Boss Of The Week

High Chief Tom Ikimi: Celebrating an Enigma at 80

Published

7 months ago

April 14, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The city of Benin, the capital of Edo State, was on a stand still on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, when a prolific son of the land, celebrated a landmark 80 years.

With notable personalities from across the length and breadth of the country present, the city assumed the enviable status of cynasure of all eyes, feeding all and sundry with the best of organisation, standard and cultural display.

The event kickstarted at St Paul’s Catholic Church, along the Airport Road, in the heart of Benin City, where the who’s who in politics and otherwise gathered to thank God for 80 years of life well lived.

Making a most glorious entry, the celebrant, who could not hide his joy by the way he beamed smiling greetings at the guests, and dressed in a flowing white attire, complemented with exquisite royal beads of diverse colours, also received warm greetings before settling down majestically in the front row of the church amid a melodic play of solemn hymn.

In his brief sermon, the Archbishop of the Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, who presided over the thanksgiving service, and was assisted by other bishops, hailed the resilience of the celebrant and how his knowledge and experience has benefitted the country during his hay days.

While also delivering a message, titled ‘What a Life’, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Felix Job, acknowledged that High Chief Ikimi has been up and doing.

The celebration took a different turn right after the church Thanksgiving giving as all roads led to the reception venue, where a medley of performances and presentations we’re displayed.

Speaking as the chief host, Governor Obaseki congratulated the celebrant, expressing his heartfelt joy on behalf of the people and government of the state, and describing Ikimi’s efforts as an enduring legacy.

Among the classy dignitaries whose presence added distinguished colour to the occasion were Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who practically played the part of the chief host; the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; the Esama of Benin Kingdom; Chief Gabriel Igbinedion; and a former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion.

THE MAN, HIGH CHIEF TOM IKIMI

The man, who posterity will remember for his roles as the pioneer chairman of one Nigeria’s most popular party in the 3rd Republic, the National Republican Convention (NRC) as well as a former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, was born on April, 10 1944, in Kumba-Southern, British Cameroons (modern-day Cameroon) to John Onile Ikimi and Victoria Isiemoa Ikimi, both from Igueben (Igueben Local Government Area- Edo State).

Tom Ikimi started his early education at St. Joseph’s College, Sasse-Buea, Southern Cameroons in 1957, and left in 1961. He was a pioneer student of the Midwestern Polytechnic, Auchi, Midwestern Nigeria, (now Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State) for his technical education from January 1966 to December 1967, and studied Building and Civil Engineering before obtaining Ordinary National Diploma. He was also a pioneer member of the Students Union, and a keen sportsman, who contributed to the establishment of the College Athletics Club.

After his stint at the Poly, he pursued after more of his professional education, and studied Architecture at the Ahmadu Bello University, Architectural School, Zaria from 1968 – 1973, and obtained the B. Arch (Hons) degree.

While in school, he participated in students unionism, and was a member of the student union and National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS). He is known for moving the motion in late 1970 at the NUNS convention in Zaria to readmit the Eastern Unions back into the NUNS at the end of the civil war.

Among his many pioneering endeavors, Ikimi was also a pioneer member of the National Youth Service Corps Programme serving in Ibadan, during the 1973-74 session.

He has also served in a good number of reputable organizations including as Architect in the firm of planning partnership later IBRU Vaughan Richards & Partners, Lagos from 1974-1977, and was made Associate partner in 1975.

He established his own firm, Tom Ikimi Design Company in May 1977 and executed a number of private and commercial projects within and outside Nigeria (1977 – 1993). He later won the international competition for the new OAU office and conference Centre project, Addis Ababa Ethiopia. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA) and has business interests in construction, trade and farming.

HIS MANY PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Member Constituent Assembly – 1988/89, Member Chapter 2 Committee “Fundamental Objectives and Directives Principles of State Policy”. National Chairman- National Republican Convention Party — 1990–1992.

He was the Special Adviser To the Head Of State, Commander-In-Chief, General Sani Abacha in February, 1994 where he prepared the memo for the establishment of the highly successful Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF)

He was appointed Foreign Affairs Minister March 1995

Ikimi led Nigeria’s delegation to the Review/Extension Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York City, delivering the national position address on April 18, 1995. [citation needed]

Additionally, Ikimi headed the delegation to the Ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Bandung, Indonesia, from April 25 to 27, 1995.

Ikimi represented the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief, at the 40th Anniversary Meeting of the Movement of Non-Aligned countries in Bandung, Indonesia, on April 28, 1995.

Furthermore, Ikimi led the delegation to the Ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement in Cartagena, Colombia, from May 18 to 20, 1998, delivering Nigeria’s statement on May 19, 1998.

Taking charge of the delegation, Ikimi oversaw Nigeria’s participation in the Special UN Security Council Session for Foreign Ministers in New York City, delivering the country’s statement on September 26, 1995.

Ikimi led the delegation to the 50th Commemorative Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from September to December 1995, delivering Nigeria’s statement to the Assembly on October 3, 1995.

Serving as the President of the United Nations Security Council in October 1995, Ikimi hosted Pope John Paul II at the UN 50th Anniversary celebration in the capacity as President of the Security Council.

Ikimi represented the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief, at the summit meeting of the Non-Aligned member countries of the United Nations Security Council in New York City on October 4, 1995.

Continuing leadership, Ikimi headed the delegation to the 51st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from September to December 1996, delivering Nigeria’s statement on October 3, 1996.

Ikimi also represented the Head of State at the 11th Summit of the Non-Aligned countries in Cartagena, Colombia, from October 18 to 20, 1998, delivering Nigeria’s statement on October 18, 1998.

Additionally, Ikimi led the delegation to the 52nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from September to December 1997, delivering Nigeria’s statement on September 23, 1997.

Led Nigeria’s delegation to the 52nd Session of the United Nations General assembly (UNGA) September – December 1997 and delivered Nigeria’s statement to the Assembly on 23 September 1997.

Chairman of ECOWAS council of ministers and ECOWAS committee of Nine on LiberiaC-9) from 26 July 1996.

Chairman ECOWAS Ministerial Committee of Five on Sierra Leone.

Led Nigeria’s delegation to and chaired the 4th meeting of the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee of four on Sierra Leone (C-4) in New York, 11 July 1997.

Led the delegation of the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee of Five (C-5) to New York and briefed both the Secretary-General and the Security Council under the Arria Formula, on the situation in Sierra Leone, 11 November 1997.

Led Nigeria’s delegation to and chaired the 8th meeting of the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee of Five on Sierra Leone (C-5) in New York, 5–6 February 1998.

Led Nigeria’s delegation to several ECOWAS ministerial meetings and Head of State summits around the sub-Region.

Led the ECOWAS ministerial committee of nine (C-9) to successfully resolve the Liberian crisis.

Supervised under the United Nations, the holding of the first postwar democratic election in Liberia in August 1997 and the establishment of a democratic government headed by Mr Charles G. Taylor.

The violent overthrow of the government of president Ahmad Tejan Kabbah on 25 May 1997 posed a threat not only to the peace and security of Sierra Leone but also the security and stability of the West African Sub-region. As chairman of the committee of four and five on Sierra Leone, he led negotiations and coordinated the delicate operations leading to the successful restoration of the government of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah on 10 March 1998. He led the ECOWAS Team and was the first to enter Sierra Leone to assess the situation on the ground after the liberation of Freetown from the rebels by ECOMOG Forces 18–19 February 1998 to permit the return of president Ahmad Tejan Kabbah from exile in Conakry.

His tenure as Foreign Minister coincided with the period when the West African sub-region and indeed much of Africa was beset with conflicts, which including civil wars in Angola, Rwanda/Burundi, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), the Sudan, Liberia, Somalia and Sierra Leone. The central organ of the OAU was established in Cairo in 1994 as a mechanism for resolving these conflicts. In his tenure, Nigeria retained her membership of the central organ in the three successive elections which were conducted annually. Aside from the several meetings of the OAU council of ministers, Ikimi represented Nigerian Head of State at the summit meeting of the Central Organ of the OAU Mechanism for the Prevention, Management and Resolution of Conflicts in Tunis, 20 April 1995. He also Led Nigeria’ delegation to the 31st OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 26–28 June 1995, also in Cameroon, 9–10 July 1996 at the 32 OAU Assembly. Zimbabwe, 1–3 June 1997 and Burkina Faso, 8 June 1998.

Ikimi is happily is married, with three sons and a daughter, and a dutiful member of the Roman Catholic Christian denomination.

The erstwhile political leader has a profile larger than imagined, and is reputed to have served a definite purpose for Africa, Nigeria and humanity in general.

Additional Information from Wikipedia

Boss Of The Week

Meet the Working Senator, Ajagunna Olubiyi Fadeyi

Published

1 week ago

October 28, 2024

Eric

By 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.

Boss Of The Week

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim: Security Colossus, Performer Extraordinaire

Published

4 weeks ago

October 12, 2024

Eric

By 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

A native of Keffi, Nasarawa State, Hajia Sulaiman-Ibrahim was born in 1980 in Jos, Plateau State to the family of Mr S. K. and Aisha Danladi, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim was however, raised in Abuja, Nigeria.

With a parent, who values education, she began her schooling early, and attended Aruwa Nursery School, Abuja and Jabi Primary School, (now, LEA Primary School, Jabi), for her nursery and primary school education before preceding to Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, Abuja for her secondary education. At the age of 19, she graduated from University of Abuja with a degree in Sociology. At the age of 21, she received two master’s degrees from Webster University, an MBA and MA. She did her mandatory National Youth Service Corps at NNPC, Kaduna zonal office.

Her incursion in professionalism started at Abuja Geographic Information Systems, AGIS, before she moved to the United Kingdom where she worked in human resource, Business and Management before becoming a certified [SAP] HCM consultant.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim joined Mary Kay and later became a senior sales director. She was a special adviser on strategic communication to the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba and she was appointed a member of the Nasarawa State Economic Advisory Council by the Executive Governor of Nassarawa State, Engr. A. A. Sule in September 2019.

She was recently the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for the duration of 6 months from December 2020 to May 2021, from where she was made the Honourable Federal Commissioner of the National Commission For Refugees Migrants And Internally Displaced Persons Office.

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.

Boss Of The Week

The Impactful, Philanthropic Life of Medical Genius, Dr Flora Obiageriaku Aladi

Published

1 month ago

October 5, 2024

Eric

By 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!