified member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Registration of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). I have undergone various courses which have earned me qualifications in Project Management, Entrepreneurship, Business Model Innovation, and Human Resource from reputable institutions including University of California, University of Virginia, Duke University, Rice University, and University of Minnesota, all in the United States of America. And because learning is a never-ending process, I am presently an MBA student of Business School of Netherlands.

Talking about your vocation or vocations, what can you say is your strong motivating factor that prompted your choice of career?

You see, I’ve always wanted to give back to the society in any way I can. And I am striving to get to the level where I will give without restriction. I have chosen this line of business to give back to the society by selling quality products at affordable rates, and thereby breaking the jinx of high pricing, substandard products and general customer relations apathy. I am prompted by the fact that customers must be treated well and made to assess products without stress, and that’s what I am doing.

How and when did you start your businesses?

I am a firm believer in little beginnings, and though I started from little beginning, it is imperative to note that I took time to do my feasibility studies and research. So when I eventually started, I hit the ground running. For KK Farms and Kubib Food and Spices, I started officially in 2022. This was after I had set up my factory and got the products approved by NAFDAC. You see, there groundwork in the background before we hit the public domain.

As regards farming, I’ve been in it since 2018. And because I did my background checks appropriately, I started with a bang; poultry farming, general farming, animal husbandry, snail farming, among others.

Another reason was because I have had a passion for agriculture since childhood. For Kubib Limited, I started with interior decoration, house renovations, and selling of imported furniture, clothes, and others as far back as 2010. I also took a few years break to learn more about the field.

I started by renovating family and friends’ houses as far back as 2010 because I have a passion for interior decoration. I renovate my house quarterly and put up my old furniture for auction, and I help some of my friends renovate their houses free, or just charge them administration fee.

I also started making spices for friends and families from my house in 2015 because I make them for myself, and whenever they come to visit me, they love them and take some away, so I was advised to monetize them since I make good spices. I prayed about it and started small. And as they say, the rest is history.

Do you have any inspirations?

Yes! In the first place, I am blessed with natural knowledge, Alhamdulilla. I also learned some from my late mum, late maternal grandmum, school, including online classes, family, friends, and even strangers. It is important to mention here that the life of Nana Khadija (wife of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.) also inspired me.

In addition, I inherited the love for business from my maternal grandmother, including the likes of Aliko Dangote, Folounsho Alakija and Mira Metha. My other inspiration is my belief in prayers and hard work.

How would you describe yourself as a person?

Much as I would love to leave that to people who know me to do, I will humbly say that I am highly courageous and adventurous, very intelligent, a leader worthy of emulation and modest fashionista. I am humble, creative, jovial and well connected. I am also a good ambassador of Islam, women, and Nigeria in general. I love to travel, and have visited many countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and USA where I obtained most of my certificates. I can confidently say that I am a role model to many.

I have been conferred with an honorary doctorate in entrepreneurship and social development by Iheris University in Lome, Togo as a result of some of my contributions and achievements.

Just recently, on May 20, 2023, to be precise, I was conferred with the fellowship
award of the Girne American University, Cyprus.

If you were not in agro-allied sector, where would you have been?

I’m not sure because I love what I am doing. But Allah knows best. However, I believe that I am cut out for this sector because this is where I was created to be, and I am poised to give it my best shots for the benefit of humanity.

You are into many things. How are your products different from others in the market?

In the first place, I choose quality over quantity, and I invent new strategies to make my services and products unique. I know what the customers crave for, and strive to give it to them.

Where do you see your business in the next five years, and by extension, yourself?

I am more Balanced, Innovative, Better, Stronger, and Successful than the present because I am very open to future opportunities. Change is constant and inevitable, so I pride myself on being flexible and adaptable. I think the best way of planning for the future is to make the most of the present. And having said that, I see my next five years colourful and promising because I am doing my very best presently to make it so.

Of all the challenges you face, which is the most daunting, and how do you propose overcoming it?

Most times, in a bid to be more accommodating and benevolent, we take in every kind of staff, especially lazy and unskilled ones, so managing them becomes a challenge. However, I am in the business of sending some of our staffers out for more training and rewarding the more serious ones so others can take a cue. Another challenge is Market Inflation. This I’m solving by getting more capital to purchase raw materials in large quantities, and put them in storage so our customers won’t face back-to-back increments on our products due to market inflation. And of course, I am moved by humanitarian considerations other than profit in this business. This has made it easy for us to engage more in corporate social responsibility. We are more reasonable in our profit earnings and have also introduced promos to encourage customers. There’s also the issue of producing large quantities of items in a short time. This we are overcoming by upgrading our equipment and expanding our production base.

Do you have fears or regrets?

I fear only Allah, and death, which can come at any time; asides that, I fear nothing because I put my trust in Allah. I try my best, and I leave the rest to destiny. I am wired to believe nothing can stop whatever it is meant to be, so I don’t fear anything or anybody. At the same time, I give my best to achieve what I want. I am not in competition with anyone. I am happy for where I am today, and will continue to work and pray to be a better version of myself and be more successful. So, no regrets.

What leverage would you want to get from the government or individuals to help reduce the food crises?

The government has a lot to do to assist this sector. They must support the farmers by constructing good roads for smooth transportation of farm produce, improve the power sector and support with grants and flexible loans.

Your line of business faces climate change issues. How has it affected your business, and how have you managed it?

That was a major problem we faced when we first started. It was so heartbreaking that I had to close the farm for years. However, the years I took off from farming helped me to re-strategize, study, and learn more, so we came back with a better solution by avoiding to farm or producing what does not fit the season, and if we must, then we already took many precautions and had our backup plans ready in case of emergency.

Do you think environmental sustainability is possible? What are your contributions to the effect?

It is possible if we all cooperate, and are determined to make it work. As you know, I sell organic products. I am more particular about the health and wellbeing of my customers because it is my priority. We have also helped in creating new job opportunities for the people, avoid products that are harmful to the environment, support recycling, and buy energy-efficient appliances, among other indices.

What are your plans for your business?

Because whatever we do has the customers as the centerpiece, we intend going deeper into agriculture, like manufacturing tomato paste, pasta and many more, to help the masses get quality products at cheaper prices.

We are also working towards opening more branches across the globe so our spices can circulate the market quickly. At the same time, we are introducing smaller packages and increasing our production so the masses can easily buy them at low prices and, of course, provide more jobs for people. Like I said, we are precisely people-oriented

How do you combine being a family woman with your professional life?

It takes Allah’s guidance. It’s not been easy, but Alhamdulillah.

At your young age, you have achieved quiet a lot, and still rearing to go, what advice would you want to give fellow women, especially young girls?

You know we have for so long made to believe that we are at the receiving end, not knowing we are programmed to make things happen. So to every women, young firls especially, the sky is large enough for all of us to explore. Hard work pays, and there’s no basis to look for quick money; there is nothing like fast money if you want to do a legitimate business. There is no shortcut to success; it takes built-up effort, experience, persistence, failures, restart, hard work, strategy, commitment, and continuous learning to succeed. Remember that agriculture is not meant for men alone, and it has many advantages.

I was taught that the first Secret to success in business school is KEY, an acronym for KEEP EDUCATING YOURSELF. That helped me to achieve more in life.

Always be easy on yourself, and not indulge in unhealthy competition with anyone. Let everyone be a source of inspiration for you to aim higher.

Have a legitimate multiple source of income. Aside having my spice production companies, Farm, and Interior decoration businesses, I am also a major distributor of many reputable companies like TOMATO JOS, which was founded by a Mira Metha who came from the USA to set a multi-billion naira of Sachet Tomato paste.

Any possibility of going into politics in the near future?

Much as everything about life revolves round politics, we all cannot be politicians. We strive to build the nation from the corner we find ourselves, and aim to do it much better. However, a call to serve my fatherland will always be honored, and that’s a promise.

Let’s talk about your fashion sense, likes and dislikes

Waooo…that’s one area I cherish a lot. I am a fashionista, and a proud one at that. One distinct thing about it all is that I created fashion identity to suit my religious beliefs. It is unique to me.

Years back, I took a decision never to wear any dress I cannot pray in. There was this particular that i forgot my praying at home, and the cloth I was wearing was not suitable for prayers. I was heartbroken because I hate to delay my prayers. There and then, I took a decision to dress only to please my creator (ALLAH).

Well, some friends mocked me at first at the way I dressed, but I was not deterred as I knew I was pleasing my creator. But the same people today admire my dressings, and some have started to dress like me and even better.

It’s obvious your dress sense is a function of your Islamic orientation

Yes…I am a practicing Muslim, and my religion frowns at indecent dressing. Unfortunately, some women believe exposing their bodies in the name of fashion makes us beautiful. No, it doesn’t. I might not be wearing hijab today as a practicing Muslim, but I’m well-covered, and proud of my achievement.

I effortlessly turn heads with my eclectic ensembles, blending vintage with contemporary pieces. My impeccable taste and daring combination create a style that’s uniquely my own. As a dynamic fashionista and visionary CEO, I effortlessly blend my passion for style, which is why many address me as Queen Khadija. When people ask where the king is, I answer, “Masha Allah, I am a born Queen.

How adaptable are you as a national figure because this country needs men and women, who consider merit as against tribe and religion to succeed

Thats a good one and i must tell you that i am a unifier, a true unbiased Nigerian. I lead a team of 33 workers comprising 45% male and 55% female. If I break it down further, tou will see that 30% are from the South East, 15% from the South-South, 18% from the South West, 6% from the North Central, 21% from the North East, and 9% from the North West.

One last word

I am an embodiment of innovative vision, expertise and modernity. These I have employed to build my companies, to the admiration of staff and clients. I must add that I am a culinary genius.

Thanks for your time Engr. Ibrahim

The pleasure is mine

Boss Of The Week

Meet Gen Chinedu Nnebeife, the Brain Behind OyoRescue

Published

1 week ago

July 12, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

One man has remained at the centre of attraction as the intelligence-based rescue of the Oyo students and teachers continue to trend. He is Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan; one of the major strategic military formations in the country.

The efforts of General Nnebeife and his team did not only heighten their personality as individuals, but further buttresses the Military’s role in tackling the menace of insecurity across the country.

The rescue operation, which culminated in the safe return of 44 schoolchildren and teachers, has been widely celebrated by Nigerians and has further cemented the reputation of the senior military officer as an accomplished and result-oriented commander, a writer Ken Chukwudi Raph wrote.

A Proud Son of Anambra

Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife hails from Umuogbu village in Awka, the capital of Anambra state.

For many indigenes of the state, the latest successful operation coordinated by the General has become another source of pride, as one of their own continues to distinguish himself in the service of the nation.

Over the years, Anambra state has produced many distinguished military officers, public servants and professionals who have contributed immensely to national development, and Major General Nnebeife’s accomplishments have added another illustrious chapter to that rich history.

Those who know him describe him as a calm, disciplined and thoroughbred officer whose leadership style is defined by professionalism, courage and dedication to duty.

Distinguished Military Career

The journey to becoming a two-star General in the Nigerian Army is never an easy one.

It is a path that requires years of hard work, discipline, sacrifice and exemplary service.

Major General Nnebeife’s rise through the ranks of the Nigerian Army reflects his commitment to excellence and his ability to deliver results in every assignment entrusted to him.

Throughout his military career, he has served in various operational and command positions, earning the respect of both his superiors and subordinates.

His appointments over the years have exposed him to different security challenges across the country, equipping him with the experience and expertise needed to handle complex military operations.

It is this wealth of experience that many observers believe played a key role in the successful rescue of the Oyo pupils and their teachers.

Coordinating a Complex Rescue Mission

Kidnapping has become one of the major security challenges confronting many parts of Nigeria.

The abduction of schoolchildren, in particular, often creates fear and anxiety among parents and communities.

Therefore, the successful rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren and their teachers without loss of lives represents a significant achievement.

Military sources said the operation involved extensive intelligence gathering, strategic planning and coordination among various security agencies.

As the General Officer Commanding the 2 Division, Major General Nnebeife was at the centre of the operation, coordinating efforts that eventually led to the safe rescue of the victims.

The feat has attracted commendation from various quarters, with many Nigerians praising the professionalism displayed by the military personnel involved in the operation.

Previous Rescue Operations

The latest rescue mission is not the first time Major General Nnebeife has been associated with successful operations against criminal elements.

During one of his previous assignments in Kwara State, he reportedly led an operation that resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped victims.

The operation further strengthened his reputation as an officer capable of handling difficult assignments and producing positive outcomes.

Security experts have often noted that effective military leadership is crucial in addressing the country’s security challenges, and officers such as Major General Nnebeife continue to demonstrate the importance of experience, intelligence and strategic planning in combating criminality.

Commitment to National Service

Beyond the commendations and accolades, Major General Nnebeife’s achievements underscore the sacrifices made daily by members of the Nigerian Armed Forces in protecting the country’s territorial integrity and safeguarding lives and property.

Military personnel often operate under difficult and dangerous conditions, sometimes risking their own lives to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens.

The successful rescue of the Oyo pupils and teachers serves as another reminder of the commitment and dedication of Nigeria’s security forces.

For the Anambra-born General, the latest achievement is another milestone in a distinguished career devoted to national service and the pursuit of peace and security.

A source of inspiration

As congratulatory messages continue to pour in from different parts of the country, many have offered prayers for God’s continued guidance, protection and wisdom for the senior military officer.

They have also expressed hope that he will continue to excel in his responsibilities and attain even greater heights in his military career.

For many young Nigerians, especially those from Anambra State, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife’s story serves as an inspiration and a testament to the rewards of discipline, hard work and dedicated service to the nation.

His role in coordinating the rescue of the Oyo school pupils and teachers has not only brought relief to the affected families but has also further enhanced his reputation as one of the Nigerian Army’s finest officers and a worthy ambassador of Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

The entire nation stands in obeisance of the seasoned military officer, and wish the military continous success in its onslaught against terrorism, banditry as well as internal and external insurrection.

Congratulations General Nnebeife!!!

Additional information: Blueprint

Boss Of The Week

Fashion Icon, Eniafe Momodu, Joins Berlin Contemporary Jury

Published

2 weeks ago

July 6, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The appointment of fast rising world’s fashion influencer, Eniafe Momodu, into the Berlin Contemporary Jury, did not come as a surprise to as many that know the charisma and talent the young fashion enthusiast is endowed it. This is coupled with the landmark achievements that have trailed him in the pursuit of his chosen profession.

Eniafe is widely regarded as one of the most respected young figures in African fashion, whose work spans creative direction, image making, editorial development, cultural research, and brand strategy.

Sired by one of world’s leading journalists, Aare Dele Momodu, arguably the most influential and famous DELE in Africa, Eniafe has completely carved a strong niche for himself, taking a deep dive into the world of self awareness.

From a very young age, Eniafe had exuded style, composure, elegance and the flair to ‘look good’ at all times. His signature large bourbon attires, that was privately original, created distinct visibility for the young man, who continually has success as his motivating slogan. And success he has achieved in such a brief 28 years period.

Fondly referred to as ‘My Twin’ by his dotting father, Eniafe has continued to not only uplift the Momodu brand, but continually project the image of Nigeria and Africa in the brightest of colours.

Eniafe’s appointment reflects his growing influence as a creative strategist, producer, photographer, writer, and cultural commentator whose work has helped shape contemporary conversations around African fashion and its global impact. Recognised by platforms like Vogue Magazine and ESSENCE as a leading voice in the industry, he has built a reputation for bridging fashion, culture, research, and storytelling across international markets.

“It’s been an incredible process serving on the jury,” said Momodu. “The jury selection this season includes designers from Asia, Europe, Africa and America. I think this really underscores the German Fashion Council’s commitment to celebrating design talents from all over the world.”

More so, his appointment places the Nigerian creative among the industry leaders responsible for selecting and supporting emerging fashion talent.

The programme, one of Europe’s leading fashion development initiatives, awarded €25,000 grants to 19 winning concepts this season. Among the selected designers were Nigerian brands Orange Culture and Fruché, alongside talents from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Momodu described the selection as a reflection of the German Fashion Council’s commitment to celebrating design talent from around the world, further highlighting the growing presence of African voices in global fashion decision-making.

A PEEP INTO DESCRIPTIONS OF ENIAFE MOMODU BY FASUION MEDIA

In January 2022, Vogue captured the growing influence of Eniafe Momodu, through its reporter, Vincent Desmond, in story titled: Eniafe Momodu’s Style Shows the Extravagance of Men’s Fashion in Nigeria, as follows:

There’s a changing of the guard in fashion and culture. Gen-Z creators are pushing the conversation forward in ways both awe-inspiring and audacious. Our latest project, Youthquake, invites you to discover how these artists, musicians, actors, designers, and models are radically reimagining the future.

Where elsewhere men may shy from colorful fabrics and oversized dramatic silhouettes, in Lagos, Nigeria, they wear them as a symbol of wealth and great personal style. Each fashion week, you’ll see these men dressed in their best eye-catching prints, dramatic arm details, and flowing bodices, determined to outshine everyone else on the street style scene. Among this group is Eniafe Momodu, standing out and dominating over the rest not just in height—he stands at a towering 6’6’’—but also with one of the best looks.

Within the last two years, Momodu, a graduate of the University of Leeds who currently works as a photographer, producer, and writer, has become one of Lagos’s most recognizable Gen-Z style icons with over 24,000 Instagram followers. Momodu has brought to life campaigns and productions for companies like Arise Fashion Week, Alara, and Ebony Life, and has also been a host for his own projects, like New World Brunch. His custom green aso-oke and gazar silk agbada from Fruche, which he wore to the last Lagos Fashion Week in November, was lauded by many publications, including Vogue, as one of the best looks from the event. To attend Lagos Is Burning, a ballroom-inspired party, he wore custom-made all-black robes, which, in his words, channeled “Andre Leon Talley, Billy Porter, and Dominique Jackson.”

“My style is often described as grand, larger-than-life, and reminiscent of André Leon Talley.” Eniafe Momodu says from Dubai. But that extravagance belies his core fashion philosophy. “My typical silhouette involves something long and free-flowing,” he says. “There’s a certain ease of movement that I try to convey through my style, which also speaks to my personality. I don’t subscribe to the belief that fashion is pain. Comfort can be very stylish. For me, what I wear isn’t really about how I look. I’m far more concerned with the message behind what I’m wearing. I always think deeply about what a garment says about me, but also what it says about culture, gender, sustainability, and other facets of our society.”

Despite being a fashion capital, Lagos stores offer limited options for plus-size customers, particularly from the ready-to-wear brands. Plus-size outfits are often double or triple the price for the same outfit in a smaller size. Momodu has often faced this struggle and instead relies on easily accessible tailors in Nigeria to create his custom wardrobe. It’s a process with less hassle, but still not ideal.

“I would not describe fashion in Lagos as particularly size inclusive,” Momodu says. “However, thanks to the prominent bespoke culture in Lagos, the ready-to-wear industry and its shortcomings do not have as totalitarian an influence on our clothing as they do in other parts of the world. People here regularly turn to the made-to-measure industry and employ local tailors to create clothing for special occasions like weddings, funerals, and birthdays, as well as for their day-to-day traditional attire.” The caftans that Momodu has become known for are mostly made-to-measure by his favorite tailor (the two have a collaborative relationship and Momodu will send fabrics to him). He describes the process as many Nigerians would: Tailors rarely stick to deadlines, but they always get the job done well.

The easy access to tailors and bespoke fashion isn’t the only thing Momodu is grateful for as a stylish man living in Lagos. He considers himself lucky to have access to the culture and history that surround him in Lagos. The creative scene and the never-ending supply of fashion inspiration fuel his storytelling as a creator.

“In Lagos, we are privileged to have access to such a rich and vibrant cultural history. As a creative, you can find inspiration everywhere you look,” Momodu says. “When it comes to prints, patterns, textiles, and color combinations, we have centuries worth of references to choose from. At its core, Nigeria is a melting pot of different cultures and influences, so local designers and artisans can draw from aspects of Nigerian culture without becoming homogenous.”

In August 2025, prestigious lifestyle and fashion magazine, ESSENCE, through Ugonnaora Owoh, wrote the following on an encounter with Eniafe Momodu with the topic, How One Of Nigeria’s Most Influential Style Icons Eniafe Momodu Is Crafting His Own Style Legacy

When I finally catch up with Eniafe Momodu, it’s in person at the Nordic Hotel in the middle of Lagos’ bustling suburbs, which Momodu has been calling home for the past week while working on some projects. Our conversation commences as we share thoughts on the recent Met Gala. He lights up as we unpack and undress this year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” It’s a lighthearted conversation, but he speaks with the clarity and authority that you would expect from Nigeria’s most prolific cultural dandy.

Momodu, a producer, photographer, writer, and entrepreneur is one of the most notable, young forces in African fashion. At just 27 years old, his creative repertoire is impressive. Born in London to a journalist father and an accountant mother, he describes his childhood as ridden with the characteristics of a multi-hyphenate. He was a precocious child whose earliest memories were shaped by his love of music and literature.

Momodu’s eccentric style has propelled his status as one of Lagos’ highly stylish individuals. Characterized by colorful garments and long-flowing silhouettes, his signature style has been replicated by many. Growing up tall and large, fashion to him was originally about concealment. His mother would dress him in clothes aimed at making him blend in and stand out as little as possible. The global pandemic and subsequent #EndSARS protests spurred his return to Lagos (having left at 16 to complete his studies in the UK), which led him to craft a new style identity.

At 11, he tells me he stumbled across an old digital camera, which instantly sparked a long-term relationship with photography and filmmaking. Throughout his early teens, he would capture candid moments of his family and friends at school. At 14, advised by a cousin to pursue photography more seriously, Eniafe approached his dad asking if he could buy him a professional camera. “I was lucky to be a second-generation creative,” he says. “My dad always encouraged my creative interests, but he was also a stubborn believer in academia.” Momudu explains that when he asked his father if he could buy a professional camera he declared he would if he received all A’s on his next report card. He notes that he doesn’t recall ever studying harder–however, he ended up receiving all A’s–and his camera was gifted by his father several weeks later.

That Nikon DSLR camera ushered in a new era for a young Eniafe, who quickly adopted photo-sharing apps like Instagram and Tumblr, becoming his secondary school’s de facto student photographer and yearbook editor shortly after. When Venus and Serena Williams visited Lagos in 2012 and hosted an inter-school tennis tournament, he was the youngest photographer granted access to document the showdown.

“I was able to see that there was a real power in photography. Being able to document specific moments, whether they were intimate or big, and seeing the joy in people’s faces as they relive moments you’ve captured. Not to mention the access it gives you. This was before everyone was a photographer and could take high-quality pictures from their phones. It was a superpower back then,” he tells ESSENCE.

Eniafe’s image continues to loom large, and it can be imagined how much more of a great achievement he is poised to bring to the table in the coming years.

A hearty congratulations to the fashion icon!

Boss Of The Week

Professor Abiodun Adeniyi: An Epitome of Leadership, Scholarship and Media Entrepreneurship

Published

3 weeks ago

June 29, 2026

Eric

By Adeoye Inioluwa

Professor Abiodun Adeniyi is a distinguished Nigerian media scholar, journalist, and academic leader whose career reflects a rare blend of professional journalism, rigorous scholarship, and institutional administration.

He currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, where he provides strategic academic leadership focused on innovation, excellence, and the advancement of higher education.

His academic foundation was laid at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He furthered his professional training in journalism at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja, before proceeding on the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. There, he obtained a Master’s degree in International Communications and later completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communication Studies, with research that explored internet-mediated communication among Nigerians in the diaspora.

Before transitioning fully into academia, Professor Adeniyi built a solid career in journalism. He worked with Today Newspapers and later spent over a decade at The Guardian, where he distinguished himself as a reporter and editor covering politics, governance, and national affairs.

His years in the newsroom not only shaped his understanding of media practice but also grounded his later academic work in real-world experience.

Following his doctoral studies, he returned to Nigeria and briefly served as a Communications Consultant on the World Bank-supported Economic Reform and Governance Project at the Bureau of Public Procurement.
He later established Witswords Consults Limited, where he offered strategic communication advisory services to public and private sector institutions.

At Baze University, Professor Adeniyi has played a central role in academic development and institutional growth. Over the years, he has served in several capacities, including Head of Department of Mass Communication, Deputy Dean, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, University Orator, Registrar, and ultimately Vice Chancellor.

He is widely recognized as one of the pioneering figures in strengthening postgraduate education and communication studies within the institution.

An accomplished scholar, his research interests span strategic communication, journalism studies, political communication, media and governance, diaspora and migration studies, and digital media. He has authored and co-authored scholarly works published in reputable outlets and has contributed to advancing discourse on media, democracy, identity, and communication in contemporary society.

Beyond academia, Professor Adeniyi has maintained active engagement in public discourse through consulting, research collaborations, and policy-related advisory work. He has worked with international development partners, including organisations such as the World Bank, European Union, USAID, and the International Organization for Migration, among others. His expertise has also been sought in media commentary, public lectures, and intellectual forums across Nigeria and beyond.
Colleagues and observers often describe him as a “public intellectual” whose work bridges the gap between theory and practice.

His contributions reflect a consistent commitment to ethical journalism, critical inquiry, and the role of communication in strengthening democratic governance and civic engagement.

Professor Abiodun Adeniyi stands today as one of Nigeria’s notable academic voices in media and communication studies. He is an intellectual whose career continues to demonstrate the enduring relevance of scholarship in shaping society, policy, and public understanding.