Boss Of The Week

Femi Otedola: The Return of a Billionaire

Published

2 years ago

January 28, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Deft touch is one of the strategies of doing business, and it became a game changer when accomplished business man and Chairman, Geregu Power Plc, Femi Otedola, put it to full use thereby paving his way to return to parity with Africa and world billionaires, after a seven-year hiatus.

The 61-year-old entrepreneur presently occupies number 20 on the list of African billionaires with a net worth of $1.1bn.

According to Forbes, the wealth of the 2024 list of 20 billionaires rose to $82.4bn from last year’s $81.5bn, partly as a result of Otedola’s return. Before then, the last time the business mogul appeared on the Forbes Africa list was in 2017. This year, he took the 20th spot on the list.

Recall that a few daya ago, Otedola had announced a significant acquisition of shares in Dangote Cement, the only cement company in Nigeria with two export terminals, with a combined export capacity of eight million tons per annum.

The strategic investment not only underscores Otedola’s confidence in Dangote Cement’s potential to generate foreign exchange for the country and his dedication to supporting businesses that contribute to Nigeria’s economic resilience, but shows his ability to measure business timing. Economic stakeholders have said that the deft move contributed in no small measures to catapulting him into the Forbes Billionaires’ list as well as return Aliko Dangote back to the number one position

While Otedola did not however, disclose the volume of shares he acquired, industry stakeholders said that he bought N6 billion worth of stocks in the company.

The Chancellor of Augustine University, Epe, Lagos State, who could not hide his excitement at the achievement took to his social page to express his heartfelt gratitude, posting ‘interesting’ with some emojis following.

Otedola, only a few months ago, when he was inaugurated as Chancellor, doled out a total of the N750 million to 750 students at the ratio of N1m per student in scholarship for the 2023/2024 academic session, including new and returning students.

The total sum of the scholarship donation amounts to N750 million (Seven Hundred and Fifty Million Naira). In a addition, the silent billionaire boosted the furnishing of the Engineering Faculty with a N140 million donation, and another N110 million for street lights across the campus. He therefore, made a whopping N1 billion donation to the institution. The Geregu chairman had earlier committed N2 billion for the building of the Engineering Faculty.

The donations were considered historic, and a new precedent for private philanthropy in the academic sector.

Call him the simplest and most easy going Nigerian billionaire, you won’t be wrong. The likes of Femi Otedola, as he is simply referred, to, are rare. Some schools of thoughts believe his likes are even extinct.

He is an enigma and a worthy philanthropist, even to a fault. His stupendous flow of human touch and attachment to people and humanity are his greatest endearment. He even went a notch ahead when he against all odds acquired 5.5 per cent shares at the prestigious Transcorp Plc, a conglomerate that accommodates the best of business concerns in the country, dishing out unquantified services to mankind. He therefore, becomes the second largest shareholder of the company.

Otedola’s Geregu Power went public in the third quarter of 2022, and he owns 2.388 billion worth of shares indirectly through Amperion Power Distribution Limited, which is 95.56 percent of the company’s total ordinary shares of 2.50 billion, according to data from the NGX website. His business networking is admirable, and that has placed him on the pedestal of Nigeria and Africa’s business greats.

Otedola, early in 2022, also acquired significant control of FBN Holdings when he announced he had acquired shareholdings above the 5 percent threshold, a development that triggered a bidding contest for stocks. He is a game changer.

In addition to his network of gigantic strides, the billionaire businessman was appointed as a Vice President of popular UK-based charity, Save The Children, a position that further portrayed his philanthropic worldview.

“I am elated to be associated with the organisation. We have to save our children from all manner of challenges and deprivations. And giving to the needy, particularly children, is the greatest love of all,” the father of four said excitedly.

According to a statement by the organisation, “Save the Children’s vice presidents are a group of high-level supporters and critical friends of the organisation, actively involved in advancing the work of Save the Children, through advocacy, volunteerism, introductions, and philanthropy.

“Mr. Femi Otedola’s addition to the vice presidents group is a testament to his long-standing support to the organisation. Since 2019, Mr. Femi Otedola has supported Save the Children’s programmes on prevention and treatment of malnutrition and on advocating access to quality education for Nigerian children, impacting over 6000 children in Adamawa, Borno, and Katsina States.

“In November 2019, Mr. Otedola hosted a gala in Abuja where he made a personal donation of N5 billion,” the statement explained.

To some, it is still a mystery how the son of a prolific politician, who rose to become the governor of Lagos State, did not dabble into politics as is the standard in his clime.

However, one thing is clear, and that is the fact that the billionaire businessman, simply addressed as Femi Otedola (CON), is a focused and determined man. He made his choice from day one, and has refused to be derailed. This explains his prolific nature in the world of entrepreneurship, which has directed his life.

But one thing is very obvious before all and sundry, and that is the fact that the dotting father of four adorable children is really an Epicurus son, and has no place for half measures when it comes to giving himself, and of course everyone around him the good life. It was no surprise therefore, when the philanthropist lavished a whopping Three Million Pounds to rent a cruise boat in celebration of his 60th birthday in 2022.

Born on November 4, 1962, in Ibadan to the family of the late Sir Michael Otedola, a former governor of Lagos State, Otedola is a definition of everything good, positive and encouraging. He has lived his life representing the very essence of living, affecting lives as a philanthropist, developing careers and manpower as a businessman, industrialists and entrepreneur, and raising biological children, who has stood their own in the society. There is hardly anywhere this tall, handsome phenomenon of a personality can be faulted.

The billionaire businessman started his education at the University of Lagos Staff School before attending Olivet Baptist High School from where he was admitted into the university.

A former chairman of Forte Oil Plc, the Chancellor of St Augustine University, Epe, Lagos, is the founder of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, and the owner of a number of other businesses across shipping, real estate and finance. He has recently invested in power generation as part of the liberalisation of the sector in Nigeria.

He never leaves anything to chance, and so used his 60th birthday to fulfill a childhood fantasy and lifelong ambition of cruising on the most expensive boat in the world, the Christina Onassis. The yacht is owned by late Greek billionaire, Aristotle Onassis. He had adopted the Greek Shipping guru, as his role model since he was 13. It was a dream come true.

The man, who has homes in Lagos, Abuja, Dubai, London and New York City has a much impressive existence since he set out to take the bull by the horns in the field of enterprise. This is as chronicled by wikipedia.

In 2003, having identified an opportunity in the fuel retail market, Otedola secured the finance to set up Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, a petroleum products marketing and distribution company.

As owner and chairman of Zenon, in 2004 he invested N15 billion in downstream infrastructure development and acquired storage depots at Ibafon, Apapa as well as four cargo vessels, amounting to a combined total storage capacity of 147,000 metric tonnes. The same year he acquired a fleet of 100 DAF fuel-tanker trucks for N1.4 billion.

By 2005, Zenon controlled a major share of the Nigerian diesel market, supplying fuel to most of the major manufacturers in the country including Dangote Group, Cadbury, Coca-Cola, Nigerian Breweries, MTN, Unilever, Nestle and Guinness.

In March 2007, it was announced that ten banks had approved a syndicated loan of US$1.5 billion (N193.5 billion) to Zenon as working capital to build the largest premium motor spirit storage facility in Africa. Later that year Zenon acquired a 28.7 per cent stake in African Petroleum, one of Nigeria’s largest fuel marketers. Zenon also invested across the financial sector, becoming the largest shareholder in a number of Nigerian banks including Zenith Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA). As well as diesel, Zenon also became an important player in the kerosene market.

In 2012, Zenon was among a number of companies named in a report into an alleged fuel subsidy scam. According to the report Zenon owed the government $1.4 million. It was further reported that Farouk Lawan, the Nigerian legislator who compiled the report, had apparently been filmed collecting $500,000 of a supposed total sum of $3 million from Femi Otedola to remove Zenon from the list. It subsequently emerged that Otedola had previously reported Lawan’s harassment and demands for bribes to the State Security Services, who had orchestrated a sting operation. Lawan was charged with corruption in February 2013.

In 2007, Otedola was appointed chairman and chief executive of Africa Petroleum through the acquisition of a controlling stake in the business. In December that year he personally acquired a further 29.3 per cent of the company for N40 billion. A merger of this personal holding with Zenon’s brought Otedola’s total stake to 55.3 per cent.

Following Otedola’s entry into the company African Petroleum’s share price rose sharply, increasing the market capitalisation from N36 billion to N217 billion in six months. In 2008, in response to public concerns over the availability and pricing of kerosene, African Petroleum launched an initiative to saturate the market and sell fuel at N50 per litre from more than 500 service stations across Nigeria.

In March 2009, Otedola became the second Nigerian after Aliko Dangote to appear on the Forbes list of dollar-denominated billionaires, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. In October 2009, Otedola announced a move to upgrade African Petroleum’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage terminals in Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt. Difficult economic conditions caused by the slump in world oil prices and credit squeeze of 2008–09 led African Petroleum to record a loss in 2009.

In December 2010, African Petroleum rebranded, changing its name to Forte Oil PLC. Otedola carried out a restructuring of the business, focusing on technology and improved corporate governance. Forte Oil returned to profit in 2012.

In 2013, as part of the Federal Government’s push to liberalise Nigeria’s ailing power sector, Otedola financed 57% of Forte Oil subsidiary Amperion Ltd, which acquired the 414 MW Geregu Power Plant for $132 million.

Forte’s improved financial position and diversification into power generation resulted in a 1,321 per cent rise in its share price during 2013. The first half of 2014 saw the company’s pre-tax profit more than double year-on-year to 4.19 billion naira ($25.7 million). Revenue growth for the whole year was 33 per cent. In November 2014, Otedola returned to the Forbes rich list having dropped off it following the fall in share price during 2009.

In September 2015 Forte Oil sold 17 per cent of its equity to Swiss commodity trader Mercuria Energy Group, giving Forte access to global commodity markets. The deal was thought to have given Otedola an estimated $200 million. In 2019, Femi Otedola sold Forte Oil Plc and announced plans to change focus from oil to power with his company, Geregu Power Plc.

In 1994, Otedola established CentreForce Ltd, specialising in finance, investments and trading. Otedola is also the owner of Swift Insurance.

Otedola is Chief Executive and President of SeaForce Shipping Company Ltd and was at one point Nigeria’s largest ship owner after extending control over the distribution of diesel products. One of his ships, a flat bottomed bunker vessel with a storage capacity of 16,000 metric tonnes, was the first of its kind in Africa.

In January 2006, Otedola was appointed a non-executive director of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, a multi-sectoral conglomerate established in 2004 by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo to respond to market opportunities requiring heavy capital investment in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa. He held this post until February 2011.

Otedola has made a number of real estate investments, including a N2.3 billion acquisition in February 2007 by Zenon of Stallion House in Victoria Island in Lagos, from the Federal Government. The following month he was appointed chairman of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja and tasked with driving its expansion and upgrade to a seven star facility. He is the owner of FO Properties Ltd. Otedola has been reported to be a financier of the People’s Democratic Party and is said to have contributed N100 million to President Obasanjo’s re-election expenses in 2003. He has served as a member of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) since 2004, and the same year was appointed to a committee tasked with developing commercial relations with South Africa. In 2011, Femi Otedola was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan to Nigeria’s National Economic Management Team.

In 2020, Forte Oil rebranded to Adrova PLC.

He is known to have made several donations to the Michael Otedola University Scholarship Scheme, which was established in 1985 to give underprivileged students in Lagos State access to higher education. In 2005 Zenon donated N200 million to the scheme’s fund. Since its inception, the scheme has benefited more than 1,000 students.

In 2005, Otedola made a N300 million personal donation to the completion of the National Ecumenical Centre; Nigeria’s primary place of Christian worship, in Abuja. In 2007 he was among a group of donors who gave N200 million to the State Security Trust Fund in a drive to reduce crime in Lagos State. Later that year he donated N100 million to the Otedola College of Primary Education in Noforija, Epe. In 2008 he donated N80 million to the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Port Harcourt. He also promised and fulfilled his pledge of 25,000 dollars to the Super Eagles in the match against Algeria in the 2019 AFCON.

In September, 2022, Otedola was appointed as a member of the National Peace Committee (NPC), headed by former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar, ahead of the 2023 elections.

Highly blessed of God, Otedola, who holds a National Honour of the Commander of the Niger (CON), owns a private jet and a few of his caravan of cars include Mercedes Benz AMG G63 worth N73 million; G–wagon costing N53 million; Mercedes SLR McLaren worth N250 million; Rolls–Royce Phantom worth N162 million and BMW 6 series worth N30 million. In the recent past, he gifted his three daughters a costly Ferrari sport cars each.

An unrepentant dotting father, husband and family man, Otedola is married to Nana, and has three daughters and one son. They are Tolani, a singer, Florence Ifeoluwa and Elizabeth Temi, and a son, Fewa. Florence Otedola, aka DJ Cuppy, is a Disc Jockey and music producer, as well as a tourism ambassador for Nigeria while Temi is an actress, a style blogger and aspiring designer.

The world welcomes the billionaire back to the club!

Boss Of The Week

Renowned Academic, Lawyer, Prof Afe Babalola, Bags PAWA’s Top Award

Published

6 days ago

February 7, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The University community of the prestigious Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), buzzed with renewed vigour during the end of last week, when the renowned founder, who doubled as a distinguished Academic and Legal luminary, Prof Afe Babalola, was honoured with the Pan African Writers Association’s (PAWA) top award.

Early on D-day, the 5th of February, 2026, members of the university community, media practitioners, friends and well wishers gathered at the premises of the academic landmark for the all-important conferment of the Nobel Patron of the Arts Award to the distinguished Nigerian Legal Practitioner, Educationist and Writer, Aare Afe Babalola.

The event, which took off with a tour of the gigantic and expansive setting, saw guests representing PAWA, Authors Association of Nigeria, management and staff of the university, expressing heartfelt wow at the luxury that greeted every section and department of the institution, including the medical facility and the farm. Everyone unanimously agreed that the school merits its Time Higher Education (THE) Impact ranking as at 2025 as the 84th in the world, 3rd in Africa and 1st in Nigeria.

Babalola, at 96, and who has not shown any sign of slowing down in his pursuit of rendering academic assistance and nurturing the real leaders of tomorrow through purposeful education, followed in the footsteps of other great Africans, who had been recipients of the prestigious PAWA award. Some of them are former President of Ghana Jerry John Rawlings, former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, immediate Past President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and former President of Somaliland, Musa Bihi Abdi.

Others are President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine, President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria. The award, according to the leader of the delegation and General Secretary of PAWA, Dr. Wale Okediran, is reserved for top world leaders, who have contributed immensely to the development of the arts.

Lending credence to the contributions of Prof Babalola in the academic and legal world, leading to the establishment of the world class University, the crowd of attendees representing the 54-African nations strong PAWA, ANA among others, were already in the huge conference room, venue of the elaborate ceremony, before the recipient made his grand entry into the hall.

Acknowledging reverence and accolades, Babalola, who was dressed in pure white suit, with red shirt and tie to match, and complimented with his signature (white) hat, made his way to his seat, guided by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Smaranda Olarinde, who momentarily anchored the event.

Other professionals, who graced the occasion with their presence were members of PAWA, ably led by Dr Okediran, members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) led by the National President, Dr Usman Ladipo Akanbi.

In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Olarinde, extended a hand of fellowship to the delegates, and thanked PAWA for deeming it fit to honor Prof Babalola who has distinguished himself in several areas of life especially as the Founder of a magnificent University with world class facilities.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Okediran lauded the landmarks contributions of Prof Babalola, noting that none other deserve the award at a time like this like the ABUAD founder.

The PAWA Secretary, who has served six years, with just two more years to go, noted that PAWA is not just a run-off-the-mill group, but renowned in all 54 Africa counties, with headquarters in Accra, Ghana, where the secretariat resides. He further stressed that awards emanating from the group is acknowledged worldwide.

Dr Okediran further emphasized that PAWA’s decision to honor Chief Babalola was based on his track record of scholarship, service and devotion to education and mentorship.

Among the many intimidating qualities of the recipient, is his influence in the literary world, having authored many educational and literary books, established a distinguished law firm, “Emmanuel Chambers” dating back to 1965, and also groomed an impressive array of senior members of the bar and the bench.

After his meritorious service as the Pro Chancellor of the University of Lagos, he established the ABUAD, a non profit University in 2009.

With the formalities concluded, Okediran went ahead to decorated the recipient with the golden medal of award, and complimented it with a presentation of certificate of merit as the Grand Patron of the Arts mid loud applause from the audience and a convivial atmosphere.

One of the fireside activities of the occasion was the presentation of his book, Medicine and Literature without Borders to the Vice Chancellor and the Founder. It is worthy of note that Dr Okediran is a qualified medical doctor, who diversified into literal writing. He also runs a writing retreat resort, Ebedi International Writers Residency, Iseyin, Oyo State.

Responding in a speech laced in achievement, Babalola thanked PAWA for the honour done to him, flaunting prowess in the world of awards and honours. He reiterated that he is also a recipient of nine honorary doctorates including one from his alma mater, the University of London, noting that the honor will spur him to do more for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

The Noble Patron of The Arts Award is a prestigious recognition from the Pan African Writers Association reserved for distinguished personalities, who have excelled in their areas of endeavors.

THE MAN, AARE AFE BABALOLA SAN

Below is the life and times of the accomplished legal icon, educational mentor and philanthropist, as lifted from his personal website, afebabalola.com

Aare Afe Babalola SAN is one of the most distinguished legal luminaries of his generation, renowned both in Africa and globally for his profound contributions to the legal profession and the advancement of education. With over five decades of uninterrupted legal practice, Aare Babalola’s career is a testament to exceptional dedication, strategic advocacy, and visionary leadership.

A highly accomplished advocate, he has led some of the most celebrated cases in Nigerian legal history, representing high-profile clients, including government institutions, multinational corporations, and individuals. His advocacy spans domestic and international courts, including contributions as a consultant to the Federal Government of Nigeria, World Bank, and various conglomerates. His extensive experience includes his role in arbitration, both locally and internationally, where he remains a respected authority. Aare Babalola has appeared in numerous landmark cases, shaping Nigerian jurisprudence and establishing himself as one of the nation’s most formidable legal minds.

His influence goes beyond the courtroom. As the Founder of Afe Babalola & Co. (Emmanuel Chambers), one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, Aare Babalola has trained over 300 lawyers, including 14 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), judges, and attorneys-general, making his chambers one of the most significant contributors to the legal profession in Nigeria. His exceptional litigation skills and legal acumen earned him the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1987, cementing his place at the pinnacle of legal practice in the country.

A renowned scholar and author, Aare Babalola has authored several authoritative legal texts, including Injunctions and Enforcement of Orders and Law and Practice of Evidence in Nigeria. His contributions to legal education extend to teaching at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and delivering lectures at prestigious universities such as the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan. His popular column, YOU AND THE LAW, published in the Nigerian Tribune, reflects his commitment to educating the public on legal matters.

Beyond his legal practice, Aare Babalola has made extraordinary strides in education. His experience as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos (2001-2007) exposed him to the declining standards of education in Nigeria, spurring him to establish Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).

ABUAD has quickly become a beacon of academic excellence, setting new standards in Nigeria’s educational system. His efforts in education have been recognized globally, with numerous honorary degrees from universities, including the University of London, University of Lagos, and Ekiti State University.

Aare Babalola’s leadership in academia and law has earned him numerous accolades, including the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and international recognition such as the Queen Victoria Commemorative Award at the Socrates Awards in Oxford, UK. He was named Africa Man of the Year on Food Security and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Management by the Federal University of Technology, Akure. His groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire generations of lawyers and leaders across Africa and beyond.

In addition to his legal and educational contributions, Aare Babalola remains a committed philanthropist and advocate for reform in various sectors. His vast experience, unmatched expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him not only a legal icon but also a trailblazer in the fight for quality education and justice.

Key Achievements:

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), 1987.
Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Lagos (2001-2007).
Founder and Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
Queen Victoria Commemorative Award winner, Oxford UK.
Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of London, Ekiti State University, University of Lagos, and more

From all of us at the Ovation Media Group, we wish the revered professional many more years of accomplishments and honours.

Boss Of The Week

Ghana 2028: Mahamudu Bawumia Claims NPP’s Presidential Ticket

Published

2 weeks ago

February 1, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

In a keenly contested primary election, former Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia has claimed the presidential ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to fly the party’s flag in the 2028 presidential election in Ghana.

Bawumia defeated four other aspirants to clinch the ticket with a total votes of 110,643 (56.48%). They others fared as follows: Kennedy Ohene Agyapong – 46,554 (23.76%), Dr Bryan Acheampong – 36,303 (18.53%), Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum – 1,999 (1.02%) and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong – 402 (0.2%)

The votes cast were from the over 200,000 delegates from 333 polling centres across the 16 regions Ghana. From every indication, it appears obvious that the former vice president won by a landslide.

A seasoned academia-cum politician, Mahamudu Bawumia was born on October 7, 1963, and is reputed to share heritage with the Mabia (Mossi-Dagbon) ethnicity, as well as with influential figures such as Thomas Sankara, Alhassane Ouattara, Haruna Iddrisu, among many others.

He has out of a dint of hardwork, served at the highest level of politics and career, serving as seventh vice president for eight years and head of the Ghanaian central bank. He was also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) nominee for president in the 2024 general election

A member of Mamprusi people, Bawumia was born in Tamale, Ghana, to Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia and Hajia Mariama Bawumia. He is the twelfth of his father’s 18 children and the second of his mother’s five.

A Muslim by virtue of religion, Bawumia was named after Yaa Naa Mahamadu Bila, a king of Dagbon who ruled from 1948 to 1953. The name Bawumia means “They have heard” in Dagbanli and Gmampruli languages.

Tailored through educational inclination, Mahamudu Bawumia attended the Sakasaka Primary School in Tamale, and gained admission to Tamale Secondary School in 1975.

After graduating from Tamale Secondary School, he went to the United Kingdom, where he studied Banking, and obtained the Chartered Institute of Bankers Diploma (ACIB).

While at school, he participated activity in campus politic, becoming the president of the Ghana United Nations Students’ Association (GUNSA) in 1981.

In 1987, he graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Economics from the Buckingham University.

He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Economics at Lincoln College, Oxford, and obtained a PhD in Economics at the Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 1995. His areas of specialization include Macroeconomics, International Economics, Development Economics and Monetary Policy.

For an egghead like Bawumia, numerous publications trail his trajectory.

From 1988 to 1990, Bawumia worked as a lecturer in monetary economics and international finance at the Emile Woolf College of Accountancy in London, England. He also served as an intern at the Research Department of the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C. Bawumia also served as resident representative of the African Development Bank in Zimbabwe.

Between 1996 and 2000, Bawumia served as an assistant professor of economics in the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, USA, where he received a Young Researcher Award in 1998. He was listed in “Who Is Who Among America’s Teachers” in 1999. He also published two books on monetary policy and economic development.

Bawumia returned to Ghana in 2000 to work as an Economist at the Bank of Ghana. He rose from senior economist to head of department and subsequently served as special assistant to the governor of the bank.

In June 2006, then President John Kufuor appointed Bawumia the deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana, where he had an enviable track record of achievements across departments, sections and units.

During the run to the 2008 general elections, Bawumia resigned his position as deputy governor at the Bank of Ghana, becoming the running mate to NPP presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo. Though they lost the election, Bawumia’s carriage increased the NPP’s vote count.

He was however, to return to the academic world, undertaking various assignments locally and internationally, including becoming consultant to the Economic Commission of Africa between February and March 2009, and a visiting scholar at the University of British Columbia Liu Centre for Global Studies and UBC Fisheries Centre between April and October 2009.

Owing to sterling credentials over the years, in January 2011, Bawumia was appointed resident representative of the African Development Bank for Zimbabwe by the African Development Bank. He served in this position until reappointed as the vice-presidential candidate to Nana Akufo-Addo on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party for Ghana’s 2012 presidential election. Again, they lost the election.

But on his third attempt in 2016, he became Vice President of the Republic of Ghana with Akufo-Addo as the Presidential. For eight years, both men run the affairs of Ghana, having enjoyed a reelection in 2020.

In 2024, as Akufo-Addo completes his tenure, he signified his interest to rum for the presidency, running against the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, who eventually won the election. On 8 December 2024, Bawumia conceded defeat to former President John Mahama in an address to the media at his residence.

Bawumia is known for several philanthropic works:

In October 2020, he formally commissioned an ultramodern mosque built and fully funded by him for use by the people of Prang in the Bono East area. Dr. Bawumia had earlier in June same year settle over nearly 6 decades land lease arrears for the Kumasi Central Mosque.

In September 2021, he pledged GHS 1,500 monthly stipend to Psalm Adjeteyfio to take care of his rent and upkeep. In May 2022, Dr. Bawumia donated an amount of GHs 20,000.00 to a taxi driver who returned missing GHs 8,400.00 to the owner. In October 2021, Dr. Bawumia celebrated his 58th birthday with inmates of the Weija Leprosarium. In October 2022, he celebrated his birthday with cured lepers from the Weija Leprosarium and in October 2023, he celebrated his 60th birthday with the orphans at the Kumasi Children’s Home.

Bawumia is married to Samira Bawumia, and they have four children. He is expected to harness all his political and economic advantages in 2028 as he squares up against whoever the NDC will present since President John will no longer be on the ballot paper.

Boss Of The Week

Emeka Anyaoku: When a Global Statesman Turns 93

Published

3 weeks ago

January 25, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

With each passing day, week, and year, global diplomatic icon, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, continues to grow in bounds, and wow the world with his touch of class and excellence. At a glorious 93 years, the stateman of international repute is not slowing down anytime soon if his current zeal, carriage and abundant reservoir of wealth of experience is anything to go by.

According to a classmate and contemporary of the revered nonagerian, Mr. S. I. Metu, “from all we now know of Mr. Anyaoku, it is obvious that he was destined to be a diplomat, because he had all the makings – intelligence, friendliness, the ability to get things without offending anybody.

It is worth knowing that among the world’s very and highly respected diplomats is Nigeria’s diploma extraordinaire, Chief Anyaoku. His larger than life figure is further buttressed as he slides three more years into the nonagerian cadre. The world therefore, raises a toast to an accomplished and dedicated international figure as he celebrates 93 years of continuous impact in world diplomacy, politics and humanitarian endeavours.

Chief Anyaoku, before, during and after his glorious days with the Commonwealth of Nations as its Executive Secretary, has remained in the forefront of policy makers, image changers and global builders, and he is a few of these calibre of men, who do not have any kind of scandal trailing them. He qualifies as an enigma, and served as the third Commonwealth Secretary-General.

With his signature red cap, a white collar-like attire round his neck, supporting every apparel he wears, Anyaoku is very visible in every gathering and occasion.

A multiple awards and honours winner, including the prestigious GCON, GCVO, CFR, CON, Anyaoku was born Eleazar Chukwuemeka Anyaoku, of Igbo parents and heritage, Emmanuel and Cecilia Anyaoku, on January 18, 1933, in Obosi, in the present day Anambra State. He was educated at Merchants of Light School, Oba, and attended the University College of Ibadan, then a college of the University of London, from where he obtained an honours degree in Classics as a College Scholar. Aside from his international career, Anyaoku finds ample time to fulfill the duties of his office as Ichie Adazie of Obosi, traditional Ndichie chieftainship. He is the first of his mother’s children, and had five other siblings.

At the age of seven, the young Emeka was sent to live with his father’s only brother, Egwuenu Anyaoku, at Umuahia to start schooling in a very rural school. At 10, in 1943, he was sent to stay with his father’s cousin, Nathaniel Enwezor who was Headmaster at CMS Central School at Agbor.At Merchants of Light School (MOLS), Oba, where he had his secondary education, he learnt the importance of hard work, good character and good inter-personal relations. Records have it that he was outstanding, smart and brilliant. He also showed particular signs of leadership qualities during his young age.

Anyaoku is known to have organised the first African Commonwealth Heads of Government Roundtable in early 1997, to promote democracy and good governance on the continent. As a typical Igbo man, he still honours his traditional duties, serving as a chief in the midst of his international commitments. Anyaoku continues to fulfil the duties of his office as Ichie Adazie of Obosi, a traditional Ndichie chieftaincy title.

Wikipedia further captured his trajectory as follows:

After his secondary education, Anyaoku in 1952 proceeded to teach at Emmanuel College, Owerri in the then Eastern Region, he was there until mid-1954 lecturing in mathematics, Latin and English. He was reputedly an assiduous young teacher, meticulous in preparing his lesson notes. He gave back to his students the best of what he had learned at MOLS while injecting humor into his teachings.

One of his teachers at MOLS had kindled in him an interest in the Classics. His Latin teacher had inspired in him a love for the languages, laws and culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans, and the classical roots of the English language. Anyaoku then decided to go and study Classics at the new University College of Ibadan, the premier higher institution of its kind in the country, which had been instituted in 1948 as an overseas college of the University of London.

During the mid-1950s when Anyaoku was an undergraduate at the University College, Ibadan, the Nigerian nation was embroiled in debates, discussions and demonstrations on the political future of the country. There were controversies on when Nigeria should gain independence from Britain and with what political structure it should seek independence whether as a unitary or federal state. The city of Ibadan was one of the main epicenters of these debates. And the University College, which had brought together brilliant students, lecturers and politicians from diverse parts of the country, became a centre of what was then described as national radicalism.

Catriona Laing, Chief Emeka Anyaoku & Laure Beaufils

Anyaoku was in the thick of this as a student union leader. He along with like-minds in the union leadership campaigned in favour of unitary state, against federalism. They sent petitions and delegations to the three foremost political leaders in the country then, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in the Eastern region of the country, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the Western, and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello in the Northern region.

Anyaoku in 1959 obtained a London University Honours Degree in classics as a college scholar and joined the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) in Lagos. The corporation sent him as an Executive Trainee to the CDC headquarters in London from where he went on a course at the Royal Institute for Public Administration in London. On 1 October 1960, Nigeria was granted independence by Britain. And Anyaoku was posted back to the CDC West Africa regional office in Lagos at the end of December 1960.

In December 1961, Anyaoku then a CDC Executive Officer came in contact with a twenty year old Yoruba lady, Princess Ebunola Olubunmi Solanke, at a bachelor’s eve party which he and his flatmate hosted for a friend of theirs in Lagos. The princess, familiarly known by the diminutive “Bunmi”, was educated in England at a Christian girls boarding school, St. Mary’s School at Hastings. She thereafter attended Pitman College, London. Emeka and Bunmi were married at the Anglican Cathedral Church in Lagos on 10 November 1962.

In 1959, Emeka Anyaoku joined the Commonwealth Development Corporation. In early 1962, Anyaoku came in contact with the then Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Belewa. He had accompanied his visiting boss, Lord Howick, Chairman of the Commonwealth Development Corporation, to a meeting with the Prime Minister on the activities of the corporation in Nigeria and the West African region. The Prime Minister, impressed by Anyaoku’s answers to some of his questions on the projects supported by the CDC in West Africa, took an interest in Anyaoku’s future and persuaded him to consider joining the Nigerian Foreign Service. After a grueling interview by the Federal Civil Service Commission, he was offered an appointment in the Foreign Service in April 1962. Within a month of his entry, he was appointed Personal Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for External Affairs. There he was closely involved in the process that led to the establishment of the Organisation for African Unity (OAU) in May 1963. Following Nigeria’s independence, he joined Nigeria’s diplomatic service, and in 1963 was posted to its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.In 1966, he joined the Commonwealth Secretariat as Assistant Director of International Affairs. In 1968-69 there was a campaign by the Nigerian military government for the recall of Anyaoku; which said he was not a suitable Nigerian nominee, and they were anxious about his loyalty “to the country of his birth”. But “Emeka had resigned from the Nigerian Foreign Service and Arnold had no difficulty in turning aside the demand”.In 1977, the Commonwealth Heads of Government elected him as Deputy Secretary-General. In 1983, Nigeria’s civilian government appointed Anyaoku to become Nigeria’s Foreign Minister. After the overthrow of the government by the military later that year, he returned to his position as Deputy Secretary-General with the support of the new government in Nigeria and the endorsement of all Commonwealth governments.

At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at Kuala Lumpur on 24 October 1989, Anyaoku was elected the third Commonwealth Secretary-General. He was re-elected at the 1993 CHOGM in Limassol for a second five-year term, beginning on 1 April 1995.

Recall that in 1998, the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, in recognition of Chief Emeka Anyaoku’s antecedents concerning South Africa, and the manner in which he had championed the cause of the progressive movements around the world, afforded him the rare honour of addressing a joint sitting of the South African National Assembly. Also, former President Nelson Mandela wrote the foreword to Chief Chukwuemeka Anyaoku’s book, Eye of Fire.

Chief Emeka Anyaoku has lived, and continue to up to expectations, and merit the positive tags that trail him the world over.

Yes, when a global of Anyaoku’s magnitude turns 93, the international community rumbles in absolute cheers.

We wish the seasoned diplomat a glorious 93rd birthday, and many more years to follow, looking magnificently young in health and wealth.

Congratulations sir!