Boss Of The Week
Allen Onyema: Africa’s Hero Changing Aviation Landscape
Published
1 year agoon
By
EricBy Eric Elezuo
The adage, the sky is your limit, doesn’t seem to sit well with a personality like the big man at Peace Air, Mr Allen Onyema as he continually seeks ways to better the Nigerian airspace and champion revolutionary measures in African aviation enterprise.
A lawyer turned accomplished entrepreneur, Onyema is the epitome of dedication, determination, focus and passionale zeal to make the continent an aviation guru among high flyers in the industry.
Today, despite inconsistent government policies coupled with bureaucratic bottlenecks hindering the smooth operations of indigenous airlines, Air Peace, arguably West Africa’s biggest carrier, recently recorded another breakthrough. This time, the ever improving carrier made a remarkable entry into the European air space after securing Foreign Carrier Operator Permit, FCOP, to fly to London.
The permit allows airlines from other regions to fly to Europe and Third Country Operator Permit (TCO-UK) that enables airlines to operate to UK. In other words, Peace Air will now operate direct flights with its luxury wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft to these destinations.
“We obtained these permits that qualify us to fly to UK. Before you obtain these approvals, they will audit you very well. You have to go through stringent audit, which we passed. We obtained the permit last week,” the entrepreneur enthused.
Consequently, when you talk about a man, who has an unwavering interest in his country, and continent; a man fit enough to wear the toga of the prestigious award of Nigeria’s National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM), you are without equivocation making reference to the Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, Barrister Allen Onyema.
It is therefore not a surprise that his diligence, high performance, high productivity and research achievements; ability to encourage and foster the spirit of healthy competition amongst workers, firms and companies in Nigeria, propelled him to the enviable height he is standing on today, and paved his way to receiving prestigious awards and achieving more and more firsts.
When you are many things wrapped up in one bundle, it is difficult, almost impossible for the world not to give you attention. This situation encapsulates one man, completely different from the rest in the global professionalism, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. From the solitary law profession to becoming an aviation wizkid to the reputable philanthropist known across the globe, Allen Ifechukwu Onyemaraeme, simply referred to Allen Onyema has come a long in his 59 years of worthy sojourn on planet earth. Here is a man who found the proverbial green pastures out of a dint of hard work from where he was, breaking barriers and creating new horizons. He is the indefatigable founder of one of world’s best privately owned airline, Air Peace.
Air Peace, without mincing words, has grown to become the largest indigenous airline in the whole of West and Central Africa with competitive fares on both passenger and charter services. It is worthy to note that licence for the operations was delayed for two whole years. Onyema, unarguably has the Midas touch by every standard.
A native of Mbosi in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra state, Allen Onyema, was born to Michael and Helen Onyema in Benin City in the then Midwest region, in present day Edo State, on March 28, 1964 as the first of nine children of his parents.
He obtained his Higher School Certificate at the age of 20 in 1984, at Government College, Ughelli, having had stints with various institutions of learning including including St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Azia and Urhobo College, Effurun.
In the same 1984, Allen Onyema was admitted into the University of Ibadan to study Law. He practically allowed the school to pass through him as well as he combined academic works with social activism to engender national peace. In 1987 however, he graduated and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989.
While others were making their ways out of the country in search of better life, Onyema moved to Lagos with a strong determination to find his own greener pastures there, and if he couldn’t find it, will create his own greener pastures there, for others to subsequently find.
Like the biblical person, who has respect and is faithful with little beginnings, Onyema began life as a squatter in Oshodi, a suburb of Lagos notorious for squalor attributes. He explained in one of the many interviews he had granted that he used ‘trek from Marina to Iddo to join the overcrowded trains back from his daily trips to Lagos Island in search of a chamber to practice his law profession’.
In 1990, out of sheer zeal and focus, he secured a place with Nwizugbo & Co. Chambers. It was not long, before he stamped his feet in the scheme of things, having won a case that had been labelled ‘a bad case’. From that point, there was no stopping the young lawyer, as he continued to establish his authority in the field. His rise was astronomical, and 1992, he had become the Head of Chambers. He also performed two actions in the same year that changed the course of his profession.
As a man who has his hands in many pies, he resigned his job at the chamber to concentrate on his real estate business, and at the same time floated his own law chamber, Onyema and Co. This real estate business was more lucrative as he reasoned, and justifiably so by every standard. The deals sharpened his entrepreneurial skills, and it was not long for him to choose between an arbitrator and an entrepreneur. It is worthy of note that deciding was very easy as he told Late Ubong King in an interview, and reported by Nairametrics:
“When I was squatting in Oshodi, I had these garage boys that were my friends and one happened to belong to a family that had this large expanse of land in Alagbado. He took me there, showed me their properties and I helped them to bring some buyers. A week later, after I got the employment, the entire family sent for me, and gave me about 400 plots of land in Alagbado to sell on their behalf at N5000 per plot.”
Though he was not promised a commission, he was given the privilege of a mark up, and so for someone on a monthly salary of N500, every plot of land sold at 100 per cent markup fetched him his 10-months’ salary. He didn’t need any ghost to tell him where his riches lie. He was not just selling to others, he was buying for himself as well.
With the fast rise of the real estate business, he consequently established Allen Onyema & Company to handle his real estate concerns. He confessed that “I was making a lot of money, but I was also working really hard.”
He didn’t stop at that, the wave of business acumen was flowing around, and he took advantage and also established floated Continental Business Links Limited, an import trade outfit to play the middleman role between traders in Nigeria who wished to import goods, and foreign manufacturers looking to get their goods into the Nigerian market.
He followed it up with the establishment of started Every Tide limited, an imports and trade business that imported electronics and sold in wholesale containers to traders.
In 2013, Onyema took the boldest step of his entrepreneurial calling. That was when he started the ambitious Air Peace, with the sole intent of creating jobs as against making profits. He had said in many fora that a friend told him that one commercial Boeing 737 could give jobs to a thousand persons and he decided that commercial aviation was a much profitable venture than leaving his money to seat idle in the banks. Consequently, he purchased the first three Domier jets. He realised rather too late that they could only be used for charters and even though they could fetch him a lot of money, only a few staff were needed. That wasn’t his original magnanimous intention. He wanted to give employment to a large number of citizens, not to make profit. Then he acquired seven Boeing 737 planes for commercial aviation. It was epochal as that was the time ever that a Nigerian airline would be starting with more than 2 airplanes.
Besides being a sound entrepreneurial giant, Onyema comes also as socially sound as the best. While in UI, his appetite for peace made him lead a group of nine other students to Zaria to quell a raging religious and ethnic riot that claimed lives. This singular act and the reception that followed his enthusiasm grew and led to the formation of a group known then as Eminent Friends’ Group – a group formed with the objectives of promoting ethnic harmony amongst Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities and fighting the incidence of violence of all forms
When he left the university in 1987, he ensured that the group was replicated in all the states of the federation. In 2005, he initiated, organised and held the “1st Nigeria forever project” aimed at promoting broad nationalism as against ethnic nationalism.
The flourishing entrepreneur is not new to awards as they follow him like an avalanche. In April 2007, he became the second African ever to be appointed to the Executive Board of The Global Non-violence Conference Series Inc. USA, alongside notable world leaders like Hon. Dr. Andrew Young and Suarez Ramos. As a member of this board, he won for Nigeria, the hosting rights for Global Conference on Nonviolence and Peace in Abuja from December 3-5, 2007. His contribution to the socio-economic development has just began. He is also the chairman of the Foundation For Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria, (FEHN).
As a budding socialite and successful business, he has not completely escaped the unfounded criticisms of naysayers and fifth columnists. He and Air Peace have also come under senseless attacks in spite of the excellent services being rendered to the flying public. It is on record that the airline operates some of the heathiest, mostly brand new supersonic planes that have combined to earn the brand the Number One Position in the West and Central Africa Regions, barely seven years of its operation. He however, haas made it known that his primary objective is to continue to dish out the best of services to the flying public, create jobs for the teeming Nigerian youths, and not to answer to every unsubstantiated accusation by those who do not have the interest of the country at heart.
It is against this backdrop that the Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, in a message through his media aide, Joe Anatune, described Onyema as an exceptional businessman and a rare philanthropist who has made giant strides in the Nigerian Aviation industry through dint of hardwork and uncompromising business ethos.
It is worthy of note that a few years after the Air Peace became operational, the airline has thousands of people on its employment across the world, a greater majority of them are young Nigerian men and women who are pilots, engineers, technicians, lawyers, journalists, medical doctors, air hostess and cleaners, among many other professionals. The group launched its first international routes in 2017 to Accra in Ghana and commenced flights to Sharjah United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2019.
As one of the wonders of the world, the brand by 2018, had the largest market share in the domestic airline market in Nigeria, took delivery of jumbo jets- Boeing 777 planes and still counting. The long strides of the airline to date is nothing but mind-blowing. In addition to all the supersonic aircraft already acquired, Onyema has the intention of taking delivery of another set of 12 brand new Embraer 195 C2 making it 17, with the aim of acquiring a total of 30 of the supersonic planes to fly passengers across the world before the end of 2022. He is such an enigma, a well crafted legacy to mankind. He will be remembered for playing significant roles in the realization of the Anambra Airport.
In 2022, the company received its fourth International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, which signifies that the carrier was successful in the globally recognised and rigorous safety audit.
“Air Peace is unwaveringly committed to observing the highest standards of safety in its operations and the consecutive success in the IOSA audits is a testament to this commitment. For us, safety comes first for both our passengers and staff. We cannot compromise on this,” the organisation maintained.
Apart from providing jobs for thousands of people in Nigeria and others from across the world, especially countries where it operates, Onyema and Air Peace management is neck deep into philanthropy as well as intervening for Nigeria, in times of emergency among other needs.
In 2019, during the outbreak of xenophobia in South Africa, Air Peace took up the challenge to evacuate Nigerians at no cost.
In September 2021, Allen Onyema challenged the Super Eagles to beat Cape Verde and get N20 million as well as flew the team to Mindelo where the game took place. The team won the game, and Onyema handed over N20 million largesse.
Most recently, Air Peace was one of the three Airlines that the Federal Government engaged recently to bring Nigerians who were stranded in Ukraine due to the raging war between that country and Russia back home, a task that was successfully executed.
Onyema’s economic benefits to the Nigerian nation are larger than one can imagine. He is into scholarship to as as many that that comes across him, and has written his name in gold as one of Nigerian’s most influential businessman, whose selfless interest stands out among the rest.
A distinguished family man, Onyema has been married to his heartthrob, Alice Ojochide Onyema, since 1993, and both are blessed with wonderful children.
We congratulate you on this fresh landmark achievement, knowing it is a stepping stone to more notable barrier breaking impacts.
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Boss Of The Week
Meet the Working Senator, Ajagunna Olubiyi Fadeyi
Published
1 week agoon
October 28, 2024By
EricBy Eric Elezuo
Men of timbre and calibre, like dynamites, come in very small packages, saying very few words, and churning out gigantic achievements that stand the test of time, and last for ages. The Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Ajagunnla Olubiyi Fadeyi, royally known as the Bafoyin, is a man of timbre and calibre; a man of many parts; a complete gentleman, and more importantly, a go-getter.
In just 16 months as his people’s representative in the Senate, Ajagunnla has demystified governance, making every step, hour, minute and seconds count admirably for the interest and benefit of the people, whose mandate he is riding on at the Red Chamber.
His avalanche of deliverables has become a case study for colleagues, who wish to know how he has been able to achieve so much within a short space of time, and with inadequate funds.
The personality of the working Senator is captured by as many as know him in and out, and presented below:
Ajagunnla Olubiyi Fadeyi was born to the family of Dagilogba Baba Ayodeji Fadeyi, of Eran’s Compound, Oke-Ede, Ila Orangun in Osun State and Mama Esther Tinuola Fadeyi of Odu’s Compound of Oke Ejigbo also in Osun State.
His father, while alive, was an astute and respected Administrator, who served at the then University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-ife, while his mother rose through the ranks to become a Matron in nursing before becoming the owner of Oduduwa Hospital in Ile-Ife.
Buoyed by parent’s conviction that education is a non-negotiable ingredient for a meaningful and purposeful life, the young Biyi, as he is popularly called, started his illustrious educational career at Seventh Day Primary School, Ile-Ife, and thereafter, proceeded to Moremi High School also in Ile-Ife, for his Secondary School education, This was immediately followed with a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. For his postgraduate honours, he obtained a LL.M in International Business Law at the University of Cumbria, Carliste in the United Kingdom.
Growing up in Ife, he developed a penchant for academic pursuit, so it’s not a surprise that he attended Ivy League colleges in the US, specializing in Business Management, International Relations, PPP Risk Analysis and Political Economy. He also took Senior Executive Courses in International Relations and Political Economy from the renowned London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) London, United Kingdom.
Ajagunnla Olubiyi Fadeyi is a member of Senior Executive Course in National and International Security at Harvard’s John Kennedy School, Boston, USA.
Olubiyi also has gone through some executive courses in Leadership and Block Chain strategy at the said business school, Oxford University, United Kingdom. As a Public Private Partnership (PPP) expert, who facilitated many PPP projects in and outside Nigeria, he has participated in PPP Executive Courses at the International Law Institute (ILI) in Washington D.C, USA.
Biyi has also been to the prestigious Harvard Business School (HBS) in Boston, United States where he attended Senior Executive Management courses in Creating Shared Value, Competitive Advantage Through Social Impact as well as other courses at the Harvard Law School, specializing in Negotiation. It is worthy of note that while at Harvard, Biyi attended three major faculties, the Business School, The Kennedy School of Government and the Harvard Law School where he became a Senior Executive Fellow.
He also has a Honorary Doctorate Degree in Infrastructure, Planning and Management, from the Esfam-Benin University, and Honorary Doctorate Degree in Administration, Policy, and Leadership, from the Commonwealth University in UK.
As a PPP Consultant and expert, he has partnered with state and Federal Governments on Public and Private Partnerships (PPP) on infrastructure projects mainly on Road, Bridges and Seaports in Nigeria, which has attracted over 7 Billion USD Foreign Direct Investment through his core International partners to Nigeria in the last 15 years.
Ajagunnla Obubiyi Fadeyi is the Executive Chairman of Fane Group, a Group of Companies with subsidiaries in Consultancy, Real Esate.
He is an expert in Road and Sea Port Infrastructures, Energy Services, Hospitality and Sport Betting. He is also the Chairman of Harvard Continental Hotels, Luckia-fane Gaming Company Ltd and Chairman Dubia Free Trade Zone, A Multi-Billion Naira Company with well over 500 employees in its payroll.
He is a strategic Partner to the Economic European Development Council (EEDC), Partner to European Market Research Centre, Energy Partner to Luckia Gaming South Africa, and Infrastructure development partner to China Harbour Construction Engineering Company, China.
In his desire to give back to the society, he forayed into politics, and contested for the Senatorial seat of Osun Central Senatorial District in 2019. Ajagunnla came with a bigger wave in the 2023 Election, and presented a robust issue based campaign with which he defeated then the serving Senator from Osun Central in a hard fought election, winning with a wide margin.
Ajagunnla Olubiyi Fadeyi is a member of the 10th Senate of Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is the Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Communication, and also the Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Trade & Investment.
A Senior Executive Fellow of Harvard, a proven guru and philanthropist, Ajagunnla is happily married with children.
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Boss Of The Week
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim: Security Colossus, Performer Extraordinaire
Published
3 weeks agoon
October 12, 2024By
EricBy Eric Elezuo
The hallmark of diligence and genuine stewardship is result: a result that impacts on the lives of the populace. Consequently, one individual has been described as not only industrious, diligent and result-driven, but has exhibited tangible results that speak volumes of her passion to serve. She is the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
Young, dynamic, energetic and with an eye for details, Hajia Sulaiman-Ibrahim cuts across as a thoroughbred professional, whose stock and trade rests squarely on the need to deliver dividends of democracy, trust and egalitarianism.
It is therefore, not a surprise that the Honorable Minister has consistently received accolades from her immediate constitutuency, the Police, other security agencies across board, stakeholders in the Nigerian security business, and the general public, who have seen and acknowledged her undisputed legacy of thorough policing, initiatives and landmark achievements in the little over one year as an appointee of President Bola Tinubu.
This is one public officer, who has redefined gender inclusion, proving beyond reasonable doubt that women have class and height as far as administrative equanimity is concerened. She has given stakeholders and all and sundry that framework on which to unanimously agree that she, in the discharge of her constitutional duties, has exceeded expectations of observers, analysts, employees and employers as she continually dishes out one great innovation after another.
It is not by accident therefore, that recommendations were showered on the Minister at the 2024 Security Conference and Awards of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), which was held at the Oriental Hotel, in Lagos with notable dignitaries from the security agencies and beyond, in attendance.
Speaking as the Distinguished Guest Speaker at the meet, Hajia Sulaiman-Ibrahim, had highlighted the grace she brought to Police Affairs Ministry, which has seen to both the initiation and execution manifold projects, and their attendant testimonies, including identity tracking for national security.
“As someone deeply invested in the safety and security of our nation, I have spent considerable time reflecting on how best to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges. The more I engage with experts, our police force, and other stakeholders, the clearer it becomes that identity tracking is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal. It is not just about knowing who is in our country; it is about building a system where every identity is securely accounted for, and reducing opportunities for crime,” she said.
THE WOMAN IMAAN SULAIMAN-IBRAHIM
Appointed in August 2023 as the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, a distinguished international professional with over two decades of expertise spanning the public, private, and development sectors, has a wealth of experience in conflict management, human capital development, peace building, and national security. She has no doubt established herself as an administrator par excellence.
Well read and well learned, Sulaiman-Ibrahim obtained is a B.Sc in Sociology holder from the University of Abuja. She is reputed have earned two Master’s degrees; an MBA and an MA in Management – both from Webster University, St. Louis (London Campus) at the young age of 21.
Reflecting her dedication to continuous professional growth and barefaced love for education, the honorable minister is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Security and Strategic Studies at the Nigeria Defence Academy.
In addition to her academic achievements, she co-founded and serves as the President of the BumbleeBee Civic Initiative (formerly The Beehive Initiative), a platform dedicated to mentoring politically inclined women and promoting grassroots civic awareness.
Her public service record is equally impressive and worthy of emulation. As Special Assistant on Strategic Communication and Partnerships to the Minister of State for Education (August 2019 to December 2020), she led the development of the innovative Alternate School Programme, securing Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for its implementation. She later served as Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), where she significantly improved national efforts to combat human trafficking and address irregular migration.
She has also served as Federal Commissioner and CEO of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). In this role, she launched the “Project 5s” initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
As a politician, strategist, and award-winning leader, Imaan has garnered recognition for her work in national security, conflict resolution, and human capital development. On July 27, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed her as the Minister of State for Police Affairs, making her the first female to hold this position.
Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is indeed a force to reckon with in administration.
ACHIEVEMENTS AS MINISTER
As a prudent and high flying administrator, Hajia Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained her achievements so far in a speech as follows:
“In my role as Minister of State for Police Affairs, I have therefore made it a personal mission to prioritize the integration of cutting-edge identity technologies into our policing systems. Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, my Ministry has been working tirelessly to complete the National Data Fusion Center. This facility, now at an advanced stage of development, will serve as a centralized hub for integrating and analyzing identity data from multiple sources, and will significantly enhancing our capability to track and neutralize threats.
“It might interest you to know, that when we resumed office, our first task was to develop a comprehensive reform roadmap—The Renewed Hope Police Reform Roadmap. We critically reviewed eight previous attempts at reforming the Nigeria Police Force and conducted on-ground assessments of police installations nationwide. I personally examined policing systems in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, amongst others. These efforts, combined with extensive consultations with stakeholders at local, national, and international levels, led to the creation of a reform roadmap built on six foundational pillars designed to strengthen and redefine the NPF’s operational capacity.
“…our vision is ambitious but clear: to create a world-class Nigeria Police Force that is inclusive, community-based, intelligence-led, and technologically advanced—fit for the 21st century. We aim to excel in maintaining public safety, upholding the rule of law, and fostering community trust through transparency and accountability.
“As you will suspect, the first pillar of our reform roadmap is Technical and Operational Excellence, which focuses on harnessing technology to elevate the capabilities of our personnel. We are also enhancing sectoral policing capabilities, including air, marine, and transport policing. Other pillars include Infrastructure Advancement, Welfare Enhancement, Policy Framework Development, Community Policing, and Rebranding and Strategic Communication. These pillars provide the strategic direction necessary to achieve the President’s vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria, and we are already making significant strides in implementing key interventions.
“For example, we have significantly enhanced the capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC). This has led to the resolution of major cases, including the arrest of suspects involved in a 16-billion-naira financial crime against a major financial service provider, amongst several others.
“Additionally, the NPF Green Initiative was recently launched, which is the most ambitious police project in the last decade. The initiative, currently in its implementation phase, includes solar power installations at 5,000 police locations, deployment of 840 electric vehicles and 605 gas-powered vehicles, establishment of 14 electric vehicle charging stations, and installation of 38 gas refill stations.
“Given the size and demands of the NPF, we are also exploring the establishment of a Police Industrial Complex. This facility will produce essential equipment to meet the NPF’s operational needs. This approach will not only preserve foreign exchange but also create local jobs and stimulate the economy. Preliminary commitments are already in place, and we are working closely with stakeholders to finalize the details.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, we have deployed mining marshals to secure critical mineral sites
“We have also graduated and deployed the first batch of officers under the Special Intervention Squad. These officers are equipped with the advanced skills and capabilities needed to protect communities, uphold the rule of law, and restore peace in conflict-prone areas. Alongside this, we are reviewing the curriculum of our training institutions to ensure that the training officers receive is relevant and responsive to emerging security challenges.
“Automation is another key aspect of our reform. We have streamlined the process for obtaining the Police Character Certificate through an automated system with globally validated reference numbers, significantly improving turnaround times for applicants.
“To enhance regional cooperation, we have strengthened the West African Police Information System (WAPIS). The legal framework has been fortified, and key security institutions are now equipped with WAPIS terminals. This has significantly improved access to critical information, enhancing our ability to combat crimes effectively.
“Over the past year, we have made strategic investments in surveillance technologies, drones, and communication systems to boost real-time information gathering and response capabilities. We have also introduced ICT applications such as the RescueMe App and e-CMR (electronic Central Motor Registry) to enhance our epolicing strategy. These platforms have improved efficiency and productivity across our operations.
“Our efforts extend beyond technology; we are committed to community engagement as a fundamental aspect of our security strategy. We have held numerous townhall meetings nationwide to foster grassroots understanding of security dynamics and develop community-specific solutions. We have also strengthened our partnership with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), resulting in better intelligence sharing and collaboration.
“In addition, we are developing a National Policing Policy to enhance the operational capabilities of the NPF and ensure more responsive and responsible policing. We have also launched the NPF Gender Policy to improve the gender balance within the force, and I am proud to announce that our advocacy has led to the inclusion of a female officer in the force’s leadership team.
Hajia’s father was an Abuja-based engineer and developer while her mother was a teacher. She is the second child in a family of eight children, and is happily married, three children.
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Boss Of The Week
The Impactful, Philanthropic Life of Medical Genius, Dr Flora Obiageriaku Aladi
Published
4 weeks agoon
October 5, 2024By
EricBy Eric Elezuo
Young, trendy, energetic, humane and an absolute go-getter combine to define one of Nigeria’s exclusive achievers, who are making waves across professional divides and geographical locations. She is Dr. Flora Obiageriaku Aladi, an eloquent, dexterous and capable medical hand, who has sworn to affect humanity with all that she is blessed of God.
A Nigerian-born Canadian, whose educational trajectory took shape from the University of Calabar, Cross River State, where she had her medical education, obtaining a medical degree in the bargain, before immigrated to Canada in company of her young family of her two children in 2003 to join her husband.
On arrival to Canada, she enrolled at the University of Calgary, trained in family education, and obtained a degree in Family Medicine.
Saddled with the principle of human life, Dr. Aladi has not failed to use her experience, training and resources to see to the wellbeing of hwr immediate community, Calgary, Alberta, Canada and the universal being. This, she has been doing in over 13 years of medical practice and exigency.
Dr. Aladi oversees the Health Watch Medical Clinics, which currently operates at two locations (Mckenzie Lake and Chinook Park Plaza) as the Medical Director, bringing to bear the experience of a thoroughbred professional, whose stock in trade is care of humanity.
Not only is she a medical specialist, she is an American board certified Independent Medical Examiner, with special interest in women, maternal and child health, Anti-aging, esthetics (skin care and body sculpting), obesity and men’s sexual health. It is not an understatement to absorb her as an all-rounder, infact, a medical accomplishment personified.
An academic of no mean repute as well as an author, she has distinguished herself in the area of research, publishing ten papers in the areas of health disparities and fuzzy logic (Organizational Informatics).
In recognition of her accomplishments, Dr. Aladi has been nominated twice as the Alberta Family Physician of the year by the Alberta College of Family Physician.
In March 2019 she received a prestigious award of Excellence by the Alberta college of Family Physician/College of Family Physicians of Canada making her the first Nigerian to receive this award in Canada.
Also in 2019, and 2022, she received award from Women of Vision “Above and Beyond award” for her support towards a successful conference. She is also the first female medical doctor in her home town hence the origin of the nick-name “trendsetter”
She is currently a medical staff with the university of Calgary department of Family Medicine, Preceptor with the Alberta International Medical Graduate program and Board member Primary Care Services (South Calgary Primary Care Network).
Dr Aladi and her family have been active members of the Igbo Cultural Association of Calgary (ICAC) & Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC) and has volunteered twice as the ICAC Ibo Day Gala Co-Chair.
Among many of her distinguished qualities is her of philanthropy. She is an ardent philanthropist and is currently sponsoring free eye surgery for the under privileged in Nigeria. Again, outside the area of medicine, and in collaboration with her husband, she is involved in real estate investment and restaurant industry – talk of a genuine master of many trades.
Easily identifiedas Dr. Flora Aladi of Calgary’s Health Watch Medical Clinic, as many that know her, describe her as an energetic, and a patient focused family physician, providing a wide range of general medical services to patients in the Calgary area, and environs
Reports have unanimously stated that she has demonstrated special interest in the following areas:
- Maternal and child health
- Family planning clinic
- PAP smear services
- IUD insertion
- Birth control pills advisory services
- Removal of lumps
- Other minor surgical procedures
The reports specified that “As a dedicated medical practitioner committed to providing the best possible services to patients in this community, Dr. Aladi does not only give herself to patients’ care in the office, but does house calls/home visits to selected cohorts of frail, very unwell and elderly patients as well as community care.”
Dr. Aladi is also in the professional habit of making available the following other services as follows:
- Walk-in Clinic
- Travel Consultancy
- Prenatal Care
- Pre-Employment Medical Exam
- Drug Testing
- Drivers Medical Exam
She is for all intent and purpose eligible described as a general practitioner in the field of medicine.
Dr. Flora Obiageriaku Aladi is a 2003 medical graduate from one of Nigeria’s prestigious universities. She moved over to Canada and undertook her postgraduate medical training at the University of Calgary Medical School in Family Medicine. She holds Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) qualification.
She is your typical next door Family Doctor, who is in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Dr. Aladi is married with children and enjoys volunteering, fund raising and travelling, amongst many other endeavours, when she is not looking after patients.
Striding gingerly to the fifth floor, in a couple of weeks, Dr. Aladi is fondly referred to as the fierceflower by loved ones. This is an aftermath of her beauty, never-say-never attitude and down to earth personality that has conquered boundaries and barriers.
We celebrate your doggedness ma, as you are deservedly crowned our boss of the week!
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