Accomplish Magazine July 2024

M A G A Z I N E
Lupita
Nyong'o
Kenyan Multiple
Award-winning
Actress
JULY 2024
Nigeria,
Who Hails
Thee?
CEO INTERVIEW:
DR. OSITA
ANIEMEKA
AI and the
Ancestors:
Bridging the
Digital Divide
with Tradition
JAPA:
Nigerians
Should Know
Banned Items
and Restricted
Areas
Abdul Samad Rabiu:
THE BILLIONAIRE WITH
THE MIDAS TOUCH

Contents
Team
July 2024
EDITOR
DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST
DEPUTY EDITOR
HARRY CHOMS
SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS
IKENNA NGERE
TOLULOPE AKINRULI
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLER
MONICA EFEOTOR
WEB ADMINISTRATOR
ABDULLAHI MURTALA
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS
NGOZI UKPAI
42
BUSINESS ANALYST EXECUTIVE
NGOZI EZE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
CHARLES KAMMA
PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF
REMI DIAGBARE
EDITORIAL BOARD:
DR. OSITA ANIEMEKA
CHIEF VICTOR OLENWUNNE
DAVID BARO-THOMAS
REMI DIAGBARE
DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST
DR. HARRY CHOMS
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
10 54
COVER
10 Abdul Samad Rabiu:
The Billionaire with the Midas
Touch
NIGERIA: BITS & BOBS
4 Nigeria Secures $2.25b
World Bank Loan to Support
Reforms Amid Hardships
& Other Stories
START UP ANGEL
16 Investing In Africa Startup
Scenes: The Challenges of
2024.
DIASPORAN AFRICAN
18 Lupita Nyong'O:
Kenyan Multiple Awardwinning
Actress
FEATURE/ANALYSIS
06 Africa and 2024 World
Hepatitis Day
20 Nigeria, Who Hails Thee?
22 JAPA: Nigerians Should Know
Banned Items...
26 Patriotism And Emmigration: The
Ethical Challenges...
28 Bridging the Digital Divide with
GLOBAL INFO DIGEST
30 May Real Helpers Come Your
Way
& other stories
CEO INTERVIEW
34 Dr. Osita Aniemeka
GRAND DESIGN
42 Oman Unveils Plans for $1.3
Billion Waterfront Development
REALTOR’S AVENUE
44 3 Tips for Prosperity In Real
Estate Investment
MARKETING DIRECTOR
OGEHENETEGA DIAGBARE

THE INCUBATOR SERIES
46 Don't Ignore Artificial
Intelligence
AFRICA RISING NEWS....
48 World Bank Halts Funding for
Tanzania Tourism Initiative...&
other stories...
London Bus Stop Could
Fetch $32m.
56 Food & Wine - Top
10 World's History and
Expensive Wine
58 Health Benefits of
Watermelon Juice with
Ginger
GLOBAL NEWS...
50 Major Solar Storm Disrupts
Musk's Starlink Satellites
& other stories...
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
52 Carica Papaya.
LIFESTYLE
54 ARTS & THE MASTERS - Titian
Masterpiece Discovered at
TRAVEL & LEISURE
60 The World's Most and
Least Walkable Cities
CORPORATE SUITE
62 ZENITH BANK PLC - A
Leading African Bank
Winning More Laurels...
From The Editor
46
44
It's July already! Half of 2024 is behind
us! Businesses and people of purpose
would have done their Q2 reviews.
Team Accomplish did too; leading
to important personnel changes for
Accomplish Magazine and its sister
Glamsquad and Entrepreneurng. With
that came our new Editorial Board,
months after the unexpected demise of
our pioneer Editorial Board Chairman,
Dr. Austin Nweze. We attracted people
of stature and integrity in order to
sustain the quality work you have been
commending us for. Take a look at our
new personnel list on the contents page
to see for yourself.
In this edition, we bring you the
irrepressible Abdul Samad Rabiu, Group
Chairman of BUA Group, who has built
a commercial empire acknowledged
across Africa.
For CEO Interview, we have, Dr. Osita
Aniemeka, a man of many parts -
media, leadership, teaching, and more.
He's also a totally detribalised Nigerian
with interesting memories of how united
Nigeria was some decades ago. His take
on managing and balancing enterprise
with cutting edge knowledge will
impresss you.
The recent reversal of Nigeria's
national anthem wasn't missed by our
writers. In fact, there are three pieces
(two presenting the pros and cons
respectively) and one satire. Scroll
through and read for yourself.
You should read Victor Olewunne's
"Patriotism and Emigration:
The Ethical Challenges of Nigerian
Citizens." As you have guessed, it raises
important questions on the trending japa
issue. In a related matter, there's advice
for Nigerians travelling to other countries.
Our regulars - Diasporan African, Leisure
and Travel, Food and Wine, Alternative
Medicine, Global InfoDigest, Incubator
Series, Global News, Grand Design,
Lifestyle: Arts and the Masters and Africa
Rising are all on board.
Interestingly, it'll be our first anniversary
next month! We look forward to
hearing from you. Please, send your
feedback or questions to: editor@
theaccomplishmagazine.com.
We shine together!
Disclaimer
58
• 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
mainstream and ready-to-drink
spirits brands as well as the Guinness
brand.
Tolaram plans to grow its
controlling position by acquiring
58.02 percent of the company
and subsequently pursuing the
acquisition of minority shareholder
shares through a forced tender offer.
The board of Guinness Nigeria
stated in a regulatory filing at the
Nigerian Exchange (NGX) that the
transaction is anticipated to close
in 2025, provided that the necessary
regulatory permissions are obtained
in Nigeria.
Nigeria Secures $2.25b
World Bank Loan to
Support Reforms Amid
Hardships
To boost income and assist
economic reforms that have
led to Nigeria's worst-ever
cost-of-living crisis, the World
Bank has approved a $2.25
billion loan for the country.
The majority of the $1.5 billion
loan, according to a statement
released by the bank late on
Thursday, June 13, will shield
millions of people from rising
poverty since President Bola
Tinubu took action to revive
the faltering economy of the
country a year ago.
The World Bank stated that the
remaining $750 million will be
utilised to protect oil revenues
from being jeopardised by
persistent theft-related limiting
output. It will also promote tax
changes and revenue.
Tolaram Acquires
Diageo’s 58.02% Stake in
Guinness Nigeria
Guinness Nigeria Plc’s foreign
majority stakeholder, Diageo, has
decided to sell Tolaram, a global
company based in Singapore, its
controlling ownership holding of
58.02 percent. In accordance with
a deal announced on Tuesday,
June 11, Tolaram purchased
Diageo’s 58.02 percent stake in
Guinness Nigeria and enter into
long-term licence and royalty
agreements for the company’s
domestically produced Diageo
4 |
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POLITICS
LP Chairman Accuses
INEC of Mismanagement
in 2023 Elections
Julius Abure, the embattled
National Chairman of the
Labour Party, has charged the
Independent National Electoral
Commission for electoral
malpractice regarding the
general elections of 2023.
This came at the same
time that Dr. Sam Amadi,
a former chairman of the
Nigerian Electricity Regulatory
Commission, demanded an
investigation into the electoral
umpire's use of the N400 billion
allotted for the poll's execution.
• HOA
Senate Approves NDDC’s
N1.9 Trillion Budget, Adds
N44 Million
The Niger Delta Development
Commission's budget
has been boosted by N44
million by the Senate.
The budget increased
from N1,911,800,000,000 to
N1,911,844,833,046 as a result of
this addition.
The Senate committee
responsible for its
oversight took into account
modifications to the
commission's revenue profile in
addition to increases in internal
capital estimates, overhead
expenses, and personnel costs
before making the addition.
• Julius Abure
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
day refinery. Dangote stated
that the refinery would serve
as Nigeria's strategic reserve
while speaking on Wednesday,
June 12, at the Afreximbank
Annual Meetings in Nassau, the
Bahamas.
• Dangote
Dangote Announces
Repayment of $2.4
Billion Out of $5.5
Billion Refinery Debt
Aliko Dangote, the
chairman of the Dangote
Group, disclosed that the
company had repaid $2.4
billion of the $5.5 billion loan
it obtained to build the $19
billion, 650,000 barrels per
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.
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| 5

HEALTH SPECIAL!
AFRICA AND 2024
WORLD HEPATITIS
DAY:
"KNOW IT.
CONFRONT IT."
STATEMENTS
By Harry Choms
Over the years, World
Hepatitis Day has
evolved into a global
phenomenon, marked
by many activities such
as free hepatitis testing
screenings, poster
campaigns, political
demonstrations,
concerts, talk shows,
flash mobs, and
vaccination drives.
Every year, the world comes together to observe
World Hepatitis Day, a special occasion dedicated
to raising awareness about hepatitis worldwide.
Hepatitis encompasses a group of illnesses that
threaten the liver's health. This annual event,
initiated by the World Hepatitis Alliance in 2008, aims to
educate individuals about testing procedures and
preventive measures against all five types of hepatitis: A, B,
C, D, and E.
Originally slated for May 19, the date was shifted to July 28
in 2010 in honour of Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, a
renowned medical researcher whose pivotal discovery of
hepatitis B garnered him prestigious accolades.
The Significance of July 28
World Hepatitis Day coincides with the birth anniversary of
the esteemed Nobel Laureate, Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg,
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HEALTH SPECIAL!
hepatitis worldwide.
Knowing what
Hepatitis is
Hepatitis is an inflammation of
the liver, often caused by viral
infections, although other
factors like alcohol, toxins, and
certain medications can also
cause it. The disease can range
from mild to severe and, if left
untreated, can lead to chronic
conditions, liver cirrhosis, or even
liver cancer.
the visionary behind identifying
the hepatitis B virus. Born on July
28, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York
City, Dr. Blumberg's illustrious
career unfolded after serving in
the U.S. Navy and earning a
medical degree from Columbia
University. Driven by a profound
interest in parasitology, he
embarked on research
expeditions in Nigeria, where his
groundbreaking work led to the
identification of several new
polymorphisms and, ultimately,
the discovery of the hepatitis B
virus. This seminal breakthrough
revolutionised the landscape of
hepatitis research and
treatment.
Dr. Blumberg was awarded the
Nobel Prize in Medicine and
Physiology in 1976 for his
remarkable contribution to
medical science. His pioneering
efforts not only advanced our
understanding of hepatitis but
also paved the way for
innovative treatment modalities.
Over the years, World Hepatitis
Day has evolved into a global
phenomenon, marked by many
activities such as free hepatitis
testing screenings, poster
campaigns, political
demonstrations, concerts, talk
shows, flash mobs, and
vaccination drives. It serves as a
poignant reminder of Dr.
Blumberg's enduring legacy and
the ongoing battle against
Types of Hepatitis
1. Hepatitis A (HAV): This is
typically spread through
contaminated food and
water.
2. Hepatitis B (HBV): HBV is
spread through contact with
infectious body fluids, such
as blood.
3. Hepatitis C (HCV): Primarily
spread through blood-toblood
contact.
4. Hepatitis D (HDV): Occurs
only in those infected with
HBV.
5. Hepatitis E (HEV): Typically
spread through consumption
of contaminated water.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms can include
jaundice, fatigue, abdominal
pain, loss of appetite, and
nausea. Diagnosis is usually
confirmed through blood tests
identifying the specific hepatitis
virus type.
The Importance of
World Hepatitis Day
World Hepatitis Day, launched in
2008, aims to raise awareness
about the global burden of viral
hepatitis and to foster
partnerships for its elimination.
The day is an opportunity to:
• Increase public understanding
of viral hepatitis, its
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| 7

HEALTH SPECIAL!
transmission, prevention, and
treatment.
• Encourage governments to
prioritise hepatitis policies and
funding.
• Amplify the voices of people
living with viral hepatitis and
affected communities.
• Highlight the progress made in
viral hepatitis elimination
efforts.
Each year, World Hepatitis
Day adopts a theme to
focus the campaign. In
recent years, themes
have included "Eliminate
Hepatitis" and "Hepatitis
Can't Wait," emphasising
the importance of timely
action.
Best Way to Get
Involved in World
Hepatitis Day
There are several ways to
participate in World
Hepatitis Day and support
the global effort to
eliminate viral hepatitis:
1. Educate and Spread
Awareness: Take the
initiative to educate yourself
and others about hepatitis, its
various types, modes of
transmission, preventive
measures, and available
treatments. Share this knowledge
within your social circles and
community to broaden
awareness.
2. Prioritise Testing and
Vaccination: Encourage
individuals, especially those at
risk, to undergo testing for
hepatitis. Vaccination against
hepatitis A and B is essential for
prevention. At the same time,
early detection and treatment
can lead to successful outcomes
for hepatitis C. Promote access
to testing and vaccination
services within your community.
3. Advocate for Policy Change:
Engage with local and national
government representatives to
advocate for prioritising
hepatitis-related policies,
funding,
and public health initiatives. Urge
them to align with the World
Health
Introducing
hepatitis
education in school
curriculums can
educate young
people about the
disease early on. This
can include information
on transmission,
prevention, and
the importance of
vaccination.
Organisation's
Global Health Sector
Strategy on Viral Hepatitis to
accelerate progress towards
elimination by 2030.
4. Support Elimination Efforts:
Contribute to the cause by
supporting organisations
dedicated to eliminating hepatitis,
such as the World Hepatitis
Alliance and the Hepatitis B
Foundation. Your donations and
volunteer efforts can make a
significant difference in
advancing elimination strategies.
5. Utilise social media for
Awareness: Harness the power of
social media to raise awareness
about World Hepatitis Day. Share
informative content, infographics,
personal stories, and official
campaign materials to amplify
the message. Utilise campaign
hashtags to reach a broader
audience and spark meaningful
conversations.
World Hepatitis Day aligns
particularly with three SDGs: Good
Health and Well-being (SDG 3),
Partnerships for the Goals (SDG
17), and Reduced Inequalities
(SDG 10).
• Good Health and Well-being
(SDG 3): By promoting early
detection, treatment, and
prevention of hepatitis, World
Hepatitis Day contributes to
ensuring healthy lives and
promoting well-being for all
ages. The initiative aligns with
Target 3.3 of SDG 3, which aims
to end epidemics of infectious
diseases by 2030.
• Partnerships for the
Goals (SDG 17): World
Hepatitis Day fosters global
partnerships to combat
hepatitis, emphasising
collaboration between
governments, international
organisations, and civil
society. This multistakeholder
approach is
crucial for achieving the
shared goal of hepatitis
elimination.
• Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10):
By advocating for universal
access to hepatitis services
and addressing health care
disparities, World Hepatitis Day
reduces inequalities within and
among countries. The initiative
strives to ensure equitable
access to prevention, testing,
and treatment services for all
individuals, regardless of
socioeconomic status or
geographical location.
Hepatitis in Africa:
Prevalence and Statistics
Africa has some of the highest
rates of hepatitis B and C
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HEALTH SPECIAL!
infections globally. According to
the World Health Organisation
(WHO), over 60 million Africans
live with chronic hepatitis B and
around 10 million with hepatitis C.
The burden of these diseases is
immense, contributing to
significant morbidity and
mortality rates.
Challenges Unique to Africa
• Limited Access to Healthcare:
Many regions need more health
care infrastructure.
• Lack of Awareness: There is a
general lack of awareness and
understanding of hepatitis.
• Cultural Barriers: Stigma and
misconceptions about the
disease can hinder diagnosis
and treatment.
"Know It" – Awareness
and Education
Importance of Awareness
Awareness is the first step
towards combating hepatitis in
Africa. Educating the population
about the disease, its
transmission, symptoms, and
prevention can significantly
reduce its spread and encourage
those affected to seek treatment.
Strategies for Increasing
Awareness
1. Public Health Campaigns:
Disseminate information using
posters, flyers, and public
announcements.
2. Media Engagement: Use radio,
TV, and social media to reach a
broader audience.
3. Collaborations with
Influencers: Engage local
celebrities and influencers to
spread the message.
Role of Governments and
NGOs
Governments and NGOs play a
pivotal role in raising awareness.
They can implement nationwide
campaigns, distribute
educational materials, and
organise community events to
educate the public.
Educational Campaigns
Implementing School
Programmes
Introducing hepatitis education in
school curriculums can educate
young people about the disease
early on. This can include
information on transmission,
prevention, and the importance of
vaccination.
Community Outreach Initiatives
Community health workers can
conduct door-to-door
campaigns to educate families
about hepatitis, distribute
informational pamphlets, and
encourage vaccination and
testing.
Use of Media and Technology
Leveraging radio, television, and
social media platforms can help
disseminate information widely.
Mobile health apps can provide
information, reminders for
vaccination schedules, and locate
nearby health centres.
"Confront It" – Prevention
and Treatment
Preventative Measures
Preventing hepatitis involves
ensuring safe drinking water,
promoting good hygiene
practices, and using sterilised
medical equipment.
Vaccination Programmes
Vaccination is one of the most
effective ways to prevent hepatitis
B and A. Governments should
ensure that vaccines are
available and accessible,
particularly in rural and
underserved areas.
Access to Treatment
Ensuring access to affordable and
effective treatment is crucial. This
includes antiviral medications for
hepatitis B and C, as well as
supportive care for those with
chronic hepatitis.
Strengthening Health Care
Systems
Training Health Care
Professionals
Health care professionals should
receive regular training on
hepatitis diagnosis, management,
and treatment to ensure they are
well-equipped to handle the
disease effectively.
Improving Health Care
Infrastructure
Upgrading health care facilities,
particularly in rural areas, is
essential. This includes providing
necessary medical equipment
and ensuring a steady supply of
medications.
Integrating Hepatitis Care into
Primary Health Services
Incorporating hepatitis care into
primary health care services can
make diagnosis and treatment
more accessible. This involves
routine screening and integrating
hepatitis management into
existing health programmes.
HARRY CHOMS
AUTHOR’S BIO
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.
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| 9

COVER
The Billionaire with
the Midas Touch
ABDUL
SAMAD RA
10 |
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COVER
BIU
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COVER
Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu is the iconic entrepreneur
responsible for the remarkable successes of the BUA
Group in Nigeria. Rabiu, a name synonymous with
industry and influence, has carved a path that inspires
aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa.
Early Life, Family
and Education
In the bustling city of Kano,
northern Nigeria, a young
Abdul Samad Rabiu could
scarcely have imagined the
empire he would one day
build. Born in 1960 to Khalifah
Isyaku Rabiu, a prominent
Nigerian industrialist,
Abdul Samad's formative
years were steeped in
the world of business and
entrepreneurship.
Despite his family's influence,
Rabiu's childhood was
shaped by a focus on
education and diligence. He
received his early education
in Kano before travelling
to the United States for his
college education.
During his university years,
Rabiu honed his business
acumen, which would propel
him to success. After returning
to Nigeria in 1984 with a
Business Administration
degree from Capital
University in Columbus,
Ohio, USA, he continued his
education at the Harvard
Business School's Advanced
Management Programme.
Rabiu wasted no time putting
his knowledge to work for
the family business. At 24
years old, he established
BUA International Limited
with a focus on commodity
trading. This decision laid
the foundation for what
evolved into the BUA Group
- a conglomerate involved
in sectors such as cement
manufacturing, sugar
refining and infrastructure
development.
Samad Rabiu is a father of
four kids: Khadija Cookie
Rabiu, Isyaku Khalifa Rabiu,
Junaid Rabiu, and Rania
Rabiu. Among his fortytwo
siblings are IRS Airlines
Chairman, Rabiu Rabiu, and
Nafiu Rabiu.
From Steel to Sugar
Rabiu's journey began in 1988
with BUA International Limited,
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COVER
a company focused on
commodity trading. His astute
business acumen propelled
him to venture into steel
production, culminating in
his acquisition of the nation's
largest edible oil processing
plant, the Nigerian Oil Mills
Limited in 2001. Rabiu would
later set up two flour milling
plants in Lagos and Kano in
2005.
His relentless pursuit of
diversification is a defining
characteristic of the BUA
Group, a conglomerate
that today spans cement
production, sugar refining,
real estate, and more,
impressively showcasing its
scale and diversity.
From Humble
Beginnings to
Industrial Giant
BUA's story is one of shrewd
adaptation and strategic
expansion, mirroring the
journey of its visionary leader.
Rabiu's entrepreneurial
spirit took root in 1988 with
the establishment of BUA
International Limited. The
company initially focused
on commodity trading,
from where Rabiu honed
his business acumen
and establishing crucial
relationships within the
Nigerian market.
Rabiu Steers BUA
into Steel and
Beyond
A turning point came in
1990 when the government
contracted BUA to supply
raw materials, a partnership
which provided the capital
for Rabiu to expand into steel
production strategically. His
vision didn't stop there. He
diversified into edible oils
through the acquisition of
Nigerian Oil Mills, solidifying
BUA's position as a major
player in the economy.
The Cement
Revolution
The new millennium (2000)
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COVER
saw a shift in Rabiu's focus. He identified a
critical gap in Nigeria's cement production and
strategically acquired controlling interests in
several cement companies. The 2020 merger
of BUA's cement holdings created BUA Cement
Plc, instantly becoming one of Nigeria's largest
cement producers.
Beyond Manufacturing
Rabiu's relentless pursuit of growth has led
BUA into new territories. Sugar refining, real
estate development, and investments in
logistics and infrastructure are just some of
the ventures that have solidified BUA's position
as a diversified conglomerate under Rabiu's
guidance.
Leading from the Front
Throughout this remarkable journey, Rabiu
has steered BUA with a clear vision and
a focus on long-term development. His
leadership style emphasizes calculated risks,
strategic partnerships, and a commitment
to reinvesting profits into the group's growth.
The group's impressive track record speaks
volumes about Rabiu's leadership and
strategic direction. From its humble beginnings
as a trading company to its current status as
a national industrial powerhouse, BUA's story
is a testament to Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu's
unwavering ambition and his commitment to
shaping a more prosperous future for Nigeria.
Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu is not just a
businessman; he is a visionary leader who has
reshaped the Nigerian business landscape.
A Legacy of Giving
Rabiu’s entrepreneurial acumen is matched
by his dedication to philanthropy. Through
initiatives led by the BUA Foundation, he
has supported causes within Nigeria and
internationally. BUA Foundation concentrates
on health care, education and social progress
initiatives like building a 200-bed-hospital in
Kano State and distributing COVID-19 relief
materials valued at billions of naira during the
global health crisis.
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COVER
Perhaps most impressive is Rabiu's
involvement with the Abdul Samad Rabiu
Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), which he founded
in 2021. This ambitious project pledged $100
million annually for social development
projects across Africa, with a focus on health,
education, and social development.
Rabiu's philanthropic efforts extend beyond
his own foundations. He is a member of
the Boards of Trustees of the Aisha Buhari
Foundation and the Nigeria Police Trust
Fund. His commitment to corporate social
responsibility has earned him accolades,
including the Nigerian national honour of
Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
As chairman of BUA Group, Rabiu continues
to drive innovation and growth in Nigerian
industry. His journey from childhood, in Kano,
to becoming one of Africa's most prominent
businessmen and philanthropists serves as an
inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs across
the continent.
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ABDUL SA
ACCOMPLISH
COVER
By Ify Davies
The Nigerian business landscape
boasts a number of influential
figures, but few inspire the
same level of respect and admiration
as Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu. Rabiu's
name has become synonymous
with industry and progress,
reflecting his remarkable journey
from entrepreneur to billionaire
leader. A look at Rabiu's
accomplishments and the
awards that recognise his
exceptional contributions
to not only the success
of the BUA Group, but
also to the social and
economic fabric
of Nigeria shows a
man who knows
what he wants
and intentionally
works to get
there.
16 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

COVER
MAD RABIU'S
MENTS AND AWARDS
Business Leaders Awards, highlighting his influence within the
African business landscape.
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
and Abdul Samad Rabiu
Accomplishments
BUA, a Key Player in Nigeria's Industrial Landscape: Abdul
Samad Rabiu's entrepreneurial spirit ignited in 1988 with
BUA International Limited. His relentless drive and strategic
vision transformed BUA into a diversified conglomerate
encompassing cement production, sugar refining, real estate,
and more.
Through calculated risks and strategic acquisitions, Rabiu
has positioned BUA as a key player in Nigeria's industrial
landscape. The group's growth not only contributes to
economic development but also creates significant
employment opportunities.
Rabiu's Philanthropic Focus
Beyond his business achievements, Rabiu is a dedicated
philanthropist. Through the BUA Foundation and ASR Africa,
he tackles critical issues across the continent. Some notable
projects include:
- Building and equipping modern health care facilities in
underserved communities.
- Providing scholarships and educational infrastructure to
empower future generations.
- Supporting infrastructure development initiatives to improve
connectivity and access to essential services.
A Legacy of Accomplishments
Abdul Samad Rabiu's story is one of remarkable
accomplishments. His vision and leadership have not only built
a business empire but also fostered positive change in Nigeria
and beyond. As he continues to guide BUA, his influence on the
continent's economic and social development is sure to grow.
Looking Ahead
Under Rabiu's leadership, BUA continues to expand its footprint.
The company is exploring opportunities in new markets and
product lines, solidifying its position as a key player in Africa's
economic development. Rabiu's ambition and strategic vision
position BUA for continued growth and positive impact in the
years to come.
Philanthropic Leader: Rabiu's impact extends beyond the
corporate sphere. The BUA Foundation and ASR Africa
initiatives address critical needs in healthcare, education,
and infrastructure, reflecting his commitment to empowering
communities and fostering a brighter future for Africa.
Awards and Recognition
National Honour: In October 2022, Rabiu received the
prestigious Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic
(CFR) from President Muhammadu Buhari, a testament to his
national contributions.
Business Leadership: Rabiu's leadership has garnered
numerous accolades, including the 2022 "CEO of the
Year" at the African CSR Awards and the 2020 "Vanguard
Businessperson of the Year Award".
Industry Recognition: He has been honoured with titles like the
"African Industrialist of the Year Award", in 2016, by the All-Africa
IFY DAVIES
AUTHOR’S BIO
Ify Davies is a seasoned writer, editor, and strategist
with a keen eye for technology. With a career
spanning over six years, Davies excels in crafting
compelling narratives and strategies that drive
innovation and growth.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 17

COVER
SELECTED
QUOTES
OF ABDUL
SAMAD
ISYAKU
RABIU
By Ikenna Damian Ngere
It has saved us
so much hassle,
not to mention the
money we have
saved and jobs we
have created.
I’m happy that
[for] the businesses
we are now in, we
really don’t need to
import or spend a lot
of foreign exchange
We have a
young, teeming
population that
needs jobs
Success
usually comes
to those who are
too busy to be
looking for it
I would look
at the $3bn-$4bn
we spend importing
steel pipes, find out
who was importing
them, and tell them:
‘Guys, we are stopping
those imports. But we will
give you five years and
help you produce steel in
Nigeria fully integrated
from iron ore. And it’s
easy. We did it in
cement. We did it
in sugar.
I am guided each
day by these three
questions: ‘What are
you fixing?’ ‘What
are you making?’
and ‘Who are you
helping?
It’s crucial to listen to your
customers. Deliver on time and
don’t over-promise or underpromise
or over-promise and
under-deliver. I learned to run my
business very efficiently. It’s also
important that you communicate
and be responsive
The reality is th
our competitors
always outspen
but we’ve still exe
better than them.
I’m sure money is
sole determinant
of providing a be
service or prod
Someone
might have
a very good
business plan,
and it would
work, but he
can’t find the
money
Dr
goo
your
be p
examp
find in
will pu
proj
them
po
pr
18 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

My knowledge
and experiences in
business give me the
passion to do what
I do consistently
to improve the
business.
at
have
t us,
cuted
Hence,
not the
factor
tter
uct
Everyone
was lazy, trading
imports took over
in the last days of
the previous
regimes.
Growth
can only
be achieved
by matching and
surpassing the
existing quality,
even if that means
besting your
own records.
Businesses
that are spoilt
with too much
capital make the
wrong decisions.
Constraints are
the most wonderful
things in business
because constraints
allow you to be
innovative and
come up with
different
solutions
Failure
is an
opportunity
to learn and to
do better next
time. It is part
of the path to
greatness, which
was never
meant to be
smooth.
COVER
If I had worried
about everything
that could go wrong,
I would never have
started. Sometimes,
you just need to take
a leap of faith.
eaming is
d. But now
dream must
rofitable. For
le, you cannot
vestors who
t funds in your
ect without
seeing the
tential for
ofitability.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 19

AFRICAN STARTUP ANGEL by
INVESTING
IN AFRICA'S
STARTUP SCENE:
THE CHALLENGES
OF 2024:
In 2024, early stage investors are
navigating a complex and
evolving landscape in the African
tech ecosystem, resulting in an
increasing focus on three critical
concerns that are influencing
start-up operational success and,
by implication, valuations across the
continent. This article presents my
perspective on these challenges
and how to go about navigating
them to tap into the immense
potential of Africa’s tech sector.
The prospect of a global economic
downturn is a significant concern for
us all with rising inflation, interest
rate hikes, and geopolitical tensions
fueling fears of a recession. This
economic uncertainty could
severely increase the already
restricted access to capital African
start-ups experience, particularly
from international investors who are
becoming more risk-averse.
Additionally, a slowdown in
consumer spending, as inflationary
trends and currency devaluations
continue, will put considerable
pressure - not just on SMEs but also
on start-ups that rely heavily on
strong domestic demand.
In this climate, early stage investors
have become more discerning,
favouring start-up ventures with
solid financials, proven business
models, and clear trajectories
towards profitability. Wellcapitalised
start-ups addressing
fundamental consumer or
enterprise needs are now in a much
stronger negotiating position than
those burning cash on luxury or
non-essential product/service
offers. As we say, pain-killers please
not vitamins...
Political instability remains a critical
risk factor across the continent with
almost one-third of African
countries hosting one-fifth of
Africa’s population expected to hold
elections in 2024. South Africa just
concluded and several other
nations, including Rwanda, Tunisia,
Mozambique, Mauritania and
Ghana, are heading into highstakes
elections in 2024.
Ongoing conflicts and civil unrest in
countries like Ethiopia and Sudan
create highly unpredictable
20 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

AFRICAN STARTUP ANGEL by
operating environments. Given such
conditions, a large number of
international investors in the African
early stage tech ecosystem are
cautious about making substantial
commitments in politically volatile
regions. They increasingly scrutinise
start-ups’ contingency plans and
their ability to navigate potential
disruptions.
Conversely, ventures operating in
more politically stable countries like
Botswana, Mauritius and Senegal,
with strong democratic
institutions, present
themselves as safer bets,
offering a refuge for
investor funds.
As Africa's tech sector
matures,
governments are
grappling with the
challenge of fostering
innovation while
protecting consumers
and maximising tax
revenues. This has led to
a wave of newly
unpredicted regulations and
licensing requirements,
particularly affecting sectors such
as fintech, e-commerce, and
ride-hailing in countries like Kenya,
Nigeria, and South Africa. While such
regulatory clarity can ultimately
benefit start-ups, the short-term
compliance costs and operational
constraints are deterring investors
from committing to highly regulated
sectors. The savvy ones are only
looking to back founders who have
a thorough understanding of the
regulatory environment and can
adeptly navigate their businesses
through these changes.
The final challenge I want to share
here is the competition for top
technical talent. With global tech
giants ramping up their hiring efforts
across Africa, start-ups must
demonstrate robust talent
acquisition and retention strategies
to attract international investment.
This is because investors know that
start-up ventures boasting strong
technical teams and compelling
value propositions for their
employees are likely to fare better in
the current competitive landscape.
Despite all these challenges, I am of
the unequivocal opinion that Africa's
start-up ecosystem still holds
promise and will continue to attract
global interest. The key for us lies in
conducting rigorous due diligence
and partnering with founders who
have a long-term
vision for
As
Africa's tech
sector matures,
governments are
grappling with the
challenge of fostering
innovation while
protecting consumers
and maximising tax
revenues.
navigating
the continent’s
dynamic markets. Start-ups with not
only strong financials but also a
deep understanding of the local
political and regulatory landscape.
Ventures that can effectively recruit
and retain top talents making them
well-positioned to thrive.
As we move through mid-2024, the
African start-up scene presents a
mix of challenges and opportunities.
Global economic uncertainties,
political risks, and regulatory hurdles
are significant concerns. However,
the potential for high rewards
remains for those willing to invest
the time and resources required into
thorough due diligence and
development of local and
international strategic partnerships.
With a nuanced understanding of
the African market and a keen eye
for resilient, innovative start-ups, we
can still find promising opportunities
within this ecosystem. By supporting
companies that address core needs
and demonstrate adaptability, we
can contribute to and benefit from
Africa’s continued tech growth and
innovation.
Success in this dynamic
environment requires a careful
balance of caution and optimism,
grounded in a deep appreciation of
the unique opportunities and risks
that define Africa's start-up
landscape. By leveraging local
insights and building strong
partnerships, you can navigate
these challenges and tap into the
immense potential of Africa’s tech
sector.
Tomi Davies (TD) BIO:
TD is a leading figure in
Africa’s tech ecosystem,
known as “Africa’s top Angel”
and the inspiring voice behind
TVC Labs, a start-up support
organisation in Lagos, Nigeria.
His expertise extends to angel
investing, mentoring, and
advising tech companies,
all while equipping future
generations of entrepreneurs
through his book “Investment
Worthy Startup” published in
2023.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 21

DIASPORA AFRICAN
Lupita Nyong'o,
Kenyan Multiple
Award-winning Actress
By Harry Choms
Lupita Amondi Nyong'o, born
March 1, 1983, is a talented
actress and author with Kenyan
and Mexican roots. Her
Hollywood journey began as a
production assistant, but she quickly
moved to acting, debuting in the
short film "East River" in 2008. She
soon returned to Kenya to star in the
TV series "Shuga" (2009–2012). In
2009, she showcased her versatility
by writing, producing, and directing
the documentary "In My Genes"
before pursuing a Master's degree in
Acting from the prestigious Yale
School of Drama.
Nyong'o's big break came with her
role as Patsey in the 2013 film "12 Years
a Slave," earning her critical acclaim
and numerous awards, including the
Academy Award for Best Supporting
Actress. This achievement made her
the first Kenyan and Mexican actress
to win an Oscar. She later debuted on
Broadway in "Eclipsed" (2015), earning
a Tony Award nomination for Best
Actress. Nyong'o expanded her
portfolio with roles such as Maz
Kanata in the Star Wars sequel trilogy
(2015–2019) and Raksha in "The
Jungle Book" (2016). Her career
continued to soar with her role as
Nakia in "Black Panther" (2018) and
her lead role in Jordan Peele's horror
film "Us" (2019).
Advocacy and Other Pursuits
Beyond acting, Nyong'o is a
passionate advocate for historic
preservation, women's rights, and
animal welfare. In 2014, People
Magazine named her the most
beautiful woman. She authored the
children's book "Sulwe" (2019), which
became a New York Times Best-
Seller. That same year, she narrated
the Discovery Channel docu-series
"Serengeti," earning a Primetime
Emmy nomination for Outstanding
Narrator. Forbes recognised her as
one of Africa's "50 Most Powerful
Women" in 2020.
Early Life and Education
Born in Mexico City, Nyong'o's family
originally hailed from Kenya but fled
due to political oppression. Her family
faced severe hardships due to their
activism against an authoritarian
president. Tragically, her uncle was
attacked, and her father tortured,
events that profoundly influenced
Nyong'o's understanding of suffering,
as reflected in her performance in "12
Years a Slave." Despite these
challenges, Nyong'o's family provided
a nurturing environment. Her mother,
Dorothy Ogada Buyu, runs a
communications firm and serves as
managing director of the Africa
Cancer Foundation. Her father, Peter
Anyang' Nyong'o, is a politician and
professor who served as Kenya's
health minister. Raised in Nairobi, she
moved to Mexico briefly to learn
Spanish. Nyong'o discovered her love
for acting at Rusinga International
School and performed as Romeo in a
school "Romeo and Juliet" production
at 14. She studied
Theatre and Film at Hampshire
College in the United States and later
honed her craft at the Yale School of
Drama, where she excelled in
numerous productions and won a
prestigious acting award.
Career Milestones
Breakthrough with "12 Years a Slave"
Shortly after graduating from Yale,
Nyong'o landed the role of Patsey in
"12 Years a Slave" (2013). The film,
produced by Brad Pitt and directed
by Steve McQueen, became a critical
success, winning several Academy
Awards. Nyong'o's portrayal of Patsey,
a young enslaved woman, garnered
widespread praise, with Empire
Magazine highlighting her "devoted
big-screen debut."
Continued Success on Stage
and Screen
Nyong'o's Broadway performance in
"Eclipsed" further showcased her
talent. She also starred in blockbuster
films such as "Star Wars: The Force
Awakens", "The Jungle Book", "Black
Panther", and the horror film "Us".
Besides acting, she directed a music
video and championed causes like
health challenges in Africa, poaching,
and animal rights. She has also been
vocal about the issues of sexual
harassment in Hollywood.
Recent Roles and Projects
In 2016, Nyong'o returned to the big
screen with roles in "The Jungle Book"
and "Queen of Katwe". Her role as
Nakia in "Black Panther" was
particularly enjoyable. She expressed
delight in starring in an action movie,
highlighting the physical demands of
her role. As of now, Nyong'o's net
worth is estimated at $10 million.
Controversy -
Voice Acting in "Us"
After "Us" was released, some critics
claimed Nyong'o's character's voice
22 |
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

DIASPORA AFRICAN
portrayed disabilities negatively.
Nyong'o clarified that she drew
inspiration from spasmodic dysphonia,
a neurological disorder, and her
character's voice was a creative blend
of influences, not meant to offend.
Personal Life
Nyong'o is known for privacy regarding
her personal life. Despite rumours about
her relationships, she remains
focused on her charitable
work and other commitments.
She advocates for Black
women's empowerment,
animal rights, and improved
birthing facilities in Uganda.
Additionally, she models and
represents various fashion
houses and magazines.
Nyong'o grew up with five
siblings under the care of her
supportive parents, making
her journey from Mexico City
to Hollywood a remarkable
tale of resilience and talent.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 23

FEATURE / ANALYSIS
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
NIGERIA,
WHO HAILS THEE?
By Dave Baro-Thomas
In the face of the current
perplexities and uncertainties
bedevilling Nigeria, the first
line of the old but now new
National Anthem, "Nigeria, we
hail thee", poses inexplicable
contradictions and invokes
confusion because many across
the country are asking - Nigeria
Who Hails Thee or Nigeria What
ails Thee? A dispassionate
critique of the state of the
country 64 years after and
if the phantom quarter-ofa-century-old
unbroken
democratic experiment comes
under the scrutiny of the tenets
and spirit of true democracy
with such measuring rods like
the rule of law, separation of
power, fundamental human
rights, independence of the
electoral umpire, free, fair and
credible elections - will all these
24 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

FEATURE / ANALYSIS
shenanigans in the name of
celebrating democracy pass
the litmus test?
But as the country prepared to
mark another Democracy Day
anniversary with fanfare and
self- promoting scorecards
across all strata of governance,
the owners of Nigeria decided
to reverse to the old national
anthem. The reversion is recordbreaking,
and a presumed silver
bullet shut into the many woes
of a troubled country! No doubt,
the magic wand with incredible
capabilities to stir national
rebirth and transformation.
Amidst the complex problems
on the shoulders of a broken
• Senate President,
Godswill Akpabio
and battered country like ours,
a few select representatives of
the people became religiously
aspirational, got so excited,
and figured out that a change
of national song would unlock
future possibilities of a polity
destroyed by age-long bad
leadership; hence the song
of redemption re-introduced.
Since the change of the national
anthem, the country jerked back
to life, defying all doomsday
economic forecasts, and rapid
development slid into autodrive!
We have never had it so
wonderful. The new-old national
anthem became a raging storm
that swept through the entire
country, forcing the exchange
rate to decline and setting the
path of economic recovery.
The broken-down refineries
resuscitated and produced
at capacity - meeting OPEC
quota with the local fuel pump
prices plummeting drastically
and ending the all-time high
inflationary rates!
It can only take some genius
like this crop of lawmakers
to see through the maze/
haze of national calamities to
understand that a song gifted
to a nation by her colonial
lords holds the ace for national
moral rearmament and true
nation-building. Nigerians
must adore and revere her
leadership for such timely
interventions because farmers
have gone to the farms in
droves as agricultural produce
overwhelms the market since
the all-powerful national
song returned and food crises
suffered for some years now
rescinded to the utter shock
of the masses. What a song!
Nigerians are gasping for
breath in excitement since
the reintroduction of the old
national anthem with the likes of
Guinness, Glaxo, and others that
left the country, re-invested and
ushered industrial rebirth.
Nigeria, we hail thee - like a
magic wand, banished all forms
of ethnic cleavages and tribal
contentions. There is peace,
harmony, and tranquility across
the land. The security challenges
ended almost immediately
as Mr. President and the joint
leadership of the national
legislative chambers, with
hands across their hearts, sang:
"Nigeria, we hail thee."
The list of the impact of
this colonial-inspired song
celebrated as our national
anthem is endless and runs
deep into the fabric of our
national lives, bringing about
solutions like restructuring,
community policing, local
government autonomy and
a lean parliamentary and
executive arms respectively.
The song also ended kidnap for
ransom, terrorism, stolen solid
mineral resources, rudderless
economy, wonders of a blue
economy on paper, etc.
But alas! One hears a deep
groan echoing from the
scourging Savanah and deserts
of the North to the rain forest of
the South. Though muffled yet
distinct like the shriek of a redeyed
pregnant lioness, rhythmic
to the ear: Nigeria, who hails
thee/what ails thee, our own
dear native land...
Is there anything to hail Nigeria
about? Your guess is as good as
mine!
DAVE
BARO-THOMAS
AUTHOR’S BIO
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.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 25

FEATURE / ANALYSIS
JAPA:
NIGERIANS
SHOULD KNOW
BANNED ITEMS
AND RESTRICTED
AREAS
With increasing
reports of
molestation of
people carrying
the Nigerian passport, it
has become necessary to
advise Nigerians seeking
to travel out of the country
to be well-informed about
travel restrictions for several
compelling reasons. Emigration
regulations can determine
affect visa applications, and
shape travel experience,
including how one is treated
upon arriving at the destination.
Being adequately informed
would help travellers avoid
potential legal issues, navigate
immigration checkpoints
smoothly, and ensure
compliance with health and
safety protocols.
As globalisation continues to
shrink our world, more Nigerians
26 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

FEATURE / ANALYSIS
are taking advantage of
opportunities to travel abroad,
whether for education,
business, tourism, or other
personal reasons. While the
excitement of exploring new
cultures and environments is
understandable, it is crucial
for Nigerian travellers to
thoroughly research and
understand the regulations
regarding banned or
acceptable items and
restricted areas in their
destination countries. This
diligence can prevent legal
troubles, ensure smooth
travels, and avoid further
injuries to the image of the
country at immigration points.
Knowing Banned and
Acceptable Items
Every country has regulations
on what items are allowed
or prohibited within its
borders. Ignorance of these
rules can lead to severe
consequences, including fines,
confiscation of goods, or even
imprisonment. For instance,
certain medications that are
available over the counter in
Nigeria might be classified as
controlled substances in other
countries. Foods, plants, and
animal products could also be
items of strict import restrictions
to prevent the spreading of
diseases and pests.
Before travelling, Nigerians
should:
• Research Customs
Regulations: The first step is
to visit the official website
of the destination country's
customs department.
These sites typically provide
comprehensive lists of
prohibited and restricted
items.
• Consult Travel Advisory
Services: Nigerian travellers
can also consult travel
advisory services provided
by the Nigerian government
or international bodies for
updated information on travel
regulations.
• Check Airline Policies: Airlines
often restrict what can be
carried in checked baggage or
hand luggage. It is important
to review these policies to
avoid issues at the airport.
Some Factors that Influence
Travel Restrictions
Several factors influence
travel restrictions that Nigerian
passport holders should
understand in order to plan their
trips effectively. These factors
include governmental policies,
diplomatic relations, and global
health considerations.
• Government Policies and
Regulations
Governments worldwide
implement policies and
regulations governing entry
requirements for foreign
travellers. Nigerian passport
holders must familiarise
themselves with visa
application procedures,
duration of stay limits, and
specific documentation
required for each destination.
• Visa Requirements and
Immigration Laws
Visa requirements vary widely
among countries, from visafree
entry to strict visa-onarrival
procedures. Nigerian
travellers should conduct
thorough research
on visa policies
well in advance to
prevent last-minute
complications.
• Diplomatic Relations
Between Countries
Political relations between
Nigeria and other countries
can influence travel restrictions.
Diplomatic tensions may lead
to visa suspensions, travel
advisories, or heightened
security measures affecting
Nigerian travellers' access to
certain regions.
• Global Health Concerns and
Pandemic Protocols
Governments may impose
travel restrictions to curb
disease transmission in
response to global health crises.
When travelling internationally,
Nigerian travellers must adhere
to health protocols such as
vaccination requirements,
health screenings, or quarantine
measures.
Importance of Cultural
Sensitivity and Compliance
Understanding and respecting
local customs and laws
ensures compliance and
fosters goodwill. Being aware
of cultural sensitivities can help
avoid misunderstandings and
potential conflicts. For instance,
dress codes, public behaviour,
and even conversational topics
can vary widely from one
country to another.
• Learn Basic Cultural Norms:
Taking the time to learn
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 27

FEATURE / ANALYSIS
about the cultural norms and
expectations of the destination
country can go a long way
in ensuring respectful and
smooth interactions.
• Respect Local Laws: Even
if certain behaviours are
acceptable in Nigeria, they
might be illegal elsewhere.
For example, certain gestures,
expressions, or social
behaviours might be deemed
inappropriate or offensive in
other cultures.
Strategies for Navigating Travel
Restrictions Effectively
To navigate travel restrictions
effectively, Nigerian passport
holders can adopt proactive
strategies to streamline travel
preparations and enhance their
travel experiences.
• Preparing for International
Travel
Before embarking on
international journeys,
Nigerian travellers should
conduct thorough research
on destination-specific travel
advisories, visa requirements,
and health protocols. This
preparation minimises surprises
and ensures smooth entry into
foreign countries.
• Conducting Thorough
Research Before Departure
Researching travel advisories
issued by Nigerian authorities,
embassies of destination
countries, and reputable
travel agencies provides
comprehensive insights into
current restrictions and safety
guidelines. This information
empowers travellers to make
informed decisions and adjust
travel plans accordingly.
• Consultation with Travel
Agencies and Embassies
Seeking guidance from
experienced travel agencies
or Nigerian embassies
abroad can provide valuable
assistance in navigating
complex travel restrictions.
These agencies offer expertise
in visa applications, itinerary
planning, and compliance with
international travel regulations,
ensuring a hassle-free travel
experience.
• Ensuring Compliance
with Health Protocols and
Documentation
Adhering to health protocols
such as vaccination
requirements, COVID-19 testing,
or quarantine measures is
crucial for Nigerian travellers'
health and safety. Proper
documentation validates
compliance with these
protocols and facilitates
smooth passage through
immigration checkpoints.
Recent Real-Life Experiences
Recently, a press release from
the Nigerians in Diaspora
Commission (NiDCOM)
cautioned Nigerian citizens
travelling through Switzerland
against possessing laser
pointers at their airports.
This advisory follows the
recent detention of Dr.
Andrew Etsetowaghan at
Geneva Airport for carrying a
presentation pointer in his hand
luggage after the pointers had
been banned in Switzerland
since June 1, 2019, of which he
was unaware.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa,
Chairman/CEO NiDCOM,
noted that many immigrants
might be unaware of this
regulation and urged Nigerian
travellers to exercise caution
to avoid similar incidents. Dr.
Etsetowaghan, a public health
expert and Project Director at
the Centre for Clinical Care and
Clinical Research in Nigeria,
was detained on May 25, 2024,
after attending a United States
Department meeting in Geneva.
Dr Etsetowaghan, part of an
official delegation, recounted
his ordeal: “Upon going through
security at Geneva Airport, I was
informed that my presentation
pointer was not allowed in
Switzerland.
“I was detained, had my
belongings and documents
seized, and was subjected to
several hours of interrogation
and solitary confinement in a
cell. Despite my compliance,
the treatment I received was
inhumane, including limited
access to bathroom facilities
and being forced to sign
documents in French under
duress.”
He urged for measures to
prevent such incidents in the
future. He called for a review
of the procedures and better
awareness of the banned
items to ensure travellers are
well-informed. Reacting to the
incident, NiDCOM emphasised
the importance of raising
awareness about prohibited
items in Swiss airports and
urged Swiss authorities to
enhance their communication
on such regulations, describing
the ordeal as “avoidable."
HARRY CHOMS
AUTHOR’S BIO
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.
28 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

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| 29

FEATURE / ANALYSIS
is the buzz word
among all classes
and categories of
Nigerians today.
‘Japa’
It is a word that
represents, ‘the way out’ for
most, if not, all Nigerians! It
is not just a lingo or a slang. It
means much more, depending
on what stage of life you are
at. It is the magic word that
announces your escape to
a new hope, a new future,
and a new beginning. It also
brings about new relevance,
growth, adventure, stability,
consolidation, peace, security,
rationality, revival, selfdiscovery,
meaning and so
on; a reboot. It also represents
escape from everything that a
human society should not be -
which has become the reality of
Nigeria today.
PATRIOTISM
AND
EMIGRATION:
THE ETHICAL
CHALLENGES
OF NIGERIAN
It is an escape from the flip side of
all the positives above but, most
importantly, an escape to sanity;
CITIZENS
By Victor Olewunne
• Abike Dabiri and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
30 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

FEATURE / ANALYSIS
even when some attempted
escape has been nothing short of
a journey into hell. The question
is: at what cost to the future of a
tottering country at the verge of
collapse? Why and what is the right
measure of individual aspiration
for self actualisation that can be
matched against the necessity for
patriotism, the love and well being
of one’s country.
Nigeria, with its rich cultural
heritage and a diverse population,
has long grappled with the
complex interplay between
patriotism and emigration. This
is, primarily, due to inequities in
the way the diversities and ethnic
differences has been managed.
While patriotism traditionally
evokes sentiments of loyalty
and devotion to one's country,
the phenomenon of emigration
in Nigeria presents a revealing
pattern, an ethnic majority and
ethical challenges that redefine the
allegiance of the citizens. The most
educated and most marginalised
group seem to constitute the
majority of the emigrants.
In a globalised world, where
opportunities abound beyond
national borders, the decision to
emigrate often raises questions
about personal discontent, identity,
duty, and the collective welfare of
the nation.
Patriotism and National Identity
Patriotism is deeply rooted in
the concept of national identity,
encompassing a sense of
belonging, pride, and commitment
to the advancement of one's
country. For Nigerians, this identity
is multifaceted but checkered,
drawing from scars of historical
dents and damages, of ethnic
hatred, oppression, deprivation
and blood shed. In a nation of
aggravated economic inequality,
political instability, and social
tensions, the notion of a Nigerian
identity is constantly contested
and elusive.
Emigration as a Pursuit of
Opportunity
Emigration, the act of leaving one's
country to settle elsewhere, has
become increasingly common
among Nigerians seeking better
prospects abroad. Economic
factors, including inequality in the
distribution of national resources,
staggering waste and corruption
by public office holders, leading
to high unemployment rates and
limited access to quality education
and health care, especially among
the masses, often drive individuals
to seek opportunities in more
developed countries. Add to this,
political instability and insecurity,
the desired environment for a safe
and productive life is lost.
Ethical Dilemmas
The decision to emigrate
is expected to raise ethical
dilemmas for Nigerian citizens,
challenging notions of loyalty,
responsibility, and solidarity
with fellow compatriots. On one
hand, individuals may argue that
pursuing personal advancement
abroad is a rational choice in the
face of limited opportunities at
home. They see emigration as
a means to escape economic
hardship and other vices Nigeria
has acquired over the years,
and as the way to provide a
better future for themselves
and their families. On the other
hand, critics would argue that
emigration contributes to brain
drain, depriving Nigeria of skilled
professionals vital for national
development. Moreover, the loss
of talent exacerbates existing
inequalities and hinders efforts to
build a prosperous and equitable
society. Additionally, the act of
emigrating can be seen as a
betrayal of allegiance to one's
country, especially in times of crisis
when solidarity and collective
action are needed.
Navigating Patriotism and
Emigration
Patriotism is never a given
in any multi-ethnic society.
Balancing patriotism and
the desire for emigration
requires careful consideration
of individual aspirations and
collective responsibilities. While
it is understandable that many
Nigerians seek opportunities
abroad, it is essential to recognise
the broader implications
of emigration on national
development and cohesion.
Government policies aimed at
addressing the root causes of
emigration, such as merit and
fair reward system, improving
education, health care, and job
opportunities, are crucial for
retaining talent and fostering a
sense of belonging among citizens.
Conclusion
The ethical challenges posed
by patriotism and emigration
are complex and multifaceted,
reflecting the aspirations and
struggles of Nigerian citizens
in a rapidly changing world in
which their country has been
left behind. While emigration
offers opportunities for personal
advancement, it also raises
questions about loyalty, solidarity,
and national development. By
engaging in constructive dialogue
and taking proactive steps
to address underlying issues,
Nigerians can navigate these
challenges with a renewed sense
of purpose and commitment to the
well-being of their country.
VICTOR
OLEWUNNE
AUTHOR’S BIO
Victor Olewunne, the Ethicist,
is a public affairs analyst and
Founder, African Foundation for
Ethics and Social Responsibility.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 31

FEATURE / ANALYSIS
AI and the Ancestors:
Bridging the Digital
Divide with Tradition
By Wisdom Thursday
• Smart robotic farmers concept robot farmers
agriculture technology farm automation
Nigeria's vibrant cultural
landscape thrives on its rich
traditions and reverence for
the wisdom of our ancestors.
As we embrace the future with open
arms, a fascinating question arises:
Can artificial intelligence (AI), the
cutting edge of technology, coexist
and even learn from these deeply
rooted beliefs? The answer, like the
intricate patterns of an adinkra
symbol, is multifaceted. (Adinkra is a
cotton cloth produced in Ghana and
Côte d'Ivoire which has traditional
Akan symbols, representing represent
popular proverbs and maxims,
stamped upon it.)
Let's delve into the intersection of AI
and our ancestral traditions, exploring
how they can inform and enrich each
other.
Honouring the Past: Ancestral
32 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

FEATURE / ANALYSIS
Wisdom in the Digital Age
Ancestral knowledge, passed down
through generations, has long guided
decision-making in Nigerian
communities. From farming practices
informed by weather patterns
observed for centuries to conflict
resolution based on time-tested
proverbs, our ancestors left a legacy
of wisdom embedded in tradition. AI,
with its vast data processing
capabilities, can be a powerful tool
for preserving and amplifying this
knowledge.
Imagine AI systems trained on
historical narratives, proverbs, and
folktales. This digital repository could
offer valuable insights into past
decision-making processes, their
successes and failures, informing
solutions for present challenges.
Ethical Considerations: Respecting
the Ancestral Voice
However, integrating AI with tradition
requires a delicate balance. Data
privacy concerns are paramount.
Traditional knowledge often holds
cultural significance and may not be
readily translatable to a digital
format. Respectful engagement with
communities is crucial to ensure that
AI doesn't exploit or misrepresent this
sacred knowledge.
Another vital concern is the potential
for bias. Ancestral knowledge
systems may contain biases of the
past. AI algorithms trained on such
data could perpetuate these biases,
hindering progress. Here,
collaboration between AI developers
and cultural experts becomes
essential.
Curating data sets that accurately
represent the nuances of our
traditions while remaining critically
aware of potential biases is key.
The Future We Co-create: AI for
Social Harmony
The potential of AI for social good
aligns perfectly with the emphasis on
community well-being in many
Nigerian traditions. Imagine AI
systems that analyse conflict
resolution strategies embedded in
proverbs, offering new avenues for
mediation. AI-powered translation
tools can help bridge communication
gaps between communities, fostering
understanding and unity.
Furthermore, AI can be used to
digitally preserve cultural heritage
sites and artifacts, ensuring their
accessibility for future generations.
This would allow Nigerians around the
world to connect with their roots,
strengthening the cultural fabric of
our nation.
A Bridge Between Worlds: Blending
Tradition and Technology
The future of AI in Nigeria is one where
technology would complement, not
replace, our traditions. Here are some
ways to achieve this harmonious
integration:
• Community Engagement:
Including community leaders and
cultural experts in the AI
development process would
ensure respectful treatment of
traditional knowledge.
• Focus on Human-Centred Design:
AI solutions should be designed
with the specific needs and cultural
contexts of Nigerian communities in
mind.
• Digital Literacy Training: Equipping
Nigerians with digital literacy skills
empowers them to participate in
the development and application
of AI in a way that aligns with their
values.
Conclusion: A Future Rooted in
Tradition
Nigeria's rich tapestry of traditions is a
treasure trove of knowledge waiting
to be explored. By embracing AI with
a discerning eye, we can create a
future where technology honours our
ancestors, fosters social progress,
and propels our nation towards a
brighter tomorrow. Remember, the
journey of AI in Nigeria is not just
about technological advancement;
it's about forging a path where the
wisdom of the past illuminates the
future we'll build together. As the
Yoruba proverb goes, "Igba kii rugba,
obi kii mu omi" (The calabash cannot
replace the pot, and the hand cannot
drink water). So too, AI should not
erase tradition, but rather become a
vessel for its preservation and future
application.
WISDOM THURSDAY
AUTHOR’S BIO
Wisdom Thursday is a digital
growth specialist. He is a
disruptive thinker with a diverse
skill set and experience in
Brand Strategy Development,
Digital Marketing, Web Design
and Marketing Strategy
Development..
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 33

GL BAL InfoDIGEST
Hello readers. In this edition, we bring
you human interest stories that show
the relationship between choices and
circumstances. We believe these stories
will inspire a resolve for you to remain
resilient, purposeful and maintain healthy
relationships in order to make the climb up
life's goals-ladder full of interesting sparks.
At one time, Tony Atlas
was one of the top pro
wrestlers in the world. He
made a lot of money, but
after his wife divorced
him, paying back taxes to
the IRS, and having a
so-called friend steal his
money, he was left
penniless and without a
home.
Positive Self
Portrayal
Makes A
Difference
52-year-old guy named
A Frederick Callison
moved to California for a
job about two years ago,
but it fell through. Sadly,
he ended up homeless.
He had a ton of
experience as a line
cook, but he just couldn't
find any job. After some
time, he decided to sit
outside a grocery store
in Sacramento. Instead
of begging for alms, he
handed out resumes!
Someone took a picture
of him doing it late last
month, posted it online
along with a photo of the
resume and asked
people to share it on
Facebook. Soon after, a
pizza place in downtown
Sacramento hired him!
He's working as a cook,
and someone else has
given him a place to stay
until he can save up for
an apartment.
Good people doing good
things. Love it!
Editor's Note: The piece
was originally written by
Coleen E. Rodgers for
True Love Conquers All
and posted on Quora.
com.
He eventually went to
work for Mario Savioldi's
ICW/IWCCW wrestling
promotion in the New
England territory, in the
United States, where he
was earning decent
money. However, that
promotion eventually
folded, and Atlas was
once again without
money and homeless,
sleeping under park
benches and going days
without eating.
One day a lady saw Atlas
sleeping under a park
bench in freezing
temperatures. She offered
him help, which he initially
refused, but after realising
that he would likely freeze
to death, he finally
relented and accepted
her help.
She took him to her home
where he got a haircut
and showered, and after a
few weeks, he started
going back to the gym to
work out and get back in
shape. Some time later, a
police officer took notice
of him and approached
him. Initially, Atlas thought
he may be getting
arrested for something he
did while homeless, but it
34 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

GL BAL InfoDIGEST
May Real
Helpers Come
Your Way
turned out the police officer
had recognised him from
his pro wrestling days. The
cop suggested he should
call Vince McMahon, which
he did and he was offered a
job with the WWF/WWE as
Saba Simba, and with Atlas
making a good living again,
he started sending $500 a
week to the lady that
helped him when he was
homeless.
After Atlas' run with the
WWF/WWE was over, he
returned to the lady's home
and she gave him all the
money he had been
sending her. She told him
that she had been saving it
for him, and encouraged
him to use that money to
get certified as a personal
trainer so that if and when
his pro wrestling career was
over, he'd have something
to fall back on.
He took her advice and
became a certified
personal trainer, and had a
short stint with WCW,
another brief return to the
WWF/WWE, and a few
independent promotions.
As for the woman who
helped Tony Atlas when he
was at his low point in life,
well her name is Monika,
and she is now Tony Atlas
wife.
Credit: Black Revolutionary
| Facebook.
• Tony Atlas and wife
Editor's Note: The story
was posted on Quora.com
by Frank Abah.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 35

GL BAL InfoDIGEST
Sacrificing for Family
• Keanu Reeves with siblings
Great Things Get Started
by One Determined Person
Keanu Reeves
sacrificed fame,
fortune, and, most
importantly, time to be
with his siblings. The
actor and his two sisters
were abandoned by their
father at a young age,
and Keanu decided that
it was his responsibility to
keep the family together.
In 1991, Kim, the actor’s
sister, was diagnosed
with leukemia while
Keanu’s career was at its
peak. The then fast-rising
star sold his home to
move closer to his sister
and provide her with the
necessary care, including
cleaning her house,
preparing her meals, and
In 1962, a 37-year-old man from England
named Brendon Grimshaw suddenly quit his
job and bought a small island in the
Seychelles for about $10,000. The island was
called Moyenne and, at the time of purchase,
had been abandoned for 50 years.
Everyone thought the man was crazy. Brendon
eventually moved to the island permanently
as its sole inhabitant. While most people tend
to buy islands for luxury, Brendon had a
broader vision. He wanted to restore the island
to its raw beauty, creating a natural paradise
completely uncontaminated by man and
tourism.
For the next 40 years, Brendon lived alone on
the island; he managed to plant 16,000 trees by
hand, built 5 km of nature trails and attracted
around 2,000 new birds to the island.
Brendon transformed a desert land into an
island of incredible beauty! Moyenne was so
beautiful that Brendon was offered 50 million
dollars by a Saudi prince, but he turned it down.
Since Brendon died in 2012, the island has been
owned by the Moyenne Island Foundation and
is now a national park available to all thanks to
his efforts.
Editor's Note: This piece was written by
Alessandro13 for Extremely Interesting Facts
and shared on Quora.com.
36 |
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

GL BAL InfoDIGEST
giving her the necessary medications.
"My brother is my prince. He listens to every
word, to every comma after every word that
you are saying," Kim once said.
It took ten years before the younger Reeves fully
recovered. However, throughout the years,
Keanu was there to support her while he put his
career on the back burner.
The "Matrix" star donated seventy per cent of
his earnings from the first "Matrix" film to fund
leukemia research. His first salary from the film
was $45 million! He was against having his
name mentioned and preferred to remain
anonymous, and only years later did the story
go public.
Editor's Note: This story was written by Anna
R. Welliver for Mysterious Facts (Weird) and
shared on Quora.com.
No Person Should Be
An Island
In December 2003, Joyce Vincent died of an apparent
asthma attack in her north London flat. The television
remained on. The mail continued to be delivered. Her rent
has been set to be automatically deducted from her bank
account. Days passed and no one noticed that she was
dead!
Those days turned into weeks and the weeks into months.
There were large dumpsters on the side of the building
next to her apartment, so the neighbors never gave much
thought to the smell. The apartment building was full of
noisy children and teenagers and no one questioned the
constant hum of TV noise in the background.
Eventually, Joyce's bank account dried up. Her landlord
sent her reminder letters. These papers, like the others,
simply fell among the others scattered on her floor. They
received no response. Finally, with more than six months of
rent in arrears, the landlord obtained a court order to
forcibly remove her from the premises. The bailiffs broke
down the door and only then was her body discovered. By
then, it was January 2006, more than two years after her
death!
In all this time, no one had come looking for Joyce Vincent.
No family, no friends, no colleagues, no neighbours
knocked on the door to see if everything was okay. Nobody
called. She was 38 when she died.
This story is surprising for its social implications. It seems
incomprehensible that entire years pass without anyone
noticing the death of a person. However, these types of
stories happen frequently. Chances are you've seen a
story similar to Joyce Vincent's. And they are all the same.
When a person lives alone (and isolates himself/herself),
he or she loses contact with family and friends. Such
people never know their neighbours. They remain closed
with the television or computer on for years. The world
goes on as if they are no longer there until one day they
are no longer there. And the bad thing is that no one
notices!
Editor's Note: This piece was written by Alessandro13 for
Extremely Interesting Facts and shared on Quora.com.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 37

CEO INTERVIEW
Dr. Osita
Aniemeka
By Henry Ndiulo
Dr. Osita Aniemeka: A Global
Leadership Development Expert
with Unquenchable Spirit!
Dr. Osita Aniemeka is one of
the most accessible 'big men' in many
respects. You have to keep reminding
yourself that the man you are relating
with earned his Ph.D. through academic
38 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

CEO INTERVIEW
rigour because he doesn't carry the Ph.D. on his shoulders. His down-to-earth ways is just
disarming!
Dr. Aniemeka is a teacher of teachers, broadcaster, publisher, Chairman of Sub-Saharan
Open University, Dean of the Academy of Management Sciences, a Central Bank of
Nigeria consultant and top director or proprietor of several companies and non-profit
organisations. For one who began to work at 16, immediately after he left high school, and
is still actively working, his experience with Biafran soldiers as a young boy, his personal
experience of the hospitable nature of northerners and zest for pushing through new work
territories should inspire our readers.
It's noteworthy that Dr. Osita Aniemeka does not consider mistakes or hold-backs as
failures. What many would call failure, he sees as stepping stones for higher levels of
accomplishments. Do read his interview for more.
Accomplish Magazine: Please, who is Dr. Osita
Aniemeka?
Dr. Aniemeka: I am Nigerian. I went to high school at
10 and left in 1973. That same year, I started teaching.
I started with kindergarten, and I didn't stop work ever
since. I started work at 16.
I have taught kindergarten. I taught primary. I taught
secondary and went into broadcasting in 1978. From
broadcasting, I went back to school. First, with the
Federal College of Education, Katsina on Federal
Government scholarship.
After that, I had to return to my job. Some time
after that, in 1986, 3 years after NYSC, I applied for
another study leave for three years so I could go do
a bachelor's degree. I was granted that and I came
back to broadcasting, in Benin, with two degrees!
Some people said, "No. It's not possible. This is not
America." Well, it's possible. If you know what to do
and how to get it done.
I was in college at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,
for a first degree in Education and Community
Development. I went to the Faculty of Arts, where they
have the Mass Communication Department. I said to
the head of department for Mass Communication,
"Prof, I want to get a master's degree here". He said,
"To cross faculties to come to Mass Comm., you must
have a first class or second class upper." And I replied,
"Is that all?" The man got angry with me and said I
should leave his office!
Long story (cut) short, one morning, I knocked on his
door. And I said to him, "I have come to enroll. I played
my part." So he rose from his chair and say, "Let me
see". I gave him the envelope in my hand. That was
what they called statement of result. You know, you
get that first before you get your degree.
He sat back on his chair and called his secretary. He
said, "This young man has just broken a record! He
came here for a three-year programme. He finished
his first degree in two years. And, now he wants to
take a master's degree in Mass Comm. because he's
doing broadcasting...
I got enrolled for the master's degree. When I returned
to Benin, Bendel Broadcasting Service, I went to my
CEO and I said, "Thank you, Sir, for letting me go. But I
have two degrees for you!" Because, he studied in my
college, he took it up and said, "You got to be kidding
me." I said, "No, Sir. That's what it is."
With my master's degree, I started falling out with
my colleagues. They didn't like it at all. Somehow,
by 1990, I was done! In January 1990, I went to Lagos
and joined Hints Magazine. From Hints Magazine, I
started my own magazine, Passions Magazine. And,
when Passions Magazine closed down because of
disagreement amongst my team, I started our Affairs
Magazine.
In 1996, I got invited by WWF - World Wildlife Fund
(Africa Communications Network), to work for them
and to lead a national radio programme called
'What's Going On?' So I produced the programme, I
marketed the programme amongst radio station, I
distributed them and I monitored them; a one-man
army but it was so much fun - carrying everything
that I have done in life into work.
Afterwards, I went on to work for Mr. Tony Elumelu
who was the MD of Standard Trust Bank before
they purchased UBA. I was his Group Head
Communications and Community Development
which was really some fun too. The guy understood
me and I understood him and we were a team. Then,
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 39

CEO INTERVIEW
my kids won a scholarship to go to what they call
Marietta Centre for Advanced Academics (MCAA) in
Georgia, USA. I took them there and decided to just
stay back and get a Ph.D.
I returned in 2010 to start teaching at Ibrahim
Badamasi Babangida University. It is a state college
owned by Niger State. As I was teaching, USAID came
looking for me. They said somebody gave them my
contact that I can manage an agro corridor. I went
to ask the vice chancellor for leave of absence and
came to Abuja.
Some years after, there was an advertisement by
the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It was a highly
competitive bid with so many of us. Eventually, I got a
letter appointing me as the implementing agent for
the Entrepreneurship Development Centre in the five
South East states. I worked from Abia State for the five
South East states. That took me to 2019.
CBN reinvited us to go oand help them to do that
same programme in Delta, Bayelsa and Edo states
but now as Vocational and Entrepreneurship
Development Centre, meaning that there was a new
component like TVT, Technical Vocational Training.
Accomplish Magazine: Very impressive. It would be
interesting to know what motivated you in all this.
Dr. Aniemeka: I was eating lunch with my mother
who was a teacher and she told me about the first
teaching opportunity I had. I thought she was kidding
me but she wasn't! I loved the way she was: clean
and readyat all times. So I became a teacher!
My first day in class, a kindergarten class, in a town
called Ezi in now Delta State, I walked into class with
the timetable for the day: Arithmetic, English and
then there was a subject they called Singing - three
subjects theday. I went in front of the class and
greeted the kids. Some were on the floor, some on
the chairs; some were crying, some were silent, some
were noisy, you know, fighting.
So, I said "This is today's class: Arithmetic - Hundreds,
Tens and Units. One child behind raised her hand
and said in Igbo "Sir, can you sing 'Row, row, row your
boats'? Let us sing 'Row, row, row your boats." And I
responded: "I have a timetable. Now is Arithmetics
time." She started crying! She didn't just cry, she
starting rolling on the floor and then screaming and
screaming! So the head of school came. He stood by
my class window and said in Igbo, "New teacher, what
is wrong with your kids?" I said, "Sir, I have a timetable
here that says, Arithmetics and the girl wants us to
sing.
Do you know what he said to me? "What she wants
is your timetable." That changed my perception
completely. That's why I'm still teaching today.
Teaching and, better still, learning should be childcentred
or learner-centred! Everything I have done
since is teaching. In Broadcasting, telling people what
they need to know is audience-centred; publishing
magazines - audience-centred etc.
Accomplish Magazine: Some people must have thought
that you were venturing in a not-so-good direction and
that you were just wasting your time. Did you experience
such?
Dr. Aniemeka: I'm talking about the '70s and '80s. I had
what we call WAHALA. You know what wahala means
right? It was everywhere: my family, my classmates,
my friends, every body. But you know what? I knew
who I was. And I knew what I was going to become.
Oh! I didn't mention that I am from a polygamy. My
father married five wives! So we became silos; every
mother to head her family. My mother was educated.
As a matter of fact, she waited for us to finish high
school before she went to college, did her NYSC and
came home.
I was on holiday, in 1967, and went to visit with my
father. The day I arrived Port Harcourt was the day
they slammed the Onitsha Bridge (during the Civil
War). That was how I spent three years in Biafra. So,
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CEO INTERVIEW
I was on holiday, in 1967,
and went to visit with my
father. The day I arrived
Port Harcourt was the
day they slammed the
Onitsha Bridge (during
the Civil War). That was
how I spent three
years in Biafra.
coming out of Biafra made me a man. I saw my
friends die. I saw hunger. I saw stuff. I became a shoe
maker to soldiers in their hospital in camp. You know
the kind of shoe that I was fixing? Rubber slippers!
That was their best wear. But the good thing about it
is that I came back home with all of that right there
in my head. So life came under my control. So when
people were saying all of that, I was just looking at
them. I had so much confidence that tomorrow
was going to be good and I was going to find
opportunities.
That is why I get so mad about my country now. The
reason being that I grew up and saw a beautiful
country. I had left Jaji, Kaduna State, where I did
my NYSC primary service and drove my rickety
Volkswagen to Sokoto. I didn't know where I was going
to. As soon as I made it off Funtua, one of the vehicle's
tyre burst! and I had no spare tyre. You know what I
did? I parked the car by the roadside, pulled out my
box of books and started reading. After about 30
minutes, one pick-up van heading to Sokoto got past
me. And, the man stopped and came and saw that
somebody was inside the car and I was reading. He
said "Young man, what is happening?" I said, "I had
a puncture but I don't have a spare tyre." The man
screamed. He beckoned on his pick-up driver. It's one
of those agricultural programme vans. He asked the
driver to remove my the tyre, put it in the van and
asked me to go into the car with them. We left my car
there and drove into the next town, got the puncture
fixed, brought it back, and the driver fixed it back for
me. Then, the man said to me, "Follow me."
So I drove behind him and went all the way to Sokoto.
The man housed me for four days! I didn't know him
before. All these things they say about northerners,
that they can't stay in their house... Lie! The man took
me into his house. They lived in a Federal Government
quarters. And, I spent four days there. That's the
country I know! Now, even in my own home town, I
can't go to farm. I'm still in touch with that man.
So (in a nutshell), what I knew about myself was that
I was going to be somebody. Unfortunately, most
of people can't say that now because, it's difficult to
actually think that young people will have a future. It's
a rough road now; very rough road.
Accomplish Magazine: Let's talk about the Sub-Saharan
Open University (SSOU). How did it come about?
Dr. Aniemeka: When the Central Bank of Nigeria sent
me to the five South East states, I was excited. What
I had to go and do was to train them to become
entrepreneurs. And after they graduate, they are
funded by CBN and they become self employed and
employers of labour. Very good mandate. Then, I sat
there in class, first three months, first quadmester of
teaching, none of these businessmen came to class.
I said to my team, "What's going on here? Where are
these business boys - the leather craft people, bag
makers in Aba, Ariaria?" Even the mechanics and
vocalcanizers. Second quadmester, there was not
a single one of them. So, I took my time and started
travelling. I went to Aba in Abia state. I went to Nnewi,
I went to Awka, I went to Onitsha, all in Anambra State.
I went to Imo state. Everywhere I find businessmen, I
said to them? "I have a programme to train you." They
said, "Train who? Who will I leave my business for? For
three months, I come and sit in your class for what?"
I went up and down; everywhere I went, the same
story. So one day, I asked a question that changed
my understanding. I said, "What if I bring the training
to you?" The man said, "Now, you're talking! So you're
going to come to me in my shop to train me?" I said
"Yes. Everything I teach in class now in Umuahia, I can
wrap them up in a capsule and give to you guys at
your convenience."
The man couldn't believe me. I got back for one
week. I had four drawing boards in my bedroom.
I mapped out everything that could happen. That
was the beginning of SSOU. My study of Educational
Development led me to know that there was no
better way than an ODL - Open and Distant Learning.
So, that was how it started. In 2019, I went to Corporate
Affairs Commission and registered it. Because I knew
that the Nigeria. Universities Commission (NUC)
will not allow my kind of college to work, I went to
Delaware to get a global accreditation for an open
university. Now we are working all over Africa. We are
in partnership with some people, including the United
Nations.
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CEO INTERVIEW
So if you give honesty,
quality time or whatever
you have - you are
richer, the society is
richer, the environment
is better by that tithe. But
when people just simply
reduce tithing to money,
people will like to make
money without integrity.
The unfortunate thing is
that money has become
people's identity.
SSOU is not a degree awarding university. We are
modelled after Singularity University; all those
universities in Silicon Valley that are using learning
and teaching to change lives. We call it the Disruptive
Learning Centre.
I have lived everywhere. I have traveled 48 states
of the United States by road. I have seen that
conventional education is nothing. What we have
done is to follow a pattern that never helped us but
stayed in it and, that is why we are dying.
What SSOU is doing in Uganda, where I have the next
major presence, is amazing. The longest number
of days you stay in class that is just three months,
one quadmester. So you can finish that programme
and return again sometime to continue. In my class,
I have had retired directors and Ph.D. holders who
finish and say, "Osita, you know I have been wasting
my time?"
One of our programmes is, Technology Remodeling.
I won't say much about that yet. We are building the
future. You need to hear people sit in our town hall
meetings and ask, "Where have you been all this
while?" You can actually be in regular school and
be having a programme with us because like you
already know, online meets you wherever you are.
When SSOU started, it seemed like enterpreneurship
university. But, entrepreneurship is about everything
else. It is leadership, it is technology, it is science,
it is STEM. Whatever you call it, there's the spirit of
enterprise. No country in this world has grown without
instilling the spirit of enterprise in citizens. None! Go
and verify.
We know that singularity is here; where they're saying
that human intelligence is going to be second to
artificial intelligence. Our training is apposite; that
includes programmes for farmers, manufacturers etc.
That's what we need in Africa. What we have planned
is a revolution! That's why we're not making noise. If
not that when I read the first edition of Accomplish
Magazine, being a publisher myself, I was astonished,
we wouldn't be doing this. All my regular team in
Lagos, those guys who were my editors, the whole
crew, I sent them Accomplish Magazine! I like the fact
that some people are thinking about these issues
because someday, somehow one of my graduates
who would produce a local technology that we need
and be on your cover! I know that it's not going to
take time. Accomplish Magazine is helping Nigerians
see differently! You see the country differently and
everything is possible.
Lies have ruined us. We thought we were a rich
country. You are only rich when your wealth is well
distributed. You can't be rich when you earn a million,
and only five people put it in their pockets!
Accomplish Magazine: Most of the people, like Bill
Gates, that made impact in life didn't have much formal
education. Can we bring your concepts of education into
the education system?
Dr. Aniemeka: This is the question of all questions!
When the CBN centre was closing out in 2019, they
said "Osita, we need you guys to give us an exit
strategy." Meaning, how can this programme be
continued after we close out.
As usual, I got the team together, discussed and
sent what we called CLEP to the apex bank. It meant
College Level Entrepreneurship Programme. NUC has
given the colleges their roadmap and guidelines and
mandate for enterpreneurship education.
The idea for CLEP is to inject entrepreneurship itself
into the school system. SIWES is six months, pick three
months from those six months, which is our regular
quadmester and teach these kids what it is they're
supposed to be learning by all means: simulations,
case studies and the rest of them, one month. The
second month, you send them out to the streets on
internship to see what they have learned. The third
month, they come back and you prepare them to
be able to write a business plan from their lectures
in class and from their learning on the streets. That's
what entrepreneurship training should be! That's
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CEO INTERVIEW
what we wanted to do with CLEP but got no response
from the apex bank.
Do you ou know what I did? Personally, I went and
conversed with vice chancellors. Michael Okpara
University of Agriculture, Umudike (Abia State) and
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, cooperated with us
and it was exciting.
If universities don't do this, it will be difficult to find
our graduates happy with their certificates - and
I'm talking about all levels of tertiary education. I just
hope that people who are supposed to listen are
listening to make it a lot easier for people to join us.
Accomplish Magazine: Did you get in touch with the
Industrial Training Fund (ITF)?
Dr. Aniemeka: The story is not fantastic. For one who
went in search of Igbo businessmen, you should
know that I would have gone further. NDE (National
Directorate of Employment), ITF and so on. Every
institution has a mandate that has been fractured,
misplaced and they don't want to try anything else.
You tell them how you can help them, partner with
them, it doesn't matter anything to them. The young
people are yearning for things that are greater, but
they won't let you in.
Again, SSOU is transitioning. We applied, last year,
to become a programme of the United Nations. It
means that we're going to have the support of the
United Nations to be able to address the SDG goals
from the perspective of the average learner. So when
you join us, you have multiple gains. Apart from being
able to graduate on your programme, you also have
an opportunity to expand your horizon.
SSOU has gone into partnership with the Centre for
Global Education in New York. We are called Youth
Gather Global. I am the chairman of Youth Gather
Global. We're using the four E's: Entrepreneurship,
Education, Empowerment and Exchange - to change
the leadership pattern of young people. People who
have become attached to politicians because of
cash, we'll begin to remove them from there.
Accomplish Magazine: A lot of businessmen go to
China and import sub-standard goods. How does your
curriculum help entrepreneurs to put integrity over just
making profit?
Dr. Aniemeka: Our RISE programmes is: Reskilling for
Innovation and the Spirit of Enterprise. With RISE, we
have been able to redefine wealth to entrepreneurs.
Wealth is not money. So in redefining wealth, we are
making it clear that they can actually begin to see
the other side of treasury that says you can actually
tithe. But we're not saying tithe money. We're saying
tithe in the way you contribute to your environment;
that includes integrity. So if you give honesty, quality
time or whatever you have - you are richer, the
society is richer, the environment is better by that
tithe. But when people just simply reduce tithing
to money, people will like to make money without
integrity. The unfortunate thing is that money has
become people's identity.
Nobody is saying you're not going to make money,
but fix the gap. Like we've all been crying about the
faulty electronic system used in the last general
elections, I know a group of young men now, six of
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| 43

CEO INTERVIEW
them, that are developing the next voting machine
that can't be faulted, not even by the so-called
administrators who think that they can go from the
back end to do whatever.
That is what we call the spirit of enterprise. You know
that there's a problem in your environment, in your
country, wherever you live. You have ideas of people
who can fix it, you work with them, and fix it. When you
fix it, you make money. But first, you have solved the
problem. That's true wealth!
Accomplish Magazine: Tell us about the Academy of
Management Sciences.
Dr. Aniemeka: I am the Dean of the Academy of
Management Sciences. Dr. CEO Anuku, its Executive
Secretary, was my senior in high school. He is now
the rector of one of the polytechnics in Delta State. He
got me interested in the Academy of Management
Sciences. When I saw the relevance of the
programme and what it has for people in every level,
I got so excited. As a matter of fact, I cultivated your
editor to be one of our regional directors because I
know him so well and I know how he will play on that
platform.
So, what is the Academy of Management Sciences?
It is a platform that brings relevant education to
all realms of productivity anywhere you are. What
we say is that everything is Management Science.
Everything! You need to be able to get quality intake
to give quality output. The problem is that there is no
provision for continuous education anymore. What
has happened, in the last 10 years, is that people
get promoted because their names are on the list;
they get up there and then once in a while they get
an opportunity to get out of the environment to
represent the company or represent the country.
They arrive Kampala or Kigali or somewhere else, and
they sit down there and they do not know what the
concept being discussed means and to do. They are
just there collecting estacode, sending WhatsApp
messages that they are abroad.
The Academy has come back to Nigeria to bring
quality back to the stable. If you don't have a spirit
of enterprise, you are nothing. The Academy helps
you to sustain that even while you are employed. The
Academy begins to give you the push to explore your
environment and see how you can make a difference
in your place of work; whether you're a self employed
or you are employed. So, the Academy is the future. It
teaches you how to handle different kinds of tasks as
provided by your employer.
We have a programme which we're going to discuss
with the regional directors. It's the "COO for Hire"
programme; that is, Chief Operating Officers for
Hire. We'll train people who can be engaged to take
over a failing company and turn it around. So, the
participants will be the next set of Nigerians that are
going to hit the ground running. Meaning that after
going through the diagnosis of a company and the
clinic season is over, we decide how long it would
take for the COO that is going there to turn around
the establishment. So on a first instance, we sign an
agreement for those number of years, maybe one
year or two years. Those COOs will not be permanent
workers. They are turnaround experts. As soon as
you become qualified, having been trained by us,
we don't expect anything less. We have different
categories of memberships.
Accomplish Magazine: How do you reach out for
corporate social responsibility?
Dr. Aniemeka: Our disruptive learning system
amounts to tithing; we tithe every skill we have. If
you find out who you are, find out what you've been
given. The CSR should begin from there. For us, our
mentoring programme, which is a complete CSR
programme takes the average young men who have
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CEO INTERVIEW
the spirit of enterprise to where they're going without
asking for anything.
I'll give you an example. My friend is the
Commissioner for Education in a state in the north.
I walked in there and saw complete laxity at the
commissioner's office. So I did what I call the TNA
- Training Need Analysis. I saw that capacity and
competency were on two different levels. For us to
get both balanced, we started thinking about, who
is the central nervous system? These are ministry
personnel, civil servants. So we called all their unit
heads who are in the middle cadre. We said to them,
"How many of your colleagues do you know by their
first names?" How many did I get? Maybe three! And
we're talking about 59 personnel! "And, how many of
your colleagues do you know who they really are, and
where they come from?" None knew! You know why?
Everybody had become mechanical; they sit down
there and at the end of the month they get paid -
doing nothing.
So, I said, "You know that your lives can change, and
you will be happy to come to work every day." They
asked, "How?" I told them what they should be able to
do because the number of hours every man spends
at work is longer than the number of hours they
spend at home. Intelligence should tell you that you
should be able to have a good relationship with the
people you work with, even better than the people at
home because at home it is taking for granted.
They said, "Ah! Okay, that's true." We started our
programme and today, that ministry has changed
their tangents. You know how much they paid me
and my team? Zilch! I am not saying that they didn't
offer but I was able to make sure that that tithe will
go on forever, because it became a train-a-trainer
programme.
That is how we get results. Now all you get is reasons.
People give you reasons instead of results. And it
cannot change anything.
Accomplish Magazine: How would you want to be
remembered?
Dr. Aniemeka: I want to be remembered as
somebody who listened and did something. If you
don't listen, there's nothing your money can do for
people. And you don't just listen, do something. And, if
you can't do anything, don't mislead; apologise and
just keep going. But once in a while you call back to
say I found this, will it help that course? That's where
joy starts from.
Also, I don't see mistakes or a hold back as failure. If I
saw closure of those magazines as failure, there was
no way I will have gotten the qualification for the WWF
opportunity that came afterwards. They were part of
the processes that brought me to where I am now.
HENRY NDIULO
AUTHOR’S BIO
Henry Ejike Ndiulo is a writer, broadcaster and
strategic management expert. He holds a Ph.D. in
Strategic Marketing Management and was the Head
of Corporate Communications of Fidelity Bank Plc.
before moving on to lead its Export and Agriculture
Division. He left banking to fulfill his desire of
running his integrated marketing company.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 45

GRAND DESIGN / ARCHITECTURE
By Damian Ikenna Ngere
• Oman Unveils Plans for $1.3 Billion Waterfront
Development
The internationally known Zaha
Hadid Architects (ZHA) are
slated to build a massive $1.3
billion waterfront complex in
Muscat, the capital of Oman. Al
Khuwair Muscat Downtown and
Waterfront, a 3.3 million square
metres development, will have a
ministerial campus, a marina, a
cultural area, and multiple canal
walks in addition to residential
buildings.
When construction is finished, the
region is anticipated to house
over 60,000 people. Work is
scheduled to begin by the end of
2024.
Architect Paolo Zilli, associate
director of ZHA, revealed that he
worked on the model for about
a year before submitting it to the
Ministry of Housing and Urban
Planning in Oman.
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GRAND DESIGN / ARCHITECTURE
• Aston Martin Launches 66-Storey Residential Tower
in Miami
Aston Martin, a British premium sports
manufacturer, has added a 66-storey
residential tower to Miami's skyline, marking the
company's first entry into the residential real
estate sector. Aston Martin Residences, Miami in
the United States, which has 391 units, is located
on Biscayne Bay at the mouth of the Miami
River, according to a statement released by the
company on Tuesday, June 4.
The 249-metre (818-foot) tower, which was
constructed by G&G Business Developments
in collaboration with architect Rodolfo Miani
of Bodas Mian Anger, contains apartments
with one to five bedrooms in addition to seven
penthouses with private pools and terraces. At
the top of the skyscraper, the largest apartment
is the $59 million "Unique Triplex Penthouse,"
which is spread across three levels.
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.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 47

REALTOR’S AVENUE
Securing High
ROI in Real Estate
Investments Amidst
High Inflation - Part 2
By John Abiodun Olaitan
In our last outing, we discussed various
benefits of investing in real estate. We also
considered a number of methodologies
someone interested in real estate
investment could apply in order to gain high
returns on investment in the sector. Let's
continue by looking at more methodologies
in that respect.
Never Neglect Due Diligence
Before you invest in any property, you'll need to conduct due
diligence and verify all the relevant information about the property.
This includes checking the
following:
- title documents,
- land survey plan,
- building plan approval,
- environmental impact
assessment report,
- tax clearance certificate,
- occupancy permit,
- deed of assignment,
- and any other legal document
that may be required.
You also need to look over the
physical condition of the property
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REALTOR’S AVENUE
and assess its value based on
its location, size, quality, features,
amenities, and market trends.
Conducting due diligence
thoroughly and professionally
to avoid legal issues or financial
losses later is very important.
Negotiate smartly:
Negotiation is an essential skill for
any real estate investor. It would
be best to negotiate smartly
with the seller or landlord of the
property you want to invest in.
Please know how much you are
willing to pay for the property
and how much you can expect
to earn from it. You also need to
know how much leverage you
have over the seller or landlord
based on factors such as market
conditions, competition, urgency,
and relationships. You must
negotiate smartly to get the best
deal possible and maximise your
returns.
Use online platforms:
Online platforms are a great
way to invest in real estate in
Nigeria during inflation. Online
platforms can help you access
more properties, compare prices,
conduct transactions, and
manage your portfolio. Some
online platforms you can use to
invest in real estate in Nigeria
include:
Risevest:
Risevest allows you to invest in
properties in the United States
from Nigeria. You can buy units
of properties that are managed
by Risevest and earn returns
in dollars. Risevest handles the
property acquisition, renovation,
rental, and sale. You can start
investing with as little as $10 per
unit and enjoy an average annual
return of 15%.
Wealth.ng:
Wealth.ng allows you to invest
in properties in Nigeria through
fractional ownership or REITs.
Fractional ownership means
buying a fraction of a property
and sharing the ownership with
Work with a
qualified real
estate agent
who can help
you find the
right property
for your needs.
Investing in
real estate, in
Nigeria, during
inflation could
be challenging
but rewarding.
other investors. REITs mean
that you can buy shares of
a company that owns and
operates a portfolio of properties.
Wealth.ng handles property
selection, valuation, maintenance,
and management. You can start
investing with as little as N10,000
per fraction or share and enjoy an
average annual return of 20%.
Coreum:
Coreum allows you to invest
in Nigerian properties through
crowd funding or co-investing.
Crowd funding means you can
contribute to a pool of funds to
buy a property and share the
returns with other investors.
Co-investing means you can
partner with Coreum to buy a
property and share the ownership
and returns with them. Coreum
handles property sourcing,
due diligence, acquisition,
development, and sale. You
can start investing with as little
as N50,000 per contribution
or partnership and enjoy an
average annual return of 25%.
Keble:
Keble allows you to invest in
Nigerian properties through
land banking or development
financing. Land banking means
buying land at a discounted
price and selling it later at a
higher price. Development
financing means lending
money to developers building
properties and earning interest
on your loan. Keble handles the
land identification, verification,
acquisition, and sale. You can
start investing with as little as
N100,000 per land or loan and
enjoy an average annual return
of 30%.
Conclusion
Lastly, work with a qualified real
estate agent who can help you
find the right property for your
needs. Investing in real estate, in
Nigeria, during inflation could be
challenging but rewarding. You
need to consider and do several
things when investing in real
estate in Nigeria during inflation,
such as choosing your location
wisely, choosing your property
type carefully, conducting due
diligence, negotiating smartly,
and using online platforms. By
following these tips, you would
make intelligent and profitable
real estate investments in Nigeria
during times of inflation.
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.
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| 49

THE INCUBATOR
with Diiyi William-West
SERIES
Don't Ignore
Artificial
Intelligence (AI)
When you hear
people say
that artificial
intelligence
(AI) has come
to stay, it's not in the figment
of their imagination; it's a fact
which anyone who doesn't want
to be 'left behind' in today's
burgeoning economy needs
to take to heart. Indeed, we're
no longer talking about the rise
of artificial intelligence; we're
now in the phase of serious
consideration of whether there
would ever be limits to its
march into different domains of
mankind's existence.
For the purpose-driven student
or entrepreneur, it's necessary
to follow what AI is already
spewing in its wake as well as
its cutting edge grip into new
frontiers. In all, the question that
has to be comprehensively
treated is: how far would AI
throw the student and/or
entrepreneur laggard in the
scheme of things - having taken
up quite a handful away from
human operations.
50 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

THE INCUBATOR SERIES
Without any iota of
equivocation, one can say
that artificial intelligence
(AI) has become an
integral part of our
contemporary existence.
Without any iota of
equivocation, one can say
that artificial intelligence
(AI) has become an integral
part of our contemporary
existence. AI has continued
to revolutionise industries,
academics, deployment of
social infrastructure, social
interactions and even the way
we do businesses. Therefore,
students and entrepreneurs
who dismiss the import of AI
are already missing out on a
plethora of opportunities for
good performance and more
encompassing growth and
innovation in business and
career.
Any keen observer would see
how AI streamlines efforts in
entrepreneurship and in the
academics, thus enhancing
efficiency. First of all, by
automating repetitive tasks
and processes, AI can free up
valuable time and resources
that would enable focus on
more strategic initiatives. For
example, for the enterpreneur,
AI can be used to analyse large
amounts of data quickly and
accurately, providing valuable
insights that can inform
decision-making and drive
business growth.
In another breath, for the
entrepreneur, AI can help
him or her to have better
understanding of customers so
that he or she is able to tailor
products and services to meet
customers' needs. By analysing
customer data and behaviour
patterns, in this regard, AI
provides valuable insights
into customer preferences,
allowing entrepreneurs to
personalise their offerings and
provide a more personalised
experience. This can lead to
increased customer satisfaction
and loyalty, ultimately driving
business success. For the
student, AI, when applied
judiciously, would enable him
or her to develop well-rounded
grasp of topics - including
comparative analysis of related
issues.
From the foregoing, therefore,
it's obvious that AI provides
grounds for the entrepreneur to
stay ahead of the competition
and adapt to changing market
conditions. By leveraging AI
technologies such as machine
learning and predictive
analytics, entrepreneurs can
identify trends and patterns
in the market and make
data-driven decisions to stay
competitive. This can help
entrepreneurs to anticipate
market changes better and
proactively respond to new
opportunities and challenges.
For consistent readers of 'The
Incubator Series', it behoves of
you not to ignore AI as it can
provide numerous benefits
even though there are some
disadvantages. For instance,
the growing fear of breach of
private information can't be
swept under the carpet. Even
then, from improving efficiency
and streamlining efforts to
better and wider understanding
of issues, AI can be a adopted
as a valuable tool for academic
and entrepreneurial success. By
embracing AI and leveraging
its capabilities, we can all
unlock new opportunities for
accomplishments, growth
and innovation. It should be
clear, then, that ignoring AI is
not an option for students and
entrepreneurs who are focused
on making outstanding impact
in our increasingly fast-paced
environment.
DIIYI
WILLIAM-WEST
AUTHOR’S BIO
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.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 51

AFRICA RISING: NEWS ABOUT AFRICA
By Damian Ikenna Ngere
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
POLITICS
UN Calls for End to
Sudan Siege
A resolution calling for the
immediate cessation of Sudan's
paramilitary force's siege of
the only capital in the vast
uncontrolled western region of
Darfur - where over a million
people are supposedly trapped
- was adopted by the United
Nations Security Council on
Thursday, June 13.
Egypt Maintains Interest
Rate Stability for the First
Time in 2024
Egypt's interest rate is stable
for the first time in 2024. The
rate has now increased by 800
basis points over the course
of two consecutive hikes, the
Central Bank said. Additionally,
from 32.5% in April to 28.1%
in May, inflation decreased.
This stabilisation comes after
the government decided on
Thursday, May 23, to liberalise
the exchange rate of the
Egyptian pound. The Central
Bank credits its monetary
tightening strategy, which
has decreased inflation and
stabilised currency rates, for this
achievement.
DR Congo Aims to Reduce
Dollar Dominance by
Promoting Local Currency
Usage
All Electronic Payment Terminals
(EPTs) in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC) are
required by law to only accept
Congolese francs in view of the
directive of the Central Bank of
Congo (BCC). With less reliance
on the United States dollar,
which devalues the franc, this
action seeks to increase the use
of the domestic currency.
Senegalese President,
Bassirou Diomaye
Faye, Youngest Civilian
President in Africa
With the election of Bassirou
Diomaye Faye as president,
Senegal completed the
remarkable journey of this hitherto
little-known opposition leader
- who had gone 'from prison
to the palace' in a matter of
weeks! Following his victory in the
national election held in March,
opposition candidate, Bassirou
Diomaye Faye, made promises
to combat corruption, restructure
the nation's institutions, and
overhaul the economy.
At age 44, he is Senegal’s
youngest president and the
youngest civilian president in
Africa. With 54% of the vote,
Faye, a former tax inspector and
political 'novice' who motivated
supporters across the country,
easily defeated former president
Amadou Ba, the candidate of the
ruling party, who only garnered
35% of the vote. This, basically,
ended the possibility of a run-off
election.
Ousmane Sonko, the wildly
popular "face" of the opposition
and, to some, the leader of
the people, was the one who
first pushed Faye to declare
52 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

• Bassirou Diomay Faye
for president after Sonko was
imprisoned in 2023 and was not
permitted to participate in the
2024 presidential election. Sonko
is recognised for having planned
Faye's campaign and policy
stances from behind-the-scenes.
In light of Sonko's insistence
during the campaign that
supporting Faye meant supporting
him, concerns about his potential
influence after the election still
exist. Sonko has since been
appointed prime minister by Faye
and observers are paying attention
to how the two would get along to
fulfill Faye's campaign promises.
Senegal's economy has grown
at one of the fastest rates in the
world during the past 10 years,
and the country has emerged as
a democratic stronghold in West
Africa after a wave of democratic
regression. Faye's economic
stabilisation plan is well-liked, but
it involves renegotiating contracts
for oil and gas and adopting a
new currency, which increases
the short-term risks for foreign
investment.
The election of Faye makes
him the fifth youngest president
in Africa. However, the first four
youngest presidents were military
generals, making him the youngest
civilian president in Africa.
TECHNOLOGY
BDO's Latest Report Examines the Rise of Fintech
Innovation in Africa
The Africa Fintech report, published by BDO Africa, examines how
innovative technologies in the continent's Fintech scene have the
potential to create a more affluent and inclusive future. The paper
claims that Africa is experiencing a ground-breaking upsurge in
Fintech innovation, quickly opening up a continent full of economic
opportunities.
Businesses need expert advice to manage the challenges of
regulation, competition, and technical integration if they are to fully
benefit from this game-changing technology.
South African
Lawmakers Sworn-in
Ahead of Presidential
and Vice-Presidential
Electionss
On Friday, June 14, in Cape
Town, the swearing-in of
South African lawmakers was
underway. The first portion of
the parliamentary session, in
which legislators took the oath
of office, was presided over by
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
By law, parliamentarians choose
the president and vice president
during the second portion of the
meeting.
Although Cyril Ramaphosa is
running for a second term as the
head of the most industrialised
economy in Africa, his African
National Congress (ANC) has
suffered from losing its longstanding
majority in the previous
month's election. Eighteen
political parties are represented
in the South African Parliament,
ranging from the ANC, which
holds 159 seats, to the PAC,
GOOD party, and UAT party,
which each has one seat
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.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 53

TECHNOLOGY
GLOBAL NEW
By Damian Ikenna Ngere
The recovery, according to
Forbes, camen after Apple’s stock
rose 5% on Wednesday, June 12,
extending a two-year high 7%
jump. Since Monday’s market
closure, Apple’s valuation has
increased by more than $350
billion, which is equivalent to the
whole market capitalisation of
Bank of America, the thirty-firstlargest
firm in the world.
.
Samsung Reveals Plan to Accelerate AI
Chip Delivery
In order to capitalise on the
artificial intelligence (AI)
growth, Samsung Electronics
claimed that its contract
manufacturing division will
provide a one-stop shop for
customers to get their AI chips
created faster. This will
integrate its global No. 1
memory chip, Foundry, and
chip packaging capabilities.
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
The time it takes to develop AI
chips, which is typically several
weeks, has been reduced by
about 20%, according to a
statement from Samsung on
Wednesday, June 12. Clients
now have access to a single
channel of communication
that simultaneously guides
Samsung's memory chip,
Foundry, and chip packaging
teams.
Apple Regains Title As World’s Most Valuable
Company, Overtakes Microsoft
On Wednesday, June 12, Apple‘s market capitalisation reached $3.33
trillion, just shy of Microsoft’s $3.26 trillion. With this development, Apple
has surpassed Microsoft, which has held the distinction since January,
thus reclaiming its status as the largest publicly traded business in the
world.
UK Economy Shows no
Growth in April
The Office for National Statistics
(ONS) reported that the United
Kingdom's economy shrank in
April 2024 due to the dampening
effect of bad weather on
consumer expenditure, a major
setback to Prime Minister Rishi
Sunak.
The ONS reported that
gross domestic product (GDP)
increased by 0.4% in March
but remained stagnant during
the month. The number was
consistent with what economists
had predicted.
The numbers are troubling
for Mr. Sunak as he has based a
large portion of his campaign for
the general election on the past
performance of his Conservative
Government’s economic
recovery.
54 |
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

S ROUND UP
ENTREPRENEUR
POLITICS
Israel Denies Striking
'Safe Zone' After
Palestinian News
Agency Report
After a territory teeming with
refugees was targeted by "land,
sea, and air strikes," according
to the official Palestinian news
agency WAFA, Israel's military
denied attacking a designated
"safe zone" in Gaza on Thursday,
June13. Al-Mawasi, a coastal
area west of Rafah that Israel
had earlier declared a safe
area for Palestinians, was under
attack early on Thursday, June 13,
according to WAFA. This included
heavy machine gun fire from
military vessels.
The Israeli military denied
hitting any targets in the vicinity
or in the safe zone.
Putin's Demand for
More Land to End
Ukraine War Rejected
by Kyiv as ‘Complete
Sham’
President Vladimir Putin
declared that Russia would only
withdraw its troops from Ukraine
if Kyiv gave up all four of the
territories it claimed and gave
up on its ambition to join NATO.
Kyiv quickly denounced these
demands as “wholly absurd” and
“offensive to common sense."
Putin outlined his requirements
for a "final end" to the war in
greater detail on Friday, June 14,
• Vladimir Putin
than he has since initiating the
full-scale invasion of Ukraine
more than two years ago. Putin
was speaking ahead of a peace
meeting in Switzerland to which
Russia has not been invited.
Putin stated that in addition to
Ukraine's withdrawal from the four
seized areas in its east and south,
Western nations should remove
the sanctions on Russia, which
have hurt but not destroyed the
country's economy..
Trial Date Set for Elon
Musk’s X Lawsuit
Against Media Matters
in April
A court document states that a
trial in Elon Musk's X lawsuit against
Media Matters, a nonprofit
monitoring organisation, is set for
April 2025. The United States District
Court for the Northern District of
Texas issued an order on Thursday,
June 13, that establishes the date of
a high-profile confrontation on
Media Matters' investigation into
pro-Nazi and antisemitic content
on the social media network.
X filed a lawsuit against Media
Matters in November 2023,
claiming that the organisation
intentionally misrepresented the
possibility that users would come
across hate speech on the
platform.
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.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com | 55

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
CARICA PAPAYA
By Joel N. Logbo
is a part of food,
sweet like sugar, yellow
like Fanta, everybody
"Pawpaw
like pawpaw, pawpaw."
This is a common nursery school
song in some parts of the country. It's
a song that says a bit about the
goodness of pawpaw. Indeed,
pawpaw has numerous health
benefits.
Pawpaw is one of wonderful
enzymatic fruits of nature; very good
for improving digestion. It contains a
lot of phytochemicals like papain
which is good for pain, abortifacient,
antacid, appetiser, choline, beta
carotene, alkaloids, histamine etc.
Papaya leaves are a powerful
immune booster when ground into
powder. It can be combined with goat
weed for the same purpose (equal
quantity). You can drink pawpaw
leaves juice for fever, malaria and low
platelets.
Very ripe pawpaw does well for
managing stomach ulcer and
indigestion. Pawpaw contains many
enzymes like glycol glucotropacolin,
chymopapain, and caricin.
Note that the 'male' plant does not
bear fruits while the 'female' (fruitbearing
one) is used for fertility issues.
(The ripe fruit and pineapple are
boiled together). The concoction
improves fertility.
You can rub its white latex on fungi,
rashes, dandruff and abscess. It can
also be used for amenorrhea. (Mix the
latex with chicken feather and insert).
The latex contains a lot of papain
which makes it good for
inflammations. It can also be used for
bacterial infections (the leaves have
to be soaked in corn).
56 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
For liver diseases, drink pawpaw juice.
You can also blend seeds with lemon
juice for liver diseases. This is also
good in managing parasites
(deworming).
Note that it is usually better to catch
intestinal worms unawares. Once
they perceive the smell of a
substance that can kill them, they
build resistance. For this purpose, you
can chew seeds for deworming too.
You may also use pawpaw seed
powder and with milk.
For diabetes, the leaves can be
ground into powder and taken as tea
(capsuled). You can also use this for
cancer management. In this case,
boil the leaves for 5 hours and drink
as tea.
Pawpaw latex has also been found to
be useful for dental care - infections
and gingivitis. Drop the latex directly
on the affected tooth.
For fibroids, it's better to roast the
unripe fruits with alligator pepper.
Grind that blend together. Use the
powder with gin or lime juice.
For people with heart conditions
(cardiovascular diseases and
hypertension), boil pawpaw seeds
and drink as tea.
Interestingly, pawpaw is
recommended as a natural memory
enhancer. Juice riped pawpaw and
mix with honey. For kidney diseases,
drink pawpaw leave juice. Also,
matured unripe pawpaw is eaten to
treat kidney diseases.
For asthma and pneumonia, the ripe
fruit can be blended with gin. Filter the
blend and drink two tablespoon twice
or more daily. Use the same for
tuberculosis but add garlic to the
blend. You can dry and grind the
blend for better results. Also, pound
the roots and seeds, boil and drink for
pneumonia.
Unripe pawpaw can be soaked in
water and drank for ulcer and colic.
The same can be used to bathe
babies to prevent jaundice.
Pawpaw flower has been found to be
effective in treating jaundice,
intestinal worms and cough. Boil the
flower and add some honey to treat
cough.
The smoke from dried pawpaw
leaves can be inhaled to manage
asthma. Similarly, pawpaw dry leaves
that fall on their own can be ground
and mixed with palm kernel oil for
massaging stroke victims.
It has been discovered that pawpaw
leaves, used as sponge for bathing,
cures malaria and skin diseases.
The root of pawpaw is also useful.
Pawpaw root is used to treat renal,
respiratory, urinary and bladder
diseases. Just boil or soak in water
and drink.
Also, pound the roots and mix with
black soap to treat headache. Use
the mixture to wash your scalp.
Unripe pawpaw fruits help to control
cholesterol. Crush the unripe fruits, cut
into pieces and soak in water for 2 to
3 days. Drink 200ml twice a day.
For ladies who want tender and
succulent skin, they can mix the ripe
fruit with local black soap add a
little shea butter for bathing.
Readers are warned that pawpaw
seeds are abortifacient; meaning
that they can terminate pregnancy.
Pregnant women should avoid
them because of it abortifacient
property which can destroy the
foetus.
Note: For more information or
clarification, kindly contact the
author.
JOEL
N. LOGBO
AUTHOR’S BIO
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,
non-invasive 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.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 57

LIFESTYLE
By Damian Ikenna Ngere
ARTS & THE MASTERS
• Titian Masterpiece
• Titian Masterpiece Discovered at London
Bus Stop Could Fetch $32m
Once found in a plastic bag at a London bus stop, a painting by Italian Renaissance
artist, Titian, which has been stolen twice, is expected to fetch up to $32 million at an
auction in July. The artwork depicts Jesus, Mary, and Joseph resting during their flight to
Egypt after learning that Herod, King of Judea, planned to kill the young Christ.
Created by Titian, whose real name was Tiziano Vecellio, this piece dates back to the early
years of his career in the 16th century.
With dimensions of only 18.25 by 24.75 inches (46.2 x 62.9 centimetres), the painting is little in
comparison to some of the larger pieces for which Titian gained recognition in his final years.
58 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

LIFESTYLE
• Activists Vandalise King Charles' First
Official Portrait
• Activist Vandalize King Charles Portrait
An animal rights organisation's
activists have defaced the first
official portrait of King Charles,
which is presently on exhibit in a gallery
in London. On Tuesday, June 11, the
advocacy organisation, Animal Rising,
shared a video on its social media
platforms that saw two protestors
covering the monarch's portrait with
signs using a paint roller.
The monarch's image is currently on
exhibition at the Philip Mould Gallery in
central London, and visitors are welcome
to view it until June 21.
Upon its unveiling earlier this year, the
painting - the first official picture of King
Charles as monarch - raised some
questions. Mixed responses were elicited
when artist Jonathan Yeo painted the
king against a background of blood red
brushstrokes.
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.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 59

LIFESTYLE
2
Parantoux, Henri
Jayer, Vosne-
Romanée Cros
At a Christie's Hong Kong
wine sale, Vosne-Romanée
Cros Parantoux 1999 - a wine
produced by renowned French
winemaker, Henri Jayer, sold for
$136,955. It's tough to determine
whether the wine's improved
standing is due to Henri Jayer's
fame or its superior quality.
However, there are notes of juicy
red fruits, minerals, and spices
throughout the wine's overall
rich and deep structure.
Chateau
Margaux
3
The third United
States' president,
Thomas Jefferson,
is well-known for his
initials on the bottle
of Chateau Margaux
1787. Sadly, a server
accidentally knocked
over the wine,
shattering the bottle,
so it could never
be consumed or
sold. It was the most
expensive bottle that
was never sold at
the time, with some
valuing it at almost
$500,000. However,
the insurance paid
$225,000 after all.
Chateau Lafite Rothschild
Another bottle with
the letters "Th. J."
that was believed to
belong to Thomas
Jefferson was the
Chateau Lafite
Rothschild 1787 bottle.
It was found in a
Parisian cellar some
200 years later and
in 1985, Christie's
of London held an
auction. At $156,450,
this vintage is among
the priciest wine
bottles ever sold.
Top World's
History and
4
1
Penfolds Ampoule
Australia's Penfolds 2004 Block 42
Cabernet Sauvignon is available
in a limited edition, with a bottle
costing $168,000. The ampoules
containing Cabernet Sauvignon
are housed in a glass container
that requires cutting off the end
in order to open. A winemaker will
accompany the buyer to open
the Cabernet Sauvignon ampoule
to ensure proper opening. Direct
from a winery, the most expensive
wines are the ampoules of Block
42 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wines for
the Elite
ByTolulope Akinruli
Owning something uncommon, expensive, or
genuinely unique can provide an unparalleled
sense of excitement when it comes to wine.
Often, it is an exclusive product that improves
over time and increases in value and cost. The
individuals who are prepared to purchase it are the one
thing that never changes.
In this list, we present in no particular order, some of the
old and priciest wines, perfect for wine enthusiasts like
you.
60 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

LIFESTYLE
5
Chateau Lafite
In 2010, three bottles of Chateau
Lafite 1869, a rare vintage wine,
fetched $230,000 apiece at a
Hong Kong Sotheby's auction.
The bottles were expected to
fetch $8,000 apiece at auction,
but to the astonishment of the
auctioneers, the offer for this highly
sought-after premium wine went
up to $230,000. An Asian bidder
who wished to remain anonymous
purchased all three bottles
Cheval Blanc
Many people believe that the
1947 Cheval Blanc is the greatest
Bordeaux ever produced. In 2010,
it went for $304,375 at a Christie's
auction, in Geneva, to a private
collector. Due to the extraordinary
weather experienced by the vines
in 1947, this vintage has a rich
structure and will never be equalled.
The wine smells beautifully of
vanilla, oak, and earth, and it tastes
elegantly of plum and blackberry.
6 7
Jeroboam of Château
Mouton-Rothschild
Nathaniel Rothschild's vineyards
produce some of the most notable
wines, including Jeroboam of
Chateau Mouton-Rothschild
1945. It's believed to be one of the
greatest vintages in the past 100
years! The letter "V" on this bottle's
label stands for the allies' victory
in the Second World War. The wine
boasts a rich fragrance of mint,
vanilla, and baking spices, along
with a taste of fine blackberries and
wood..
8 9 10
Screaming Eagle
Cabernet Sauvignon
The beautiful Screaming Eagle
Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 sold for
$500,000 in 2000 at a charity wine
auction in Napa Valley, California.
This Napa Cabernet is dark purple
in colour, with a lovely blackberry
flavour with notes of toasty wood,
vanilla, and mint. The wine is
bottled unfined and unfiltered, with
60% new oak. Screaming Eagle is
one of the most highly regarded
cult California wines.
Domaine de la Romanée-
Conti Grand Cru
The most expensive bottle of wine ever
sold is Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
1945. At a Sotheby's auction in New
York in 2018, it was sold to an Asian
collector for an astounding $558,000.
The 1945 vintage was produced in just
600 bottles, and currently there are
relatively few in existence. It is referred
to as "the unicorn vintage." Burgundy
wines produced on Domaine de la
Romanée-Conti's vineyards are known
for being of the greatest calibre.
Bottle of Speyer Wine
It is thought that the Speyer wine
bottle is the world's oldest wine
bottle. This historic bottle, which
is on display at the Pfalz Historical
Museum, in Germany, is about 1,700
years old. It was discovered in a
Roman couple's tomb in 1867. Out of
the sixteen bottles, this one was the
only one that was still whole since it
had been sealed with wax and filled
with olive oil to keep the wine fresh.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 61

LIFESTYLE
Health Benefits
of Watermelon
Juice with Ginger
By Barbara O’Neil
62 | Accomplish Magazine

LIFESTYLE
Large glasses of watermelon juice are the
best way to remain cool in the summer.
So, why limit yourself when you may also
improve your health while resting? With a
hint of ginger, this traditional beverage is
converted into a revitalising elixir that makes
you feel better while quenching your thirst.
Watermelon is inherently hydrating in hot
weather because of its high water content.
Ginger adds taste and moisture to the blend,
leaving you feeling rejuvenated. Here are
some health benefits from watermelon:
a. Increases Vitamin A and C along with
Antioxidant Level: Lycopene, an antioxidant
that will protect you from oxidative stress
and inflammation and other vitamins are
abundant in watermelon. Watermelon juice
has additional health benefits when ginger
is added, including anti-inflammatory and
digestive properties, which together provide
a nutritional powerhouse for overall wellbeing.
b. Digestive Support: Ginger's ability to
soothe upset stomachs and promote a
healthy digestive tract is widely recognised. It
tastes fantastic with watermelon juice, which
also aids in reducing bloating, nausea, and
indigestion. For people who have sensitive
stomachs, this makes a fantastic option.
How to Make Ginger-Based Watermelon
Juice
It takes very little effort and only a few
ingredients to make this cool drink. Here's
how to go about it.
Ingredients:
Cut up fresh watermelon into cubes and
keep in a bowl. Next, peel and slice fresh
ginger root and add water (optional, for
diluting).
The Process:
i. Watermelon: In a blender, place the
chopped watermelon cubes and pulse
(beat) until the mixture is liquid and smooth.
ii. Ginger: To thoroughly mix the ginger into
the watermelon juice, add a few thin slices of
raw ginger root to the blender and pulse the
mixture again.
iii. Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the
watermelon juice to remove any pulp or
ginger fibres. If the texture doesn't bother you,
you can skip this step.
iv. Serve Chilled: To enhance the refreshing
factor, pour the ginger and watermelon juice
into glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish with
a slice of watermelon or a sprig of fresh mint,
if you like.
Watermelon juice with ginger infusion is
a tasty approach to quench your thirst
and improve your health. The nutrientrich
composition, hydration benefits, and
digestive advantages make it the ideal
summertime beverage. So why not savour
every glass with all the pleasure of summer?
To wellness and an abundance of water!
Source: Barbara O’Neil writing for filmflicks.net
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 63

Escape
The World’s
Most and Least
Walkable Cities
To give you, our
readers, something to
mull before making
a final decision on your
next holiday destination,
we bring you information
about the best and least
places to consider if taking
walks is an important part
of your holiday plan. This
piece written by Hannah
Norton and published by
The Burrow provides some
ins insights.
With 1.475 billion vehicles in the
world, and around 8.1 billion humans,
there’s approximately 182 cars for
every 1,000 people. That means
there’s a significant proportion of
people in the world who can’t drive,
or don’t have access to a car. If
you’re one of those people, or you
simply prefer to navigate a city by
foot instead of behind the wheel,
then you’ll want to read on.
We’ve analysed various factors to
see which cities in the world are
the most walkable, by looking at
things like the number of walking
trails, rainfall, and how safe they
are. Additionally, we’ve looked
at public transport systems and
biking options, as both are crucial
alternatives when you don’t have a
car.
• JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
So, read on to discover the most -
and least - walkable cities around
the world; and, if you’re considering
moving to one of these cities, you
may want to have a look into your
home loan options.
The Most Walkable Cities Worldwide
64 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

Escape
• WALKING TRAIL IN MILAN
So, which cities in the
world are the most
walkable?
Read on to see if your city
makes the list:
1. Munich, Germany
2. Milan, Italy
3. Warsaw, Poland
4. Helsinki, Finland
5. Paris, France.
Nine out of the top 10
walkable cities are all in
Europe, with Madrid in
seventh, Oslo in eighth,
Copenhagen in ninth, and
Amsterdam in 10th. The
only non-European city
in our top 10 list is Tokyo,
which makes it into sixth
place.
Sydney just falls short in 11th
place, with Melbourne in
17th; and New York City the
highest placing American
city, in position 34; with San
Francisco and Boston in
35th and 36th place.
Looking a little more at
these cities, Amsterdam
scores well for its bike
trails, at 1,090,608km in
total - the third highest on
our list. Denmark’s capital,
however, has the second
highest public transport
score, as well as the ninth
safest score, with Warsaw
in 10th. Other cities that
score well for the quality
of public transport are
Zurich (in first place), and
Stockholm (third).
Sydney, Melbourne, Rio de
Janeiro, and Tokyo have
the most walking trails, with
Sydney’s at an impressive
667 - over 100 more than
Melbourne. When it comes
to safety, you can’t beat
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or
Manama; whereas if you
consider the cost of public
transport, Buenos Aires
is by far the cheapest, at
AUD$0.23 a ticket. Mumbai
and Cairo are the second
and third cheapest, at
AUD$0.37, and AUD$0.5,
respectively.
The only thing our top 10
list doesn’t score so well
for, is rainfall! Madrid is
the least rainy in our top
10, at 34.6mm on average
a month; but overall, it’s
Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Dubai,
and Manama that have the
least.
The Least Walkable
Cities Worldwide
On the other end of the
spectrum, these are the
cities that are the least
walkable:
1. Johannesburg, South
Africa
2. Patras, Greece
3. Dallas, Texas, USA
4. Houston, Texas, USA
5. Manila, Philippines
Completing our list of top
10 least walkable cities are
Bangkok, Mumbai, Cape
Town, Quito, and Chicago.
Patras is the only European
city to score in the bottom
10, with the next lowest
scoring city Thessaloniki, in
position 30.
Looking at the factors
analysed overall, we can
see that when it comes
to bike trails, Bahrain’s
Manama has the least, at
just 9,305km; followed by
Monterrey, at 11,180km. After
Jo'burg; Rio de Janeiro,
Cape Town, and Lima score
the worst for safety.
Tying with Johannesburg
for car-free places is
Manama, with just 8%
of the population living
within 1km of a car-free
place, although Cairo and
Bangkok don’t fare much
better, at 10% and 11%
respectively.
If the rain puts you off from
stepping foot outside, then
avoid Quito, Vancouver,
and Mumbai, which have
the highest average
monthly rainfall.
Interestingly, the only factor
that the least walkable
cities didn’t score poorly in
was the cost of a one-way
ticket on public transport.
Zurich, which came 15th
overall, charges the
most, at a huge AUD$7.64
per ticket, followed by
Stockholm, Munich, and
Oslo, who came 12th, first,
and eighth on the overall
list.
General Manager of Money
at Compare the Market,
Stephen Zeller, states
that access to everything
from health care and
educational services
through to amenities
such as parks, cafes, and
libraries, has an impact on
house buying.
“Looking at transport and
amenities is a crucial step
of assessing a potential
home,” Zeller explains.
“That means looking at the
public transport links, and
seeing how far away your
nearest stop is, what time
they run to, and frequency;
as well as identifying routes
that you feel safe walking.”
“Keep in mind more
desirable areas will
generally cost more, which
means you might need a
bigger home loan than you
were originally budgeting
for.
• MUNICH GERMANY
Story Credit: Hannah
Norton. Published
by The Burrow on ©
2024 Compare The
Market. https://www.
comparethemarket.com.
au
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 65

CORPORATE SUITE
ZENITH BANK PLC:
A LEADING AFRICAN BANK
WINNING MORE LAURELS
WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART
TECHNOLOGY
66 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

CORPORATE SUITE
In this edition, Accomplish Magazine presents Nigeria’s
biggest bank by tier-1 capital, Zenith Bank Plc. Its
formation, its operational breath and world-class
management standards have remained enviable.
Vision Statement
To build the Zenith brand into a
reputable international financial
institution recognised for innovation,
superior performance and creation
of premium value for all
stakeholders.
Mission Statement
To establish a presence in all major
economic and financial centres in
Nigeria, Africa and indeed all over the
world; creating premium value for all
stakeholders.
Core Values
Integrity, Professionalism, Excellence,
Ethics, Commitment, Transparency,
Service.
People, Technology,
Service
Zenith Bank Plc. was established in
May 1990, and commenced
operations in July of the same year
as a commercial bank. The bank
became a public limited company
on June 17, 2004 and was listed on
the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)
on October 21, 2004 following a highly
successful initial public offering (IPO).
Zenith Bank Plc. currently has a
shareholder base of more than half a
million and is Nigeria’s biggest bank
by tier-1 capital. In 2013, the bank
listed $850 million worth of its shares
at $6.80 each on the London Stock
Exchange (LSE).
Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria,
Zenith Bank Plc. has 393 branches
and business offices in prime
commercial centres in all states of
the country and the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT). In March 2007, Zenith
Bank was licensed by the Financial
Services Authority (FSA) of the United
Kingdom to establish Zenith Bank
(UK) Limited as the United Kingdom
subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc.
Zenith Bank also has subsidiaries in:
Ghana, Zenith Bank (Ghana) Limited;
Sierra Leone, Zenith Bank (Sierra
Leone) Limited; Gambia, Zenith Bank
(Gambia) Limited. The bank also has
representative office in The People’s
Republic of China. It also plans to
take the Zenith brand to other African
countries as well as the European
and Asian markets.
Zenith Bank Plc. blazed the trail in
digital banking in Nigeria; scoring
several firsts in the deployment of
information and communication
technology (ICT) infrastructure to
create innovative products that
meet the needs of its teeming
customers.
The bank is verifiably a leader in the
deployment of various channels of
banking technology, and the Zenith
brand has become synonymous
with the deployment of state-of-theart
technologies in banking. Driven
by a culture of excellence and strict
adherence to global best practices,
the bank has combined vision, skilful
banking expertise, and cutting-edge
technology to create products and
services that anticipate and meet
customers’ expectations; enable
businesses to thrive and grow wealth
for customers.
Zenith Bank Plc., founded by Jim Ovia
CFR, has grown astronomically to
become one of the leading financial
institutions in Africa. Zenith Bank Plc.
currently ranks as the 10th biggest
bank in the continent. The bank grew
its shareholder’s fund of ₦20 million in
1990 to ₦1.38 trillion as at year end
2022. Today, the bank continues to
thrive on the strong values, brand
equity, corporate culture of
professionalism and service
excellence which are the foundations
upon which the bank was built.
Zenith Bank Business
Zenith Bank will continue to offer
specialised financial services such as
pension management but would
discontinue services in insurance,
capital market dealings, trusteeship,
registrar, mortgage and financial
advisory services in line with its
decision to adopt the commercial
banking license with international
authorisation. Zenith Bank’s core
businesses include:
-Corporate,
- Investment and Retail Banking
- Commercial and Consumer
Banking
- Personal and Private Banking
- Trade Services and Foreign
Exchange
- Treasury and Cash
Management Services
- Other Non-Bank Financial
Services mainly through
subsidiaries.
Superior Service Quality
Zenith Bank has clearly distinguished
itself in the banking industry through
superior service quality, unique
customer experience, and sound
financial indices. These have
become part of our corporate culture
to the extent the bank is easily
associated with the following
attributes:
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
| 67

CORPORATE SUITE
• Zenith Bank, UK
objective. Specifically, the bank
considers how the present and future
capital requirements will be met and
managed in view of projected capital
requirements based on its
assessment and against the
regulatory capital requirement.
• Zenith Bank, Ghana
-Best-in-class customer
experience
- Creativity
- Excellent financial performance
- Good asset quality
- Stable management
- Dedicated and highly skilled
work-force
- Cutting-edge Information and
Communication Technology,
- Efficient and effective distribution
channels.
The bank’s strategy of assessing and
managing its impact on the industry
forms an integral part of our strategic
Our Strategic Objective
The strategic objective of Zenith Bank
also includes a continuous
improvement of our capacity to meet
the customers’ increasing and
dynamic financial needs as well as
sustain high quality growth through
investments that impact the quality
of service to our existing and
potential customers, constant
upgrade of our ICT infrastructure,
unwavering investment in training
and re-training of our people and
regular reinforcing of our customer
services delivery charter with regards
to continually changing customer
needs. Zenith Bank places high
premium on the pivotal role of
exceptional service delivery in our
drive to consistently exceed
expectations. The bank has in place a
well-articulated strategy to not only
meet and surpass customer
expectations but also ensure that
plans are fine-tuned to address the
changing taste and sophistication of
the customer. The underlying
philosophy is for the bank to remain,
68 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

CORPORATE SUITE
at all times, a customer-centric
institution with a clear understanding
of its market and environment.
Zenith Bank Corporate
Governance
The bank remains committed to
promoting good corporate
governance and best practices in the
conduct of its business. This is
because we believe that good
corporate governance engenders
public trust and, ultimately, ensures
that the company meets the
expectation of all stakeholders.
Endorsements & Recognitions
Zenith Bank’s impressive growth
pattern and performance, over the
years, have earned it excellent
ratings, recognitions and
endorsement from local and
international agencies and
institutions. In recognition of its track
record of excellent performance,
Zenith Bank was voted as Best
Commercial Bank in Nigeria for three
consecutive years - from 2021 to
2023 - in the World Finance Banking
Awards; Best Corporate Governance
Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance
Corporate Governance Awards 2022
and 2023; Bank of the Year (Nigeria)
in The Banker’s Bank of the Year
Awards 2020 and 2022; and Best in
Corporate Governance 'Financial
Services' Africa from 2020 to 2023 by
the Ethical Boardroom. Also, Zenith
Bank was listed in the World Finance
100 2023, released by World Finance
Magazine, achieving the feat as the
only Nigerian company in the
prestigious and exclusive listing;
Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1
Capital in the "2023 Top 1,000 World
Banks" Ranking by The Banker
Magazine; and the Retail Bank of the
Year, for four consecutive years from
2019 to 2022, at the BusinessDay
Banks and Other Financial Institutions
(BAFI) Awards.
Corporate Performance
Within 34 years, Zenith Bank has
demonstrated rare resilience and has
witnessed exponential growth in
virtually all areas. Today, Zenith Bank
is, undoubtedly, one of Nigeria’s
strongest financial services
institutions and one of the country’s
largest banks by market
capitalisation, shareholders fund and
profitability. The bank’s growth
momentum has increased, over time,
and impacted positively on its
standing as a market leader. In
essence, Zenith Bank continues to
make remarkable success on the
sustainability agenda which is at the
heart of its strategic and business
models. As a result, Zenith Bank is
better positioned to continue on its
growth trajectory and our desire to be
a vital part of people’s lives and
businesses. Excellent service delivery
and development of superior asset
quality, strong capital base,
professionalism and corporate
governance have provided the
grounds for consistent high returns to
stakeholders. The bank maintains
sound risk management and
corporate governance culture in line
with global best practices. The bank’s
liquidity profile remains very strong
and our risk management practices
give assurance that the profile will be
sustained on the short-run and
improved upon over time.
ISO Standard Policy Statements
Zenith Bank’s Business Continuity
Policy is to maintain the continuity of
its activities, facilities, systems and
processes and where these are
disrupted by any event, to enable it to
return to ‘normal’ operations as soon
as possible. Any external party
dealing with Zenith Bank, no matter
their status (e.g. employee,
contractor, or consultant), must
comply with the Business Continuity
Policy of the bank. Zenith Bank is
committed to implementing Business
Continuity Management (“BCM”)
based on international best practices
and international standard
ISO22301:2019. The bank also complies
with ISO 27001:2013 and ISO
20000:2018.
Zenith Bank Customer Base
The bank’s customer base comprises
mainly corporate entities, many of
which are subsidiaries of
multinational corporations and large
indigenous companies. Our lending
strategy stresses rational procedures
and transparency. As a result of this
approach, the bank’s credit portfolio
has about the best asset quality in
the Nigerian banking industry. The
bank’s non-performing loans to total
loans ratio has always been less than
industry average since inception and
through the thick of the global
financial crises in 2008/2009.
Source: Zenith Bank Plc website.
• Adaora Umeji
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| 69