Boss Of The Week
Accomplished Entrepreneur, Taiwo Afolabi, Revels at 62
By Eric Elezuo
A trained as a lawyer. An accomplished entrepreneur. A distinguished industrialist with a Midas touch. A philanthropist of note with thousands of hangers-on, who are proud to call him their mentor. He is Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, the ebullient Chief Executive Officer at SIFAX Group, a conglomerate with its hands in various pies including Maritime, Aviation, Haulage, Hospitality, Financial Services and Oil and Gas. He is also the brain behind the jaw dropping new Marriot Hotel, located in Lagos. He is celebrating 62 years of impact, God’s goodness and attention to humanity.
Born on April 29, 1962, as the first child of a set of twins in Ondo State to Chief and Chief (Mrs.) Samson Afolabi, Afolabi is a native of Idokunusi Ijebu in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria.
A distinguished 2010 Member of the Order of the Niger MON awardee, the prolific business magnate started his education at the Ansar Ud Deen Primary School, Ondo State, before proceeding to the Baptist Grammar School, Ibadan where he obtained his West African Examination Council certificate. His quest to be the best he can be lured him further, and he berthed at the prestigious University of Lagos to study Law. He graduated with a LLB certificate in Law. He became a certified lawyer after a strenuous one year stint at the Nigerian Law School. He was called to the Nigerian Bar by the Body of Benchers on November 4, 2009., and thereafter, obtained a Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the same university.
Pruned, prepared and perfected for the outside world, Afolabi in 1981 launched into professional endeavours, kick starting his career with a shipping company, Nigerian Express Agencies Limited. As a young man hungry for success, Afolabi gave his all, distinguishing himself in every assignment, and earning the respect of all and sundry, thereby rising to become the Head of Operations.
Having seen all there was to see there, and consumed with the zeal to find a newer entrepreneurial world, he stepped out again, like Ulysses, in 1988 to create his own world, and there founded the SIFAX Group; a mustard seed that has grown to become a gigantic oak tree sheltering Maritime, Aviation, Haulage, Logistics, Oil & Gas and Hospitality concerns.
With SIFAX, Afolabi has proved to be a wonder blessed with the Midas touch as from a humble beginning, with little or nothing, he has transformed the originally freight forwarding agency with only a single base in Lagos, Nigeria, to a super mart, which currently operates across the world boasting of iconic presence in Africa, Europe and the Americas. Some of its locations include the United States of America, United Kingdom, Ghana, South Africa, Holland, Belgium, Morocco, Spain and Djibouti.
With over three decades of experience in entrepreneurial networking, having kick started his career story at the age of 28, Afolabi has successfully turned around the SIFAX empire, deriving subsidiaries out of a dint of hard work. Some of them are but not limited to Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, a concessionaire and operator of the Terminal C, Tin Can Island Ports, Apapa Lagos and SIFAX Off Dock Limited, a bonded terminal operator.
Others include SIFAX Stevedoring Limited; SIFAX Oil and Gas Limited; SIFAX Haulage & Logistics Limited; SIFAX Logistics & Marine Services Limited; Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited, an aviation ground handling company and SIFAX Shipping Limited. In glorious addition is the Marriot Hotel, a five star all inclusive home away from home. His invaluable knowledge of the economy, ability to take entrepreneurial risks, knack for newer grounds, focus on the job and desire to affect humanity have in no small measure ensured that all his subsidiaries have emerged and remained the most sought after brands in the business world.
He has further beefed up his skills in the maritime and general business world by attending several maritime and aviation-related trainings both locally and internationally on port operations, aviation ground handling operations and management.
When Afolabi is not unleashing the prowess his business acumen in the boardrooms, he is jovially serving the public. As many that know or have come across him agree that he has built a reputation as a public-spirited individual, possess a philanthropic gesture and is generally a jolly good fellow. He is said to have given hope and support to many public causes including education, which sits uppermost in his heart. He is known to run speedily to rescue whenever matters refer to education and academics. He is also public speaker and facilitator at various industry conferences and mentoring programmes. Some of the many interventions he has achieved in the education sector as part of his social corporate responsibility are donation of a 1,000 capacity lecture theatre at Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho and an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus to the medical students association of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
He also sponsors The Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference (TAAM Conference), organized in his honor by students of the University of Lagos.
Dr. Afolabi’s larger than life existence was made more manifest at the opening of his new Marriot Hotel where the who is who in the Nigerian economic world, entertainment, sports, politics and many more, gathered to give him solidarity.
A seasoned maritime consultant and Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Financial Management, the Institute of Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of Nigeria, Afolabi has used SIFAX and its subsidiaries to positively affect the Nigerian economy as well as generate both direct and indirect employment for teeming Nigerians who are eligible.
For his very many altruistic endeavours, Afolabi has been recognised and awarded in many quarters. Consequently, he has been conferred with diverse honorary doctorate degrees from four universities, including Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Cornerstone University and Theological Seminary, Jerusalem, Israel and USA, European-American University, Dominica and Commonwealth University, Belize.
He has also received other individual awards from diverse organizations, running into tens including the 2014 Business Person of the Year which was conferred on him Sun Newspapers, a leading Nigerian media company and he is also the Honorary Consul-General of the Republic of Djibouti in Nigeria.
He is a member of the Institute of Directors Nigeria; Ikoyi Club 1938; IBB Golf Club, Abuja; the Building Committee of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry, amongst many others.
Afolabi, who is celebrated for his “wealth of experience, organisational prudence and business ingenuity” is a sports enthusiast, addicted to watching and playing football.
A proud and accommodating family man, he is married to his beautiful wife, Folashade, and they are blessed with wonderful children, among whom is a popular recording artist, L.A.X.
For you incredible support growth and development of world economy, and the survival of humanity, you are our Boss of the Week.
Happy birthday sir!
Who could have imagined that standing in for someone to play the role of a drunkard in one of the major Nigeria sitcoms in the 1980s, The New Masquerade, would be the pedestal one of Nigeria’s funniest men, Nkem ‘Osuofia’ Owo, needed to launch big time into the world of acting, theater and entertainment. Ever since, the prolific actor has not looked back, but has broken barriers, smashed records, and has continued to be relevant even as he joined the septugerians’ club. Yes, drums are rolled out to celebrate Osuofia at 70.
Born in Enugu State, on February 7, 1955, Nkem Owoh, better known by his screen alias, Osuofia, has come of age in every facet of existence including merchandise, family and entertainment.
A graduate of Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Osuofia had both his primary and secondary education in Nsukka, also in Enugu State. Reports have it that his acting became noticeable at early age, and during his primary and secondary days, before getting better polished and manifested during his university days, from where he graduated to acting in various television and film productions, including writing scripts.
The Wikipedia presents more of his trajectory as follows:
In 1979, he embarked on his journey in the entertainment industry, starting as a writer at Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). He further established his writing credentials by penning scripts for notable productions, such as: The New Masquerade and Basi and Company (a sitcom created by Ken Saro-Wiwa). He also once filled in for an absent actor, playing the role of a drunkard in the groundbreaking sitcom The New Masquerade. This unexpected opportunity launched his successful career.
However, Owoh ventured into the movie scene when he was contracted to handle the subtitling for the Igbo language movie Living in Bondage upon its completion. Following the success of Living in Bondage, acting opportunities began to flood in. A year later, he landed his next significant role as a customs officer in the Igbo language movie Circle of Doom. His good performance announced his arrival on the scene, captivating producers, who not only sought him for his acting talent but also valued his scriptwriting skills.
Following Circle of Doom, he landed his third film role in Taboo which he co-scripted.
In 1995, Owoh wrote and produced the iconic film Ikuku, where he portrayed the unforgettable character, Osuofia (a drunk). His portrayal of Osuofia in the movie earned him widespread recognition, transforming him into a beloved household name. In 1997, he produced Ikuku 2 a sequel to the first movie, where he reprised his role as a drunkard. He also produced Pampam the same year, teaming up with Okey Bakassi.
The character Osuofia was once again brought to life by Nkem Owoh in Osuofia in London (2003) and its sequel Osuofia in London 2 (2004), produced by Kingsley Ogoro. His appearance in this movie earned him international recognition and also his nickname. This breakthrough paved the way for a lasting career, with continuous screen appearances from then on.
Owoh is also known for performing the song “I Go Chop Your Dollar” about advance fee fraud. The song was featured in the film The Master in which Owoh plays the role of a scammer.
Hw had had his own ups and downs in the business as well as in life. It is noted that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission banned the song, citing it was promoting fraud. Also in 2007, he was arrested in Amsterdam, Netherlands while performing at a musical show, but was later released.
In November 2009, he was kidnapped, and a ransom N15 million naira was demanded. He was said to have been released after his family members allegedly paid a ransom fee of 1.4 million naira.
In 2017, at the 13th edition, he was honored with the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) Lifetime Achievement Award.
In2012, he partnered with MTN for a multimillion-naira endorsement deal that has been repeatedly renewed.
Osuofia remains a known face to many generations of movie watchers, as well as a formidable force in the Nigeria film industry. He is a legend, having contributed more than enough to spreading in homes.
Happy 70th birthday sir…!
By Eric Elezuo
What looks like the entire Rivers State was out last week, precisely on January 28, 2025, to celebrate their Governor, Sir Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara, as he hit the golden age.
Leading the charge of celebrations and encomiums, was his amiable wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, who organized a surprised party for the governor, with the who’s who in Rivers State government and Peoples Democratic Party present, including former Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman, Uche Secondus; Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo; and a former governor, Sir Celestine Omehia.
Superbly attired, and defeating the surprised undertone, a very elated Fubara walked side by side with his water as the entered the open venue event, with aides, we’ll wishers and staff tagging joyously along.
Speaking straight from the heart, Governor Fubara, who fought and is still fighting many battles of his political life just 20 months after becoming governor, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “This morning I feel so humbled. I have been swept off my feet. Sincerely, all my life I have never subscribed to celebrating birthdays, particularly in this way. What has been done this morning, in conjunction with my wife, shows so much love and appreciation that honestly, I do not know how to pay back.”
In one moment of intense joy, the celebrant, assisted by his dear wife, performed the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, much to the delight of their guests. The laughter and the camaraderie that followed was a joy to behold.
The scene appeared to wipe clean all the political turmoil that has trailed the governor and Rivers State in 20 short months.
An ethnic Ibani-Ijaw, born in Opobo Town in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State on January, 28 1975, Fubara was sworn in as the governor of Rivers State, on May 29, 2023, after winning his electoral victory on March 18 of the same year.
He previously served as Accountant general of Rivers State, under Barr Nyesom Wike as governor.
Less than two years after becoming governor, Fubara has amid turbulence situations, launched out to deliver good governance to Rivers people. He is known to have signed N195.3bn contract with Julius Berger for the construction of Port Harcourt Ring Road project. The project when completed would traverse six local government areas of the state, thereby decongesting Port Harcourt. Fubara further stated the State would pay over N150 billion advance for the project. This is among many other notable projects.
He is married to Valerie Fubara and they have three children.
President Tinubu Celebrates Governor Siminalayi Fubura at 50
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on his 50th birthday.
The President lauded Fubara’s contributions to governance in Rivers State and his efforts to foster growth in the region.
President Tinubu further urged Governor Fubara to redouble his efforts in promoting peace and unity, emphasising the importance of harmony as a foundation for sustainable development.
“As you celebrate this milestone, I commend your dedication to the service of your people. Governance thrives where peace reigns. I encourage you to continue working tirelessly to bring people together, resolve differences, and create an environment where progress can flourish for the benefit of all Rivers people,” the President said.
President Tinubu wished Governor Fubara continued wisdom, strength, and success in his leadership journey and prayed for more remarkable achievements in the years ahead.
Governor Oborevwori Felicitates with Fubara at 50
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, commended Governor Fubara as a courageous leader who deserves recognition for his significant contributions to the governance of Rivers State.
He characterized Governor Fubara as a wise and capable individual, divinely appointed to lead the people at this pivotal moment in the political landscape of Rivers State.
Oborevwori stated, “Since becoming Governor, you have consistently prioritized good governance, focusing on improving the standard of living for the people by fostering development, peace, and security within the state.”
He further expressed confidence that Fubara’s development agenda would continue to positively influence the growth and progress of Rivers State.
“On behalf of the government and citizens of Delta State, I congratulate an outstanding professional, seasoned accountant, and my brother, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on his 50th birthday,” he added.
“As you celebrate this milestone, I pray that God grants you greater wisdom and good health to continue your exceptional service to Him and to humanity.”
Other prominent individuals, who celebrated the governor included Party faithful, aides, loyalists, industrialists and a whole lot more.
From us at The Boss, we wish Governor Fubara more fruitful years!
By Eric Elezuo
There seems to be no end to the flow of awards, honours and laurels coming the way of one of Africa’s living legends among women, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is the Director General of the World Trade Organization, as a result of her leadership qualities, exemplary lifestyle and societal impact.
Only last week in far away Davos, the Nigerian export to the world, and former Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, was named and crowned the ThisDay Woman of the Year for obvious reasons.
According to the Editor-in-chief of ThisDay and Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, while presenting the award, Okonjo-Iweala qualifies as “an uncommon African who is carrying the African flag around the world showing that the African century is upon us.”
He noted that the reason behind the choice of the former Nigerian Finance Minister lies in her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO which saw her recent reappointment for a second term.
“To the glory of God, it is an honour and privilege in Davos today, to present on behalf of the audiences of ARISE News Channel around the world and readers of THISDAY Newspapers in commemorating our 30th anniversary, to present our 2024 ‘Woman of the Year’ award to an uncommon African, who is carrying the African flag around the world, showing that the African century is upon us. It is a privilege to present our 2024 Woman of the Year award to the head of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,” Obaigbena had said while making the presentation.
Okonjo-Iweala, who is not new to awards, even with the ThisDay organisational, applauded the honours noted that “…this is very, very, very special and I promise you I don’t take it lightly.
“I’ll continue to do my best to try and represent the country, and the continent the best way I can, and to make sure that the dividends of development also flow our way.”
Madam DG’s trajectory in the journey of administration has been phenomenal, and laddened with special touches of creativity, which has consistently placed her on the pedestal of greatness.
While looking forward to celebrate 71 on June 13, Okonjo-Iweala cannot help but accommodate the outpouring of affection and respect that have trailed her performances in all offices she has occupied so far. This underscores her significant influence in global affairs and her role as a respected figure on the world stage, and serving as a reminder of the personal connections and goodwill she has fostered worldwide. She certainly deserves every accolade.
Humble and family oriented, the face of African standard is a woman full of appreciation, and do not hesitate to put her in the forefront, irrespective of her humongous achievements.
She once expressed thus: “I consider myself blessed to have a loving husband, family, friends, and well-wishers! All Glory and Thanks to God!”
Okonjo-Iweala, who for the seventh time in her meritorious career, was recognised, and named one of Forbes’s World’s 100 Most Powerful Women in 2023, is an accomplished financial expert, a former Foreign Affairs Minister, who is fond and proud of her traditional ankara attire.
It is worthy of note that Forbes is an American business magazine owned by Integrated Whale Media Investments and the Forbes family with a particular focus on business, technology, communications, science, politics, and law.
According to Forbes’ 20th annual ranking of 2024, the distinguished Nigerian Economist holds the 87th spot, moving up four spots, and surpassing South African businesswoman, Mpumi Madisa, who stands at 88th.
Okonjo-Iweala also beat Tanzanian President, Samia Hassan, who made her debut on the list at the 93rd position, alongside Nigerian media mogul and philanthropist Mo Abudu at the 98th. Her position bestowed on her the status of the most powerful woman in Africa.
Topping the powerful woman chart, however, is Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission for Impactful Policy and Budget, while Christine Lagarde, European Central Bank President, secures the second spot, with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris following closely in third place.
Okonjo-Iweala, who shattered barriers in 2021 as the first woman and the first African Director-General of the WTO, is celebrated for her remarkable career at the World Bank, and impactful economic reforms in Nigeria.
Her recognition on Forbes’ list underscores not only her significant contributions to global trade but also her commitment to economic development, governance, and international leadership.
In 2022, “The World Trade Organization head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, made the No. 91 of 100 powerful women in the world, and continues to play a crucial role in providing financial assistance and promoting global trade as the threat of a global recession rises.
A statement from Forbes added that Okojo-Iweala is “an economist and international development professional with more than 30 years of experience working in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America.”
Also in 2021, Okonjo-Iweala was recognized by another media platform, Time magazine as one of the world’s most influential people for the year under review.
“In March 2021, she became first woman and the first African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
“She has said she believes in the power of trade to lift developing countries out of poverty help them achieve sustainable development.
“Earlier in her career, Okonjo-Iweala served two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, from 2003-2006 and 2011-2015; she also briefly served as Foreign Minister in 2006.
“She was also Chair of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance that has immunized 760 million children globally.”
According to Wikipedia, Okonjo-Iweala was born on June 13, 1954 in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State, Nigeria where her father Professor Chukwuka Okonjo is the Eze (King) from the Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Ukwu.
Okonjo-Iweala was educated at Queen’s School, Enugu, St. Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan, and the International School Ibadan. She arrived in the US in 1973 as a teenager to study at Harvard University, graduating magna cum laude with an AB in Economics in 1976. In 1981, she earned her Ph.D in regional economics and development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a thesis titled Credit policy, rural financial markets, and Nigeria’s agricultural development. She received an International Fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW), that supported her doctoral studies.
She spent a 25-year career at the World Bank as a Development Economist, scaling the ranks to the Number two position of Managing Director, Operations between 2007 and 2011. She also served two terms as Finance Minister of Nigeria (2003–2006, 2011–2015) under the leadership of President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan respectively. She also had a stint in the external affairs ministry as minister.
She is a seasoned economist and international development expert, and sits on the Boards of Standard Chartered Bank, Twitter, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), and the African Risk Capacity (ARC).
She is married to Dr. Ikemba Iweala, a neurosurgeon. They have four children – one daughter, Onyinye Iweala (AB, MD, PhD, Harvard) and three sons, Uzodinma Iweala (AB, Harvard, MD, Columbia), Okechukwu Iweala (AB, Harvard) and Uchechi Iweala (AB, MD, MBA, Harvard).
Okonjo-Iweala became a US citizen in 2019 after spending several decades working and studying in the United States. Among an avalanche of high class honours trailing her, Okonjo-Iweala is also the founder of Nigeria’s first indigenous opinion-research organisation, NOI-Polls. She also founded the Center for the Study of Economies of Africa (C-SEA), a development research think tank based in Abuja.
Many has praised her leadership acumen at the WTO and her dedication to global trade issues, underscoring her impact on international relations and economic policies.
Considering her speed, acumen, productivity, proactive nature and eye for details, the end to her honours and recognitions is nowhere in sight.
We once again say a big Congratulations to Madam DG.
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