Boss Of The Week
My Love for Nigeria, Dr. Adenuga and Peace of Mind – Kojo Williams
Published
3 months agoon
By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
Nigeria, as a country, is blessed. It is the merging point of intellectualism, professionalism and distinct achievements. As citizens, Nigerians have represented themselves to the best of their abilities, and by world standards.
Among celebrated Nigerians, who have stood tall for the country, and for themselves in character, delivery and achievements is a one time Chairman of the Nigerian Football Association, now Nigerian Football Federation, Mr. Anthony Adesegun Kojo Williams, a seasoned international sports administrator and consultant.
In his chat with this medium, Mr. Williams, who described himself as highly organised, went down a long lane of memories and events to expose the juicy intricacies of his stewardship in both the public and private sectors, the things that make him thick, his downtime as well as deferrals and the source of the peace and joy the pervade his current existence. 
Excerpts;
Good morning, sir, my name is Eric
Good morning, Eric. Nice meeting you. Have we met before?
No, never met. I only know you as my former NFA chairman by name and picture.
Okay
So, sir, let’s get to meet you briefly, just a little background.
A little background that speaks for itself. Where do I start?
Start from the beginning
Well, when you say from the beginning, where do I start from the beginning?
There’s always a beginning. In the beginning, God created. In the beginning, you were created.
Do I have to start talking about schools and all that? It’s all out there for you to see. So I’m not going to start talking about all that now.
It’s in the public domain that you have a royal background, so to speak. So, I don’t know if you want to talk about it. Are you of royal breed?
Yes, I am, from both my mother’s and father’s linage. But I don’t really hold on to it. I don’t talk much about it. I’ve tried to carve my own niche divorced from my royal background. It doesn’t have to be part of my story, so to speak. It’s good to have it though. I’m proud of it, but it shouldn’t be a point of understanding for me. It’s just there. No connection as far as my trajectory is concerned. I was and still busy creating my own future.
What was it like reintegrating into private practice after your stint as NFA Chairman since somehow you dedicated your whole being to serving the nation?
While I was serving, I was also doing my business. There was no way I could have thrown my business away while running the Nigerian Football Association. That was just one of the many things I was doing. So my business has always been there.
So what was or is the udea behind your Football Excellence Academy? Who are the beneficiaries?
The idea was to give the youths a sense of belonging and professionalism in what they do, especially in the game of football or athletics. So that was why the Football College of Excellence was established. It is a place one could get educated and also get to play, understand the techniques and the tactics of modern football, and athletics. So that was why the Football College of Excellence was set up.
And then what I did was to make sure we had the best of teachers to work with the students from a very early age, so that it becomes part of them. And then, it’s important to note that not every kid will become a professional footballer at the end of the day. I0t’s equally the same structure as a good secondary school. So one can go out there and become anything else of his choice. You could be a manager, you could be a scientist, or any other profession, but the subject would have gone through the rudiments of the game itself. So that’s what the College of Excellence is.
How long has it been running?
The College of Excellence has been running for many years. It has also been set up in other places like Rivers. Again, I did a lot of consultancy jobs for different states, and then for FIFA, for CAF, the Confederation of African Football, and for some other countries. It’s a brand that I sold.
And then there are some other countries where I was able to put it in place, and in a proper perspective, and we were able to work with it.
Like which countries
In some countries like Burkina Faso, Senegal and Ghana as well as some other places. We’re still working on some, actually. And of course, in Rivers State.
The essence of actually knowing the timeline is to ascertain the products the Football Academy has produced.
Funnily enough, I’m not into sales of players. But you do have many of my products out there, that are playing worldwide. I don’t like mentioning names.

They’re all over the world. Some are in Spain. Some of them have walked up to me at some time to tell me that they came from the college projects. I don’t manage them. I just set up the system.
So the school has actually been very productive
It is productive. But I always know that to get the top, and become a top star player takes time. It’s a process. And then the affiliation with club sides also plays a major role as to how to get there, and get fixed into the top league level. Some of them are there, all over the world. Somewhere in America and other places
As at today, what’s the relationship between you and CAF and FIFA whom you consulted for in the past?
Very cordial. I still work with them. I still consult with them. You see, once you’re in the football family, you don’t just leave. You’re part of it. So, I’ve been in it for the last 28 years. I’m part of the CAF and FIFA families. I still work with them. You don’t just go out of the family. You’re part of the show. So, it’s a continuous exercise.
What could you say was your achievement during the Kojo Williams era as NFA Chairman?
My era as chairman was very short. It wasn’t even up to a year. I didn’t have high achievements, but what I still remember was I put my foot down, and made my point. And I ensured I did things in the proper manner. And that was why I had issues. And I don’t like going back to all those things. I’ve moved on. But maybe in the future, when I write a book, I can talk more about that.
I’m not the type of person who points fingers or starts saying, “Oh this person and this and that and that”, and mentions names. I’ve moved on. But unfortunately, they’re the losers. They’re the ones that lost out in the whole process.
I remember one particular aspect. At the point I left, I had spoken with the oil majors. Mr. Gaius Obaseki, who was the group MD of NNPC then, and I had a wonderful relationship. And he had gotten the oil majors—he wanted to get all the oil majors—to put up a national football centre. And we were going to raise $100 million. He had gone ahead to work on it. And I remember the day he got to know I have been removed, he told me “Anthony, you know something, finished. No more.” So they lost out.

And he didn’t tell you why?
Because they got rid of me. So he just said no. He’s not going to work with them. Because I initiated it.
Since the initiator was no longer there, there’s nothing to contribute. So they were the losers. And so many other things. And it’s still haunting them today, but it’s alright. The period was full of politics.
Was that politics?
What else can we call it? Everything in Nigeria is politics, isn’t it? I think it was just witch-hunt and envy. People call you arrogant if you tell them the truth. They call you names if you actually know what you’re doing.
I think a lot of them act like they have complex. And they really are not well grounded. And the bottom line is that they’re greedy. It’s all about themselves. It’s not about developing a game or anything around them. So when you come up with a blueprint, something really positive, they kick against it. But it’s not only about leadership, it’s about the people as well.
Looking at your life in totality, what kind of person can you say you are?
I’m a stickler to professionalism. I’m very thorough, I’m a visionary. I see things in a proper perspective. And there’s one thing about me. Once I come out and say something, work on something, even if you don’t believe, you will find out later that that thing is very key. It is very vital, both spiritually and physically or anything. It’s a gift.
So most of the time, that motivation comes and I put it into practice. But most times, when I start those things, people fight it, they go against it, because they can’t understand where I am coming from. And then later they realize.
It’s part of me. And I’m very outspoken, very principled, and friendly. But I like perfection. This is my environment. I like perfection. I like things done properly.
What is your take concerning the state of the nation today, politically, economically?
I’m not impressed at all. I’ve to say that because I’m a hypocrite. I thought by now, we’d have moved on. I know they’re trying their best, but you have a lot of hiccups. There’s so much insincerity in our ways. I’m not a politician, and I will never be a politician, but a typical Nigerian politician, from what I have seen, is not sincere. I’m not saying all over the world. There are still those who still go out to do the right thing.
But here, majority of them do not truly have the nation at heart. It’s all about them. And there’s one thing in life people always have to realize. When you’re in a position of strength, and you’ve got the power and finances to do things, make it about building people, not oppressing people. It’s about giving back.
The genuine ones give back. They give back to the society. They build the society. But in this society, our politicians are not ready to do that. I don’t see them ever doing it. I don’t see them ever. The majority of them, I’m not saying all of them, 90% of them are pre-deceased.
So that’s basically it. And it saddens my heart. It’s very sad for a great nation like this. We’re not supposed to be in the state where we are. I’m only saying the truth. There’s so much decadence, and still, you know, you have a deep wound, and you’re rubbing that wound, you keep rubbing it, you keep rubbing it and say it’s fine. What happens? It will decay. And that’s what is happening here.

That would make us shift our gaze to the business world and our business tycoons. Would they be able to affect humanity? Or are they affecting humanity? If they are, who among them do you think we can leverage on?
I would take Uncle Mike, for example, a real businessman. A very cultured man, genuinely building a nation. And not only in Nigeria.
When you say Uncle Mike, I’m thinking you mean Dr. Mike Adenuga
Yes, Dr. Mike Adenuga. So when you look at someone like him; he doesn’t talk, but he’s doing a lot. He’s done a lot in society. There’s a globacom system everywhere. Even in football, he has put in so much for the Nigerian Premier League over the years.
And then there are the scholarship programmes from his oil business. He has done extremely well.
The first time I met Uncle Mike; I call him Uncle Mike for my love and respect for him, was in 1980, in Germany. And he told me a lot of things. I remember then; General Wushishi, who was the Chief of Army Staff, was also there. My father was there too.
Adenuga is a man with functional power to build people. He is a visionary, and doesn’t talk much, but gets things done for the society. He’s given a lot back, a whole lot. That’s somebody I look up to. I have a lot of respect for his depth of intelligence, very astute. He’s one person who’s hardly seen talks.
He reminds me of my father; they have a lot of similarities. My dad was a very quiet person. He didn’t say much. Uncle Mike has that class, as well, and style. You don’t see him around. And he talks so much about my father whenever I see him. He holds him in high regard. That’s one man I have that is high up there and has given so much back, not only to Nigeria, but to Africa. Adenuga is phenomenal.
So, looking at the example of Dr. Mike Adenuga, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs; those that are already up there, and those coming up?
It’s just about about having an open heart for society; give back. See, we’re not going to take all these wealth away when we die. Nobody takes it away. The thing about life is we hold everything, but the day we die, even the life we love so much, we can’t take it with us.
So, it’s best to make sacrifices for the society; to educate and give people hope. It’s a privilege when you’re up there, and it’s God that gives you that. Of course, you’ve worked hard. But there are still people who work hard as well, but who never get anything. Those fishermen who go out at 3 am to catch fish and all that. They work hard. Bricklayers work hard too.
But there are some people that God has given, yes, they have also built themselves up. But I believe when you’re given all those things, you’re supposed to help and reach out, not be greedy. If you do that, it goes a long way, not just for you, but for generations to come.
You have spoken so much about Dr. Adenuga. So, what qualities have you picked from him?
Okay, I’ll tell you one for a start because I have read so much about him. I have learntnthe act of giving back in my own level. I’ve learnt philanthropy.
Are you a philanthropist?
Much as I don’t like talking about what I do, the answer is emphatic yes. Sometimes you have to talk about it though. I do let people see it for themselves. I don’t have to blow my trumpet. Sometimes when you are alone, you talk about it.
If you have that heart of love, if you love yourself, then you give out. It’s people that don’t love themselves who don’t give. When you truly love yourself, honestly, when you genuinely love yourself and appreciate what God has done for you, then you give to others.
It’s people who don’t love themselves that don’t have that heart of philanthropy, that heart of love. God is love anyway. Whether we like it or not, you can’t but love. If God is not love, you and I wouldn’t be sitting here. We wouldn’t breathe. We wouldn’t have any soul. That’s it.

And like I said, it’s all for a time. But, you know, after a while, we’re just going to drop it and go. So the legacy that you leave by giving out, reaching out is very key. It’s very, very key.
I would exactly want to know the scope of your CSR, that’s Corporate Social Responsibility
For me, Corporate Social Responsibility should be for those that own or run multinational firms like Uncle Mike. I don’t have that. But I have my social responsibility.
Number one, it starts with my environment to my local government, and it goes to my state as well, and to other parts of the country. Not only the country, but all the parts of the world.
And like I said, I don’t like saying much about what I do as regards philanthropy.
Except you are going to take me to where you have done it so that I can see for myself?
Yeah, you can come and see for yourself, that’s not a problem.
So, for the benefit of the interview, could you just mention one or two.
I don’t have to shout out, I don’t have to keep talking or noise it, but people can tell. Sure. I don’t have to blow my horn.
One of the things I’ve discovered about you is that you appear demure, with splendid fashion sense, and nobody can accurately tell your age because you consistently look younger. What is the secret of your good looks?
I thank God for my youthful appearance. Honestly speaking, it’s just God’s grace. I’m not saying other people don’t have the grace, but it’s just the peace. And then being very cautious health-wise. I’ve always been an athlete from school and I’ve kept that, you know. I’ve kept a lifestyle of making sure I exercise, but exercise is not everything though.
Peace of mind is very key. You can exercise, you can eat well, you can do all that. But if you’re not settled in your mind, if you don’t have contentment in life, then you will have friction within your heart. And that affects you. You have to have contentment and peace, where you seek the peace of God and stop chasing shadows or trying to be like other people.
Let everybody be themselves. Be yourself and be who you are. You don’t start competing with other people. Everybody is wherever God has made them. So be yourself and be happy. Contentment and peace are very, very key.
Are there other keys? Your Home? Your business? Do they in any way contribute to the peace you have?
Yes, everything. It goes back to contentment. You’re happy and you’re not chasing shadows. You’re not looking at what other people have. You’ve got to be contended with what you have, and be happy.
And then another thing that gives you peace is when you resort to philanthropy, when you can do things for people. It gives joy. When somebody is happy because of you. When you make people happy, when you genuinely make people happy, you can go into your room and feel that joy.
You’re well-read, and well-traveled…
…How did you know I’m well-read? Well, let shed a little light into my fashion sense as you earlier asked. Yes, it’s natural. I like fashion. I like good things. My own comes naturally. My parents were like that, my grandfather had it. It comes naturally, and runs in the family.
But fashion, peace of mind are things that are passionate and natural. Things that make me happy. I advise people to always be happy, find peace and create time to laugh. When you laugh, you create that laughter for others, and joy within yourself. It goes a long way.
And what was it like growing up?
My growing up was striking in a way. I grew up with my maternal grandmother, who runs a Cherubim and Seraphim church. It is fundamental to understand that my father was of the Catholic faith however. Then I use to see things and I would tell people. That explains why I was taken to stay with my maternal grandmother. Her church was at the Bar Beach. People usually gather, and I would tell them things, and it would all come to pass.
So, I was separated. I was treated differently from everybody. What happened was that, because I could see and I would tell things, and they happen, people were careful of me, and kind of avoided me. And it still happens.
You maintained that gift till date?
Yes. It’s not until you start making noise. It’s innate. It’s just a gift.
Some would have opened a church with the gift, but it wasn’t your calling
If you have a gift, you have a calling, it doesn’t mean you should go and open a church, and start calling yourself names.
Most of those guys are not called. The called ones are very special. And you don’t have to open a church and make so much noise to know you’re called. But where God wants you to work, where God wants you to do something, he will get you there to do it. The ones he wants you to help, he will get you there to help them. The ones he wants you to put words in, he will get you to do it. Those he wants you to perfect healings in their life, he will get you to work, that’s God for you, but not the fake ones, not in a fake manner, but in the originality of God Himself in Christ, in the Holy Spirit, when the Holy Spirit dwells in you.
You don’t force it, it comes naturally. It’s a force, it’s a power that comes naturally.
So back to your being well-read and well-traveled. There are two in one question actually. So on the basis of being well-read, kindly tell us your highest level of education? What’s your peak? Masters?
Masters
Which of the schools, sir?
Hamburg University.
Is that where you had your undergraduate degree as well?
Yes.
Meaning you had all your education out of Nigeria apart from the early days?
Apart from early education, yes. But not in Lagos, but in Ibadan. It will surprise you to know that I started boarding school at the age of 7 in the Western Region of Nigeria. They always had to take me from Lagos to boarding school in Ibadan.
Boarding school in primary school? Was your father a professional educationist?
No, my dad was a Marine Engineer. What happened then was that my dad always had to do a lot of business. He always had to travel, and mom was not there.
So my father played the role of a mom and dad. He was a fantastic father. I’d never seen a father like that. He gave us the best of everything. But because he always had to do a lot of travel, he had to put us in a boarding school. But every fortnight he’ll come, spend a weekend with us, then he’ll go back.
So what school could boast of boarding facilities for children then?
Omolewa Nursery and Primary School in Ibadan. Those were top schools then. In the 60s, yeah. They were there. Top schools. Very good, better than what you have today. It’s a matter of facility and moral upbringing. I think it was better then.
Of course, we also had the aunties, the older girls looking after us. But I was very mature. I was a very bold kid, very confident. So I always had my way. I didn’t wait for anyone to teach me what to do. I was very independent.
So, how did those days of early learning, early intelligence affect your growing up? How did they also affect your adulthood today?
When you say early learning, it has helped me a lot. And those things i mentioned, those schools I went to, fashioned my future. It made me understand Nigeria better than a lot of people around me. Even my mates and colleagues, who grew up at home, who had mommies and daddies, I had a better understanding and better exposure than them.
I know life better than them because they fell into a lot of crisis later. But I was like, I was a tough kid. Not nasty, but very bold, very confident kid.
You were able to defend yourself?
No, I started at seven, six plus. I was six plus when I started. And the thing was that in boarding schools, I was always with the seniors. I was the only junior who could sit among seniors. I was the only one who could sit among seniors. They always wanted me around because I would tell them things. And I loved that. So I was always in their midst. I was the only junior who could sit in their midst.
That’s great. So, Hamburg, finally crystallized and cemented your intelligence and made you who you are today. At what age did you return to Nigeria?
1981, after my first degree
How did you zero in on your first career after you return to Nigeria?
First, I worked with my dad in his company. He had a factory that specializes in the manufacture of fire extinguishers among other gadgets. He had a company, two offices, and his headquarters was in Hamburg, Germany. And then we have a factory here, and I was managing it with expatriates.
Meaning you had a degree in Business Administration?
Yes of course, at Masters level. I studied Mechanical/Marine Engineering at bachelor’s level.
So, I worked with my father. And then later, I decided to go solo, partly because it was time, and partly because we always had clashes.
What was it like when you made your first one million?
I can’t even remember. No, maybe because of the way I was brought up. I was aleeady exposed. A little silver spoon here and there. I was always calm and I always had my friends around; the ones I like hanging out. With time, I came to realize that you always have to be more private, more and more discreet.
Sometimes, the first money made is always just spent. It’s much later one realizes that it should’ve been spent more judicious. But really, and honestly speaking, I was always myself. There was nothing to prove.
However, one can’t deny that feeling of being on top of the world, knowing you have the spending power. But it’s not a show-off thing though. It even makes you more humble. Anyway, people say I’m arrogant, but it’s okay.
You know Nigeria, when you’re outspoken, they call you arrogant.
They say geography, and by extension, travelling is part of learning and I believe it’s also part of your own intelligence.
Before you even talk about Geography, I must let you know that I was the best student in my time. Our Geography then was very advanced. Even more advanced than what they have in the universities. And we had this teacher, I remember Mr. Shideke, he knew North America like the back of his hands, and History as well.
I know North America better than Americans from just studying Geography. Apart from traveling, which I did, wherever I go, it’s like, I’ve been here before.
Now, how has travelling itself helped you as a person?
Yes, travelling has given me so much exposure, and schooling abroad is a better perspective. Now, one of the problems we have here is that many of our people abroad don’t mix with the people that matter; the exposed ones. They prefer mixing with their peers, and so gain nothing new to bring back home.
I was the only black kid where I was. So I had to mix. I had no choice but to integrate, and understand them.
And it was a balanced class of the ones that take decisions, the policy makers, and the industrialists. So you have a firsthand understanding of how things work there. It’s not anybody telling you, and that makes it so creative.
How many countries have you traveled to?
I can’t count them.
Really? Across the continent? So which of the continents have you not been to? Australia?
I’ve not been to Australia, yes.
Now, which of the countries combined scenery, aesthetics, beauty, and connectivity for you?
Brazil. Brazil is very interesting. It’s beautiful. South America is equally beautiful, but Brazil has that connectivity and even food, everything about that. And then the beauty, the women, everything about that.
What about Spain?
I like Spain but you know, the Spanish are a little bit boring. They’re a bit clannish, funny and enclosed. They’re not spread.
The Germans are very friendly, if you get to know them very well. People think they’re racist, but no. When a German accepts you as a friend, you have gained a friend. They’re more loyal and more straightforward than the British. The Brits are a bit like us here.
There was a time, sometimes I spent like two weeks in Madrid. I go there alone and spend two weeks. I have friends there. That’s what I mean by world travel. I have friends there. I have friends all over the place, that I went to school with.
So, which of the countries, or city are you longing to travel to?
Slovenia, to see a little bit of there again. I went there when I was younger. But I want to go again.
But really, I’ve been to all those countries. But sometimes, you just feel like your spirit just wants to spend like a few days there again.
How do you relax? Are you a football fan?
Of course, I’m football fan. Remember I’m a football administrator. But if you mean a club fan, I’m not. Maybe, when I was younger. But now, you see, my main club, any day, that I love, is the Stationery Stores Football Club of Lagos of those days. When I was a kid, that was my team. That was the team I used to sneek out watch.
But when you talk about things like foreign teams— I call them foreign teams —no. I just like good football. I’m not crazy about it. I’m not a fan of any team. I just want to watch good football. No team is going to give me a heart attack or high blood pressure. Play good football and you will forget everything else. Very neutral.
I might have a soft spot for one or two teams, but I will not mention their names. I just want to watch good football.
And of course, I support my national team. I’m very proud of them.
After the Italy–Nigeria game in 1994, I was at the stadium — we played in Boston. Do you know, after that game, I couldn’t go out of my hotel room for three days
We have not improved when it comes to football — national side. It’s not about just having individuals; you must have a proper synergy, type of football you play. And it starts from the lower cadre, where you have different zones and some trainers and coaches to work with them. But we have not been able to do that yet. I pray we do that someday.
And how do you relax?
I listen to good music, I read, I go to the gym, I do my weights. I’ve done weights this morning. I did my walk — I did two hours. I’ve done 11.6 kilometers this morning. That’s 15,281 steps. That’s quite something.
What food brings smiles on your face?
I’m not a food person though I like a lot of vegetables and fruits. I like organic stuff, natural. But honestly speaking, I like Amala too.
Earlier, you spoke passionately about the Chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga. Are there probably a few more things you want to say about him? It appears he is a mentor to you.
Yes, thanks for asking again; he’s a mentor. He’s a great mentor. You know, Uncle Mike is not just a businessman. He’s a builder of destiny. And it’s not just about a success story — he’s more of a divine masterpiece in motion. That’s who he is.
Aside from his humble beginnings, he’s towered, you know — he’s towering great. He is a very, very unassuming person. A clean, extremely intelligent, and very discreet man. Talking to him, you could tell that all those things are not on the wings of luck. It’s what he has always had. It’s not about the stroke of luck or whether it’s divine — it’s something God has given him.
Because when I spoke with him on one or two occasions, you could see he had that vision. He’s visionary. He’s very disciplined, so you have to give that to him. And very astute too. A strong man.
So when you look at the organizations he built — like Globacom, on the continent, and then the ones he partners with, or Conoil, and then the banking system — he did all those things quietly, with discipline, he built them.
For him to delve into communications, then, you have to give it to him. It’s a lot of power and strength. The courage — you know, he’s a man who charges out. So that’s why I call him the Bull. You know, it’s not about the size, but that unstoppable drive. He charges forward with courage.
He has humility. He’s calm. He’s not loud. He’s got that grace around him — that kingly thing in him, clothed in modesty. He doesn’t talk much, he doesn’t shout, but he gets things done.
The man builds empires. You have to really give him that. He has that grace. Very graceful man. Very powerful.
So I talked about meeting him in Hamburg when he spoke with me then. And that was where I really knew where he was coming from. And I said, you know, that thing is still lingering in him. And then he was pretty young. Yes. So you can imagine him now — he’s towered around the world.
I give that to him, yes. And I see that, and I admire that in him.
You could tell he has a great mind. That was when I really knew that man, because he told me a few things, asked what I was studying, and he advised me on one or two things. And that was great, and that really helped. Yes.
He’s always spoken fondly about my dad. He likes my dad a lot. He talks about him fondly when he sees me. Even when my dad had passed on, my dad also told me about him once.
My dad once told me a story of when they were together on the flight. My dad was downgraded from first class to business class because the flight was full. But Uncle Mike relinquished his first class seat for my dad, resisting my dad’s refusal.
My dad told me years ago. Uncle Mike may not remember about it. So that tells you the kind of person he is.
So that’s the kind of person I’m telling you about. That humility and respect.
He also invested a lot in football — Premier League, Globacom League, the CAF Awards — you know, and that really… I give kudos to him. A lot of respect. I give him that — a lot of respect.
Supporting African football, taking African football from the local pitch to the next level. He’s still supporting traditional ceremonies across tribes. Yeah. He’s a man of many colours, and very vast.
I pay a lot of respect to him. He’s done a lot, and I look up to him.
He’s a very quiet, very civilized man. He doesn’t talk much. He doesn’t appear much — that’s how my dad was too. You don’t see my dad around. He was very quiet. Once he comes into Nigeria, he’ll do what he has to do, and he leaves — even when he was Chairman, National Sports Commission.
I should say congratulations to you for having a kind of father whom people talk about so passionately.
I thank God.
Thank you Mr. Kojo, you have really been very, very helpful.
Thank you, and God bless
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Boss Of The Week
Kojo Bonsu: Creating Ghana’s New Investment Face in China
Published
7 days agoon
February 15, 2026By
Eric
Schooled in varioius areas of human endeavour and administration, Mr Kojo Bonsu is an asset, not only to the Republic of Ghana, but the world in general. He has by every standard paid his dues to the development of his country, serving as the current Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China, and having served in many other diverse areas including sports administration and entrepreneurship.
Presently, the face of the Republic in China has taken it upon himself to recreate the investment platform of Ghana in China, mandating the media to begin as a matter of urgency, to make Ghana the subject of focus in their reporting.
In other words, the Ambassador has appealed to the Chinese media to use their medium to promote Ghana. A call that resonate the general mantra of the government of President John Dramani Mahama
According to Bonsu, Ghana boasts of several business opportunities, therefore if the Chinese media take keen interest in Ghanaian issues, it would help attract investors from China to Ghana.
He insisted that the door of the Ghana Embassy in China is wide open to Chinese journalists, especially those who want to positively project Ghana.
Bonsu made the remarks while hosting a press soiree in Beijing, on behalf of the Ghana Embassy, which was graced by a number of prominent media institutions in China.
The programme was mainly used to promote Ghana’s upcoming 69th independence anniversary celebrations and also highlight investent opportunities in the country.
Kojo Bonsu, who is a former Kumasi Mayor, said Ghana is the safest, friendly and best country for any investor to do business, urging Chinese businessmen to heed his advice.
“The Chinese media institutions should henceforth partner with the Ghana Embassy in promoting trade and investment opportunities in both of our sister countries for growth.
According to him, Ghana is a democratic nation, which has conducive atmosphere for businesses to flourish, stressing his desire to work and improve Ghana-China relations.
“Ghana is committed to strengthening ties with China. My country is a stable democracy, has business-friendly environment and rich cultural heritage,” Kojo Bonsu stated.

A native of Offinso, a town in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, Michael Kojo (Mensa) Bonsu, thoroughbred professional, both in politics and administration, was born to a respected Offinso Queen Mother and a military officer, among eight other siblings.
He had his Ordinary Level education at the Tamale Secondary School, between 1974 and 1979, where he developed the knack, desire and dream of becoming a football administrator.
Thereafter, he was admitted into the Drayton School in London, but could not immediately assume studies because of the several businesses he was handling at the time. However, between 1985 and 1990, when Bonsu joined giant sports kit manufacturers, Adidas, he enrolled into their football Business Unit at Herzogenaurach, Germany, and in the process obtained a Diploma in Sports Business and Marketing. Presently, he holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations.
After completing his training in sports Business and marketing, Bonsu worked with Adidas and became their first representative in West Africa and served as an Assistant Marketing Officer. He rose to become the kit maker’s manager in Ghana and the whole of West Africa. Within which period he brokered deals between the company and the Ghana football Association specifically the Ghana football national team.
Bonsu’s dexterity in all the things he has laid his hands, including the oil sector, on earned him a citation of honour in 2015 by Managing Director of GOIL, Mr Patrick A.K. Akorli as follows; “You were the key advocate on the board when the monumental decision to rebrand GOIL was taken – the results of which have seen GOIL being propelled to the number one position (retail) among oil marketing companies in Ghana”.
He served as the Managing Director of GOIL from July 2011 to February 2012.
In addition to his legacy of achievements, Bonsu is a director of Tamale-based club Real Tamale United. He was also an executive member of Asante Kotoko.
In 2003, he launched a bid to be the Ghana Football Association’s President. He went against former president of the GFA Kwesi Nyantakyi, politician and executive member of Accra Hearts of Oak, Vincent Odotei Sowah, a former FA vice-chairman, Joseph Ade Coker and former executive council chairman, Y.A Ibrahim. He subsequently lost to Kwesi Nyantakyi in the elections in December 2005.
An ardent supporter of Asante Kotoko and Premier side Tottenham Hotspur, in 2001, he founded and published Agoo Magazine, an African lifestyle magazine.
In January 2010, Bonsu was appointed board chairman of the National Sports Authority then a council under the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He is known and respected for spearheading the re-branding of the sports council until it subsequently became a sports authority.
In 2013, President Mahama nominated him for the position of Metropolitan Chief Executive for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. He resigned in July 2016, following an issue with the Kumasi Traditional Council.
Among many other landmarks, Bonsu would be remembered building the first ever recreational facility, the Kumasi Rattray Park, and organizing the second largest event as part of the celebration of Ghana at 50, dubbed “Ghana As One Gala Night” at Ghana’s Black Star Square with International artists including The Whispers, Shalamar, Pat Thomas, AB Cresntil, Gyedu Blay Amboley, Paapa Yankson and Ola Williams.
It is also on record that in 2014, he secured a loan facility from the Deutsche Bank UAE through parliamentary approval to build the largest modern market in West Africa, the Kejetia Market, called the “Kejetia Dubai,” completed in 2017. He also built the Asawase market, Tafo market, and Atonsu-Agogo market. He renovated the Kumasi Prempeh Assembly Hall. Bonsu’s strides speak volumes.
Bonsu tried his hands at the presidency of Ghana in 2024, but could not win the ticket of his party as Mahama was the preferred choice.
Bonsu continues to exhibit great strides as a distinguished administrator, businessman and political juggernaut.
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Boss Of The Week
Renowned Academic, Lawyer, Prof Afe Babalola, Bags PAWA’s Top Award
Published
2 weeks agoon
February 7, 2026By
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.
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Boss Of The Week
Ghana 2028: Mahamudu Bawumia Claims NPP’s Presidential Ticket
Published
3 weeks agoon
February 1, 2026By
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.
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.
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