March 2024 ACCOMPLISH Magazine

M A G A Z I N E 

MARCH 2024 

AI's Role in 

Spreading 

Fake News 

10 

Inventions 

by Blacks 

that Changed 

the World 

for Good 

Celebrating 

International 

Women's Day 

ETHICS AND 

THE NIGERIAN 

POLITICAL CLASS 

Exclusive CEO 

Interview With 

Ken Egbas 

Chip in the 

Brain: the 

implications 

HERBERT WIGWE: 

IT’S LIGHTS OUT FOR 

AFRICA’S BANKING 

LEGEND AND BILLIONAIRE

Contents 

March 2024 

Team 

EDITOR 

DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST 

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR 

HARRY CHOMS 

SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS 

IKENNA NGERE 

TOLULOPE AKINRULI 

ADEBAYO AFOLABI 

WEB MANAGER 

BEN FUJA 

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLER 

MONICA EFEOTOR 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS 

NGOZI UKPAI 

IMIOMOZO DAN ANYIAM 

BUSINESS ANALYST EXECUTIVE 

NGOZI EZE 

MARKETING DIRECTOR 

OGEHENETEGA DIAGBARE 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

CHARLES KAMMA 

PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF 

REMI DIAGBARE 

For advert enquiries, please contact 

Marketing Director, Ogehenetega, 

Remmy +44 7424 594773 

(Whatspp only) 

or email, accomplishentrepreneurng.com 

To reach the Editor, 

send your email to: 

editor@theaccomplishmagazine.com 

OUR VISION: 

To be the go-to publication for information and 

inspiration in pursuing life’s attainments. 

OUR MISSION: 

To profile and celebrate the achievements 

and lifestyle choices of outstanding leaders 

and influencers in business, manufacturing, 

agriculture, academia, administration, 

entertainment and innovation in Nigeria, Africa 

and, indeed, globally. 

FOLLOW US @ ENTREPRENEUR NG 

COVER 

10 HERBERT WIGWE: It’s Lights 

Out For Africa’s Banking 

Legend And Billionaire 

NIGERIA: BITS & BOBS 

4 Nigeria's Food Production Set 

to Exceed €62bn in 2024 

& Other Stories 

FEATURE/ANALYSIS 

6 Celebration IWD 

32 10 Inventions by Blacks that 

Changed the World 

36 Is Suicide A Helpful Option? 

40 Tough Times Never Lag in 

Nigeria 

42 Ethics and The Nigerian 

Political Class 

GLOBAL INFO DIGEST 

44 True Love Is Truly Different! 

& other stories 

58 

10 33 

CEO INTERVIEW 

48 Ken Egbas: From Street 

Hawking to the Widely 

Successful The SERAS 

Awards! 

REALTOR’S AVENUE 

62 3 Tips for Prosperity In Real 

Estate Investment 

THE INCUBATOR SERIES 

64 Dreaming Big... 

AFRICA RISING NEWS.... 

58 Backlash Forces Ghana to 

Put Electricity Tax on Hold...& 

other stories... 

GLOBAL NEWS... 

62 Meta Deletes Iran Supreme 

Leader’s Facebook and 

Instagram Accounts 

& other stories...

LIFESTYLE 

72 AI Today & Tomorrow - Chip 

in the Brain: The Implications. 

34 AI's Role in Spreading Fake 

News 

74 ARTS & THE MASTERS - 

Philadelphia Museum 

of Art Appoints Eleanor 

Nairne as Head of Modern 

and Contemporary Art 

Department... 

76 Alternative Medicine - 

Infertilty Benefits of Sleeping 

in the Dark 

78 Food & Wine - Get Royal 

Vibes with Ogbono Soup 

TRAVEL & LEISURE 

80 Best of London Attractions 

From The Editor 

CORPORATE SUITE 

82 TVC LABS: Providing Solutions 

for African Founders 

44 

78 

70 

At Accomplish Magazine, our hearts 

are heavy. For the second straight 

month, we're mourning! The sudden 

demise of Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu 

Wigwe, CFR, until Friday, February 9, 2024, 

the Group Chief Executive Officer of 

Access Holdings Plc, along with his dear 

wife, Chizoba Doreen, his son, Chizi, and 

a former Group Chairman of Nigerian 

Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in 

a helicopter crash in the United States of 

America, threw Nigerians, nay Africa and 

the world, into deep shock and mourning! 

Besides the manner of their departure 

into existence beyond the realms of time, 

all them were young, and in the case of 

Chizi, so young! 

The sorrow and tears we felt, and 

the tributes that have poured on their 

memories have risen like a mountain! 

And, as that foggy mountain stares down 

on us, the refrain of a popular hymn 

comes to mind: "... Only remembered by 

what we have done." 

For Herbert Wigwe, in particular, various 

things he's been remembered for go well 

beyond his 'natural habitats' of banking 

and Isiopko, Rivers State, Nigeria! 

To cement his remembrance for 

years to come, Accomplish Magazine 

presents a "Tribute Edition in Honour of 

Herbert Wigwe", putting together several 

important information about a man who 

left behind exclamations of "Wow!" in 

everything he ever did! 

To take our minds off mourning, our CEO 

Interview is on Dr. Ken Egbas, whose story 

of going from street hawker to birthing 

the limit-breaking SERAS Awards will 

inspire many. 

We join the international community 

to celebrate International Women's Day 

(IWD) aligning with women's supportworthy 

calls for more empowerment 

and political relevance. In this edition, 

we unveil "Diaspora African" with Prof. 

Wale Sulaiman, an award winning 

neuro-surgeon who's philanthropy and 

advocacy for accessible and affordable 

health care solutions in sub-Saharan 

Africa save many lives. 

Still on philanthropy, we celebrate 

Davido's mouth-watering give-aways 

and suggest how he and others like him 

can employ strategic philanthropy for 

greater good. 

Dave Thomas-Baro's "Tough Times Never 

Lag in Nigeria" is a must-read! I needn't 

say more... 

Disclaimer 

80 

• Please note that all photos used in this 

special digital edition of the ACCOMPLISH 

Magazine were sourced freely online. 

We maintains no rights over the images/ 

photos, while we have tried to give 

appropriate credit where due, we are 

aware some artistes were not credited. 

We remain committed to supporting 

intellectual property and creativity. 

© 2023 Tegali Communications 

• The opinions of contributors (people 

whose opinion we publish) are not the 

opinion of Accomplish Magazine or the 

opinion of the management or staff of 

Accomplish Magazine. 

DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST 

Editor 

: editor@theaccomplishmagazine.com

NIGERIA: 

BITS & BOBS 

By Ikenna Ngere 

BUSINESS AND FINANCE 

packaging technologies totaling 

€363m, behind only South Africa 

with €381m and Egypt leading 

with €319m. 

• Food stuffs 

Nigeria's Food 

Production Set to 

Exceed €62bn in 2024 

According to Fairtrade and 

OTACCWA, Nigeria's food 

production will increase by 48% 

to €62.6 billion between 2021 and 

2024. The Nigeria Agrofood and 

Plastprintpack trade exhibition 

organisers, Fairtrade and 

OTACCWA, said in a statement 

that the country's food output 

increased from €26 billion in 2016 

to €36.3 billion in 2020, a 39.6% 

improvement. 

According to Freyja Detjen, 

a senior project manager at 

Fairtrade, Nigeria ranked as 

Africa's second-largest investor in 

2022 with investments in food and 

Nigeria flared $2bn gas 

in four years – Report 

According to a report by the 

Nigerian Gas Flare Tracker, 

between 2020 and 2024, gas 

worth $1.9 billion was flared 

in Nigeria. According to the 

research, nine states of the 

federation burned 595.1 million 

standard cubic feet of gas during 

the time under examination. 

Rivers, Delta, Imo, Edo, Bayelsa, 

Anambra, Abia, and Lagos 

were the states in question. 

Despite protests from industries 

that produce energy about 

gas scarcity, gas flaring is 

nevertheless common in Nigeria. 

In the meantime, a 

recent analysis from 

PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) 

stated that the proportion of 

gas flared in Nigeria has been 

declining since 2002 and was 10% 

in 2018. 

• Gas cylinders 

• Cardoso 

Banks Report a Decline 

in Dollar Sales as 

Naira's Value Drops to 

1,479/Dollar 

According to information 

acquired from FMDQ Exchange 

on Thursday, February 8, the 

total value of transactions 

recorded at the official Nigerian 

Autonomous Foreign Exchange 

Market decreased from $465.29 

million on Tuesday to $203.93 

million on Wednesday, February 

7. This shows that the volume and 

value of transactions on NAFEM, 

the official FX market, have 

decreased by 56% according to 

the FMDQ site. 

The value of FX transactions on 

the platform steadily increased 

after a series of circulars from 

the Central Bank of Nigeria, which 

was followed by this decline in FX 

transactions. Among other things, 

the CBN had issued circulars last 

week requiring banks to sell their 

surplus dollar holdings. 

4 | Accomplish Magazine

POLITICS 

Delta Rerun: APC 

Claims Victory in State 

Assembly Seat Battle, 

Defeating PDP 

Following a rerun poll on Saturday, 

February 3, Alapala Anthony 

Ebitonmo, the All Progressives 

Congress candidate for the 

Delta State House of Assembly 

in Burutu State Constituency 1, 

has been proclaimed the winner. 

He overcame Asupa Forteta, 

the candidate for the Peoples 

Democratic Party. 

Alapala was proclaimed the 

winner of the poll in the rerun 

election held in Ayakoromor Unit 

8, Oboro Unit 9, Enekorogha Unit 

26, and Edegbene Unit 27 by the 

Independent National Electoral 

Commission, ahead of Forteta. 

Alapala defeated Asupa, winning 

every unit and receiving more 

than half of the total votes cast, 

according to the INEC scorecard. 

Benue APC Appoints 

Interim Leader to Steer 

Party’s Transition 

Late on Wednesday, February 

7, the All Progressives Congress 

State Executive Committee 

in Benue approved Benjamin 

Omakolo's nomination as the 

party's interim chairman. The 

State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth 

Alia, chaired the gathering, which 

went until 10:45 p.m. inside the 

government house's ancient 

banquet hall. 

The chief officers of the State 

Assembly, the state working 

committee, the state executive, 

and the chairmen and secretaries 

at local government level make up 

the state executive committee. 

Speaking, Governor Alia said 

that the purpose of the meeting 

called at his request was to cover 

the void left by the suspension of 

Austin Agada, the state chairman 

of the party, by his ward council, 

the Ihaje ward executive. 

Taraba’s Bye-Election 

Sees INEC Declare 

Results Inconclusive 

The by-election for the House of 

Representatives in Jalingo, Yorro, 

and Zing was deemed 

inconclusive by the Independent 

National Electoral Commission 

on Sunday, February 3. This was 

revealed by Prof. Daniel Ayuba, 

the Returning Officer for the 

election, following the 

compilation of results from the 

three local government councils 

that comprised the Jalingo 

constituency. Ayuba reported 

that Alhaji Tafida Sadiq, the 

People's Democratic Party (PDP) 

candidate, received 17,214 votes 

overall, while Mr. Innocent 

Jabayang, the Social Democratic 

Party (SDP) candidate and first 

runner-up, received 15,537 votes. 

This indicates a 1,677-vote 

disparity between the two 

candidates. 

ENTREPRENEURSHIP 

• Otedola 

Femi Otedola 

Appointed FBN’s New 

Board Chairman 

Femi Otedola, a billionaire 

businessman, has been named 

by FBN Holdings to take Ahmad 

Abdullahi's place as the next 

chairman of the board of 

directors. Otedola was chosen 

during the board meeting, 

according to a corporate notice 

the financial institution filed with 

the Nigerian Exchange Limited. 

On August 15, 2023, 

Otedola was appointed as 

a Non-Executive Director. At 

the company's most recent 

annual general meeting, the 

shareholders approved his 

appointment. 

Despite the former group 

chairman, Oba Otudeko, 

acquiring 4.7 billion units of 

FBNH shares in July, Otedola was 

identified as the largest stakeholder 

of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc in 

its unaudited consolidated financial 

statements for the period ending 

September 30, 2023. 

DAMIAN 

IKENNA NGERE 

AUTHOR’S BIO 

Ikenna is a graduate of Physics 

and Education, who works as a 

freelance writer. He has interest in 

technology, humanity and sports. 

Accomplish Magazine 

| 5

CELEBRATING 

INTERNATIONAL 

WOMEN'S DAY: 

IN PURSUIT OF MORE 

EMPOWERMENT AND 

POLITICAL RELEVANCE 

By Diiyi William-West 

6 | Accomplish Magazine 

international Women's Day (March 8) 

is a global celebration of the social, 

economic, cultural, and political 

achievements of women. It is a day to 

recognise and honour the contributions 

of women to society and to raise awareness 

about the ongoing struggle for gender 

equality. While progress has been made in 

recent years, there is still much work to be 

done to empower women and ensure their 

full participation in political life. 

According to the International Women's 

Day (IWD) website, the day is one of the 

most important days of the year for women 

and the international community to: 

Celebrate women's achievements 

Educate and awareness raise for 

women's equality 

Call for positive change advancing 

women 

Lobby for accelerated gender parity 

Fundraise for female-focused 

charities

In order to achieve greater 

empowerment and political 

relevance for women, we 

must take concrete steps 

to address the barriers that 

prevent women from fully 

participating in political life. 

• Antonio Gutteres 

In view of these, one of the key goals of 

International Women's Day is to promote 

gender equality and empower women to 

take on leadership roles in all aspects of 

society. Despite the progress that has 

been made in recent years, women are 

still vastly under-represented in political 

leadership positions around the world. 

According to the Inter-Parliamentary 

Union, women make up only 24.3% of 

parliamentarians globally. This lack 

of representation not only hinders 

women's ability to advocate for 

their rights and interests but also 

perpetuates the cycle of gender 

inequality. 

Empowering women to 

participate in politics is not 

just a matter of fairness; 

it is also essential for 

creating a more just 

and equitable society. 

Women bring unique 

perspectives and 

experiences to the 

table, and their 

voices must be 

heard in order 

to address 

the complex 

challenges 

facing our 

world today. 

In the words of 

Clara Chinwe 

Okoro, an 

• Clara Chinwe Okoro 


| 7

accomplished TV host, 

international resource 

speaker, and Founder 

and Chief Operating 

Officer, the Travel Tech 

Company, My Beautiful 

Africa, and Executive 

Producer of Brandworld 

Media, "Empowerment, 

for women, goes beyond 

mere representation or 

access to opportunities. 

It involves creating a 

supportive environment 

where women can 

thrive professionally 

and personally, free 

from discrimination 

and bias. It means 

recognising and valuing 

their voices, experiences, 

and perspectives in 

all spheres of life." By 

increasing the political 

representation of 

women, we can ensure 

that policies and 

decisions are made with 

the needs and concerns 

of all members of society 

in mind. 

In order to achieve 

greater empowerment 

and political relevance 

for women, we must 

take concrete steps to 

address the barriers that 

prevent women from 

fully participating in 

political life. This includes 

implementing policies 

that promote gender 

equality, such as quotas 

for women in political 

leadership positions and 

measures to combat 

gender-based violence 

and discrimination. It 

also requires creating a 

supportive environment 

that encourages women 

to enter politics and 

provides them with the 


esources and support they 

need to succeed. 

Furthermore, we must 

challenge the stereotypes 

and biases that continue to 

hold women back in politics. 

Women are often subjected 

to unfair scrutiny and criticism 

based on their gender, which 

can deter them from running 

for office or speaking out on 

important issues. Information 

received recently says that in 

some countries, women can't 

aspire to vote or be voted for 

or even become magistrates/ 

judges. In such countries, 

women need the "permission 

of their male guardians" - 

which could mean father, 

uncle, brother or guardian - to 

carry out such civic duties! 

To make sure progress in 

these and related issues, we 

must work to create a more 

inclusive and welcoming 

political culture that values 

and respects the contributions 

of women. 

In his message during the 

2023 International Women's 

Day event, the Unoted Nations 

Secretary-General, António 

Guterres said, "... we also 

recognise the enormous 

obstacles they face - 

from structural injustices, 

marginalisation, and violence, 

to cascading crises that 

affect them first and worst, to 

the denial of their personal 

autonomy and rights over 

their bodies and lives. 

"Gender-based discrimination 

harms everyone – women, 

girls, men, and boys. 

International Women’s Day 

is a call to action. Action to 

stand with women who are 

demanding their fundamental 

rights at great personal 

cost. Action to strengthen 

protection against sexual 

exploitation and abuse. 

And, action to accelerate 

women’s full participation and 

leadership." 

Guterres added, "Today, 

women make up under a third 

of the work force in science, 

technology, engineering, and 

maths. And, when women 

are under-represented in 

developing new technologies, 

discrimination may be baked 

in from the start. That is why 

we must close the digital 

divide and increase the 

representation of women 

and girls in science and 

technology. 

"Women’s exclusion from 

the digital world has shaved 

an estimated $1 trillion from 

the GDP of low- and middleincome 

countries in the last 

decade - a loss that could 

grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 

without action. Investing in 

women uplifts all people, 

communities, and countries. 

"Let us work together – across 

governments, the private 

sector and civil society –to 

build a more inclusive, just, 

and prosperous world for 

women, girls, men, and boys 

everywhere." 

Another issue that has been 

key to women in recent 

decades is wellness. Clara 

Chinwe Okoro, who is also 

a wellness enthusiast says: 

"Wellness is another key 

aspect of what women want. 

Mental health has become 

a major problem globally. 

It encompasses not just 

physical health but also 

mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Women often juggle 

multiple roles and face unique 

societal pressures, making it 

essential to prioritise self-care 

and mental health support." 

In conclusion, International 

Women's Day is a powerful 

reminder of the importance 

of empowering women and 

ensuring their full participation 

in political life. By celebrating 

the achievements of women 

and advocating for greater 

gender equality, we can 

create a more just and 

equitable society for all. It 

is time to take action and 

demand more empowerment 

and political relevance for 

women around the world. The 

time to make the landmark 

changes that women have 

been clamouring for decade 

after decade can't be 

extended further! 

DIIYI 

WILLIAM-WEST 


More fondly known as DDWEST, 

he has several years of media 

practice experience spanning 

magazines, newspapers, television 

and radio; laying emphasis 

on maintaining standards in 

media practice. He practised 

and lectured Public Relations for 

nearly a decade before going into 

leadership consulting and real 

estate consultancy. 


| 9

COVER 

His Career and Entrepreneurial 

Accomplishments 

HERBERT 

WIGWE 

10 | 

Accomplish Magazine

COVER 


| 11

COVER 

By Adebayo Afolabi 

Herbert 

Onyewumbu 

Wigwe was a 

driving force 

behind the 

growth of the 

Nigerian banking industry. 

His journey from the halls of 

Coopers & Lybrand to the 

upper echelons of Access 

Bank Plc showcased not 

only his astute business 

acumen but also his 

relentless pursuit of both 

business success and social 

impact. 

Wigwe's career 

trajectory began with 

humble roots at Coopers & 

Lybrand, where he gained 

invaluable experience as a 

management consultant 

in the late 1980s. His 

dedication and expertise 

soon led him to become a 

chartered accountant in 

1989, laying the groundwork 

for his future endeavours in 

the financial sector. 

In the ensuing years, 

Wigwe made significant 

strides in the banking 

industry, with a notable stint 

at Guaranty Trust Bank. 

During his tenure, which 

spanned over a decade, 

Wigwe ascended the ranks 

to become an executive 

director, solidifying his 

reputation as a forwardthinking 

leader with a keen 

eye for innovation. 


COVER 

In 2002, Wigwe, alongside 

his esteemed business 

partner Aigboje Aig- 

Imoukhuede, made a 

decisive move to acquire 

Access Bank, setting the 

stage for its transformation. 

Over the next 15 years, 

under Wigwe's visionary 

leadership, Access Bank 

emerged as one of Nigeria's 

prominent financial 

institutions, rising to 

prominence as the fourthlargest 

bank in the country 

with distinct impact across 

Africa. 

Wigwe's pioneering spirit 

extended beyond the realm 

of banking, as evidenced 

by his role in spearheading 

initiatives such as the 

Access Conference. This 

biennial event served 

as a platform for global 

leaders to engage in 

critical discourse on 

pressing issues facing 

humanity, reflecting Wigwe's 

commitment to corporate 

social responsibility and 

community engagement. 

Furthermore, Wigwe's 

partnership with UNICEF 

underscored his dedication 

to philanthropy and 

humanitarian efforts. 

Through initiatives such 

as the Access Bank/ 

UNICEF Charity Shield Polo 

Tournament, Wigwe and 

Access Bank provided 

support to vulnerable 

children, orphans, and 

internally displaced persons 

in Nigeria's northern region, 

making tangible difference 

in the lives of those in need. 

In 2016, Wigwe 

further cemented his 

legacy of social impact 

by founding The HOW 

Foundation, a non-profit 

organisation dedicated to 

empowering individuals 

and communities through 

education, health care, 

and socio-economic 

development. His 

commitment to societal 

advancement was also 

evident in his role as 

co-chair of the Nigerian 

Business Coalition against 

AIDS, where he played a 

pivotal role in the fight 

against HIV/AIDS and 

advocated for the rights 

of those affected by the 

disease. 

His most ambitious 

endeavour was the 

establishment of Wigwe 

University. With a $500 

million investment and a 

vision to revolutionise higher 

education in Nigeria and 

West Africa, Wigwe sought 

to create an institution 

that would nurture the 

next generation of leaders 

and innovators. Situated in 

Isiokpo, Rivers State, Wigwe 

University is poised to offer 

world-class education in 

disciplines ranging from 

Management and Science 

to Engineering and Arts. 

With a curriculum 

designed to address 

important sectors such as 

finance and technology, 

the university aims to equip 

students with the skills and 

knowledge needed to thrive 

in an increasingly complex 

global landscape. 

His commitment to 

excellence cannot go 

unnoticed as evidenced by 

the numerous accolades 

and honours he received 

throughout his career. 

From being named Banker 

of The Year by leading 

Nigerian newspapers to 

being conferred with the 

prestigious Commander 

of the Order of the 

Federal Republic, Wigwe's 

contributions to the banking 

industry and society, 

at large, were widely 

celebrated and recognised. 

Furthermore, the impact 

he made went beyond 

the realm of business 

as exemplified by his 

appointment as State 

Patron for Lagos State 

Council by the Boys' 

Brigade in recognition of 

his exemplary role in youth 

development. 

Tragically, on February 9, 

2024, Nigeria and the global 

business community were 

shaken by the untimely 

demise of Herbert Wigwe, 

along with his beloved 

wife, son and a business 

partner, in a helicopter 

crash in California, United 

States of America. The 

loss of such a visionary 

leader and compassionate 

humanitarian leaves an 

indelible void in the hearts 

of all who knew him. 

His legacy will endure as a 

guiding light for generations 

to come, reminding us all 

of the lasting influence of 

leadership driven by vision 

and empathy. 


| 13

COVER 

The Extraordinary 

Achievements 

Of Herbert 

Wigwe, 

An African 

Legend 

By Damian Ikenna Ngere 

The Group CEO of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, aged 

57, was killed in a helicopter crash near the California- 

Nevada border, along with his wife Chizoba, his son Chizi, 

and former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group 

Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo. Wigwe started his 

career in Finance at the age of 21, working as a management 

consultant for Coopers & Lybrand, one of the oldest 

accounting firms in the United States of America. He later 

became a chartered accountant at the age of 23, paving 

the way for a 34-year career filled with entrepreneurial 

achievements and social responsibility. 

In expressing their sorrow over his sudden departure, 

Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank, one 

of the biggest banking companies in Africa, said, “Herbert’s 

visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to social 

impact initiatives have left an indelible mark on Access 

Holdings and the communities we serve. His legacy will never 

be forgotten.” 

Speaking on the merger with Diamond Bank in 2019, he 


COVER 

• Herbert Wigwe 

shared insights in an exclusive interview with CNBC 

Africa, stating, “Access Bank has, over the years, 

built a very strong corporate banking business and 

commercial banking business; very strong on 

treasury and very strong on risk management. 

We have also built and pursued a value 

chain management strategy to deepen 

our retail incursion. Diamond Bank brings 

a very strong and phenomenal retail 

base. They have invested significantly 

in digital (operations) and they have 

been extremely successful as far as 

reaching out to customers with 17 million 

customers and a very significant retail 

base.” 

Longtime business partner of Wigwe, 

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, reflected 

on his experience and highlighted 

their mutual respect and shared 

entrepreneurial drive. In a 2016 

exclusive interview with Forbes Africa, 

Aig-Imoukhuede recounted their early 

days: “He is my closest friend in the 

bank and the professional colleague I 

most respect and I believe vice versa. 

So, in terms of selecting a partner, he 

was the best person I could choose. I 

told Herbert, 'Listen. We are doing this 

and we are doing everything we need 

to run a bank and the only way we can 

get that reward is if we are risking our 

own capital. So let’s get out and buy a bank. Let’s do 

it together’. So Herbert’s entrepreneurial juices started 

running. We didn’t resign immediately; we were still 

giving GTB 100%, and nobody knew and we were 

talking to owners of banks.” 

Wigwe earned a bachelor's degree in Accounting 

from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1987. He 

then went on to the University College of North Wales 

(now Bangor) to earn a master's degree in Banking 

and Finance in 1991. In 1996, he graduated from the 

University of London with a Master of Science in 

Financial Economics. He also completed the Harvard 

Business School Executive Management Programme. 

In addition to being an Honorary member of the 

Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, he is a 

Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration and the 

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. 

He had a significant impact on people's lives as 

evidenced by the outpouring of condolences and 

tributes from friends, colleagues, and world leaders. 

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, posted his 

condolences on Facebook and emphasised Wigwe's 

contribution to improving ties between France and 

Nigeria. Macron regretted, "France has lost a friend," 

praising Wigwe's work as the French-Nigeria Business 

Council President. 

Special Advisor to President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, 

Ajuri Ngelale, expressed Tinubu's dismay and horror 


| 15

COVER 


over Wigwe's and others' passing. Ngelale cited 

Tinubu as saying, "Their passing is an overwhelming 

tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension." 

The National Information Technology Development 

Agency (NITDA) Director-General, Kashifu Abdullahi, 

recalled Wigwe as a visionary leader committed to 

developing young talents and advancing educational 

opportunities. Abdullahi stressed that future 

generations will be motivated by Wigwe's legacy. 

The Nigeria Bar Association expressed its condolences 

on Wigwe's demise and acknowledged his 

contribution as an investor in NBA Africa. The NBA's 

sympathies are in line with the opinion of other people 

who appreciated Wigwe's contributions outside the 

business sphere. In a post on X (previously Twitter), 

Femi Otedola, the Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, 

expressed gratitude to Wigwe and his family, calling 

him a “banking genius” and highlighting the enduring 

legacy he leaves behind. 

The World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Director- 

General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, sent her condolences 

to the families impacted by the unfortunate helicopter 

crash. She paid tribute to Wigwe's important 

achievements to Access Bank Group and offered her 

sympathies to Aig-Imoukhuede, his partner. 

Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African 

Development Bank, is also among Nigerian business 

leaders who paid tribute to Wigwe. He said, “I am 

saddened by the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, CEO 

and co-Founder of Access Bank, his wife and son. He 

was a visionary and brilliant banker. May God comfort 

your aged parents, children, the Wigwe family and the 

staff and management of Access Bank. You will be 

greatly missed”. 

“NGX Group mourns the untimely departure of 

Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo and Dr. Herbert 

Wigwe, along with his wife and son. Bamofin 

Ogunbanjo’s leadership has left an indelible mark on 

our organisation and the broader Nigerian financial 

community, and his legacy will continue to inspire 

us. Dr. Wigwe also leaves an unblemished footprint in 

our private sector. Our thoughts and prayers are with 

their families during this difficult time,” said NGX Group 

chairman Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga. 

"Everyone at British International Investment (BII) 

extends their heartfelt condolences to the family and 

friends of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi Wigwe, Abimbola 

Ogunbanjo and the two pilots who died in the tragic 

helicopter crash in California at the weekend. We 

stand in mourning alongside our colleagues and 

partners at Access Bank in Nigeria where Dr. Wigwe 


was the CEO of its parent company, 

Access Holdings Plc. 

COVER 

"BII has worked with Access Bank to 

support the aspirations of countless 

people by boosting trade and access 

to finance across Nigeria and Africa. 

Herbert was a champion for Africa. And 

as a humanitarian and entrepreneur, he 

was passionate in his commitment to the 

continent’s future. 

"At this tragic time, our thoughts are with 

all those who knew them." 

The presidential candidate of the Labour 

Party (LP) in the 2023 election and former 

governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, 

described Mr Wigwe’s passing as a 

tragic loss of a dear friend. His words, “I’m 

deeply saddened by the tragic news of 

the passing of my dear friend, Mr Herbert 

Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings, along 

with his wife and son, and another close 

friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former group 

chairman of NGX Group. 

“This loss is profoundly felt across the 

nation. I first met Herbert during his early 

days, on the brink of starting his marital 

journey. I vividly remember assisting him 

in preparing for his traditional wedding 

and being there for the ceremony with his 

wife, Chizoba, from Achina, Anambra State. 

Since then, I’ve maintained a connection 

to his endeavours in my own modest 

ways. Herbert, a determined and forwardthinking 

individual, led Access Bank to new 

heights following his brother Aigboje Aig- 

Imoukhuede. 

“His noteworthy contributions extended 

beyond the professional realm, with 

commendable philanthropic efforts in 

health and education, exemplified by 

the establishment of Wigwe University, 

showcasing his deep commitment to 

education as a driver of development. 

“The loss of such an exceptional individual 

reminds us of life’s fleeting nature, 

encouraging us to live with a purpose that 

contributes to the betterment of humanity. 

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with 

Herbert, his beloved wife, his son and all 

those who lost their lives in the tragic plane 

crash. May God grant them eternal rest 

and provide strength to Herbert’s family, 

Access Holdings, and all of us mourning 

this irreplaceable loss,” he said. 



| 17

COVER 

SELECTED 

QUOTES 

OF LATE 

HERBERT 

WIGWE 

If you want 

to fly, you have to 

give up the negativity 

that weighs you down. 

Give wings to the 

greatness within 

you. Soar! 

By Ikenna Damian Ngere 

No 

entrepreneurship 

journey comes 

without pain 

Success 

is a meaningless 

word without failure. I 

have failed many times, 

but in every wrong turn, 

every misstep, there are 

important lessons. 

Embrace them. 

When 

I look at the 

faces of children, I see 

endless possibilities. All 

they need is a little help, a 

little hope, a little love, and 

someone who believes 

in them. God bless 

the child. 

18 | Accomplish Magazine 


Be 

empathetic, 

considerate, kind, 

and respectful. People 

may forget what you 

gave to them but they 

won’t lose the memory 

of how you made 

them feel. 

The 

world is changing 

and Nigeria is beginning 

to pay attention to young 

creative people. No matter the 

outcome, I urge you to keep 

telling your stories. Don’t be 

scared to make your mark in 

the creative space. The 

future is beautiful 

Increasingly, 

you’ll find that any 

task that is repetitive 

will be replaced by 

technology. We must, 

therefore, retrain and 

reskill our people and 

ourselves to fit into 

the new world. 

If 

you think the 

grass is greener 

on the other side, 

remember one thing: 

The grass is greener 

where you 

water it. 

Today and 

always, let us 

remember that life is a 

precious gift – a chance to 

breathe, feel, love, experience 

and connect. Let’s honour this 

gift by living with purpose, 

kindness, and gratitude, 

making every moment 

count. Let us number 

our days. 

By 

mutual 

respect, 

understanding and 

with good will, we 

can find acceptable 

solutions to any 

problems which 

exist or may arise 

between us. 

Assessment 

is today's means 

of modifying 

tomorrow's 

instruction. 

COVER 

The nurse - 

a person strong 

enough to tolerate 

anything and soft 

enough to understand 

anyone. Let’s 

appreciate nurses 

around us with 

messages, kind 

words and gifts. 

it forever. 


| 19

Herbert Wigwe's Family Distances 

Itself from RCCG City of David 


Herbert Wigwe, the former 

Group Chief Executive 

Officer (GCEO) of Access 

Holdings Plc and a prominent 

member of the RCCG, City of David 

Parish, and a significant financial 

supporter of the church, tragically 

passed away in a helicopter crash in 

the United States alongside his wife, 

son, and business partner. Despite 

• Dr. Mrs Siju Iluyomade 

Wigwe's substantial contributions to 

the development of the church, his 

family made a surprising decision 

to exclude RCCG, City of David, 

from his burial service. This decision 

may have been influenced by the 

family's disappointment with the 

leadership of RCCG, City of David 

Parish, following a lavish birthday 

celebration organised by Pastor 

Idowu Iluyomade for his wife, just 

days after Wigwe's death. 

The extravagant celebration of 

Dr. Siju Iluyomade's 60th birthday 

has stirred criticism towards the 

RCCG, City of David Parish, where 

the late Herbert Wigwe was a 

faithful member before his demise. 

The colourful party, resembling 

more of a carnival, held at the Eko 

Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos 

was attended by prominent figures. 

Distinguished guests, including 

billionaires and monarchs like the 

Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Olaoye 

Ghandi, and the Oniru of Oniru, 

Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, graced 

the party. Other notable guests 

were billionaire businessman and 

founder of Eleganza Group, Chief 

Razaq Okoya, and his wife, Shade; 

media 

• Flavour celebrating with Dr. Mrs Siju Iluyomade 

personality, Toke Makinwa; 

comedian Ali Baba; singer Kenny 

Saint-Brown and billionaire banker, 

Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the 

United Bank for Africa. 

Videos circulating online showed 

a popular artiste, Flavour, singing on 

stage while Mrs. Iluyomade joyfully 

danced alongside her guests. The 

videos received mixed reactions 

from the public, sparking a variety of 

responses. 

Another controversy arose from 

the fact that Flavour, a secular 

artiste, performed at the birthday 

celebration of a pastor, with specific 

attention drawn to his song choice, 

"Big Baller." Some Nigerians voiced 

concerns about the perceived 

absence of Christian values in the 

artiste and his music. 

Before his passing, Wigwe was an 

integral part of City of David Parish 

where Dr. Iluyomade's husband 

serves as pastor. Wigwe's dedication 

to the church went beyond attending 

Sunday services; he actively 

contributed to its growth and 

development. 

As an influential figure, Wigwe 

played a significant role in 

financing the construction 

of City of David's impressive 

church buildings. He even 

facilitated a loan from 

Access Bank to ensure 

the project's completion. 

Additionally, he generously 

supported Dr. Iluyomade's 

Arise Women Conference and 

her NGO. 

However, the timing of Dr. 

Iluyomade's lavish birthday 

celebration, just a week after 

Wigwe's passing, has raised 

eyebrow. Many feel that such an 

extravagant event so soon after 

the death of a key benefactor is 

insensitive and inappropriate. 


Gone, but not forgotten 

Celebrating Herbert Wigwe 

- " A Professional Legacy" 

Monday, March 4, 2024 

Venue: Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos 

Time: 2:00pm-6:00pm 

Celebrating Chizi Wigwe 

Tuesday, March 5, 2024 


Time: 10:00am 

Celebrating Chizoba Wigwe 

Tuesday, March 5, 2024 


Time: 5:00pm 

Night of Tributes 

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 

Venue: Eko Hotel Victoria Island, Lagos 

Time: 5:00pm 

Combined Service of Songs 

Thursday, March 7, 2024 

RCCG, Ressurection Parish, 

1 Ressurection Drive, 1st Gate, 

Jakande Estate, Km 15 Lekki 

Time: 10:00am 

Christian Wake-Keeping 

Friday, March 8, 2024 

Wigwe University, Isiokpo 

6:00pm 

Combined Funeral Service 

Saturday, March 9, 2024 

RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo 

Time: 10:00am 

Private Interment Ceremony 

Saturday, March 9, 2024 

Outing Service 

Sunday, March 10, 2024 

RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo 

Time: 10:00am 


| 21


Tributes... 

Special Adviser to the President 

on Media and Publicity, Mr Ajuri 

Ngelale, on behalf of President 

Bola Tinubu of Nigeria: 

The President commiserates 

with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo 

families, the business 

community, and all those 

impacted by this harrowing incident. 

President Tinubu prays for the peaceful repose 

of the departed and asks God Almighty to comfort 

the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the 

families of the deceased at this deeply agonising 

moment. 

Abubakar Jimoh, 

Chairman of Access 

Holdings: 

The Access Family has 

suffered a major loss with 

the passing of Dr. Wigwe 

who was a great friend and 

fine gentleman. He had a 

prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities, and 

vast business experience which he brought to bear on 

the Access Family and for which we owe him a debt of 

gratitude. 

He took over as Access Bank Group CEO in 2014, 

focusing on the Bank’s expansion in Nigeria and Africa 

before taking the helm at Access Holdings in 2022. 

Under his leadership, Access Bank drove its African 

strategy to become Sub Saharan Africa’s largest retail 

bank by customer base. 

Dr. Wigwe was a member of the Access Bank UK 

board as well as the board of the Nigerian Business 

Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA). He has long been 

an advocate for the eradication of malaria in Africa, 

working with the Corporate Alliance on Malaria to 

support this objective. 

He also sat on the board of the Nigerian Mortgage 

Refinance Company and Friends Africa and was an 

honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers 

of Nigeria and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered 

Accountants of Nigeria and Institute of Credit 

Administration,” the statemen 

In line with the Company’s policy, the Board will 

soon announce the appointment of an acting group 

chief executive officer even as we remain confident 

that the Access Group will build further on Dr. Wigwe’s 

legacy of growth and operational excellence. 

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former 

Vice President of Nigeria: 

We lost a gem, a brother and 

a decent man. May the Lord 

comfort Daddy and Mummy. 

May the morning joy come 

quickly. 

Peter Obi, Presidential 

candidate of the Labour Party 

(LP) in the 2023 election and 

former Governor of Anambra 

State: 

I’m deeply saddened by the 

tragic news of the passing 

of my dear friend, Mr Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access 

Holdings, along with his wife and son, and another 

close friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former group 

chairman of NGX Group. 

This loss is profoundly felt across the nation. I first 

met Herbert during his early days, on the brink of 

starting his marital journey. I vividly remember assisting 

him in preparing for his traditional wedding and being 

there for the ceremony with his wife, Chizoba, from 

Achina, Anambra State. Since then, I’ve maintained a 

connection to his endeavours in my own modest ways. 

Herbert, a determined and forward-thinking individual, 

led Access Bank to new heights following his brother 

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. 

His noteworthy contributions extended beyond the 

professional realm, with commendable philanthropic 

efforts in health and education, exemplified by the 

establishment of Wigwe University, showcasing 

his deep commitment to education as a driver 

of development. The loss of such an exceptional 

individual reminds us of life’s fleeting nature, 

encouraging us to live with a purpose that contributes 

to the betterment of humanity. 

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Herbert, 

his beloved wife, his son and all those who lost 

their lives in the tragic plane crash. May God grant 

them eternal rest and provide strength to Herbert’s 

family, Access Holdings, and all of us mourning this 

irreplaceable loss. 


| 23

Tributes... 

Former Secretary-General 

of the Commonwealth, Chief 

Emeka Anyaoku: 

Herbert was a great star, with 

a huge prospect of further 

illumination before he was 

plucked from the universe. It is a terrible loss in his 

sphere of activities, the banking sector, and to the 

country. I say adieu to him. 

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- 

Iweala, Director 

General of the World 

Trade Organisation: 

I am terribly saddened 

by the news of the 

terrible loss of Herbert 

Wigwe , Group CEO 

Access Bank @HerbertOWigwe , his wife and son as 

well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash. 

My deepest sympathies and condolences to the 

Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank 

Group employees and Management @myaccessbank 

and my younger Brother Herbert’s partner Aigboje 

Aig-Imoukhuede. May the souls of the departed rest in 

perfect peace 

Governor of Rivers State, Sir 

Siminalayi Fubara: 

There are no words to 

convey how terrible these 

losses are, and the state 

and indeed Nigeria will miss 

an unassuming, iconic and 

accomplished illustrious son 

of Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local 

Government Area of Rivers State. Rivers State and the 

Nation are in tears because it would be extremely 

difficult to understand this sweeping loss of a family 

involving a strong pillar, accomplished banker and 

philanthropist with tentacles in the education sector 

The governor said the prestigious Wigwe University 

which he pioneered must not be allowed to die. 

Governor Alex Otti of 

Abia State: 

A few years ago, when 

a group of friends and 

I were working on a 

banking licence, you 

drove to my house 

unannounced and 

insisted, ‘Alex, I’m glad 

you are working on a new bank, but I came to tell you 

that you should not run the bank. You have finished 

with banking; we need you in Abia and Abia needs you. 

We must get some of us that have the courage to go 

into public office, and you must remain there!’ Since 

then, you have been consistent in your support. 

This is one of the saddest moments in my life. To 

worsen the situation, Chizoba and Chizzy, who hardly 

fly with you were in that chopper. I’m still trying to make 

sense of the whole situation. I wish someone would 

wake me up and reassure me that this was a bad 

dream! But alas it is real. 

Cross River State, 

Bassey Otu: 

I received with utmost 

shock and sadness, 

the tragic death of one 

of Nigeria’s sterling 

bankers and business 

icons, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, alongside his wife, son and 

others aboard a helicopter in the United States. This a 

huge blow to the banking and financial sector, not just 

in Nigeria, but across Africa and the world. 

Dr. Wigwe was a shining example of industry, 

brinkmanship and dedication to all of humanity. 

Dying at a time when he was pioneering world 

class education through his Wigwe University is a 

devastating loss to this lofty dream and all who hoped 

on him. My deepest condolences to his family, his 

community, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings 

Plc., his friends and associates. 

As painful as this death is, Dr. Wigwe will be 

remembered for the impactful life he lived and his 

unflinching dedication to excellence. 

Governor of Akwa Ibom 

State, Umo Eno: 

To my brother Herbert, 

you came and impacted 

your world and left it better 

than you met it. May your 

memory live forever. 

May God grant everyone 

particularly your aged 

parents the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Rest 

in peace my brother”. 

Governor Babjide 

Sanwo-Olu of Lagos 

State: 

I am deeply saddened 

by the tragic loss of 

my dear brother and 

friend, Dr Herbert 

Wigwe, his dear wife 

Doreen, and their 

beloved son, Chizi, in 

a helicopter crash. 

Herbert was not just a brother and visionary leader, but 

one of the brightest minds in Africa. His impact on our 

nation and beyond will be remembered forever. My 

heart mourns. 

Herbert’s contributions to banking and the 

financial sector in Africa were unparalleled. He was 

an unapologetic believer in the Nigerian solution. His 

dedication and passion for progress inspired us all. 

Today, we mourn not just a leader but a true friend and 

brother. Lagos and Nigeria have lost a remarkable soul. 

Rest in peace, my brother. 

24 | 


Tributes... 

Kogi State Governor, 

Ahmed Ododo: 

The late Herbert Wigwe was 

an exceptional individual 

whose impact transcended 

the banking industry and 

his generation. He was a 

humble and hard working 

businessman who meant so 

well for the transformation 

of Nigeria and I am deeply saddened by his painful exit. 

As a government and people, our thoughts are with the 

Wigwe family who suffered far too many losses in one 

accident and all his colleagues at Access Holdings in 

this trying moment. 

Our thoughts are also with the government and 

people of Rivers State and my brother, Governor 

Siminalaye Fubara, for the irreparable loss of one of 

Nigeria’s most impactful businessmen, investor and 

a pathfinder for the younger generation. Nigeria and, 

indeed, humanity lost a colossus in Herbert Wigwe. 

Former Emir of Kano, Muhammad 

Sanusi II: 

Adieu my brother, my friend. What a 

tragedy. You are irreplaceable. We 

will miss you forever. Rest in peace. 

Senator Ibikunle Amosun: 

Brother Herbert, goodbye. Good 

manager, adieu. May your soul 

rest in peace and may the good 

Lord comfort your aged parents, 

your siblings and the entire Wigwe 

family, adieu. 

Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu 

Bamalli: 

A great personal loss to us. May his 

gentle soul rest in perfect peace. 

Chairman, Senate Committee 

on Finance, Senator Sani Musa: 

I am deeply saddened and 

devastated by the tragic news 

of the passing of my dear friend, 

Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access 

Holdings, along with his wife and 

son, and another close friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, 

former Group Chairman of NGX Group. This loss is 

profoundly felt across the nation. 

I am down in spirit that we have to lose Herbert 

Wigwe this early in life. He was a man of integrity and 

strong conviction to work. He was a great personality 

and in his chosen career, he exhibited a high level of 

professionalism and unmatched leadership, which 

marked him out as a true patriot. He was a man who 

never believed in cutting corners to achieve success 

in business. He was a visionary, charismatic and 

transformational leader, who contributed significantly 

to the development of the banking industry in Nigeria 

and the economy at large. 

I wish to, on behalf of my family and the people of Niger 

East Senatorial District, offer our condolences to the 

Wigwe family, the Board and Management of Access 

Bank, the Governor of Rivers State, the President and 

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Federal 

Republic of Nigeria, for losing such a great son, iconic 

entrepreneur a serial investor at such a time that our 

country needs his services the most. 

My heartfelt prayers are with Herbert, his beloved 

wife, his son, and all those who lost their lives in the 

tragic plane crash. May God grant them eternal rest 

and provide strength to Herbert’s family, Access 

Holdings, and all of us mourning this irreplaceable loss. 

Former Minister of Finance, 

Budget, and National Planning, 

Olusegun Aganga: 

This tragic and devastating crash 

reminds us all to live each day as if 

it was our *LAST DAY*, doing good, 

loving our neighbours as ourselves 

because no one knows when the 

Angel of Life will withdraw that precious gift of life which 

we sometimes take for granted. 

Olayemi Cardoso, Central Bank 

Governor: 

Our profound condolences to 

the Wigwe family and Access 

Holdings on the passing of the 

co-founder and Group Chief 

Executive Officer of Access 

Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, 

his wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizi, alongside Otunba 

Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of 

the Nigerian Exchange Group, in the United States of 

America, on February 9, 2024. 

May their souls rest in peace. 

Aliko Dangote, Chief Executive 

Officer, Dangote Group: 

On behalf of my family, the 

Board, Management, and 

Staff of the Dangote Industries 

Limited, I extend my deepest 

sympathies to the entire Wigwe 

family of Rivers State and the 

staff of Access Holdings Plc. 

Wigwe’s first-rate mind, 

brilliance, tenacity, unforced charm, and clarity of 

purpose stood him out among his peers. Over the 

past decades, Wigwe was one of those visionaries 

who transformed Access Bank Plc from a fledgling 

bank to the current global institution that is breaking 

boundaries across the financial world. 


| 25

Tributes... 

Femi Otedola, Chairman, 

Geregu Power Plc: 

I am shocked and saddened 

to hear of the loss of a banking 

genius Herbert Wigwe, his dear 

wife Chizoba and first son Chizi. 

Exactly two weeks ago, Herbie 

and his wife hosted myself and 

Aliko to dinner at his newly built home in Lagos. I will 

cherish and fondly remember my memories of time 

spent together with him over the years. Herbie, we will 

all miss you. Your legacy will live on forever. 

My heartfelt condolences go out to his children 

Tochi, Hannah and David. I pray God comforts them 

during this tragic time. May the souls of the departed 

rest in perfect peace. 

Atedo Peterside, Founder of 

Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc: 

The Group Chief Executive 

Officer (GCEO) of Access 

Holdings Plc, was a visionary 

leader who invested in young 

people. When you’re a giver, it 

is not just resources. More and 

more young people will come 

out telling you how Herbert 

helped to mentor them. 

Some people are wealthy and nobody can reach 

them on their phones. They disconnect themselves 

from society. They even insulate themselves and put 

a barrier. Herbert was reachable by several young 

people. All sorts of people say he found time for us. 

Why did he find time for them? That’s him. He was a 

giver, doer, visionary, and philanthropist. 

Wigwe University was his latest passion. He was at my 

house this year, we discussed the university. He was 

clear. He wanted a world-class institution in Nigeria. 

Some people might think but he did not bring that 

dream into reality. It depends on what you think the 

purpose of somebody is. I think the most important 

thing about the university was to conceive the idea, 

choose the location and then choose the partners. 

He chose various people to work with him on that 

university, and even created evidence. Some of them 

are on video. So there is no need to even argue. Who 

were the people he chose? 

Can you see that if you have a dream and you 

chose no team there is a problem? If you have a 

dream, you lay the foundation, you chose the location, 

and you choose the people - the building blocks are 

there for it to continue. Even in my family, Herbert 

didn’t choose me, he chose my first child to be on the 

board of that university. Everything Herbert did was 

for a reason. I never asked him why. I now see that it is 

almost as if the purpose of his life was not just to build 

a bank, but to build a bank, pull resources from there, 

develop bigger ideas, focus on where he thought he 

would make a major contribution in terms of showing 

us the path. So there is no argument as to name, 

location, even some employees are there already. 

That team that he put together, my guess is that 

they will even be more committed now than if he was 

alive. Because they now realise that it is a phenomenal 

trust. He put them in a position of trust. What is the 

significance of him doing all that for Nigeria? You 

and I know that Nigeria does not have a world class 

institution. If he succeeded in bringing that idea 

in Rivers state, there is a possibility that others will 

replicate. 

Tony Elumelu, Chairman, United 

Bank for Africa Plc (UBA): 

Tribute to Great Lights- True Patriots 

The news of Herbert Wigwe’s and 

Bimbo Ogunbanjo’s untimely 

passing is terribly sad and 

distressing. 

Nigeria, indeed Africa, has 

lost two of our brightest minds. I 

admired them both and we all 

shared the desire to drive Nigeria’s transformation. 

Herbert was an exceptional talent, committed to 

advancing the banking and financial sector in Nigeria, 

with Access Holdings. Likewise, Bimbo’s tenure as 

Group chairman of the NGX group was distinguished 

by excellence. Both will be sorely missed by all. 

Their leadership and entrepreneurial drive will 

continue to serve as shining examples to millions of 

our young people. May Bimbo, Herbert, his dear wife, 

Chizoba, and his son, Chizi, rest in perfect peace. May 

God give their immediate families strength and grace 

in this difficult time. 

Group Chief Executive of Oando 

Plc, Wale Tinubu: 

Herbert was a first class guy. He 

was kind, courageous, intelligent 

and supportive and a loving 

gentleman. I worked with him 

from 1999; we did business, we 

met challenges and we fought 

them, and stayed true to our 

goals. It’s a great loss. He was very supportive to lots 

of charitable causes, helping people to pay their 

school fees, and their welfare. He was able to actualise 

his dream of the Wigwe University. His legacies are 

fundamental institutions that will really impact on the 

society. 

Access Bank is not just an African bank, it has 

branches in the US, France, Dubai and in China. The 

fact is that Herbert has done a lot for the African 

business community. So, his legacies are institutions 

that will endure. 

Tomi Davies, Collaboratorin-Chief, 

TVC Labs: 

Herbert was a highly 

respected and influential 

figure in Nigeria and beyond. 

He was a successful banker. 


Tributes... 

He led Access Bank from 2014 to 2022, made it one of 

the leading financial institutions. He was known for his 

innovative approach and driving the bank's growth. 

He founded the H .O .W. Foundation, named after him, 

which supports various causes in education, arts, and 

health because he believed in empowering the youth 

and addressing societal challenges. 

He held leadership positions in all kinds of 

organisations, advocating for economic development 

in Africa. He was seen as a mentor and an inspiration 

to quite a number of people. So, his death in the 

helicopter crash was a shock and a significant loss to 

Nigeria and the international community. 

Others, like myself, have expressed our condolences 

and highlighted his positive impact. While his life was 

quite short, his accomplishments and contributions 

continue to inspire others. At the same time, I would 

like to mention my childhood friend who, unfortunately, 

was in the helicopter and passed away with Herbert. 

That is Abimbola Ogunbanjo, who was the Group 

Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group. 

He served as the leader of the non-operating holding 

company overseeing the Nigerian Stock Exchange 

from 2021 to 2022. He was president of the National 

Council of the Stock Exchange, and he led the stock 

exchange from 2017 to 2021. 

He was the managing partner of Bimbo Gubanjo L 

.P., which was founded by his late father, and he was 

a board member of various organizations and had 

philanthropic effort, serving as a global ambassador 

for the organization as an example. 

So, I mean, the legacy of both respected figures in 

Nigeria are leaves of vacuum, and they are both well 

-recognized and well -respected individuals. May their 

souls rest in complete peace. 

Ken Egbas, CEO, TruCSR/ 

Founder, The SERAS Africa. 

Herbert Wigwe: The Genial, 

Compassionate Warrior. 

Coming to terms with the 

news of Herbert Wigwe’s 

passing has been incredibly 

challenging for me. While 

I didn’t have the privilege 

of knowing him closely, he was a mentor from afar; 

someone I followed with unwavering admiration. I 

devoured any information I could find about him online 

- YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok. 

Herbert had so much to teach any dreamer. 

He embodied altruism, holding up his candle so 

that others could light theirs, leading to a greater 

collective illumination that brightened communities 

and the nation. People often referred to him as the 

cowboy of the banking industry and financial sector. 

If this moniker was intended as a slight, it only served 

to solidify his status in business folklore. Being called 

a cowboy is often a term of endearment, symbolising 

someone who gets the job done, no matter the 

challenge. Access Holdings became a juggernaut 

and relentless financial behemoth due to Herbert’s 

relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering 

commitment to his vision. Unlike others in the financial 

industry who merely talk the talk, Herbert walked the 

walk. He didn’t just activate; he delved into the dreams 

of those he inspired, guiding them through the journey 

of actualisation. He was the difference-maker and the 

way-maker! I vividly recall the day I had the honour of 

meeting him. It was a chance encounter at Radisson 

Blu on Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, 

on a Saturday afternoon in November 2023. As I sat 

facing the entrance, Herbert, dressed in a brown 

pullover and blue denim with a large cowboy hat, 

entered the restaurant. It was a stroke of luck. Despite 

my initial hesitation, I approached him, and to my 

surprise, he recognised me instantly. What followed 

was an hour of profound conversation and idea 

exchange, a testament to Herbert’s generosity with his 

time and wisdom. 

Herbert was ahead of the curve in every aspect. 

His vision of Wigwe University was a natural extension 

of his mission - the growth of others. His words from 

that meeting have stayed with me: "Real success in 

life happens when a multitude enjoys a high extent of 

success because their paths crossed with yours." 

As he bid me farewell, he generously covered the bill 

for our lunch. I requested that he delivers the keynote 

at The SERAS Africa Sustainability Awards in December 

2024, a request he gratefully accepted while providing 

telephone numbers of two of his senior staffers 

responsible for his schedules. In his own words, “Your 

globally respected platform awarded me CEO of the 

Year in 2017 and 2018. I would be glad to have my turn 

to do the honours.” (Sadly, that keynote will never 

happen as things have turned out!). 

Herbert wouldn’t want us to mourn him. Instead, 

he would urge us to continue his life's work by helping 

others light their candles. This is how I choose to honour 

his memory - by sharing the lessons he imparted with 

others on their journeys to actualisation. May the souls 

of Herbert Wigwe, his beloved wife, and son find eternal 

rest with their Creator. Amen. 

Group Managing Director, 

FBN Holdings Plc, Nnamdi 

Okonkwo: 

What can I say, Herbert? 

You lived a life of impact. 

We can’t question God. 

Only He knows why He 

allowed this. RIP dear 

brother. 

Olugbenga Agboola, CEO and 

Co-founder of Flutterwaves: 

Remembering Dr Herbert 

Wigwe: A Mentor, Leader, and 

Visionary. It is with a heavy 

heart and profound sadness 

that I reflect on the passing 

of Dr. Herbert Wigwe @ 

HerbertOWigwe, a mentor, 


| 27

Tributes... 

friend, and visionary who left an indelible mark on my 

life and the lives of many others. 

My journey with Herbert began in a remarkable 

chapter of my life, right after my start-up was acquired. 

I was a young engineer/entrepreneur, barely 30, 

stepping into a senior role at one of the largest banks 

in Africa, Access Bank. It was Herbert who believed in 

my potential to spearhead digital transformation, a 

task that seemed daunting but was made achievable 

through his guidance and faith in me. 

Herbert was not just a boss; he was a mentor who 

shared his entrepreneurial journey with me. He cofounded 

a bank around the same age I was then. 

“Why can’t you do the same?” he would challenge me, 

pushing me to expand the horizons of my ambition. 

“GB, what’s the size of your ambition?” he would ask, 

a question that echoed in my mind and drove me to 

dream bigger, to aim higher. He was one of the few 

who not only encouraged my dreams but insisted they 

were not crazy enough. Under his mentorship, I learned 

the art of setting monumental goals and the strategic 

planning required to achieve them. This guidance was 

crucial in shaping my approach to angel investing. 

“Why wait to invest back in Africa?” Herbert would say. 

“Who is the next GB? Back them... Make the journey 

easier for the next guy.” 

Herbert’s influence was instrumental in the early 

successes of Flutterwave. Despite not owning a single 

stock in Flutterwave, he went above and beyond 

to support us. He travelled with me and my cofounders, 

meeting investors and potential customers, 

demonstrating a commitment that went far beyond 

professional obligation. In tough times, Herbert’s 

wisdom was a beacon of hope. “Hang in there… 

Only the test of fire makes very fine steel!!” he would 

text, always ready to offer advice and assistance. I 

remember vividly when I met Satya Nadella personally, 

and upon sharing this with Herbert, his response was a 

testament to his unwavering belief in us: “I told you, you 

can build this. You can do what I have done. I am proud 

of you.” Recently, Herbert shared with me his vision 

for Wigwe University, a testament to his never-ending 

aspiration to uplift and transform. “Imagine a world 

where you can do your PhD in Nigeria and receive 

a world-class education?” he mused. His vision for 

Africa’s development was boundless, always thinking 

of ways to elevate our continent on the global stage. 

Herbert’s sudden departure is a profound loss. 

When we had a difference of opinion, he always 

separated the person from the issue, a true mark of his 

character and leadership. His passing leaves a void not 

just in the professional world but in my heart. He wasn’t 

just a leader; he was a mentor, a friend, and a source 

of inspiration. As we mourn Herbert Wigwe, his wife 

Chizoba Wigwe, son Chizi, and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbajo, 

we celebrate the extraordinary life he led and the 

countless lives he touched. His legacy is a beacon that 

will continue to inspire us to extend a helping hand and 

make a difference in the world. 

You shouldn’t have gone so soon, sir. Your 

absence is deeply felt, but your impact will forever be 

remembered. 

Rest in peace, Boss. 

Regards, 

GB 

Zenith Bank Plc: 

We mourn with the Wigwe family 

and Access Holdings on the sudden 

transition of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his 

wife Chizoba, and his son, Chizi. 

Dr. Wigwe was an inspiring leader 

devoted to positive change and 

human empowerment. He left indelible footprints not 

only as the Group CEO of Access Holdings, but also with 

his numerous contributions to the advancement of the 

financial services industry and growth of the Nigerian 

economy. 

In this trying period, we remember the values he lived 

by and his humble and generous nature that made 

him so dear to many. 

We reflect on the impact he had in the lives of 

others and thank God Almighty for the legacy he left 

behind. May the souls of Herbert, Chizoba and Chizi rest 

in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 



| 29

Picture 

• Herbert Wigwe's son, Chizi Wigwe. 

• A photo of Herbert Wigwe with 

his lovely wife, Chizoba Wigwe. 

• A photo of Herbert Wigwe when he laid the 

foundation stone for the Wigwe University Senate 

Building symbolised his dedication to excellence in 

education and nurturing future leaders. 

• A photo of Herbert Wigwe 

showing how to kick-start your 

day by keeping the body active. 


• Photo of Herbert Wigwe at the Access Bank Polo Day in South Africa. 

• Photo of Herbert Wigwe with Mr. Olivier Becht after being appointed 

as the new President of the France-Nigeria Business Council, 

succeeding Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu. 

• A photo of a smiling Herbert 

Wigwe with Nigerian star musician, 

Patoranking, at the Access Polo London. 

•A photo of the Late Herbert Wigwe at the ART X Lagos, alongside 

Atedo Peterside. 

•Photo of Herbert Wigwe with the 

Access Pensions family, engaging in 

meaningful conversations that shape 

the future of Africa. 


| 31

FEATURE / ANALYSIS 

INVENTIONS 

BY BLACKS 

THAT CHANGED 

THE WORLD FOR 

GOOD 


Throughout history, 

brilliant minds from 

diverse backgrounds 

have shaped the 

world through their 

groundbreaking 

inventions. This 

is equally true 

for inventors of 

African descent, 

whose innovative 

contributions have left 

an indelible mark on 

our daily lives. 

Here are 10 inventions 

by Black innovators 

that have had a 

positive impact: 

1 

Portable X-ray Machine 

Dr. George Alcorn, an African 

American physicist, contributed to 

the development of the portable 

x-ray machine, improving medical 

diagnostics. These portable devices 

are commonly used in emergency 

rooms, intensive care units, and 

other healthcare settings where 

rapid diagnostic information is 

critical. They play an important role 

in assessing injuries, monitoring 

disease progression, and guiding 

medical interventions. 



2 

Traffic Light System 

Garrett Morgan, an African American inventor, is 

credited with the invention of the three-position 

traffic signal, which greatly improved road 

safety. The traffic light system, with its three-color 

design; red, yellow, and green continues to play 

an important role in regulating traffic on roads 

today. When you see a red light, it means you 

must stop. The yellow light indicates that the 

signal is about to change, serving as a warning 

to prepare to stop or proceed with caution. The 

green light signals that it's safe to go. This simple 

but effective system helps control the flow of 

vehicles, preventing accidents. 

3 

Potato Chips 

George Crum, an African American chef, is 

often credited with the accidental invention 

of potato chips, creating a beloved snack 

enjoyed worldwide. In the modern context, 

potato chips are widely available in various 

flavors and brands. They are a popular 

choice for a quick and tasty snack. People 

enjoy potato chips at parties, during movie 

nights, or simply as a treat on the go. 

4 

Fibre Optic Technology 

Dr. Thomas Mensah, a Ghanaian-American chemical 

engineer, contributed to the development of fiber optic 

technology, playing a vital role in high-speed internet and 

communication systems. Fiber optic technology allows for 

much higher data transfer rates, facilitating the delivery of 

faster and more reliable internet connections. Additionally, 

fiber optics are known for their efficiency in maintaining 

signal integrity over long distances, reducing the need for 

signal boosters or repeaters. 


| 33


5 

Super Soaker 

Lonnie Johnson, an African American 

engineer, invented the Super Soaker 

water gun, which became one of the 

most popular and successful toys 

globally. These toys use water as 

ammunition and are designed for fun 

outdoor activities. 

Carbon Filament Light Bulb 

Lewis Latimer, another African American inventor, played an important 

role in improving Thomas Edison's electric light bulb by creating a more 

durable carbon filament, making it more practical for everyday use and 

long-lasting source of illumination. While traditional incandescent bulbs with 

carbon filaments have become less common due to the rise of LED and CFL 

(compact fluorescent lamp) technologies, they still find niche applications. 

6 

7 

Home Security System 

Marie Van Brittan Brown, an African American inventor, created 

the first home security system, which laid the foundation for 

modern security systems. Today, a typical home security system 

includes features like cameras, sensors, and alarms. Cameras can 

be placed inside and outside the house, allowing homeowners to 

see what's happening in real-time. Sensors on doors and windows 

alert the system if they are opened unexpectedly. If something 

unusual is detected, the system can sound an alarm and, in some 

cases, send alerts to the homeowner's phone. 


Open-Heart Surgery Techniques 

8 

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a pioneering African American 

surgeon, performed one of the first successful open-heart 

surgeries and founded Provident Hospital in Chicago. Openheart 

surgery is a medical procedure that is still widely used today 

to treat various heart conditions. In this surgery, the surgeon opens 

the chest to access the heart and perform necessary repairs 

or interventions. Modern open-heart surgeries have advanced 

significantly since Dr. Daniel Hale Williams's pioneering work. 

9 

Blood Bank 

Dr. Charles Drew, a pioneering African American physician, 

played a role in developing the modern blood bank, making 

blood transfusions more efficient and saving countless lives. 

Blood transfusions are a vital medical practice used today to help 

people who have lost blood due to surgery, injury, or illness. 


As we celebrate these 

achievements, it's important 

to recognise the vital role that 

people of African descent 

have played in shaping the 

way we live, work, and interact 

with the world around us. 

The legacy of these inventors 

serves as an inspiration for 

future generations and a 

reminder that innovation 

knows no boundaries, 

contributing to a more 

inclusive future for us all. 

Refrigerated Trucks 

10 

Frederick McKinley Jones, an African American inventor, 

invented the refrigeration system for trucks, revolutionizing 

the transportation of perishable goods. The impact of 

refrigerated trucks is not limited to local or regional transportation; 

they are also important in global supply chains. Perishable goods 

can be transported over long distances, allowing for the international 

trade of fresh and frozen products. This has significant implications for 

the availability and diversity of goods in markets worldwide. 



I am a passionate business writer 

with a knack for translating 

complex concepts into accessible 

content. With a keen eye for detail, 

I deliver compelling content that 

educates, inspires, and drives 

positive change in the realm of 

finance and business. 


| 35


IS SUICIDE 

A HELPFUL 

OPTION? 

Life is a seed. Love and grow it. 

You don't have a spare. 

- Tolu Akinruli 

Suicide is a complex and 

sensitive issue wherever 

it is mentioned. It leaves 

a significant impression 

on individuals and 

communities all over the 

world. 

In recent years, there has 

been increased attention 

on mental health and the 

importance of addressing 

suicidal thoughts 

and behaviours. It is 

noteworthy that there 

is a stigma attached 

to suicide and a lack of 

understanding about the 

reasons behind it. 



From my research, it could be 

deduced that many victims 

of suicide died as a result 

of heart break caused by 

lovers or family members, 

loneliness, anger, hatred of 

oneself, failure in school, rape, 

family pressures, poverty and 

spiritual attacks among many 

others. Suicide has been seen 

as a means to an end but 

not as a means in itself. More 

than 60% of people who have 

considered suicide see it as 

a means of escape from the 

problems life has thrown at 

them. 

In Nigeria, suicide is a growing 

issue of concern, especially 

among young people. 

According to the World Health 

Organisation, Nigeria has 

the 15th highest suicide rate 

globally with an average of 15.1 

suicides per 100,000 people. 

Indeed, this is a significant 

public health concern that 

requires urgent attention and 

intervention. 

To gain a better understanding 

of suicide and its impact, 

Accomplish Magazine went 

to town and engaged in 

conversations with two 

distinguished professionals. 

Mrs. Mary Ogunyemi, 

celebrated for her expertise in 

Sociology brought her wealth 

of knowledge and insights 

to the discourse. Similarly, 

Dr. Fisayo Asaolu, a medical 

practitioner currently working 

at the University Teaching 

Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State 

of Nigeria, offered invaluable 

perspectives from the health 

care realm. You will find their 

interviews insightful. 

MRS. MARY OGUNYEMI: 

In your opinion, what factors 

could make someone 

consider suicide as an option? 

Mrs. Mary Ogunyemi: 

Lack of hope, anxiety, 

disappointment, lack of 

emotional intelligence, 

the fear of failure amid 

shame, high level of poverty, 

unemployment, and lack 

of access to necessities of 

life such as health care and 

education can push individuals 

to a point of desperation. 

Again, the pressure to conform 

to societal expectations and 

family responsibilities can be 

overwhelming too; especially 

for those who feel they cannot 

meet these expectations. 

How do you approach and 

interact with individuals who 

express suicidal thoughts or 

feelings? 


Well, I approach them with 

love and let them see life 

from another angle. From 

experience, the cultural 

values of a community 

and family support can be 

helpful approaches. So, it is 

important to listen without 

judgment and offer support 

while also encouraging them 

to seek professional help and 

resources. It is important to 

take this individual with suicidal 

thoughts or expressions 

seriously and not dismiss them 

as mere attention-seeking 

behaviour. 

What are the warning signs 

that someone may be at risk 

of suicide? 


Depression, sudden quietness, 

anxiety, and unnecessary 

fatigue when there's no 

physical stress, withdrawal 

from social activities, changes 

in mood and behaviour, 

and expressing feelings of 

hopelessness or worthlessness. 

These signs should not be 

ignored, and it is important for 

family and loved ones to be 

aware of them to offer support. 

Does stigma of mental health 

affect individuals who may 

be struggling with suicidal 

thoughts? 


Mental health and suicidal 

thoughts are two things that 

work together. Mental health 

has a huge impact on suicidal 

thoughts because the shame 

and judgment associated 

with mental health issues 

can prevent individuals from 

seeking help, leaving them 

feeling alone and unsupported. 

The stigma reinforces the 

idea that mental health issues 

are a personal weakness or 

failure, rather than a medical 

condition that requires 

treatment. 


| 37


DR. FISAYO ASAOLU: 

What effective treatment 

options would you 

recommend for people 

contemplating suicide? 

Dr. Fisayo Asaolu: 

Give them hope, keep them 

around and not alone. Proffer 

solutions to their bone of 

contention, educate them 

on emotional intelligence, 

and seek help from a 

psychologist. Sometimes, 

sleeping pills might be 

recommended to calm the 

mind but these may not give 

a lasting solution. 

Can trauma and past 

experiences make someone 

consider suicide as an 

option? 


They play a great role 

because past experiences 

easily downplay the present 

and could make some 

people consider suicide as 

an option. 

How can family members 

and loved ones support 

someone who may be 

struggling with suicidal 

thoughts? 


Express love and always 

keep such people on watch. 

The people around them 

also need to ensure a nonjudgmental 

and empathetic 

environment for the affected 

individuals to express their 

feelings. For instance, Bisi, 

who happens to be one 

of my nieces, finished 

secondary school in 2013 and 

started seeking admission 

into the university but did 

not gain admission till 2019. 

That experience could have 

led to her death because 

she saw herself as a failure 

during that period. However, 

she became stronger each 

time she got support from 

her family. So, encouraging 

the person and providing 

practical support can help 

prevent suicide - just like in 

the case of Bisi. 

From your experience, 

what are the common 

misconceptions about 

suicide and mental health? 


Well, some common 

misconceptions about 

suicide and mental health 

that I have encountered 

include the belief that 

talking about suicide will 

only make it happen, and 

the idea that seeking help 

is a sign of weakness. These 

misconceptions perpetuate 

the stigma around mental 

health and prevent 

individuals from getting the 

help they need. 

Conclusion 

Suicide is not a helpful or 

reasonable option and 

should never be considered 

as a solution to problems. 

It is crucial for individuals 

struggling with mental 

health issues to seek help 

and for the community 

to provide support and 

understanding. By raising 

awareness, providing 

accessible mental health 

services, and advocating for 

destigmatisation, we can 

work towards reducing the 

rate of suicide in the world at 

large and promote overall 

well-being for all individuals. 

TOLULOPE AKINRULI 


My love to impact knowledge 

to the young and old 

led me to research and 

writing. Also, l have been 

business-oriented, right from 

childhood, which made me 

focus more on driving the 

business world and also 

to help people grow their 

business. As a writer, I aim 

to create an insightful image 

in the minds of every reader 

for maximum wealth and 

health. 


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TOUGH 

TIMES 

NEVER LAG 

IN NIGERIA 

By Dave Baro-Thomas 

Robert Harold Schuller’s 

"Tough Times Never 

Last, But Tough People 

Do" was a global 

phenomenon and 

inarguably an all-time 

bestseller, cutting across the 

iron veil of race, religion and 

cultures. It resonates with all 

human spectrums and 

captures the inevitability of 

man’s struggles and desires to 

be unshackled from poverty, 

deprivation and indignity 

sponsored by economic and 

social hardship. From its 

inspirational framings to the 

aspirational possibilities, the 

content keeps the head of any 

drowning man above the water 

and provides the navigational 

compass for shore-bound 

initiates. 

Has President Bola Ahmed 

Tinubu foisted on Nigerians 

tough times, untold hardship 

and sufferings, given the weight 

of public outcry, discontentment 

and protests across the 

country? Mr. Tinubu, touted the 

most prepared politician for the 

exalted position in the country, 

was confronted with the 

dilemma of either flowing with 

the tides of a broken economy 

since 1960 or taking bold steps 

to recover the nation through 

tough decisions. 

Nigeria, always thrown into 

tough times from one political 

hegemony to the other, is stuck 

in a vicious cycle with the end of 

the tunnel dimmer than ever. 

From the instability and 

recklessness of the first 

republican politicians, the 

nation degenerated into a dire 



strait occasioned by godless 

ambition to control the centre 

despite the seeming successes 

each region posted. While the 

military posted modest 

achievements under Gowon, 

the foundation of corruption 

was laid before 1979. 

Again, the nation was 

dragged to the dark days by 

1983 when Muhammadu Buhari 

and his military colleagues 

seized power. The agonising 

'Austerity Measures' forced 

down the throat of Nigerians, 

the purposeless leadership of 

that regime, and IMF-inspired 

'Structural Adjustment 

Programme' (SAP) of Ibrahim 

Babangida’s era eroded any 

possibility of a rescued nation, 

while Abacha’s iron fist and 

draconic maladministration 

further deepened the woes of 

the country. 

Nigeria plunged further under 

the Fourth Republic and came 

to a head under Buhari’s 

second coming, where the 

nation stands destroyed today. 

Like never in our history, Nigeria 

lost its bearing. From the neverbefore-experienced 

widespread 

insecurity manifesting in ethnic 

cleansing, kidnap for ransom, 

insurgency and terrorism to the 

plunder of the national treasury, 

the consequences are far 

While the military 

posted modest 

achievements 

under Gowon, 

the foundation of 

corruption was 

laid before 1979. 

beyond the short-term 

intervention efforts of the 

current administration, even as 

it has not shown sufficient 

rigour. 

True, it is impractical to heap 

the entire blame on this 

president. 

Without holding forth for this 

administration, Nigeria was due 

for the tough decisions of 

subsidy removal and naira float 

but that needed to be done with 

intentional shock absorbing 

mechanisms. Hence, 

implementing those policies 

and the attendant backlash 

needs to be robustly 

interrogated. Painfully, the 

unfolding eco-medical 

prognosis and medications 

thrown at the problem lack 

clear direction and efficacy. 

So, here we are in a country 

where tough times never lag. It’s 

been an endless downward 

slope and sham promises 

orchestrated to hoodwink 

gullible Nigerians. From 2015 till 

date, the nation has fallen flat 

on its face on all economic 

fronts, and the 'Renewed Hope' 

agenda looks stronger in print 

than in reality. 

The way out of the woods 

stares at us in the face, and we 

must answer the tough 

questions. 

Show me one decent country in 

the world where a thriving black 

market for forex competes with 

the official market, yet there was 

a naira float! Can a country 

escape food shortage where 

insecurity destroys agriculture? 

If agriculture fails, can food 

inflation (34.41%) be wished 

away? Fuel subsidy was 

removed and Nigerians hailed 

the government. But, was the 

problem with the subsidy or the 

criminal maladministration of 

it? We cannot tame the thieves 

so the poor and downtrodden 

would pay for government's 

abdication of its responsibilities. 

Are the IMF/World Bank policies 

the problems or the aged-long 

distortions and systemic failures 

fostered by our collective value 

failings and inability to stand up 

to leaders in the last 64 years? It 

is one thing to have the courage 

to do the right thing, but it is 

another kettle of fish to know 

how to achieve results! 

In conclusion, Robert Schuller 

affirms that all it takes is one 

idea to solve impossible 

problems, and it is glaring that 

the president and his team 

grope for that joker without 

much success yet. 

DAVE 

BARO-THOMAS 


A Banker, Special 

Project Executive 

(BusinessDay Media) 

and Event/Conferences 

Manager (Vanguard 

Newspapers). A 

Producer, Editor, Author/ 

Publisher, (Development 

Post & Agrobusiness 

Times) Columnist, 

Voice-over artist, 

Content Specialist (Pan 

Atlantic University), 

Trainer, and Media 

Entrepreneur (GreenStel 

Communication/Zemeef 

Communications) 

with a strong flare for 

marketing 

and research. 


| 41


ETHICS AND 

THE NIGERIAN 

POLITICAL CLASS 

By Victor Olewunne 

Navigating the ethical 

labyrinth of the Nigerian 

political class is a venture into a 

dark, uncanny, sultry alley of 

the ridiculous and the absurd. 

On the subject of Ethics, it is the 

moral principles that govern 

behaviour, are the cornerstone 

of any functioning society. In 

the realm of politics, where 

power dynamics are amplified 

and decisions impact entire 

nations, ethical conduct is not 

just desirable but imperative. 

In Nigeria, ethnic and 

religious cleavages and the 

attendant divisions they breed 

undermine all human moral 

values. The resultant political 

class is, therefore, a nightmare 

to the people they claim to lead. 

In this write-up, I examine the 

challenges, consequences, and 

potential paths towards a more 

ethical governance system. 

The Ethical Landscape 

Throughout the various political 

transitions in Nigeria, ethical 

concerns have persisted, 

manifesting in various forms such 



Unethical conduct 

undermines Rule of 

Law and weakens 

democratic 

institutions, eroding 

the foundations 

of a functional 

democracy. 

as mediocrity, dictatorship, 

corruption, nepotism, and abuse of 

power. The prevalence of these 

unethical practices has eroded 

public trust in the government and 

hindered socio-economic progress. 

Corruption, in particular, has been a 

pervasive issue within the Nigerian 

political class. From embezzlement 

of public funds to bribery and 

kickbacks, corrupt practices have 

become ingrained in the system, 

perpetuating a cycle of poverty and 

inequality. Despite efforts to combat 

corruption through legislation and 

anti-corruption agencies, progress 

has been zero or even worse, 

highlighting the deep-rooted nature 

of the problem. 

Nepotism and favoritism are also 

prevalent within Nigeria's politics, 

with political office often seen as a 

means to advance personal 

interests and those of close 

associates and ethnic kinsmen 

rather than serving the public good. 

This practice undermines 

meritocracy and diminishes 

opportunities for qualified 

individuals, therefore, exacerbating 

social divisions and hindering 

national development. 

Consequences of Unethical 

Behaviour 

The consequences of unethical 

behaviour in the Nigerian political 

class are far-reaching and 

multifaceted. At the societal level, 

corruption and nepotism contribute 

to widespread poverty, inequality, 

and lack of access to basic services 

such as healthcare and education. 

This perpetuates a cycle of underdevelopment, 

with marginalised 

communities bearing the brunt of 

the consequences. 

Unethical conduct undermines Rule 

of Law and weakens democratic 

institutions, eroding the foundations 

of a functional democracy. This was 

evident in the Nigerian 2023 general 

election. Unethical conduct also 

fosters a culture of impunity, where 

public officials act with impunity 

knowing that they are unlikely to 

face the consequences of their 

actions. This further erodes public 

trust in the government and fuels 

disillusionment among citizens. 

Furthermore, unethical behaviour, 

within the political class, tarnishes 

Nigeria's international reputation 

and hinders foreign investment and 

diplomatic relations. It creates 

barriers to economic growth and 

development, hindering the 

country's potential to thrive on the 

global stage. 

Pathways to Ethical Governance 

Addressing the ethical challenges 

within the Nigerian political class 

requires a multi-faceted approach 

that addresses both systemic issues 

and cultural norms. Key strategies 

must include: 

Strengthening accountability 

mechanisms: Implementing robust 

oversight mechanisms and 

ensuring accountability for public 

officials are essential steps towards 

curbing corruption and unethical 

behavior. 

Promoting transparency: 

Enhancing transparency in 

government processes, including 

budget allocation, implementation 

and procurement, can help mitigate 

opportunities for corruption and 

foster public trust. 

Fostering ethical leadership: 

Cultivating a culture of ethical 

leadership within the political class 

requires comprehensive leadership 

rebirth, training and mentorship 

programmes that emphasise 

integrity, honesty, and 

accountability. This must be 

followed by a rigorous selection 

process. 

Engaging civil society: Civil society 

organisations play a crucial role in 

holding politicians and the 

government accountable and 

advocating for transparency and 

ethical conduct. Supporting and 

empowering these organisations 

can strengthen democratic 

institutions and promote good 

governance. 

Educating citizens: Promoting civic 

education and awareness-raising 

campaigns can empower citizens 

to demand accountability from their 

elected representatives and 

participate actively in the 

democratic process. 

Conclusion 

Ethical conduct is fundamental to 

the integrity and effectiveness of 

Nigeria's political system. While the 

challenges facing the Nigerian 

political class are formidable, they 

are not insurmountable. Leadership 

selection process that emphasises 

very high criteria for political 

representatives is a must-have. 

Then, by addressing systemic 

issues, fostering a culture of 

meritocracy, accountability and 

transparency, and empowering 

citizens to demand ethical 

leadership, Nigeria can chart a new 

path towards a more just, equitable, 

and prosperous future. 

VICTOR 

OLEWUNNE 


Victor Olewunne, the Ethicist, 

is a public affairs analyst and 

Founder, African Foundation for 

Ethics and Social Responsibility. 


| 43

GL BAL InfoDIGEST 

TRUE LOVE IS TRULY 

DIFFERENT! 

(This story stirred something special in my heart after I read it... 

I was thinking: What true love can't do, nothing else can do! 

Read and send me an email, telling me what you think.) - Editor 

He is 85 and insists on taking his wife’s hand 

everywhere they go. When he was asked why his 

wife kept looking away, he responded, “Because she 

has Alzheimer's”. 

Then, he was asked, "Will your wife worry if you let 

her go?" His response was, "She doesn't remember 

anything. She doesn't know who I am anymore. She 

hasn't recognized me for years.” 

Surprised, the interviewer asked, “And, you have 

continued to guide her every single day even though 

she doesn't recognize you?" 

The elderly man smiled and looked into the 

interviewer's eyes and said: ′′She may not know 

who I am, but I know who she is. She is the love of my 

life!" 

Editor's Note: This piece was originally written by Tiana 

Sullivan without a title and published by Quora.com. 

My salary came 

yesterday. 

Immediately I 

received alert, I rushed to 

my husband and asked 

him how much he needs 

me to contribute after 

informing him that my 

salary had been paid. My 

husband thought I was 

joking and mentioned a 



ASSET OR 

LIABILITY? A 

Nigerian 

Woman's 

Perspective. 

was so surprised and 

happy. I know that my 

money is just a fraction of 

what he brings but he felt 

like I gave him millions. 

I then told him that I am 

putting in the effort to make 

more money so that I can 

still reduce his stress. He 

didn't marry a responsibility. 

He married a helper and he 

should be feeling more 

relaxed than when he was 

single. I have never felt 

entitled to anybody's pocket 

and I won't do that with my 

husband. 

Surprisingly, my husband 

went to the market without 

even telling me and stocked 

up the home. Then, he 

cooked and served me! Ha! 

That small support has 

gone a long way to settle 

silent quarrels I didn't even 

know about. 

I will keep working harder 

and doing my best. Men 

also need support. They are 

not a supermarket. Men 

need our support too. 

figure, thinking I was going 

to contest because it was 

almost all my salary. I just 

carried my phone and 

transferred it to him. It was 

as if he was watching a 

movie! 

I then went ahead to pay 

the salary of our children's 

lesson teacher so that he 

would stop thinking about it. 

That's when I realised that 

he was doing so much 

without complaining. He 

sees it as his duty and even 

when the financial burden is 

too much, he struggles to 

pay without asking me. He 

Written by a virtuous 

woman! 

Editor's Note: This story 

was posted on Quora. 

com by Frank Abah. The 

piece which was 

originally posted without 

a title has been slightly 

edited here. 


| 45


What Can Expatriates 

Living in Africa Invest In? 

It depends on 

where you live 

and what you 

want to achieve. 

You are spoiled for 

choice if you live in 

South Africa and 

one or two other 

countries. There 

are loads of banks, 

do-it-yourself 

(DIY), and advisors 

who accept for 

the country. Some 

are too localised, 

but a few are 

internationally 

orientated. Usually, 

you need to verify 

your identity and 

If You Lack Self Discipline, Read This 

Fix your schedule: sleep at 9:00p.m. so you can wake up at 4:00a.m. 

Quit your excuses: Spare 30 minutes to work out daily. 

Include fresh fruits in your daily diet to optimise your health. 

Prioritise taking a cold shower every day. I promise, it will boost your self-discipline. 

Listen more than you talk and be teachable. 

Learn to say “No” unapologetically and get busy minding your own business. 

Make an attempt to read at least two pages a day to sharpen your mind. 

Learn a new skill every 3 months and spend another 90 days developing it. 

Be slow to react: learn to create a space between feeling an impulse and acting on it. 

You'll inevitably slip up no matter how disciplined you become. Don't dwell on it. Get up, 

dust yourself off, and get going again. 

* Editor's Note: The piece was written by Sneha for Better Life_1 and posted on Quora.com. 



source of wealth by: 

- Completing an application form 

- Giving proof of address 

- Giving proof of ID in the last three months 

- Sometimes, source of wealth for larger amounts. 

Even in such countries where you are spoiled for 

choice, it is better to go with an international provider. 

Some local providers don’t keep your accounts open if 

you leave the country. 

For a few war-torn countries like Somalia or Libya, it 

isn't easy to find any providers who accept, but there 

are few expats there, to begin with. It is possible to do it 

so in most other places, such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, 

Ghana, or any other. 

However, it would be best if you usually had a 

specialised provider that would accept. Few of the 

“mainstream” providers do. They need to specialise in 

the expat or developing market niche. 

In any case, expat or local, what is even more 

important is to invest in a rational and long-term way 

to avoid issues like this - where people invest for 

themselves and struggle. We saw that in 2020. About 

35%, yes 35%, of DIY investors panicked and sold during 

the 2020 stock market crash. 

Editor's Note: This piece was written by Adam Fayed 

and published by Quora.com 

DOES MILK INCREASE 

OR DECREASE 

TESTOSTERONE 

LEVELS? 

Testosterone is an 

important hormone in 

both men and women, 

and its levels can have 

a large impact on 

physical and mental 

health. While many 

people believe certain 

foods such as red 

meat, can increase 

testosterone levels, it’s 

actually not as simple 

as that. The truth is, the 

effects of food on 

testosterone levels can 

vary greatly depending 

on the individual. 

One food that has 

been studied in relation 

to testosterone levels is milk. Milk is high in 

calcium and other vitamins and minerals 

that can play a role in hormone balance. 

While some studies have found that 

drinking milk can increase testosterone 

levels in men, others have found the 

opposite to be true. 

So, does milk increase or decrease 

testosterone levels? Unfortunately, there is 

no simple answer. While some people may 

experience an increase in testosterone 

when they drink milk, others may not. The 

evidence is inconclusive, so it’s best to 

consume milk in moderation. 

In addition to milk, whole grains, lean 

meats, nuts, and legumes can all be 

beneficial for maintaining healthy 

testosterone levels. Exercise is also 

important, as it helps your body produce 

more of this hormone. 

Editor's Note: This piece was posted by 

Munyaradzi Chakweva. Jr, a medical 

student and philanthropist on Quora.com. 


| 47

CEO INTERVIEW 

KEN EGBAS 

From Street Hawking to the 

Widely Successful The SERAS 

Awards! 

By Diiyi William-West 

KEN EGBAS 

Dr. Ken Egbas is the 

CEO of Gold Starr 

Group, the 

organisers the 

renowned The SERAS 

Awards. His story reminds 

us that great successes 

come from taking bold 

steps even when all the 

pointers are 

discouraging. Egbas' bold 

step of taking the stage 

to speak when no one 

seemed to be listening 

led to what is known 

today as 'The Africa 

Sustainability Awards' 

(also known as The SERAS 

Awards)! 

As a young boy, life 

threw spanners at his 

family's well being. He 

became a street hawker, 

selling bread, banana 

and "iced-water", the 

precursor of today's pure 

water to support his 


CEO INTERVIEW 

mother! He frankly says 

that he's where he is 

today due to divine 

help. His love to inspire 

young people knows no 

bounds as he once took 

on mentoring sessions 

for this author's Public 

Relations students. 

It's important to note, 

here, that this is an 

abridged version of an 

inspiring and insightful 

interview due to space 

constraints. Happy 

reading! 

Please introduce yourself, Sir. 

Ken Egbas: My name is Ken 

Egbas. I am from Cross Rivers 

State. I hail from local 

government called Obubra. I was 

born in Lagos, raised in Lagos, 

attended primary school in 

Lagos. For secondary school, I 

started in Lagos and then went to 

Federal Government College, 

Kaduna. My pursuit took me to 

University of Calabar, University 

of Nigeria in Nsukka, the 

Professional Exams Clinic (where 

you and I studied Public 

Relations). Then, Pan Atlantic 

University, where I did my MBA in 

the School of Media and 

Communications. 

I have been in the industry of 

communications for the last 25 

years. I founded my company, 

which used to be True Contact PR 

which is now broken into two 

organisations that are part of a 

group of four organisations that 

my wife also brought. My wife's 

also in the industry. Today, the 

group called Gold Starr. We have 

White House PR, True CSR 

Consulting which are the owners 

of the SERAS (Sustainability, 

Enterprise and Responsibility 

Awards) in Nigeria and outside of 

Nigeria. Then, we have White 

House PR and we have Okhma. 

Okhma is an experiential 

marketing company that my wife 

handles. Okhma, for the past six 

years have been the marketing 

company for the Calabar 

Carnival. She also has The 

Homeland Films. So we have 

these four organisations fused 

together to form Gold Starr. 

Why Gold Starr? 

Ken Egbas: I never thought I 

would ever get a medal in my life; 

not even wood! My late father 

was nearly a successful politician 

because as far as I can 

remember, my father was a 

personal assistant to the Late 

Obafemi Awolowo. My father 

used to be the equivalent of what 

you call, in today's terms, 

National Vice Chairman of the 

UPN in the South. Somehow, he 

fell into very bad times and my 

family fell from the very top; 

Most times, people come in 

contact with me and they see 

me as someone who came from 

a well-off background. But, there 

was a time, in the city of Lagos, I 

hawked bread, I hawked iced 

water in traffic. 

Then, we didn't have sachet 

water. We used to carry a bucket 

of iced water on our heads you 

and when someone wants to buy 

you run (with the bucket on your 

head). You put it down to scoop 

and pour the iced water into a 

ten-kobo bag and you tie it up 

and quickly give it to the person 

buying. I also did banana in 

traffic. 

Those days, I would sit under 

the Ojuelegba Bridge. I wasn't as 

bad as some others there. I was 

only trying to survive and support 

my parents. When I got tired (I 

didn't have the stamina some 

other ones had), I used to go to a 

particular place under the bridge 

and I would drop whatever I was 

selling and I would just take a 

breather; some times, sweating 

and smelling! 

Even though I didn't know 

where I was going in my life, I 

used to tell myself something 

that has stuck with me to this day 

at 51 or thereabouts: "This place I 

am is my situation, not my 

destination!" 

That is why I tell young people 

- the difference between where 

you are and where you're going 

is what you do know in yourself, 

even when you don't know how 

you're going to pull it through. 

Please, tell us about the schools 

you attended. 

Ken Egbas: I went to Jakande 

school. If you know what Jakande 

school was in Lagos back in the 

days. We had half walls with roof 

over them. Then, I went to 

Onipetesi Primary School (Ikeja, 

Lagos) where I was Head Boy. 

Then, we had what they called 

the G2. The G2 was the common 

entrance exams. I got admission 

into Alimosho Grammar School 

at Alimosho Local Government. I 

spent seven to nine months there 

before my admission to Federal 

Government College, Kaduna 

came. 

From there, I moved to the 

University of Calabar to study 

Medicine and Surgery. Then, I had 

a bit of a mid-life crisis. When I 

was in Federal Government 

College, Kaduna, I was the 

editor-in-chief of the press club. 

So communication, writing, 

creative work has always been 

the part of me. I wrestled with 

that, then at some point, I met a 

gentleman called Dr. Peter 

Ogudoro and I told him what was 

going on in my life. He invited me 

to his training centre. He didn't 

only teach me the art of 

communication, he helped me to 

find my core as a person. I 

realised from attending his 


| 49

CEO INTERVIEW 

Charles Ifediba, head of PR, Seplat Energy, Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Chairman, CMC 

Connect, Toks Modupe, Veteran PR Consultant and Founder TPT international, Mary Ephraim- 

Egbas, MD and founder Okhma Marketing & Homeland films, and Chairperson, The SERAS LOC, 

Ken Egbas, Founder, The SERAS Africa, TruCSR and WHPR 

Head, corporate communications, Nestle - Victoria Uwadoka and Team 

receive best company in Rural population integration beat Bamburi cement, 

Kenya, and Vodacom Tanzania 

Yomi Badejo Okusanya of CMC and his wife receive the Africa honorary award 

for being a top most professional using communication to promote sustainability 

The Owan Enohs and The Egbas at the SERAS 2023 

courses that this was what I 

wanted to do. That helped me to 

activate the next stage of my life. 

As a matter of fact, I founded True 

Contact CSR when I was 

attending Ogudoro's classes. 

I had been very confused 

about who I was for a long time. 

At some point, I spoke to an elder 

who is late now. He gave me two 

books, "The Principles and Power 

of Vision" by Miles Munroe, and 

another book called "The Dream 

Giver", written by the South African 

author, Bruce Wilkinson. Even 

though I wasn't a Christian at the 

time, I remember one day, in 2002 

or 2003, out of the frustration I felt 

as a young man, I took the books 

and drove all the way to Winner's 

Chapel at Canaanland (Ota, 

Ogun State). 

I didn't know why I went there. 

I just went there and I bought my 

first Bible in life. So I had the Bible 

and the two books. I didn't even 

know how to pray, but I was just 

among people who were praying. 

All I could remember saying was, 

"God, I don't know what I'm doing, 

but help me find myself. I don't 

know what I'm doing here. You 

help me find myself." And, He did! 

In those two weeks, I finished 

reading the 2 book and a little bit 

over a quarter of the Bible from 

Genesis. And I learned to pray, I 

learned to speak to God. God led 

me to the scripture in the book of 

Luke that says "...the poor you 

would always have amongst 

you". 

When I meditated upon it, I 

realised that I wasn't going to be 

in business only to make money. I 

was going to be in business 

create opportunities for people 

who never thought they would 

have had opportunities. 

Let's talk about 'The Africa 

Sustainability Awards', originally 

known as The SERAS. The SERAS 

took you from being a Ken Egbas 

to the Ken Egbas that's now 

widely known. 


CEO INTERVIEW 

Sulaiman Ibrahim and IHS Towers Nigeria emerged with Best Company in 

Climate Action at the Africa Sustainability Awards also known as The SERAS 

Steve Akoni, Senior Pastor First Assembly 

Ministries, and member, Board of trustees of The 

SERAS. He mentored Ken Egbas (also in the pix) 

and coached him on how to run a business. 

Ken Egbas: That is very true 

because I started True Contact 

as a public relations company. I 

wanted to provide bespoke 

publications solutions to brands 

around this country. But, I was yet 

to understand how the scripture: 

"...the poor you will always have..." 

will work. 

Peter Ogudoro taught us the 

definition of Public Relations: that 

Public Relations is the ability to 

look at the current trends and 

use them to predict future trends 

so that you can advise today's 

leaders on how to prepare to 

take advantage of the future. I 

took that to heart and spent a lot 

of time trying to study the future. 

And I found out, as far back as 

2004 or 2005, that the term 

"corporate social responsibility" 

was going to become a turf 

where brand differentiation was 

going to be fought. 

There was a time in this 

country, around Africa and the 

rest of the world, where people 

used to say, "Oh, my company is 

this. We have the highest paid 

staff. members. We have a 

diamond or cross-stepped 

17-storey building. We have our 

shares on the stock market and 

quoted as the highest". These are 

what brands used to tell their 

effectiveness. But what I saw, as 

far back as 2004, was that the 

world was shifting. And, the turf 

on which future brand 

differentiation was going to be 

fought would be which 

organisation is impacting the 

lives of people more! Which is 

that organisation that is meeting 

the boys like Ken Egbas under the 

Ojuelegba Bridge, or Alimosho, or 

one plantation in Obubra and 

giving them access to education 

so that their dreams do not die or 

they don't die in poor health 

because they can't afford health 

care, etc. 

So, along the line, in 2005, I 

attended a conference at Pan 


| 51

CEO INTERVIEW 

Nigeria's minister for Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh and his wife Mrs. Rachel Owan Enoh and the team from the 

Ministry of Sports Development as he’s honoured as Africa Sustainability Champion for his work with JOE Foundation, an honour 

won in 2022 by the President of Botswana. 

Atlantic University. Among the 

speakers were Prof. Pat Utomi, Dr. 

Christopher Kolade, Dr. Pascal 

Okigbo. At some point, I don't 

know what came over me. I went 

to the conference organiser and 

told her: "I have an idea. Please, 

give me just 5 minutes on the 

stage." I said it with such 

bragadocio, I couldn't believe 

myself. I must have looked scruffy, 

didn't dress well, wore this oversized 

suit. Remember, I was a 

bloody nobody; nobody knew 

who I was! The lady looked at me. 

She didn't know how to say "No". I 

was there until all the listed 

speakers spoke, including 

Christopher Kolade. So, I went to 

the lady and said, "You promised 

me you would give me 5 

minutes." 

Guess the 5 minutes she gave 

me! She gave me 5 minutes after 

they had said the vote of thanks. 

People we're getting out of their 

seats, shaking hands and about 

to leave the venue. And, I began 

to speak. Just imagine the 

cacophony of noise and you are 

speaking on the stage! Nobody is 

listening to you! 

But guess what? I came 

prepared with a 10-page paper. 

When I saw that nobody was 

listening to me, I just summarised 

and went to the last page. And I 

said, "I know all of you in this room 

are directors, executive directors, 

Chinwe Ifechigha, head, sustainability, Total Energies won the award for best 

company in sustainability reporting. 

Larry Izamoje, chairman Brila FM; Chief Uwem Whyte, MD, Boxize Technologies; Ken 

Egbas; Toks Modupe, TPT and Yen Choi at the 2023 awards ceremony. 


CEO INTERVIEW 

people who are in middle 

management. CSR, corporate 

social responsibility, is coming to 

you. Whether you embrace it or 

not, it will embrace you. It's better 

you embrace it now because if 

you don't embrace it now, if it 

embraces you, it's going to break 

your back!" 

I just said a lot of things to 

that effect and left. I was 

disappointed that nobody 

listened to me. After that, we went 

for lunch. I just sat down on a 

table alone by myself. I felt 

nobody was interested in what I'd 

said. Then, Dr. Christopher Kolade 

walked up to me and sat at my 

table. He said to me: "That was an 

interesting thing you said on the 

stage." 

I asked, "Sir, you really 

listened?" He said, "Yes, I listened 

to you. But next time, let me tell 

you something, no matter how 

people are not interested in what 

you are saying, hold your nerves 

and say what you have to say! 

Next time, when you're coming to 

talk to people about anything, 

you don't need a hundred people 

to hear you. You need only one 

person to hear you!" For a sage to 

tell me that meant a lot! That's 

why he ended up being chairman 

of the board of trustees of the 

SERAS. I remember speaking to 

Prof. Pat Utomi that same day. He 

said, "What a beautiful idea! I like 

the way you're thinking. But you 

know, this thing is for Europe and 

America. I don't think Nigeria or 

Africa is ready for it." In 2008, four 

years later, Pat Utomi was at the 

SERAS as Guest Speaker, during 

its second edition. He didn't even 

remember that I was the one he 

spoke with years ago. 

So, if you had told me when I 

started pushing the idea in 2005 

and 2006, that by 2023, it will 

become an Africa-wide affair, 

that organisations from 27 

countries in Africa will be vying for 

honours via the SERAS, I would 

have told you, "Get out of here!" If 

you had told me back in 2006 

that I would be invited, in 2019, to 

the floor of the General Assembly 

of the United Nations to share 

experiences on poverty reduction 

from around Africa - based on 

what we do at the SERAS and the 

number of entries we receive 

every year, I would have told you 

that would be a lie. I couldn't have 

imagined that in 2018, an 

independent organisation would 

sit in the Netherlands and spend 

three years researching the 

people who are making the most 

difference in CSR and 

sustainability on the globe and 

put together a list of 100 people 

and my name would be number 

81 on that list! And there were only 

three of us from Africa, and I was 

the highest rated African. 

So, in truth, the SERAS didn't 

only launch me, it made me a 

champion for causes that people 

would naturally, almost normally 

ignore, the right to life. 

How has it been running the 

SERAS Awards? 

Ken Egbas: Most years, apart 

from when FIRS were sponsoring 

us, we've never had a sponsor. 

But guess what? Because of The 

SERAS, children in Zamfara are 

getting MTN to build them centres 

they would never have dreamed 

they would have. Because they 

want to come and bring the 

project to The SERAS, 

communities in the Niger Delta 

are getting attention. People are 

giving them water to drink, 

building schools and stuff. 

What are your future 

aspirations? 

Ken Egbas: My future aspirations 

for Gold Starr, I've never thought 

about that; even though my wife 

always asks me - what do I want 

to do? So, let me tell you my 

future aspirations for myself. I'm 

growing in knowing. Even at 51, I'm 

still struggling to know. I see God 

moving me into political 

leadership. I have failed in two 

elections and I'm happy even 

though those elections brought 

me tears and I broke down 

because I worked really hard. 

People always ask me: Why 

politics? And, I answer like this: "I 

have been in the corporate side 

and God has given me an idea 

that today I've used to activate 

lives around the continent. I come 

from one of the most 

undeveloped places in the 

southern parts of this country. My 

people are so poor and we have 

not been blessed with leadership. 

I've always thought to myself that 

if I have a political podium to be 

able to inspire people on the 

larger level, not only that, by the 

grace of God, I've stood out in the 

private sector. I think that some of 

us who understand this concept 

of God and where we were born, 

need to also find ourselves in the 

political space. So that we can 

have podiums to show people 

that not all Nigerians are thieves; 

not all Nigerian leaders are 

corrupt and there are still selfless 

people. 

DIIYI 

WILLIAM-WEST 














| 53

DIASPORA AFRICAN 

Prof. WALE 

SULAIMAN 

USA based Nigerian Neurological 

luminary giving back to Africa 

By Harry Choms 

Meet Prof. Wale Sulaiman, a distinguished figure in 

the field of Neurosurgery, renowned for his expertise, 

leadership, and compassion. Beyond his role as a 

successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, he 

serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of RNZ 

Global Limited, spearheads the RNZ Foundation, and holds the 

position of Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Hippo 

Technologies, USA. Notably, on October 11th, 2022, he was 

honoured with the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger 

(CON) by then Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari. 

Brief Biography 

Hailing from Ajase-Ipo, 

Kwara State, Prof. Sulaiman's 

journey reflects resilience 

and determination. Despite 

his parents' modest means 

and lack of formal 

education, he embraced 

their perseverance and 

hard work values. Raised in 

a polygamous family of ten 

children, he pursued 

excellence early on. After 

completing his secondary 

education at St. Gregory’s 

College, Lagos, financial 

constraints threatened his 

dreams of higher education. 

However, at 19, he secured a 

scholarship through the 

Nigerian government's 

Bureau for External Aid, 

enabling him to study 

Medicine at the Medical 

University, Varna, Bulgaria 

- a pivotal period in his 

trajectory. 

Driven by a profound sense 

of duty, Prof. Sulaiman has 

dedicated himself to 

enhancing health care 

accessibility, particularly in 

sub-Saharan Africa. His 

philanthropic missions to 



Nigeria, initiated in 2010, 

underscore his commitment 

to serving disadvantaged 

communities. Despite 

demanding professional 

commitments, he allocates 

significant time to perform 

surgeries and provide 

medical assistance, often at 

a personal sacrifice. 

Interestingly, he has 

relinquished 15% of his 

salary to facilitate these 

missions, exemplifying his 

unwavering dedication to 

humanitarian causes. 

Revolutionising 

Health Care 

Infrastructure 

Beyond his 

humanitarian 

acts, Prof. 

Sulaiman's impact 

extends to health 

care infrastructure 

development. As 

the CEO and 

Chairman of RNZ 

Global Limited, 

he pioneers 

initiatives to advance health 

care standards in sub- 

Saharan Africa. Through 

innovative approaches, his 

firm has catalysed the 

adoption of modern 

neurosurgical practices, 

elevating the quality of care 

across private and 

government health care 

institutions. His advocacy 

amplifies the urgent need 

for accessible and 

affordable health care 

solutions, challenging 

systemic inequities. 

Recognised as a thought 

leader in Nigeria's health 

care landscape, Sulaiman 

assumes advisory roles at 

both state and federal 

levels. His appointment as 

Special Adviser to the 

Governor of Kwara State on 

Health Matters underscores 

his influence and 

commitment to driving 

systemic change. By 

leveraging his expertise 

and influence, he 

advocates for policy 

reforms prioritising 

health care accessibility 

and equity, 

empowering 

marginalised 

communities. 

• WALE 

SULAIMAN 

Education and 

Career 

Born in Lagos, 

Nigeria, in 1970, Prof. 

Sulaiman's journey 

towards becoming a 

renowned 

neurosurgeon began 

at St. Gregory’s College, 

Lagos, where he completed 


| 55


University of Alberta in 

Edmonton, Canada, where he 

completed his PhD in 

Neurosciences under the 

mentorship of Dr. Tessa 

Gordon, a globally renowned 

neurophysiologist. 

Following his academic 

pursuits, Sulaiman 

completed his Neurosurgery 

residency at the University of 

Manitoba in Winnipeg, 

Manitoba, Canada. He further 

honed his skills through two 

prestigious clinical 

fellowships in the United 

States - in Complex Nerve 

Reconstruction and Complex 

Spine Surgery. 

Prof. Wale Sulaiman 

Professional 

Accomplishments 

Board-certified in 

Neurosurgery by the Royal 

College of Physicians and 

Surgeons of Canada, 

Sulaiman currently serves as 

the medical director of the 

multi-disciplinary Back and 

his secondary education. His 

exceptional academic 

performance earned him the 

prestigious National 

Scholarship for Academic 

Excellence, paving the way 

for his tertiary education and 

aspiration to become a 

surgeon. Sulaiman pursued a 

combined MD/MSc degree at 

the Medical University of 

Varna, Bulgaria, where he 

excelled academically and 

received the university's prize 

for academic excellence, 

distinguishing himself as one 

of the top graduates. His 

passion for research in nerve 

and spinal cord injury and 

regeneration led him to the 

Prof. Wale Sulaiman 



Spine Centre at Ochsner, 

United States, where he also 

directs the Laboratory of 

Neural Injury and 

Regeneration. 

An esteemed figure in the 

field of Neurosurgery, 

Sulaiman has extensive 

research experience and 

runs a translational research 

laboratory at Ochsner, 

focusing on nerve and spinal 

cord regeneration. He has 

been recognised with 

numerous honours and 

research grants for his 

contributions to the field. 

Beyond his clinical work, 

Sulaiman actively contributes 

to academia as a reviewer 

for various Neurosurgery and 

Neuroscience journals, and 

he has authored numerous 

peer-reviewed publications 

and book chapters. He holds 

editorial roles in several 

academic publications, 

including serving as the 

Associate Editor for 

Biomedical Reviews and 

Section Editor for Frontiers in 

Surgery. Sulaiman is a 

sought-after lecturer at local, 

national, and international 

meetings, where he shares 

his expertise and serves in 

various capacities, including 

as faculty and member of 

scientific programme 

committees at Neurosurgery 

national meetings. 

First MIS Spine 

Surgery in sub- 

Saharan Africa 

Prof. Wale Sulaiman made 

history by successfully 

performing the first minimally 

invasive spine surgery (MIS) 

in sub-Saharan Africa. He 

achieved this milestone at 

the EuraCare Specialist 

Hospital in Victoria Island, 

Lagos State. 

The ground breaking surgery 

marked a significant 

advancement in the region's 

medical landscape, offering 

patients immediate relief 

from their symptoms. Utilising 

the MIS technique, he 

demonstrated a modern 

approach to treating back/ 

leg pain and neck/arm pain, 

with patients experiencing 

faster recovery and a quicker 

return to their daily activities. 

Vision for the Future 

As a leading expert in the MIS 

technique, Sulaiman is 

committed to democratising 

access to modern surgical 

techniques across sub- 

Saharan Africa. His vision 

includes expanding his 

practice and opening 

branches across Nigeria and 

other African countries, 

ensuring that patients in the 

region benefit from the latest 

advancements in 

Neurosurgery. 

Family & Wife 

Beyond his professional acts, 

Sulaiman shares a deep 

commitment to philanthropy 

with his wife, Patricia 

Sulaiman. Together, they 

established the RNZ 

Foundation, channelling their 

resources towards uplifting 

marginalised communities. 

Their shared values of 

compassion and service 

inspire their philanthropic 

initiatives, leaving a lasting 

impact on those they serve. 

Blessed with three children, 

the Sulaiman family 

epitomises the 

transformative power of 

collective action and 

empathy. 

National Recognition 

and Continued 

Service 

In recognition of his 

exemplary contributions, Prof. 

Sulaiman was honoured with 

the national award of 

Commander of the Order of 

the Niger (CON) by President 

Muhammadu Buhari. This 

prestigious accolade 

acknowledged his 

unwavering dedication to 

health care advancement 

and humanitarian causes. 

The investiture ceremony 

underscored his status as a 

global leader in Neurosurgery 

and philanthropy, inspiring 

future generations. 

HARRY CHOMS 


Harry Choms is a freelance writer 

with a passion for words and a 

keen eye for details, an editor, and 

an avid tech believer. His works 

can be seen on EntrepreneurNG. 

com, Imautomator, Secureblitz, 

Withinnigeria, Feelgospel, 

Kemifilani, and Glamsquad 

Magazine. He is the Webmaster 

and sole owner of Matrismart.com 

and biowiki.com.ng. 


| 57

GRAND DESIGN / ARCHITECTURE 


• Herbert 

Wigwe's Opulent 

Ikoyi Residence 

Late last year, Herbert Wigwe unveiled his 

unparalleled affinity for luxury real estate 

with the grand unveiling of his iconic 

mansion, a residence that has captivated 

the attention of Nigeria's elite, including 

luminaries like Femi Otedola and Africa's 

wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote, who 

graced the opening with their presence. 

Nestled along the illustrious Queens 

Drive in Ikoyi, Lagos, a hotbed of luxurious 

real estate in Nigeria, the Wigwe mansion 

has become the talk of the town among 

real estate enthusiasts, admired for its 

opulence, sprawling dimensions, and 

staggering cost; amounting to billions of 

naira. Standing tall against the skyline, 

the residence emerges as a beacon 

of modernity, seamlessly intertwining 

architectural brilliance with cutting-edge 

technology. From automated systems 

synchronized with virtual assistants like 

Siri and Google Assistant, to meticulously 

crafted details, every facet of the mansion 

reflects an unwavering commitment to 

excellence. By every stretch of imagination, 

the mansion evidences ammbition and 

prosperity. This architectural masterpiece 

spans an impressive 23,000 square metres, 

equivalent to the size of the sprawling 

Ikeja City Mall, and boasts state-of-theart 

automation, with over 80 percent of 

its materials sourced from international 

markets. Reports indicate that the 

mansion, estimated to cost between 

N10 billion and N30 billion, underwent a 

meticulous construction process spanning 

22 months. Suraj Oyewole, a prominent real 

estate expert, noted that the design fees 

alone totalled approximately $1.5 million, 

with a significant portion of the building 

materials imported, and the land valued 

at over N5 billion. While the magnitude 

of investment in residential real estate 

may raise eyebrows, what truly 

sets the Wigwe family apart is the 

revelation of their involvement 

in the construction industry, 

particularly through Craneburg 

Construction Company, owned by 

Herbert's late wife, Chizoba. Despite 

their seeming low profile in the civil 

engineering sector, Craneburg 

Construction has left an indelible 

mark on Nigeria's infrastructure 

landscape, undertaking 

projects ranging from highway 

reconstruction along the Lekki-Epe 

Expressway to the development of 

roads, flyovers, and airport facilities 

across multiple states. 

From humble beginnings in 

wholesale trading to establishing a 

formidable presence in real estate 

and construction, Chizoba Wigwe's 

journey exemplifies resilience, 

entrepreneurship, and a steadfast 

commitment to excellence. As 

the banking industry mourns 

the loss of one of its luminaries, 

Herbert Wigwe, the real estate and 

construction sectors also reflect 

on the enduring legacy of the 

Wigwe family, whose contributions 

continue to shape Nigeria's built 

environment and economy. 

In their memory, we find solace 

in the enduring impact of their 

noble endeavours, a testament 

to the transformative power of 

vision, dedication, and unwavering 

commitment to excellence. 




| 59


• Janya Ishigami, One-Kilometre-Long Museum 

Emanating from Chinese Lake Unveiled 

The one-kilometre-long Zaishui 

Art Museum in China, designed 

by Japanese architect Junya 

Ishigami, contains apertures 

that allow water to flow over the 

museum floor. 

The 20,000-square-metre linear 

museum is situated on an 

artificial lake at the entrance of a 

new development zone in Rizhao, 

Shandong Province, China. It 

nearly fills the lake’s diameter as it 

runs from one side to the other. 

Ishigami intended for the Zaishui 

Art Museum to have an underthe-lake 

vibe. A thin concrete 

roof with a gently curved shape 

is supported by parallel columns 

that rise from the lake’s bottom. 

Visitors may see the lake through 

glass panels placed between the 

columns; Ishigami purposefully 

left spaces where the floor of the 

building meets the lake’s surface. 

As a result, sections of the floor 

become submerged when water 

seeps into the structure. Even 

though the water’s surface will 

freeze in the winter, the water 

below will still be liquid and will still 

flow within. 



• From the Streets to the Gallery: Exploring 

the Urban Art Scene at the 4th Lagos Biennial 

This year's Lagos Biennial debuted on February 

3rd at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, a 

famous location that had hosted celebrations 

for Nigerian independence in 1960. As the art 

festival enters its fourth edition, its goal of 

repurposing historic sites that have lost value 

to the people who live in the former capital 

city - either via functional usage or symbolic 

meaning - continues. 

The city's architecture, its symbolic meaning, 

political ramifications, sovereignty, ownership, 

concepts of belonging, and its interaction with 

the public have all been examined in prior 

Biennial editions. This year's Tafawa Balewa 

Square subject of "Refuge" expands on this 

investigation even further. 

The theme of the square encourages the 

curators, Kathryn Weir and Folakunle Oshun, to 

discuss the idea of a nation-state. Additionally, 

it unites architects and artists from many 

fields to investigate diverse strategies for 

building sustainable communities and 

advancing climate justice. 

Eighty participants from thirty different 

countries have their works on display at the 

Biennial. They used architectural pavilions, 

art installations, artist talks, film screenings, 

projections, and performances to explore the 

theme. The renowned artist Demas Nwoko's 

work of closed wooden doors greets you as 

soon as you walk in. 

By acting as an interface, these doors allow 

people to engage with enclosures as a 

haven. They also call into question the venue's 

democratic nature and its accessibility for 

citizens of the city. Numerous attendees 

conveyed their gratitude for the Lagos Biennial 

providing a chance to visit the plaza and 

appreciate its architectural design. The works 

at the Biennial were arranged around the 

building's raked seating and concrete floor 

square, allowing guests to freely explore and 

think on the underlying ideas. 

DAMIAN 

IKENNA NGERE 


Ikenna is a graduate of Physics and Education, 

who works as a freelance writer. He has interest 

in technology, humanity and sports. 


| 61


IDEAS 

IN REAL ESTATE 

INVESTMENT 

By John Abiodun Olaitan 

Decade after decade, real estate has remained the 

cynosure of investors essentially because, the 

investments continue to appreciate year after 

year, unless some severe natural or civil disaster 

happens. Like it was stated in the last edition of 

Accomplish Magazine, real estate investment offers better 

cash flow prospects than the stock market. However, you need 

to be intentionally mindful to avoid mistakes that make so 

many forays into the lucrative property investment turn into 

nightmares and bankruptcy. 

In view of these assertions, let's continue our last discourse by 

looking at another set of real estate investment ideas you can 

consider. 

1. Understand The Market 

Trend. 

"Every game is won before it’s 

ever fought" is a true saying. 

Knowledge is always a key to 

accomplishing any notable 

goal - real estate inclusive. 

One of the best ways to avoid 

problems when investing in 

real estate is to understand 

the market. Understanding 

the real estate market in your 

environment will help you 

to evaluate the price of a 

property adequately before 

making payment. You need 



to know how much a typical 

house in a community, for 

instance, is worth per square 

foot and the rent you could 

earn from it in return for what 

you are about to pay. Bear in 

mind that you may need to 

renovate the said property to 

make it more appealing to the 

expected lessee. 

For example, never reduce 

the bedroom count in a 

community that attracts a lot 

of families. You should also not 

reduce the size of closets or 

shrink the size of the bathroom 

in a master bedroom in order 

to put a hot tub which only few 

people in a given area would 

appreciate. 

Similarly, you should not 

convert compound space to 

swimming pool if there is little 

demand for swimming pools in 

an area. 

Ineed, if you put time and 

effort into truly understanding 

your local real estate market, 

you can significantly improve 

your chances of becoming 

successful in real estate 

investment. 

2. Real Estate Value 

Maximisation. 

There is no gainsaying the fact 

Ineed, if you put 

time and effort into 

truly understanding 

your local real 

estate market, you 

can significantly 

improve your 

chances of 

becoming 

successful in real 

estate investment. 

that you need to maximally 

explore to optimally exploit, or 

directly stated — overly and 

aggressively exploit. Look for 

ways to maximise the value 

of the real estate, getting out 

more profit from the property. 

It could be renting a corner of 

the property to a bank to install 

an automated teller machine. 

You could rent some space 

in the lobby to a commissary, 

this, generating rental income. 

You could also attach a 

concierge or security guard 

to the building. Now, you can 

charge higher rent for a more 

secure property. 

Another variation of this 

applies in house flipping. 

Instead of buying the home, 

fixing it up and selling it to 

a home buyer, fill it with a 

tenant, instead. Once the 

tenant has moved in with a 

lease, start looking for buyers. 

This is called a turnkey rental 

property, and it can easily be 

sold to a new investor who 

wants to jump into real estate 

investment without hassles. It 

becomes a win-win situation, 

which guarantees investor 

satisfaction and delight. 

3. Explore Non-Traditional 

Real Estate Investments. 

Remember that real estate 

investing doesn’t always have 

to be about investing in singlefamily 

homes and apartment 

buildings. You could invest in 

office buildings, storage unit 

complexes, industrial space, 

and warehouses. All of these 

generate rental income. In the 

case of offices and industrial 

buildings, you may be able 

to reduce overall costs with 

a triple-net lease where the 

tenant covers basic insurance 

and pays the property taxes 

and maintenance. Your 

investment then yields steady 

cash flow with few out of 

pocket expenses. 

This is why real estate 

investment is often perceived 

as gold — consistent in 

value appreciation and 

trustworthiness. This is actually 

a global truth. 

JOHN 

ABIODUN OLAITAN 

AUTHOR BIO 

John Abiodun Olaitan is a real 

estate consultant, realtor and 

emerging developer and CEO 

of Arklanded Properties Ltd. 

He diversified into real estate 

after decades of experience 

in the oil and gas sector. He’s 

happily married 

with children. 


| 63

THE INCUBATOR 

with Diiyi William-West 

SERIES 

Dreaming Big 

Is Not Day- 

Dreaming 

Unless... 


THE INCUBATOR SERIES 

Some people take 

pleasure in shooting 

down high level 

aspirations of other 

people - family members 

and friends. They always 

seem to have insights 

into all the things that 

"will go wrong" in order 

to abort your goals. In an 

inexplicable manner, they 

reel out the names of all 

the people who have failed 

in the line of endeavour 

you are about to set out 

for. And, they carry out 

their plot 'so nicely', it's 

difficult to see through their 

manipulation. 

As one may expect, they 

either exaggerate the facts 

or go to the extreme to 

invent facts just to sway 

you. If you are seen to be 

persistent in pursuing your 

goals despite their "alarms", 

those kill-joys label you as 

a day-dreamer and even 

spread falsehood about 

you. 

The 

truth is 

anyone who 

makes you think 

that dreaming big 

makes you a 

day-dreamer 

cannot have 

your best interest 

at heart. 

You may be wondering 

why such things 

happen. Well, if you 

understand how immense 

the force of envy is, you 

would appreciate what 

they're up to. 

Such people just don't 

want you to achieve the 

level of attainments they 

have recorded or don't 

want you to get past 

them if you are already on 

equal footing. According 

to Elster and Festinger in 

their research publication 

on academic.oup.com, 

"Rather than celebrating 

the remarkable in others, 

envy leads to misery, 

resentment, and a lifesapping 

attitude of “sour 

grapes". 

How should you related 

with such people? 

First, speak less and less 

about your plans. Then, 

don't involve people 

you have identified with 

such tendency in any 

aspect of your planimplementation. 

Finally, when the 

results begin to 

come in, don't 

share the news 

with them. 

Of course, 

they would 

come asking; 

perhaps, 

even with the 

impression that 

they are happy for 

you. They are not! 

Just politely tell them 

that you are not in the 

mood of saying anything 

yet. 

The truth is anyone who 

makes you think that 

dreaming big makes you 

a day-dreamer cannot 

have your best interest at 

heart. There is no major 

achievement on this side 

of eternity that didn't 

appear overwhelming to its 

initiators at the onset. Such 

people can only be right 

if you are slothful, without 

ambition and really laid 

back. 

We're already in the thirdmonth 

of this year... Would 

you allow anyone (family 

member or friend) dampen 

your pursuit of worthy, 

perhaps, record shattering 

goals? 

DIIYI 

WILLIAM-WEST 














| 65

AFRICA RISING: NEWS ABOUT AFRICA 


BUSINESS AND FINANCE 

George Weah. 

The Central Bank of Liberia 

has been instructed by that 

country's Senate to explain 

discrepancies between 

President Boakai and his 

predecessor's statements, 

according to reports released 

by the Liberian media on 

Wednesday. 

The Senate reportedly 

ordered the leadership of the 

Central Bank of Liberia to be 

invited by its joint committees 

on Public Accounts and Audit, 

Banking, and Currency with 

regards to the discrepancy. 

Backlash Forces Ghana to Put 

Electricity Tax on Hold 

Ghana's Ministry of Finance 

declared at the beginning 

of the year that it would be 

ordering the Northern Electricity 

Distribution Company (NEDCO) 

and the Electricity Company of 

Ghana (ECG) to impose a 15% 

tax on household customers. The 

administration said that this was 

an essential step to raise more 

money in the wake of several 

years of economic hardship 

brought on by the Covid-19 

outbreak. 

Ghana's public debt exceeded 

90% of GDP in 2022, while the 

country's budget deficit was 11.8%, 

well beyond the target, according 

to the World Bank. Ghana was 

compelled to stop making 

payments on the majority of 

its external debt by the end of 

December 2022. 

Tunisia’s Central Bank Under 

Pressure as Government Seeks 

Billions in Loans 

In an attempt to address 

its budget shortfalls and end 

its economic crisis, cashstrapped 

Tunisia wants to 

borrow billions from its central 

bank, an unprecedented action 

that experts warn could lead to 

inflation and erode public trust in 

institutions. 

The administration of Mr. 

Saied is requesting the central 

bank of that country to directly 

purchase interest-free bonds 

worth up to 7 billion Tunisian 

dinars ($2.25 billion) in order to 

help close a 10 billion dinar ($3.2 

billion) budget shortfall. 

Liberian President Calls 

into Doubt Gov’t Bank 

Balance Record of Weah 

Administration 

Sworn in on January 22, 

President Joseph Boakai 

announced on Monday, 

February 5, that the recorded 

bank balance of the previous 

administration was US$20.5 

million, not US$40 million as 

reported by former President 

POLITICS 

Senegal’s Political Turmoil 

Takes a Violent Turn with 

Mounting Tensions 

On Friday, February 9, 

political tensions that had 

been building up escalated 

into violent altercations 

between opposition protestors 

and law enforcement officials 

turning Dakar, the capital of 

Senegal, into a battlefield. 

Supporters of opposition 

presidential candidates 

staged a scheduled 

demonstration that served 

as the impetus for the unrest. 

Their purpose was to express 

disapproval of a new law that 

the National Assembly passed 


ecently. This law, controversially, 

prolonged President Macky Sall's 

time in office while also delaying 

the presidential election to 

December 15. 

Tourism Boost: Malawi lifts visa 

restrictions for 79 countries 

Malawi has loosened its visa 

requirements for visitors from 79 

countries. This was announced 

on Wednesday, February 7, by 

Homeland Security Minister, Ken 

Zikhałe, in a gazette notice. 

With the overall goal of boosting 

tourism in the country, the decision 

attempts to facilitate simpler entry 

for travellers, including those from 

the UK, China, Russia, Germany, 

Australia, and Canada. 

Due to changes in immigration 

laws, citizens of these countries 

as well as those of the Common 

Market for Eastern and Southern 

Africa (COMESA) and the Southern 

African Development Community 

(SADC) no longer need to have a 

visa to enter Malawi. 

TECHNOLOGY 

Xion Global and Callpay Unite to Propel Web3 Payment 

Adoption in South Africa 

A strategic alliance has been established by Callpay, a significant 

participant in the payments market in South Africa, and Web3 

payments provider Xion Global. With the combination of Callpay's 

robust market presence and Xion's cutting-edge technology, this 

partnership seeks to accelerate the adoption of Web3 payments in 

South Africa. 

Customers now have more ways to pay, thanks to this 

cooperation. This cooperation also offers the convenience of Xion's 

one-click cryptocurrency checkout, which combines affordability 

and usability to enable speedy, safe transactions. 

A joint statement from the two companies claims that merchants 

would also gain from lower transaction costs and no chargebacks, 

which will boost productivity and provide them competitive 

advantage. This puts the companies in a position to draw in new 

clients, develop personalised payment choices, lower the risk of 

fraud, and expedite payment settlement. 

State of the Nation Address: 

South African President Justifies 

ANC’s Legacy and Future 

Prospects 

On Thursday, February 8, 

South African President, Cyril 

Ramaphosa, gave his yearly State 

of the Nation address, utilising 

the occasion to enumerate the 

accomplishments of the ruling 

African National Congress 

throughout the previous three 

decades. 

With the nation getting ready 

to cast ballots later this year, 

the party, which has ruled since 

the first democratic elections 

following apartheid in 1994, is 

starting what promises to be its 

most difficult campaign to date. 

It would be a historic 

milestone in South African 

politics if the ANC were to lose 

its majority for the first time, as 

several polls have indicated. In 

that case, the party would have 

to form a coalition in order to 

maintain power. 

DAMIAN 

IKENNA NGERE 


Ikenna is a graduate of 

Physics and Education, 

who works as a freelance 

writer. He has interest in 

technology, humanity 

and sports. 


| 67

GLOBAL NEW 

TECHNOLOGY 

By Damian Ike 

BUSINESS AND 

FINANCE 

Meta Deletes Iran Supreme Leader’s Facebook and 

Instagram Accounts 

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, no longer has 

a Facebook page or Instagram account, thanks to Meta. The 

Facebook and Instagram pages for Khamenei have been 

deleted. 

The accounts have been disabled, according to Meta, which 

implies they have been deleted forever. Organisations or persons 

that engage in violence or declare a violent mission are 

prohibited from appearing on Meta by policy. 

This includes anyone who exalts, aidd, or stands in for terrorist 

groups that the US government has identified. 

Japan Welcomes TSMCs New State-of-the-Art 

Chip Factory 

The world's largest chip 

manufacturer, Taiwan 

Semiconductor 

Manufacturing Company 

(TSMC), is increasing its 

production in Japan. In 

"response to rising customer 

demand," the largest chip 

maker in the world, TSMC, 

announced in a statement on 

Tuesday, February 6, that it 

would construct a second 

semi-conductor fabrication 

factory, or fab, in the nation. 

It further stated that Japan 

Advanced Semiconductor 

Manufacturing (JASM), a TSMC-majority owned company, 

intends to begin construction by the end of 2024. By the end of 

2027, the facility is expected to be operational. 

Inflation in December 

Lower Than Initial 

Report – U.S. 

Government 

The United States' government 

announced revisions that 

are being keenly monitored, 

showing that the rates 

consumers pay in the market 

increased even more slowly 

than those initially reported. 

The Bureau of Labour 

Statistics of the Labour 

Department stated that 

updates to the consumer price 

index indicated that the broad 

basket of goods and services 

measured increased by 0.2% on 

the month, which was less than 

the initially reported 0.3%. 

Even while the shift was 

slight, it helped demonstrate 

that inflation was beginning 

to decline as 2023 came to a 

conclusion, which gave the 

Federal Reserve greater room 

to begin lowering interest rates 

later this year. 

China’s Economic 

Woes Send Waves of 

Deflation Across the 

World 

Due to surplus capacity in 

China's weakening economy, 

which forces Chinese 

exporters to lower the cost of 

commodities they sell overseas, 

international investors 

anticipate that dropping prices 

in China will lower inflation 


S ROUND UP 

nna Ngere 

ENTREPRENEUR 

rates globally this year. China, 

the world's largest exporter, is 

beginning to deliver deflation 

to nations that have been 

struggling with excessive 

inflation. 

Prices of Chinese exports 

have been declining at their 

quickest rate since the 2008 

financial crisis. 

POLITICS 

7 Lives Including 

Innocent Children 

Claimed by Russian 

Drones in Ukraine 

Seven persons, including three 

little children, were killed when 

a Russian drone strike on the 

Ukrainian city of Kharkiv resulted 

in fires, destruction of residential 

buildings, and other issues, 

according to regional authorities 

on Saturday, February 10. 

According to Oleh Synehubov, 

regional governor of Kharkiv, the 

Russian military attacked the 

city late on Friday, February 9, 

damaging at least 15 residential 

buildings in the east of Kharkiv as 

well as civilian infrastructure and 

starting multiple big fires. 

.Israel-Gaza War: Prime 

Minister Directs Military 

to Prepare for Rafah 

Evacuations 

Ahead of a wider attack against 

Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister 

Benjamin Netanyahu, has given 

the military orders to get ready 

to evacuate civilians from the 

southern Gazan city of Rafah. 

Rafah is home to about 1.5 million 

Palestinians who have fled Israeli 

combat operations throughout the 

remainder of Gaza. 

The United Nations and the 

European Union have both voiced 

worry, while the United States has 

warned Israel that an invasion of 

Rafah would be a "disaster". Aid 

organisations claim that it is not 

feasible to remove every resident 

of the city. 

Iceland’s Volcanic 

Eruption Ends, Leaving 

a Frozen Impact 

Although the most recent volcanic 

eruption in Iceland seems to have 

finished on Friday, February 9, it left 

a path of destruction to pipelines 

and roadways, preventing hot 

water from reaching some areas 

of the Reykjanes peninsula during 

bitterly cold conditions. 

Starting on Thursday, February 

8, a 3-kilometre (2 mile) crack in 

the earth began to spew orange 

lava 80 metres (260 feet) high. 

Nevertheless, drone imagery from 

midday on Friday, February 9, 

revealed no evidence of activity at 

the location. 

An estimate released by the 

IMO indicated that in the first seven 

hours of the eruption, about 15 

million cubic metres of molten 

rock had spilled from the ground. 

Situated south of Reykjavik, the 

capital, this was the area's third 

eruption since December. 

Amazon CEO, Bezos, 

Makes $2 Billion Stock 

Sale in Ground 

Breaking Move 

This week, Jeff Bezos sold 12 

million shares of Amazon.com 

Inc., marking the first time since 

2021 that the billionaire has done 

so. According to a document, the 

sales occurred on Wednesday, 

February 7 and Thursday, 

February 8, and brought in 

somewhat over $2 billion. In an 

attempt to profit from a stock 

spike that has moved him closer 

to becoming the richest person 

in the world, Bezos intends to sell 

up to 50 million Amazon shares 

over the course of the next 12 

months, according to a 

disclosure made by Amazon on 

February 2. As of Friday, February 

9, his net worth has increased by 

$22.6 billion to $199.5 billion, 

based on the Bloomberg 

Billionaires Index. 

DAMIAN 

IKENNA NGERE 


Ikenna is a graduate of 

Physics and Education, 

who works as a 

freelance writer. He has 

interest in technology, 

humanity and sports. 


| 69

Ai TODAY & TOMORROW 

Chip in the Brain: 

The Implications 


in today's evolving world, the idea 

of brain chip technology may 

seem straight out of a science 

fiction novel. But the reality is that 

advancements in neuroscience 

have brought us closer to the 

possibility of implanting tiny 

electronic devices directly into the 

brain. 

Brain chip technology, also known as 

neural implants or brain-computer 

interfaces (BCIs), involves the 

implantation of microelectronic 

devices into the brain to establish a 

direct communication pathway 

between the brain and external 

devices or computers. 

The technology has evolved 

significantly in recent years, driven by 

advancements in neuroscience. 

Initially developed for medical 

purposes such as treating 

neurological disorders or restoring 

sensory functions, brain chips are 

now being explored for a wide range 

of applications, including 

augmenting cognitive abilities, 

controlling external devices with the 

power of thought, and even 

enhancing human capabilities. 

The integration of brain chips 

holds immense potential for 

transforming health care, particularly 

in the treatment of neurological 

disorders. Conditions like Parkinson's 

disease or epilepsy, which 

traditionally have been challenging 

to manage, could see remarkable 

advancements with the 

implementation of brain chip 

technology. 

Clinicians can deliver more 

targeted interventions, such as deep 

brain stimulation, to alleviate 

symptoms and improve patients' 

quality of life. This level of precision 

opens up new avenues for tailored 

treatments, offering hope for people 

living with neurological conditions. 



The advent of brain chips also 

presents a promising horizon for 

improving communication and 

independence for people with 

disabilities. Imagine a world where 

people who are unable to speak or 

move due to conditions like paralysis 

can express themselves and interact 

with the world around them simply 

through their thoughts. Brain chips 

offer this possibility by enabling 

direct communication pathways 

between the brain and external 

devices, bypassing physical 

limitations. This breakthrough, not 

only improves their quality of life but 

also fosters inclusivity and 

empowerment within society. 

Imagine having a chip implanted 

in your brain that can read your 

thoughts, emotions, and even your 

memories. Sounds like something 

from a futuristic movie, right? Well, it's 

not as far-fetched as you might 

think. With brain chip technology, this 

could become a reality. But along 

with the benefits come serious 

concerns about privacy. 

People may be concerned about 

others accessing their innermost 

thoughts, feelings, or cognitive 

patterns that are stored within the 

chip. This worry stems from the fear 

of unauthorised persons gaining 

access to highly personal and 

private information without consent. 

Given the intimate nature of this 

data, there is a pressing need for 

stringent measures to be 

implemented to protect against 

breaches or misuse by third parties. 

The potential for manipulation of 

brain chip technology is also an 

ethical concern. Malicious entities 

could exploit vulnerabilities in the 

technology to manipulate peoples' 

thoughts or actions, leading to 

coercion. Imagine a scenario where 

someone gains unauthorised access 

to the brain chip and uses it to alter a 

person's perceptions or decisionmaking 

processes without their 

consent. This could result in the 

individual being coerced into actions 

or beliefs that they would not 

otherwise choose. There is also the 

risk of psychological harm and loss 

of autonomy if people are unable to 

control their own thoughts and 

behaviours due to external 

manipulation. 

The debate over consent in 

implanting brain chips revolves 

around questions of individual 

choice and control over one's body 

and mind. While some argue that 

people should have the freedom to 

enhance their cognitive abilities or 

treat neurological disorders through 

brain implants, others raise concerns 

about coercion or pressure to 

undergo such procedures. The 

recent developments surrounding 

Neuralink, Elon Musk's venture aimed 

at transforming brain-computer 

interfaces (BCIs), have sparked 

significant interest and debate. 

Musk's announcement on January 

29th, 2024 about the implantation of 

a 'brain-reading' device into a 

person marked a milestone in this 

field. But there is frustration due to 

the lack of detailed information 

available to the public. 

In light of Musk's announcement, 

there hasn't been confirmation about 

the trial's commencement beyond 

the study brochure inviting 

participation. Tim Denison, a 

neuroengineer from the University of 

Oxford, highlights the absence of 

important details such as the trial's 

location and specific assessment 

outcomes. The accessibility and 

affordability of brain-computer 

interfaces (BCIs) is a significant 

challenge to its widespread 

adoption. At present, the cost 

associated with implanting BCIs 

remains prohibitively high, rendering 

them accessible primarily to affluent 

persons. 

Overcoming this accessibility gap 

necessitates concerted efforts from 

policy makers, health care providers, 

and technology developers to make 

BCIs more affordable and accessible 

to individuals from diverse 

socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Moreover, there are practical 

challenges regarding the reliability, 

accuracy, and safety of braincomputer 

interface (BCI) technology 

that need to be solved before it 

becomes widely used. These 

challenges pertain to the reliable 

functioning of BCIs, guaranteeing 

that they accurately interpret and 

respond to neural signals with 

precision and consistency. Also, 

safety concerns which include 

unintended consequences resulting 

from BCI usage, such as neurological 

damage or interference with normal 

brain function. 

Summarily, brain chip technology 

has the potential to transform fields 

such as health care, communication, 

and computing. But it also raises 

significant ethical and societal 

concerns, including issues related to 

consent, autonomy, privacy, and 

misuse. 






content. With a keen eye for 

detail, I deliver compelling 

content that educates, inspires, 

and drives positive change in the 

realm of finance and business. 


| 71


AI's ROLE IN 

SPREADING 

FAKE NEWS 


In an era where information is abundant and readily accessible, the spread of fake news 

has become a significant societal challenge, affecting people, communities, and even 

entire nations. False narratives have permeated every aspect of the internet, creating a 

climate of uncertainty and confusion. From social media platforms to mainstream news 

outlets, fake news has blurred the lines between truth and fiction. 

With the advent of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), the 

dissemination of misinformation has taken on new dimensions. While AI presents numerous 

benefits, its role in spreading fake news cannot be overlooked. 

Fake news can take various forms, including fabricated stories, distorted facts, and 

manipulated images or videos. These are, often, disseminated through traditional media 

outlets, social media platforms, and websites. The proliferation of fake news undermines 

trust in the media and distorts public perception. Moreover, fake news can have serious 



Last year, many 

fake images 

circulated online 

such as the one 

which depicted 

Pope Francis 

wearing a trendy 

puffer jacket, falsely 

implying that he 

was endorsing 

a fashion item 

from luxury brand 

Balenciaga. 

consequences, such as influencing 

political opinions, inciting violence, 

and even impacting public health 

during crises like pandemics. 

It is necessary to state that AIgenerated 

content refers to 

content created or manipulated 

using artificial intelligence 

technologies. These technologies 

have enabled the automation of 

content creation tasks, including 

writing articles, generating images, 

and producing videos. 

Last year, many fake images 

circulated online such as the one 

which depicted Pope Francis 

wearing a trendy puffer jacket, 

falsely implying that he was 

endorsing a fashion item from 

luxury brand Balenciaga. Similarly, 

a TikTok video went viral, recently, 

purportedly showing Paris streets 

filled with garbage. Both contents 

were entirely fabricated. 

While AI-generated content 

presents opportunities for 

streamlining content creation 

processes, it also raises concerns 

regarding its use for spreading 

misinformation. With its ability to 

generate realistic-looking text, 

images, and videos, AI algorithms 

can produce convincing fake news 

articles, social media posts, and 

other forms of deceptive content at 

scale. This is a significant challenge 

in combating fake news, as AIgenerated 

content blurs the lines 

between authentic and fabricated 

information, making it very difficult 

to discern truth from fiction in the 

digital age. 

AI-powered algorithms also play a 

role in targeting specific audiences 

with tailored misinformation. 

These algorithms analyse user 

data, including browsing history, 

social media interactions, and 

demographic information, to 

identify persons susceptible to 

specific narratives or ideologies. 

AI-driven recommendation 

systems further exacerbate the 

spread of fake news by amplifying 

the visibility of misleading 

content. These recommendation 

algorithms, employed by social 

media platforms and contentsharing 

websites, prioritise 

engagement metrics such as 

likes, shares, and comments to 

determine the content displayed to 

users. As a result, fake news articles 

and narratives are often promoted 

to larger audiences, perpetuating 

misinformation. 

One of the significant challenges 

posed by AI-generated fake 

news is the difficulty in tracing 

its origin. Unlike traditional news 

sources where accountability 

can be established through 

editorial oversight and journalistic 

standards, AI-generated content 

lacks clear attribution. The 

automated nature of content 

generation makes it challenging 

to identify the persons or entities 

responsible for disseminating fake 

news, hindering efforts to hold 

perpetrators accountable for their 

actions. 

Addressing the issue of AI-driven 

fake news requires concerted 

efforts from all stakeholders, 

including technology companies, 

policymakers, and civil society 

organisations. Policymakers play 

a role in developing regulatory 

frameworks that promote ethical 

AI use and hold perpetrators of 

fake news accountable. Also, 

civil society organisations can 

contribute by promoting media 

literacy and advocating for 

responsible digital citizenship. 






content. With a keen eye for 

detail, I deliver compelling 

content that educates, inspires, 

and drives positive change in the 

realm of finance and business. 


| 73

LIFESTYLE 


ARTS & THE MASTERS 

• Damaged Stolen Vogh Painting 

Recovered in Ikea Bag 

For the first time since it was found in an Ikea bag, a stolen Vincent van Gogh 

painting was on exhibit, but it now has a white mark across its surface. In a press 

release announcing the return of the painting, the Gronginer Museum detailed the 

harm. 

A press conference was held on Wednesday, February 7, at the Groninger Museum in 

the Netherlands, where "The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring" was displayed 

in its damaged state. It would be recalled that while the painting was lent to another 

institution in March 2020, it was stolen. 

According to the news release, the painting will be available for public viewing at the 

Gronginer Museum starting on March 28. 


LIFESTYLE 

• Van Gogh’s Portrait of the Artist Finds 

a Home in Cardiff Museum 

It was deemed an appropriate way to 

round out the Year of Wales in France 

and to forge new commercial, cultural 

and sporting links between the two 

nations by Deputy Culture and Sport 

Minister, Dawn Bowden. 

For the first time, a self-portrait by 

Vincent van Gogh will be on exhibit 

in Wales. In March 2024, the National 

Museum Cardiff will host an exhibition 

of the Dutch master's 1887 Portrait of the 

Artist. 

A new exhibition called Art of the Selfie, 

which investigates if the self-portrait is 

the first selfie, will feature the van Gogh 

on display. The piece, which is typically 

kept at the Paris-based Musee d'Orsay, 

will be on view until January 2025. 

One of the most famous faces in 

Western art is that of the impressionist, 

who painted 35 self-portraits before 

passing away at the age of 37. 

As part of a mutual lending 

arrangement, it is travelling across the 

Channel alongside Renoir's La Parisienne, 

popularly known as The Blue Lady, from 

Museum Wales. 

A selection of artwork from the national 

collection of Wales, which includes works 

by Rembrandt, Brenda Chamberlain, 

Francis Bacon, Bedwyr Williams, and 

Anya Paintsil, will be added to the van 

Gogh. 

The head of collections and research 

at the Cardiff Museum, Dr. Kath Davies, 

stated that visitors will appreciate seeing 

Welsh items next to pieces by one of the 

most well-known painters in the world. 

DAMIAN 

IKENNA NGERE 


Ikenna is a graduate of Physics and Education, 

who works as a freelance writer. He has interest 

in technology, humanity and sports. 


| 75

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 

INFERTILITY: 

BENEFITS OF 

SLEEPING IN THE DARK 

Modern ways of living has 

resulted in most women 

abusing their bodies with 

various chemicals, cosmetics, 

antibiotics, prescription drugs, 

pills, extreme emotional 

stress, over exercising, 

processed food and more. 

the modern bedroom 

is full of lights; from 

glowing computer 

monitors, clocks and 

radios to any number 

of blinking and glimmering 

electronic devices. Trouble is, 

chronic exposure to light at 

night leads to a host of health 

problems. 

Regulation of Melatonin 

Production 

It can be argued that one of the 

most important hormones in the 

body is melatonin and light in the 

night disrupts it functions and 

production. 

Enhancing Mental Focus 

Sleeping in the dark not only 

reduces insomnia, it also 

improves your mental focus and 

alertness during the day. 

Melatonin is also am anti-aging 

and anti-inflammatory hormone. 

Lunaception 

According to Louise 

Lacey, women’s 

menstrual 

cycles are 

naturally 

wired to be 

in sync 

with the 

moon. 

In 


ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 

firelight used in traditional 

cultures, will not trigger early 

ovulation. 

It is recommended to sleep in 

complete 

darkness for one to two months 

prior to night lighting, to help 'reset' 

body sensitivity. 

all early societies, before 

industrialisation and its 

consequent consumption of 

processed food became the 

vouge, women ovulated at the 

full moon and menstruated at the 

new moon. 

While this was nature's default 

setting, hormonal disruption due 

to prolonged external stimuli 

has caused havoc and chaos 

in women’s menstrual cycles. 

Random and uncomfortable 

periods are the effects of bad 

diet and lifestyle that disconnects 

women from the rhythm of nature. 

Modern ways of living has resulted 

in most women abusing their 

bodies with various chemicals, 

cosmetics, antibiotics, prescription 

drugs, pills, extreme emotional 

stress, over exercising, processed 

food and more. 

A key factor in hormonal 

imbalance is artificial light; 

it wreaks havoc on women's 

sleep cycles. Their bodies are so 

sensitive to light patterns that 

women can regulate release of 

hormones 

by managing light at night. The 

concept of manipulating light 

to regulate menstrual cycles is 

called lunaception. 

Lunaception, as the name 

suggests, follows the pattern of 

the moon to increase fertility. 

Sleep in complete darkness, 

except for three nights in each 

cycle, i.e., on the 14th, 15th and 16th 

of the lunar cycle, when you can 

use a dim light. 

By avoiding intercourse on these 

three days, women can develop 

regular and healthy menstrual 

cycles. You will find tremendous 

improvement after three months 

of practising lunaception. You 

will also enjy more energy, 

easier weight management, less 

premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 

and more. 

Procedure: 

Create a completely dark 

environment in your bedroom. 

Seal the edges of curtains around 

windows, so that no light seeps in. 

You can also put garbage bags 

over windows. You can also put a 

towel under 

the crack of the bedroom door. If 

you get it right, you should not be 

able to see your hand in front of 

your face. 

A sleep mask is not a suitable 

substitute but it is better than 

nothing. This is because, the body 

can sense light in the environment 

through other openings such as 

the ears and nose. 

If you visit the bathroom at night, 

put a red light bulb in the hallway 

and your bathroom. The red light, 

just like the 

Here's one of the important 

things to consider while trying to 

conceive: infertility can be caused 

by many things so comprehensive 

diagnosis is necessary to get two 

the root of the problem. 

JOEL 

N. LOGBO 


Dr. Joel N. Logbo is a patientcentred 

Natural Medicine 

doctor with 12 solid years of 

industry experience in Lagos, 

Nigeria and Wales, Scotland. 

He is currently seeking more 

international collaborations 

to provide holistic, noninvasive 

medical care for 

patients and the public on 

health promotion. 

His unique approach 

that has led to admirable 

achievements include 

meeting with patients to 

assess their health and 

wellness, learn their health 

goals and create treatment 

plans. He also collaborates 

with various teams of 

medical professionals 

to provide first-line and 

supplemental medical 

treatments through a holistic, 

natural approach.He loves 

traveling, adventures, 

cooking and driving. 


| 77

LIFESTYLE 

suitable for managing 

obesity, diabetes, and 

high cholesterol. 

Ogbono soup is 

served either plain 

- without adding 

vegetables - or 

with vegetables like 

spinach, pumpkin 

(ugu) or bitter leaf 

which are rich in 

vitamin, mineral, and 

antioxidants. The 

nutrients in these 

vegetables help 

reduce inflammation 

and oxidative stress 

which contribute to a 

healthier heart. 

GET ROYAL 

VIBES WITH 

OGBONO SOUP 

By Simnom Joshua 

Ogbono soup is a unique Nigerian soup that goes with almost, if not, all kinds 

of 'swallow'. This is because ogbono makes swallowing easy. It's also served 

during important events like chieftacy installation, wedding, graduation, 

naming ceremony, house warming etc. 

Ogbono is a West African delicacy that is particularly popular in Nigeria. It 

draws its origin from the south eastern parts of the country but is enjoyed in 

other parts of the country. 

The seed (wild mango) known as 'ugiri' or 'apon' in some localities is also 

referred to as African Mango seed. It has so many health benefits as it 

contains fat, protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals. It is an anti-oxidant and is 

Due to its healthy 

nature, people are 

encouraged to eat 

more of ogbono soup, 

mostly for the control 

of dietary lipids as 

well as for weight 

reduction. However, 

ogbono soup is not a 

standard treatment 

for weight loss. If you 

are looking to lose 

weight, eat healthy 

and exercise regularly. 

Also make sure that 

you get enough 

sleep each night. Of 

course, managing 

stress would help you 

reach and maintain a 

healthy weight. 

Recipe: 

• 2 kilos of beef (cut in 

chunks) 

• One kilo of dried or 

fresh fish 

• 2 seasoning cubes 

• Some quantity of 

stock fish 

• 2 cooking spoons of 

palm oil 

• Chopped pumpkin 

leaves (ügu) or bitter 

leaf 

• 6 tablespoons of 

ground ogbono 

• 3 cooking spoons of 


LIFESTYLE 

ground crayfish 

• 2 yellow scotch bonnets (diced) 

• 1 medium size of onion (it may be , diced) 

• 1 tablespoon of salt 

• 6 half-litre cups of water 

• Ogiri/dawadawa (optional) 

Preparation - 1st session: 

1 . Soak the stock fish in hot water for 10 minutes 

and rinse with cold water. Then, shred it with your 

fingers and set it aside. 

2. Place the chunks of beef in a medium sized pot 

and add some water. Season with one seasoning 

cube, one tablespoon of salt, diced scotched 

bonnet and onions. Steam for 25 minutes. 

3. Add the shredded stock fish and dried or fresh 

fish. Leave to cook for another 10 minutes. 

4. Turn off the burner and pour the beef and fish 

into a bowl leaving the stock in the pot. 

Preparation - 2nd session - Option A: 

1. Turn the burner back on; add 3 cups of water, 

one tablespoon of salt and remaining 2 seasoning 

cubes and cover the pot. 

When it starts to boil, add the ogbono and cray 

fish. Wait for it to thicken for about 10 minutes, 

making sure you stir consistently so it doesn’t get 

stuck and burnt under. 

2. Add the palm oil and leave to boil for another 

10 minutes. (Note: You can choose to begin the 

process by adding the palm oil first and leave to 

boil for some minutes before you add the ogbono 

and crayfish.) 

3. Add the cooked meat and fish which had been 

set aside, the chopped pumpkin or bitter leaves 

and ogiri or dawadawa. Mix them well and leave 

to boil for 5 minutes. Turn off the burner and let 

the soup simmer before serving. Serve with any 

"swallow" of your choice. 

Preparation - 2nd session - Option B: 

The fastest way to prepare ogbono soup is to 

pour the palm oil into the empty pot and add the 

ground ogbono. On medium heat, start to stir the 

mixture till the ogbono added to it dissolves. This 

should take about 10 minutes. 

Once it dissolves, pour the meat, fish and stock 

fish you had steamed. Stir and leave to cook for a 

while. 

Now, you can add the other ingredients which 

includes the chopped vegetables and ogiri or 

dawadawa. The soup is ready once it thickens 

sufficiently. You're ready to serve with any 

"swallow". 

Kitchen Notes: 

• Ground ogbono is powdery but if 

left for a few hours, it tends to look like 

little stones. Not to worry. Once added 

in the pot and stirred well, it dissolves 

completely and still thickens the soup. 

• You could blend your onions and pepper for the 

stock preparation. 

• Ogiri is another flavour enhancer especially 

ógiri okpei’ (looks like small sones) or dawadawa 

(looks flat) which is used mainly for ogbono. If you 

don’t have it around, you could skip adding it. 

SIMNOM 

JOSHUA 


Simnom Josephine Joshua began her journey as a 

chef with just loving to cook. She loves creating new 

recipes and gets satisfaction from making great meals. 

Though she has years of experience in broadcasting 

and marketing, both fields of endeavour 

don't give her the happiness she feels when 

people around her enjoy her dishes. 


| 79

Travel / Escape 

By Joy Agbakoba 

One of the 

world's most 

visited cities, 

London, has 

something 

for everyone 

- from history and culture 

to fine food and exceedingly 

good times. With such 

diversity, London's cultural 

dynamism makes it 

among the world's most 

international cities. It is a city 

of ideas - an innovator of art 

and culture. 

The 

London 

Eye 

The London Eye, or the 

Millennium Wheel, is an 

observation wheel on 

the South Bank the River 

Thames in London. It is 

Europe's tallest cantilevered 

observation wheel, and 

is the most popular paid 

tourist attraction in the 

United Kingdom with over 

3 million visitors annually. 

A visit to The London Eye 

is not complete without 

London Eye River Cruise. 

London Eye 

River Cruise 

The London Eye River Cruise is a popular addition for visitors 

to the London Eye. While on the London Eye, you do not 

have any commentary but can spend time admiring the 

views. On this cruise, you have live commentary to help you 

discover the historical significance of each landmark as 

you pass by, including many of the bridges that cross the 

river. The commentary is both factual and entertaining. The 

40-minute river boat cruise will take you through the heart 

of London, along the famous River Thames, where you will 

see some of the city's most famous landmarks - including 

Houses of Parliament, the Big Ben (Palace of Westminster), 

St. Paul's Cathedra 1, Tate Modern, Tower of London, 

Shakespeare's Globe, Tower Bridge and much more. 


Travel / Escape 

Buckingham Palace 

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London 

residence of the UK's sovereigns since 1837 and, today, is the 

administrative headquarters of the Monarch. Although in use 

for the many official events and receptions held by The King, 

the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to visitors 

every summer. Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. These 

include 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 

staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. 

Emirates Airline, Greenwich - Cable Car 

What a fantastic way to see London's 

skyline - flying across the River Thames! 

Enjoy amazing views and a unique ride 

across the River Thames on Emirates 

Air Line, the United Kingdom's first urban 

cable car. Linking The 02 and Excel at Royal 

Victoria Dock, it's a great way to explore 

the local area. Taking you 90 metres into 

the air, you will experience spectacular 

views of London, from St. Paul's Cathedral 

to the west, to the Olympic Park and 

Thames Barrier in the east. 

Private cabin hire is available for 

groups, including champagne sunset 

flights and bespoke arrangements 

can be accommodated. Each cabin 

accommodates up to 10 people. 

The 

Big Ben 

The London Eye, or the 

Millennium Wheel, is 

an observation wheel 

on the South Bank the 

River Thames in London. 

It is Europe's tallest 

cantilevered observation 

wheel, and is the most 

popular paid tourist 

attraction in the United 

Kingdom with over 3 

million visitors annually. 

A visit to The London Eye 

is not complete without 

London Eye River Cruise. 

JOY AGBAKOBA 


Joy Agbakoba is the Chief 

Executive Officer of Travellers 

Haven Limited and has built 

its solid reputation since 2003, 

providing travel consultancy 

services as well as organising 

cruises and private tours. She 

is also the Founder of Women’s 

Business Arena, a market 

place for creative female 

entrepreneurs. 


| 81


TVC LABS: 

PROVIDING 

SOLUTIONS FOR 

AFRICAN FOUNDERS 

Compiled by Diiyi William-West 

TVC Labs is an entrepreneur support 

organisation, providing strategic and 

operational support to innovative early-stage 

African tech-enabled ventures. We believe that 

African start-up founders are building a better 

future and supporting innovative African start-ups not 

only creates economic value but also social impact. 

We also believe that local angel investors are a critical 

resource to founder and start-up development and 

that international support when led locally accelerates 

the development of our African start-up ecosystem. 

Our vision is to enable technology-led innovation and 

independence for new ideas on the African continent, 

especially West Africa. 

TVC Labs has a membership based group of self 

accredited angel investors with corporate, professional 

services, entrepreneurial and industrial backgrounds 

and expertise providing mentoring, advice, connections, 

networking opportunities, funding and access to other 

investors in Nigeria, across Africa, Europe and the USA to 

our start-ups. 

As an innovation hub, TVC Labs invests in start-ups, 

building innovative products and services that create 

value in African markets (especially Nigeria) by 

addressing socially impactful customer needs that can 

be profitable at scale. 

TVC Labs was founded by Harry Tomi Davies (TD) 

whose background is in FTSE 100 corporate innovation 

and technology and has over 20 years’ experience 

working with early stage technology start-ups 

including SupaStrikas, Sproxil, Big Cabal Media, FlexiSAF, 

Powerstove, Semicolon, OmniBiz and Kasookoo. 

Our Mission 

... be the most trusted investment resource for a 

thousand start-up founders by 2030 

Our Core Values 

TVC Labs values Intellect, Innovation, Independence, 

Collaboration and Integrity in all our relationships as 

defined here: 

Intellect 

We make the abstract concrete by researching, 

reviewing and assessing to provide insights that inspire 

action. We bring talent together that uses critical 

thinking to drive change. We partner with our clients to 

build the capacity required for sustainable competitive 

advantage. 

Innovation 

We are constantly on the lookout for new ideas, devices 

and methods that can be applied for better solutions 

that meet new requirements, unarticulated needs, or 

existing market needs. Being good is not always good 

enough as it can always be better. 

Independence 

Whether the required thinking is logical or creative, 

being independent thinkers enables us to increase 

performance, productivity, and efficiency. Independent 



• Harry Tomi Davies 

thinking is the tool we use to 

open doors to opportunity for 

commercial expression. 

Collaboration 

We are a member of a vibrant, 

emerging, evolving ecosystem 

that requires knowledge, expertise 

and financial exchanges so 

our successful participation as 

those of others requires an ability 

to collaborate effectively and 

efficiently to the benefit of all. 

Integrity 

We believe Integrity is not just 

a core value, but that it is the 

fabric of every core value. It is the 

foundation on which we build 

relationships and trust, and it is a 

non-negotiable value we seek to 

always demonstrate and find in all 

people we engage with. 

Our Focus 

As an active member of the Lagos 

tech entrepreneurship ecosystem 

and African early-stage investment 

market, TVC Labs’ purpose is to 

find, get funded and then follow 

innovative African founders as they 

build the future using technology to 

improve the quality of human life. 

Our mission is to become the most 

trusted investment resource for 

Nigerian tech start-up founders by 

delivering entrepreneur support 

programmes that enable our 

start-up founders to profitably 

exploit the growing rates of internet 

penetration and technology 

(especially mobile) adoption on the 

continent to create social impact. 

Our POEM Framework 

The POEM Framework® which 

underpins most of the work done 

at TVC Labs is a simple tool for 

understanding technologyenabled 

start-up ventures that’s 

centred on the founder or founders 

having a vision for the venture 

that manifests as a Proposition 

which is a product/service offer 

made to target customers in a 

specified market that is delivered 

by an Organisation which is 

an ecosystem of people using 

proprietary processes supported 

by technology whose success is 

measured by the Economics of the 

capital disbursed as expenditure 

to generate revenue and create 

impact at each Milestone which 

is a set of timed achievements, 

challenges and targets) along 

the journey from startup idea to 

launch, through growth and scale 

or as we are prone to say “from 

Minimum Viable Product (MVP) 

to Series A …and beyond”. The 

framework provides a language 

for dialogue between the founders, 

investors and supporters including 

innovation Hubs and other 

professional service providers. 

Our Mentor-led Funding 

We use a mentor-driven capital 

approach to identify suitable 

African founders that are creating 

innovative technology-led startups 

with high impact to invest in 

as an angel syndicate. We are 

growing our portfolio by finding 

the most innovative start-ups and 

connecting them to our angels who 

provide strategic and operational 

support through mentoring that’s 

helping them grow to become 

employers of choice. 

At TVC Labs we run a mentoring 

programme based on the POEM 

Framework that’s designed for 

getting (pre/at revenue) MVP stage 

start-ups to onboard their first set 

of customers and maybe even get 

cash investment by our angels. 

We take founders from when they 

have a minimum viable product 

with funding from family friends 

and fans having funded them 

and help put operational structure 

around their through our intensive 

mentoring programme. 

Our angels provide guidance in a 

wide range of strategic areas that 

help prepare the start-up business 

for investment by our syndicate. 

Once at the stage of investment 

readiness, we have a syndicate of 

angels that invest in technology 

enabled start-ups who would have 

been involved in the mentoring that 

provide the start-ups first external 

investment, 

So at TVC Labs, we go all the 

way from taking a founder from 

ideation to first customer, then first 

investment and continue to work 

with them monthly until they get to 

Series A funding by VCs. 


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March 2024 ACCOMPLISH Magazine

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