Accomplish Magazine April 2025

M A G A Z I N E

APRIL 2025

CEO INTERVIEW

Chief Violet

Yough:

On Breaking

Glass Ceilings

Maternal and

Child Care:

Africa and

Matching Global

Standards

Celebrating Jesus'

Resurrection

Inspite of Gloomy

Economy

IBB’s 'Revelations':

An Interrogation

Anthony Joshua:

STILL MAKING

AFRICA PROUD

Contents

Team

EDITOR

DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST

DEPUTY EDITOR

HARRY CHOMS

SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS

IKENNA NGERE

SEGUN ADEYANJU

CORRESPONDENT

TOLULOPE AKINRULI

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLER

MONICA EFEOTOR

WEB ADMINISTRATOR

ABDULLAHI MURTALA

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

VICTOR OLEWUNNE

MARKETING DIRECTOR

DAVE BARO-THOMAS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CHARLES KAMMA

PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF

REMI DIAGBARE

CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OSITA ANIEMEKA

EDITORIAL BOARD:

DR. OSITA ANIEMEKA

CHIEF VICTOR OLENWUNNE

OTUNBA MOBOLAJI FALASE

DAVID BARO-THOMAS

REMI DIAGBARE

DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST

DR. HARRY CHOMS

For advert enquiries, please contact

Marketing Director, Dave Baro-Thomas,

Remmy +44 7424 594773

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.

10

COVER

10 Anthony Joshua - Still Making

AFRICA PROUD

NIGERIA: BITS & BOBS

4 ECOWAS, AfDB Partner on $11.18

Million Initiative to Boost Rice

Production in West Africa &

Other Stories

SPECIAL DAY

6 Celebrating Jesus' Resurrection

Inspite of Gloomy Economy

8 Maternal and Child Care:

Africa and Matching Global

Standards

START UP ANGEL

20 2025 Trends in African Angel

Investment

DIASPORA AFRICAN

22 CSM Eragbai Evborokhai: First

Nigerian-Born Soldier to Lead a

U.S. Infantry Brigade

April 2025

52

5

CELEBRATING

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

24 (i) Chinedu Echeruo: The

Respected ITpreneur

(ii) Tomi Taiwo: An Exceptional

Nigerian-American Basketball

Player

FEATURE/ANALYSIS

28 IBB’s 'Revelations': An

Interrogation

32 ETHICS OF SPORTS

ACCOMPLISHMENT - Applicable to

Every Area of Life

GLOBAL INFO DIGEST

34 Spooky Photograhs & other stories

CEO INTERVIEW

36 Chief Violet Yough: On Breaking

Glass Ceilings

GRAND DESIGN

42 Sustainable and Striking: The

Ochre-Tinted Concrete

Design of Leftfield in

Melbourne

INCUBATOR SERIES

44 Winning Stategies for Real

Estate Businesses in Nigeria

INCUBATOR SERIES

45 Who are You Influencing?

AI TODAY & TOMORROW

48 Everything You Need to Know

About DeepSeek

AFRICA RISING NEWS....

50 Libya Set to Launch First Oil

Exploration Bid in 17 Years &

other stories...

Decades ago, the month of April began

with fond pranks of April Fool's Day. Today,

such pranks might not be taken kindly! So,

we have filled this edition with issues for

deep contemplation and necessary action.

For starters, Africa's own Anthony Joshua,

who continues to inspire boxing enthusiasts

worldwide, graces our cover page.

Our guest for 'CEO Interview' is Chief Mrs.

Violet Yough, who has broken several

glass ceilings in banking, manufacturing,

and philanthropy. Her career and CEO

memories would interest you.

For this year's World Health Day, Dr.

Chinonso Onyechi, a Fellow of the West

Africa College of Physicians, wrote on the

theme: "Maternal and Child Care: Africa

and Matching Global Standards". It's

insightful.

Our angel investment expert, Tomi Davies

(TD) looked at "2025 Trends in African Angel

Investment". Start-ups shouldn't miss it.

The "Diaspora African" this April is

Command Sergeant Major Eragbai

Evborokhai, first Nigerian-born soldier to

head a US Army Infantry Regiment.

Continuing our tradition of

celebrating people of

African descent who are

accomplishing great things

in the Diaspora, we bring you

Olaoluwatomi Oluwayemisi

From The Editor

GLOBAL NEWS...

52 Skype to Shut Down After

20 Years of Service & other

stories...

LIFESTYLE

54 ARTS & THE MASTERS -

Art in the Crossfire: The

Fight to Preserve Ukraine’s

Cultural Legacy & other

stories...

56 ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE -

Connect to the Earth and

Enjoy Better Health

CORPORATE SUITE

58 Why Nigeria Govt. Won’t

Back Down on Tax Reforms

(Tomi) Taiwo, an inspiring Nigerian-

American basketball player and Chinedu

Echeruo, a fast-rising young ITpreneur.

Recent moves by the Nigerian government

to change the country's educational policy

caught our attention so we invited Dr. Peter

Ogudoro to write "From 6-3-3-4 to 12-4:

Matters Arising". As a multi-disciplinary

expert, researcher and consultant;

Year 2021 Facebook Global Community

Accelerator Award Winner, member of

the 2023 (Chinese) Alibaba Netpreneur

Masterclass and recognised by the British

Council in 2023 for Social Action that is

significantly improving the welfare and

job effectiveness of teachers in Nigeria

and globally, his analysis should be taken

seriously.

Another hot issue of public discourse is

the long anticipated memoir of General

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB),

“A Journey in Service”. The book didn't

seem to match expectations so Segun

Adeyanju asked critical questions with "IBB's

'Revelations': An Interrogation". You have to

read this one!

In these and other pieces, our writers

have sustained the trade mark, bestfoot-forward

approach of ACCOMPLISH

Magazine. So, again, we're glad to welcome

you onboard!

DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST

Editor

editor@theaccomplishmagazine.com

Disclaimer

7

48

43

• 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.

FOLLOW US @ ENTREPRENEUR NG

NIGERIA:

BITS & BOBS

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

By Ikenna Ngere

Nigeria becomes 77th member of European Bank for Reconstruction

and Development

Nigeria has officially

joined the European Bank

for Reconstruction and

Development (EBRD) as its

77th member, marking a

significant step in boosting its

economic development. The

announcement was made by

the Ministry of Finance,Wale

Edun, who received the

membership certificate from

an EBRD delegation led by Heike

Harmgart in Abuja.

During the visit, discussions

focused on future

collaborations with the bank

introducing Hamza Al-Assad

as its first Country Director

in Lagos. Edun emphasised

Nigeria’s macroeconomic

reforms, including subsidy

removal, fiscal deficit reduction,

exchange rate stabilisation, and

• L-R: Heike Harmgart, Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at EBRD and

Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

tax reforms, aimed at attracting

investment.

The EBRD, established in 1991,

supports private sector growth,

infrastructure development, and

economic reforms in emerging

markets. Nigeria’s membership

is expected to unlock new

investment opportunities,

positioning the country as a key

player in regional economic

growth and global financial

markets.

POLITICS

• L-R: Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission and Abdul Kamara, AfDB’s Director-General for

Nigeria during the signing

ECOWAS, AfDB Partner on $11.18 Million Initiative to Boost Rice

Production in West Africa

The Economic Community of

West African States (ECOWAS)

Commission and the African

Development Bank (AfDB)

have signed an $11.18 million

agreement to boost rice

production across West Africa.

Announced via ECOWAS’s

social media, the partnership

aims to enhance food

security and reduce reliance

on rice imports. ECOWAS

Commission President, Omar

Touray, emphasised the bank’s

continued support, citing past

collaborations like the Lagos-

Abidjan corridor project.

AfDB’s Director-General

for Nigeria, Abdul Kamara,

described the initiative as a

historic step, leveraging the

ECOWAS Rice Observatory

and the bank’s agroindustrial

processing zones

to strengthen regional

rice production. AfDB has

previously backed major

ECOWAS projects, including

a $2 billion highway and a

dual-currency credit line for

agricultural businesses.

• Nasir El-Rufai

El-Rufai Defects to SDP, Calls for United

Opposition Against APC

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially

resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and

joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In a Facebook

post on March 10, 2025, he confirmed submitting his

resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna after consulting

with his mentors, colleagues, and supporters.

El-Rufai, a key figure in the APC's formation and

electoral successes, expressed disappointment with

the party's leadership, accusing them of

stifling democracy and disregarding internal

concerns. He stated that recent developments

confirmed the APC’s unwillingness to address

its structural issues.

Now a member of the SDP, El-Rufai aims to

unite opposition parties to challenge the APC

in upcoming elections, including the 2027

general election. He urged his supporters and

Nigerians committed to national progress to

join the SDP in reshaping the country’s political

landscape.

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.

4 |

www.theaccomplishmagazine.com


| 5

EASTER DAY REPORT

EASTER DAY REPORT

Celebrating Jesus'

Resurrection Inspite

of Gloomy Economy

By Diiyi William-West

The celebration of the

resurrection of Jesus is

a significant event in

the Christian calendar,

as it symbolises the

triumph of eternal life over death

and the promised redemption

of believers. In recent times,

many people have found it

challenging to live in the joy and

hope Jesus' resurrection brought

due to economic difficulties

and uncertainty. Despite these

challenges, there are several

reasons why celebrating the

resurrection of Jesus can bring

comfort and encouragement

even in times of economic gloom.

Firstly, the resurrection of Jesus

offers believers a source of hope

and assurance that transcends

earthly circumstances. The

message of His resurrection

reminds Christians that their

ultimate hope is not in material

wealth or prosperity but in the

promise of eternal life through

faith in Jesus Christ. This hope

can be a source of comfort and

strength during career, business,

academic or health challenges.

Also, the celebration of the

resurrection of Jesus can

serve as a reminder of the

importance of faith and trust

in God's supremacy. Just as

Jesus triumphed over death

and the grave, believers can find

confidence in the knowledge that

God is in control of all aspects of

their lives, including their financial

well-being in times of economic

boom or gloom.

Additionally, the celebration of

His resurrection, which many

mark as Easter, offers believers

an opportunity to reflect on the

sacrificial love of Jesus Christ,

who willingly laid down His life

for the salvation of humanity.

This act of selflessness and love

serves as a powerful example

for Christians, reminding them

of the importance of generosity,

compassion, and service to

others at all times. By following in

the footsteps of Jesus, believers

can find purpose and fulfillment

even during financial challenges.

The

resurrection of

Jesus teaches

believers

to prioritise

spiritual riches

and eternal

treasures over

earthly wealth

Furthermore, the celebration

of Jesus' resurrection can

provide believers with a sense of

community and solidarity with

their fellow Christians as they find

strength and encouragement

in the knowledge that they are

not alone in their struggles. This

sense of unity and fellowship can

help believers to navigate any

hardship with a sense of shared

purpose and mutual support.

Indeed, the celebration of Easter

can serve as a reminder of the

transient nature of material

wealth and possessions. The

resurrection of Jesus teaches

believers to prioritise spiritual

riches and eternal treasures

over earthly wealth, recognising

that true fulfillment and

satisfaction can only be found

in a relationship with God. This

perspective can help believers

to persevere through financial

difficulties, trusting in God's

guidance and provision rather

than material wealth itself. This

new focus can help believers to

take practical steps to improve

their financial situation through

budgeting wisely, seeking

employment and investment

opportunities, and managing

debts responsibly.

Again, by following the example

of Jesus' selfless sacrifice,

believers can find joy and

fulfillment in serving others,

sharing their resources, and

offering support to those who

are less fortunate. This spirit of

generosity can foster a sense of

community and compassion,

helping to alleviate the impact

of economic gloom on both

individuals and society as a

whole.

The celebration of Easter can

serve as a reminder of the power

of prayer and faith in overcoming

challenges and obstacles,

including financial difficulties.

With these, believers can find

courage to face their worries and

fears, trusting in His providence,

grace and faithfulness.

In conclusion, by focusing on

the spiritual significance of

Jesus' resurrection, believers can

find encouragement to trust in

God's provision, prioritise eternal

treasures over earthly wealth

and serve others with love and

compassion, as they navigate

economic difficulties with a sense

of purpose and unity, finding joy

and fulfillment in the message of

Jesus' resurrection.

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.

6 |



| 7

SPECIAL DAY!

SPECIAL DAY!

by Chinonso Onyechi

As the world observes

World Health Day, the

global community

is reminded of

the importance of

universal health coverage and

the need to address health

disparities, particularly in Africa.

This year's theme, "Maternal and

Child Care: Africa and Matching

Global Standards," highlights the

urgent need to improve health

care outcomes for mothers and

children in Africa.

Africa bears a disproportionate

burden of maternal and child

WORLD HEALTH DAY

MATERNAL AND

CHILD CARE:

AFRICA AND MATCHING

GLOBAL STANDARDS

mortality. According to the World

Health Organisation (WHO), in

2019, Africa accounted for about

66% of global maternal deaths

(200,000 maternal deaths, with

a maternal mortality ratio of 462

deaths per 100,000 live births);

and 50% of global under-five

deaths (2.5 million under-five

deaths with an under-five

mortality rate of 50 deaths per

1,000 live births). According to

the WHO, Nigeria accounts for

about 14% of global maternal

deaths (58,000 maternal deaths

annually, with a maternal

mortality ratio of 814 deaths per

100,000 live births); and 12% of global

under-five deaths (740,000 under-five

deaths annually, with an under-five

mortality rate of 69 deaths per 1,000

live births)!

The continent's high maternal and

child mortality rates are attributed to

a combination of factors, including:

limited access to health care, health

care workforce shortages, inadequate

infrastructure, limited access to

essential medicines, poor quality of

care (inadequate training, lack of

equipment, and insufficient medical

supplies) and socio-economic

determinants (poverty, lack of

education, and cultural barriers).

The WHO has established global

standards for maternal and child

care, which include access to:

- antenatal care (pregnant women

should receive regular checkups

and essential interventions,

such as tetanus vaccination and

malaria prevention;

- skilled birth attendants to attend

births by providing emergency

obstetric care and prevent

complications;

- postnatal care during postpartum

period; and,

- essential newborn care such

as vaccination, warmth, and

breastfeeding support.

To bridge the gap in maternal and

child care in Africa, governments,

health care providers, and

international partners must work

together to:

- Strengthen health care

systems: investing in health

care infrastructure, training

Improving maternal

and child health

outcomes in Africa

requires a multifaceted

approach that

addresses the complex

interplay of factors

contributing to poor

health outcomes

and, equipment to improve

access to quality care.

- Increase access to essential

services: expanding access

to quality maternal and child

care, particularly in rural and

hard-to-reach areas.

- Promote community

engagement: engaging

communities in

health promotion

and education for

support to traditional

birth attendants and

community health

workers.

- Leverage technology

and innovation:

Harnessing digital

health technologies,

such as mobile

health applications

and telemedicine,

to improve access

to care and health

outcomes.

Several African countries have

made significant progress in

improving maternal and child

health outcomes. For example,

in Rwanda - where Community-

Based Health Insurance has

increased access to health care

services, particularly for pregnant

women and children. Ghana's

Free Maternal Care Policy has

reduced maternal mortality

rates and increased access to

antenatal care and skilled birth

attendants. Also, Kenya's Mobile

Health Applications such as the

"Mama" app, have improved

access to health information

and services amongst pregnant

women and new mothers.

Despite progress recorded,

significant challenges remain;

including - health care workforce

shortages (particularly in

rural areas), limited access

to essential medicines and,

cultural/social barriers such

as female genital mutilation

and early marriage which can

increase maternal mortality

during child bearing.

In conclusion, improving

maternal and child health

outcomes in Africa requires a

multifaceted approach that

addresses the complex interplay

of factors contributing to poor

health outcomes. Based on

expert recommendations,

investing in health care

infrastructure, training and

equipment, implementing

policies that support universal

health coverage, prioritising

maternal and child health,

providing high-quality care,

engaging with communities

to promote health education

and awareness, leveraging

technology and innovation, and

providing international technical

and financial support to

strengthen health care systems

will boost maternal and child

health care delivery in Africa to

match global standards and

ensure that mothers in Africa

have access to quality health

care while babies have a healthy

start in life.

CHINONSO

ONYECHI

AUTHOR’S BIO

Dr. Chinonso Onyechi is a

dedicated medical professional

and researcher specialising

in Community Medicine and

Public Health, with extensive

experience in medical education,

health policy, health promotion,

and epidemiological research.

He is a Fellow of the West Africa

College of Physicians, actively

contributing to public health

initiatives, disease surveillance,

and medical training.

8 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com


| 9

COVER

COVER

Still Making Africa Proud

ANTHONY JOSHUA



| 11

COVER

COVER

By Ify Davies

Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni

Joshua, affectionately

known as AJ, is not just

a towering figure in the

boxing ring but also a

symbol of resilience, discipline, and

ambition. From humble beginnings in

Watford in Hertfordshire, England, to

becoming one of the most celebrated

heavyweight champions in boxing

history, Joshua’s journey is another

confirmation that perseverance and

an unyielding drive would eventually

lead to greatness.

The Making of a

Champion

Anthony Joshua’s rise to

fame began with his gold

medal victory at the 2012

London Olympics in the

men’s super heavyweight

division. At just 22 years old,

Joshua defeated two-time

world champion, Roberto

Cammarelle, in a thrilling

final, marking a turning point

in his career and cementing

his place as a promising

talent in British boxing.

Following his Olympic

triumph, AJ transitioned

into professional boxing

in 2013, debuting with a

decisive TKO victory against

Emanuele Leo. Over the next

few years, he claimed the

British and Commonwealth

heavyweight titles,

showcasing his raw

strength and technical

prowess. His meteoric rise

culminated in his winning

the IBF heavyweight title

by knocking out Charles

Martin at The O2 Arena,

London, in 2016. This victory

made him the first British

super-heavyweight Olympic

champion to secure a

professional heavyweight

world title.

Historic Fights

and Unforgettable

Moments

Joshua’s career has been

punctuated by legendary

bouts that have captivated

fans worldwide. His clash with

Wladimir Klitschko, in 2017, at

Wembley Stadium was hailed

as “the most anticipated boxing

match in decades.” Selling over

80,000 tickets and drawing

millions of viewers globally, the

fight ended with AJ delivering

a technical knockout after

11 gruelling rounds. It was

named "Fight of the Year"

by The Ring magazine and

solidified Joshua’s reputation

as a powerhouse in the sport.

Another defining moment

came during his rivalry

with Andy Ruiz Jr. In 2019,

Ruiz shocked the world by

defeating Joshua in one

of heavyweight boxing’s

biggest upsets. However, AJ

demonstrated his ability to

bounce back by reclaiming

his titles in their rematch later

that year with a calm and

clinical performance.

Despite setbacks against

Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and

2022, Joshua has continued

to fight with determination,

securing victories against

opponents like Jermaine

Franklin and Robert Helenius.

With a record of 26 wins (23

by knockout) and only three

losses, AJ remains one of

boxing’s most formidable

competitors.



| 13

COVER

COVER

The Businessman and Brand

Anthony Joshua’s influence extends far

beyond the ring. As an ambassador for

Matchroom Boxing and DAZN, he has helped

elevate boxing’s global appeal through

record-breaking events and partnerships.

His collaborations include endorsements

with major brands like Under Armour, Beats

by Dre, and Hugo Boss. In recognition of his

contributions to sport, Joshua was awarded

the Member of the Order of the British Empire

(MBE) in 2013 and the Officer of the Order of

the British Empire (OBE) in 2018.

Joshua’s disciplined approach to training

reflects his personality traits - structured,

logical, and goal-oriented. His ability to adapt

strategies mid-fight demonstrates sharp

analytical thinking, while his charisma makes

him a natural leader both inside and outside

the ring.

Rising from Adversity

AJ has openly shared insights into his mental

resilience. Speaking about moments of pain

and self-doubt following defeats, he emphasises

the importance of learning from setbacks

- a hallmark trait of great champions like

Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. His ability

Anthony Joshua's most recent triumph against Francis Ngannou

at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on March 8, 2024.

to recalibrate after losses underscores his

unwavering commitment to growth.

Key Philanthropic Activities

Anthony Joshua's philanthropy has had

a significant impact on communities,

particularly in youth development and

grassroots boxing.

• Grassroots Boxing: Joshua has saved

numerous clubs from closure, especially

during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring they

continue to provide vital services in deprived

areas.

• Youth Empowerment: Through mentorship,

he inspires young people with his story of

overcoming adversity.

• Health Advocacy: He has supported cancer

charities and fundraised for medical

equipment.

• Nigeria: Although specific details are limited,

Joshua has expressed pride in his Nigerian

heritage and has been involved in initiatives

that promote sports development in Africa,

including Nigeria.

Joshua's efforts have been praised for their

positive influence on local communities and

for highlighting the importance of grassroots

sports initiatives. His philanthropy extends

beyond boxing, reflecting his commitment to

creating lasting change.

Legacy and Future Prospects

At 33 years old, Anthony Joshua is far from

done. With new trainer Derrick James guiding

him, AJ is poised for another attempt to win

a world title in the heavyweight division.

Whether facing top contenders or rising stars,

he remains game for any challenge - a true

testament to his warrior spirit.

Anthony Joshua’s story is one of triumphs

earned through grit and determination. From

Olympic glory to professional dominance,

AJ continues to inspire fans worldwide as he

carves out his place among boxing legends.

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.



| 15

Picture

Tom Hanks, Graham Norton, Maisie Williams, and

Anthony Joshua in The Graham Norton Show

Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev at an event

for Sky Sports World Championship Boxing

Anthony Joshua and Emily Skye launch

Lucozade Sport's new FitWater

Badou Jack, Dereck Chisora, and Anthony Joshua

in Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II.

Anthony Joshua with his mother, Yeta Odusanya

Anthony Joshua with his son, Joseph

Joshua; and his dad, Robert Joshua

Anthony Joshua's arrival to one of his fights with Oleksandr Usyk

Badou Jack, Dereck Chisora, and Anthony Joshua

in Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II.

Anthony Joshua and his fights promoter, Eddie Hearn,

during WBA World Light-Heavyweight Championship:

Dmitry Bivol vs. Zurdo Ramírez

Anthony Joshua pays homage to the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun

Evander Holyfield, Dereck Chisora, and Anthony Joshua in Oleksandr

Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II

16 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

| 17

COVER

SELECTED

QUOTES OF

ANTHONY

JOSHUA

By Harry Choms

The

mental is

more important

than the physical.

You know, that voice

in your head telling

you to give up if it gets

tough. That's my main

opponent - making

sure that if your body

wants to stop, your

mind won't let

you.

When

you are around

people who have

money, you realise

money isn't that

impressive, it's about

your class, morals and

how you conduct

yourself.

Never

let success go

to your head, and

never let failures

go to your

heart.

You

have to speak

from a place where

all is possible. When

you speak from a place

where there're limits,

you've already set

yourself up to

fail.

Wherever

you get to

is better than

where you started.

To stay on the

road is a massive

achievement.

I was

raised well.

My parents are

from Nigeria; their

culture is respectful.

Very respectful. But I

learned that you have

to be determined.

It's not violence or

aggression. It's sheer

determination.

On my

journey I fell

down a couple

times but I

never fell off.

As

long as you

have discipline,

you can be a

success. Discipline

is what makes you

do everything

you need to

do.

It takes

a certain type

of man to become

a boxer, to fight for

a living. To be able to

have the confidence to hit

another man, to control your

fears. You must overcome

the physical aspect and

believe in the art, the

discipline of the sport.

You need to study.

You need to be

smart.

From

the neck up

is where you win

or lose the battle.

It's the art of war.

You have to lock

yourself in and

strategise your

mindset.

In boxing,

it is about the

obsession of getting

the most from

yourself: wanting to

dominate the world

like a hungry

young lion."

COVER

Just

set yourself a

goal and try and

stick to it. Because

you'll always end up

better than where

you started.

The belt

doesn't

represent me; it's

how you deal with

people, how you

represent yourself

as a champion. The

belt is a sign of a

champion, but what

makes a champion

is the things I

have just said.

18 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com www.theaccomplishmagazine.com | 19

AFRICAN STARTUP ANGEL by

AFRICAN STARTUP ANGEL by

2025

Trends

in African

Angel

Investment

influence strategic decisions but

also to ensure start-ups receive

the capital necessary to scale

effectively.

By leading larger rounds, Jozi

Angels is reducing reliance on

foreign capital and ensuring that

African wealth stays within the

continent. The success of South

Africa’s fintech and renewable

energy start-ups, fuelled by such

investment strategies, highlights

the impact of this evolution.

Collaboration among angel

investors has reached new

heights with the rise of syndicates.

These investment groups enable

angels to pool resources, share

risks, and participate in larger

deals while accessing higherquality

investment opportunities.

Currently, 46% of African angel

investors prefer syndicates, a

model that strengthens the

start-up ecosystem by providing

not just capital, but also

mentorship and industry

expertise.

Nigeria’s Lagos Angel Network

(LAN) exemplifies the power of

syndication in early-stage

investing. By bringing together

experienced investors, LAN has

effectively deployed millions in

funding across multiple start-ups,

fostering some of the country’s

most promising early-stage

ventures.

fundamental challenges. Three

key sectors drawing attention

include:

Climate Tech & Infrastructure

– Renewables, AI-powered

agriculture, and climate resilience

solutions are gaining traction.

HealthTech & AI in Health Care

– Start-ups leveraging AI for

diagnostics, telemedicine, and

last-mile health care delivery are

seeing increased backing.

Fintech Beyond Payments – The

focus has expanded to

embedded finance, SME lending

platforms, and blockchain

applications for cross-border

trade.

This shift reflects an evolving

investment mindset: prioritising

long-term impact alongside

financial returns.

The past decade saw African

start-ups relying heavily on

international funding, but this is

changing. African pension funds,

insurance firms, and high-networth

individuals are now

channelling capital into angel

investing. By reducing

dependency on foreign capital,

more start-ups are remaining

African-owned and African-led,

therefore, sustaining the

continent’s innovation ecosystem.

Also, implementation of the

African Continental Free Trade

Area (AfCFTA) is increasing

cross-border investment. Angel

investors are now actively

backing start-ups with regional

expansion ambitions, as scalable

business models that operate

across multiple markets become

more attractive.

For instance, pan-African logistics

and fintech start-ups are

leveraging cross-border trade to

scale rapidly, making them ideal

candidates for angel investment.

The ability to operate across

different markets also de-risks

investment portfolios, making

cross-border deals a compelling

opportunity for syndicates and

individual angels alike.

So, Africa’s angel investing

landscape in 2025 is defined by

larger equity rounds, stronger

syndicates, sector diversification,

and increasing local capital

participation; ensuring that

African start-ups not only survive

economic downturns but thrive

amid them. With more capital

staying on the continent and

investors taking strategic, longterm

positions in start-ups,

Africa’s innovation ecosystem is

entering its most dynamic phase

yet and, African angel investors

are well-positioned to drive

sustainable economic growth

while generating strong returns.

In 2025, Africa’s angel investing landscape would

not just be evolving - it would be reshaped by a

strategic shift in investor behaviour, sectoral

focus, and collaborative models.

With a 4.4x increase in equity

investments over the past year

and angel syndicates accounting

for nearly half of these deals, the

ecosystem is undergoing a

profound transformation. These

trends point to a more structured,

impact-driven, and resilient

investment climate, with African

angels playing a pivotal role in

fuelling the continent’s

entrepreneurial growth.

Angel investors in Africa are

increasingly backing larger equity rounds,

moving beyond traditional small-ticket

investments. In January 2025 alone,

equity investments accounted for 90% of

the $289 million raised by African startups,

signalling a growing preference for

backing ventures with proven business

models and clear scalability pathways.

An example of this trend is Jozi Angels, a

South African angel network that has

played a critical role in transforming

early-stage investing in the region.

Founded in 2017, the network has funded

over 52 start-ups, with a marked shift

towards larger equity investments. This

approach allows investors not only to

LAN’s collaborative approach

mitigates individual investor risk

while maximising the collective

impact of angel capital. This

model has proven particularly

valuable in a fast-growing market

like Nigeria, where start-ups often

require structured, follow-on

funding to scale beyond the MVP

stage.

While fintech remains dominant,

angel investors are diversifying

into high-growth sectors

addressing Africa’s

Tomi Davies (TD) BIO:

Tomi Davies (TD) is a

co-founder of ABAN and

stepped down after 10 years

as founding President on

31 December 2024. He's is

Collaborator-in-Chief (CiC)

at TVC Labs, a technologyenabled

innovation hub

in Lagos, Nigeria. He is a

co-founder of Zeitec, an

investment firm that focuses

on venture capital assets in

Africa.



| 21

DIASPORA AFRICAN

DIASPORA AFRICAN

CSM Eragbai Evborokhai

First Nigerian-Born

Soldier to Lead a U.S.

Infantry Brigade

By Segun Adeyanju

In a historic milestone,

Command Sergeant

Major Eragbai E.

Evborokhai has become

the first Nigerian-born

soldier to lead a United

States Army infantry

regiment. His journey from

Nigeria to one of the

highest-ranking enlisted

positions in the U.S. military

is a testament to resilience,

dedication, and exceptional

leadership.

CSM Evborokhai enlisted

in the U.S. Army in 2001,

beginning his military

career in Baltimore,

Maryland. He completed his

infantry training at Fort

Benning, Georgia, and

quickly ascended through

the ranks, proving his

capabilities in various

leadership roles. Over the

years, he has served as a

rifleman, automatic

rifleman, fire team leader,

squad leader, drill sergeant,

senior drill sergeant,

platoon sergeant, first

sergeant, and operations

sergeant major. His ability

to lead and mentor

soldiers across different

capacities positioned him

as a key figure in the U.S.

military.

Global Assignments

and Leadership Roles

Throughout his career, CSM

Evborokhai has been deployed

to several strategic military

bases across the world. His

assignments include the 25th

Infantry Division in Hawaii, the

2nd Battalion 6th Infantry

Regiment in Germany, and the

1st Armoured Division at Fort

Bliss, Texas. He has also been

stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma,

and currently serves as the

Command Sergeant Major of

the 4th Battalion 9th Infantry

Regiment “Manchu” at Fort

Carson, Colorado.

His leadership has extended

beyond national borders, with

deployments to Iraq and

Kuwait as part of major

military operations. These

experiences have given him a

deep understanding of

combat strategy, soldier

welfare, and international

military collaboration.

Excellence in Military and

Academic Training

CSM Evborokhai’s

commitment to professional

development is evident in his

extensive military education.

He has undergone specialised

training in areas such as

leadership, combat life-saving,

airborne operations, and

modern army combatives.

Notably, he completed elite

programmes like Ranger

School, Air Assault Course, and

the Malaysian Jungle Warfare

Special Course.

His academic achievements

are equally impressive. He

holds a Bachelor of Science in

Homeland Security from the

University of Maryland (Global

Campus) and a Bachelor of

Arts in Workforce and

Leadership Development from

the Command and General

Staff College. Currently, he is

pursuing a master’s degree in

Homeland Security, further

strengthening his expertise in

military strategy and national

security.

A Well Decorated

Officer

CSM Evborokhai’s

distinguished career has

earned him numerous awards

and recognitions. These

include:

Meritorious Service Medal

(2 awards)

Army Commendation

Medal (5 awards)

Army Achievement Medal

(6 awards)

Valorous Unit Award

Combat Infantryman’s

Badge

Ranger Tab

Basic Parachute Badge

Air Assault Badge

Norwegian Foot March

Badge

German Armed Forces

Badge for Weapon

Proficiency

He is also a proud member of

the Order of Saint Maurice, a

prestigious honour awarded

to individuals who have made

significant contributions to the

infantry community.

Personal Life and

Legacy

Beyond his military service,

CSM Evborokhai is a

dedicated family man with

three children - two sons and

a daughter.

As he continues to lead and

mentor soldiers in one of the

most demanding roles in the

U.S. Army, CSM Eragbai

Evborokhai embodies the

spirit of perseverance,

discipline, and excellence. His

journey serves as a reminder

that with hard work and

dedication, barriers can be

broken, and new heights can

be achieved. His story is an

inspiration to many,

particularly young Nigerians

aspiring to make an impact

on the global stage.

SEGUN

ADEYANJU

AUTHOR’S BIO

Segun Adeyanju is a seasoned

journalist and editor with

extensive experience in news

writing, editing, and professional

storytelling. A member of the

Nigeria Union of Journalists

(NUJ), he's adept at stakeholder

engagement and information

management..

22 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com www.theaccomplishmagazine.com | 23

CELEBRATING

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CELEBRATING

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Echeruo’s reputation as a tech innovator.

Chinedu Echeruo:

The Respected ITpreneur

By Ify Davies

In the ever-evolving world of technology and entrepreneurship, few

individuals have left as profound a mark as Chinedu Echeruo. A visionary

tech entrepreneur with roots in Nigeria, Echeruo’s journey from a small

town in eastern Nigeria to the global tech stage is a testament to innovation,

perseverance, and the transformative power of technology.

Chinedu invited to participate in a program in Ghana organised by MTN.

A Foundation Built on Excellence

Born in Nsukka, Nigeria, Chinedu Echeruo’s early

years were shaped by a culture of curiosity and

academic excellence. He attended King’s College

in Lagos before pursuing higher education

abroad. Echeruo earned his Bachelor’s degree in

Finance and Accounting from Syracuse University,

New York, United States of America, and later

obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School -

credentials that laid the groundwork for his future

entrepreneurial ventures.

Before venturing into the tech world, Echeruo

honed his skills in finance. He worked at JPMorgan

Chase in mergers and acquisitions and later

at AM Investment Partners, a hedge fund.

These experiences equipped him with a deep

understanding of business strategy and financial

management, which became invaluable in his

entrepreneurial pursuits.

Revolutionising Transit with HopStop

In 2005, Chinedu Echeruo founded HopStop, an

online navigation platform designed to simplify

urban transit. The idea was born out of frustration

with navigating New York City’s complex subway

system. HopStop provided door-to-door transit

directions for walking, biking, buses, subways, and

taxis across hundreds of cities worldwide.

HopStop quickly gained traction, becoming a go-to

app for over five million monthly users. Its success

was rooted in its ability to address a universal pain

point - making public transit more accessible and

user-friendly. In 2013, Apple acquired HopStop as

part of its efforts to enhance Apple Maps, solidifying

Transforming Travel with Tripology

Echeruo’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t

stop at HopStop. He also founded

Tripology.com, a platform connecting

travellers with expert travel agents

for personalised trip planning. This

innovative approach to travel services

redefined how people planned their

journeys and set new standards for

customer-centric travel solutions.

Tripology was acquired by Rand McNally

and later became part of USA Today.

A Legacy of Innovation

His contributions to technology have

not gone unnoticed as he's earned

numerous accolades including being:

• Named one of Forbes’ 10 Most Powerful

Men in Africa (2014).

• Recognised by Black Enterprise Magazine as Small

Business Innovator of the Year (2015).

• Featured in prestigious publications such as The

Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Bloomberg.

Beyond awards, Echeruo has inspired countless

aspiring entrepreneurs through his story of

resilience and innovation. His ventures demonstrate

how technology can solve real-world problems

while creating opportunities for growth and impact.

Empowering Future Generations

Echeruo continues to champion innovation through

new ventures like Gigameet - a cause-driven social

platform - and by mentoring young entrepreneurs.

His success underscores the importance of

leveraging education, creativity, and determination

to address everyday challenges. As ACCOMPLISH

Magazine celebrates Chinedu Echeruo, his story

serves as a powerful reminder that great ideas

can emerge from frustration and that those ideas

can change the world when aligned with vision

and execution. From revolutionising urban transit

to personalising travel planning, Echeruo has left

an indelible mark on the tech industry - and his

journey is far from over.

Chinedu Echeruo is not just an ITpreneur; he is an

inspiration for dreamers everywhere who dare to

imagine solutions that make life better for all.



| 25

CELEBRATING

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Tomi Taiwo:

An Exceptional Nigerian-American

Basketball Player

By Chinedu Ugo

Nigerian-born basketball star,

Olaoluwatomi Oluwayemisi Taiwo, is

reputable for her exceptional displays on

the court, but she stands out for her winning

mentality since her early years. Born on June

16, 2000, in Carmel, Indiana, in the United

States, Tomi, as she is fondly called, attended

Carmel High School and was pivotal to their

journey to the Indiana regional finals. She

would progress with her winning mentality as

she was given an honorable mention for the

American Family Insurance All-USA Central

Indiana girls basketball preseason Super

Team during her senior year in high school.

Tomi would go on to be named twice in the

honorable mention AP all-state selection.

During her college basketball career, Tomi featured

for the University of Iowa and was an Academic All-

Big Ten performer for three consecutive years (2019-

20, 2020-21 and 2021-22) before her transfer to Texas

Christian University after four years at Iowa.

Due to her patriotic leanings, she joined the Nigeria

Customs, a basketball team owned by the Nigerian

Customs Service, in 2023. The highlight of her exploits

in Nigeria was in 2023, when she was instrumental

in the Nigerian senior women’s basketball team

(D’Tigress) run to a fourth consecutive Afrobasket title

win in Rwanda.

In 2024, she joined Portugal-Liga Feminina outfit

Esgueira Aveiro. She went on to play a key role in the

history-making Nigerian women’s basketball team

at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where Nigeria

became the first African basketball team (male and

female) to advance into the quarterfinals of the

Olympics basketball event.

Before the 2024 Olympics, Nigeria had not won a

single game in the history of basketball at the global

event and was pitched against heavyweights like

hosts France alongside Australia, and Canada. Tomi

and her teammates beat Australia 75-62, lost by 75-

54 points against France, and beat Canada by 79-70

points to set up a quarterfinal against the USA, where

they bowed out with a remarkable 88-74 score.

With that performance, Tomi Taiwo and her

teammates won the hearts of millions of Nigerians

and non-Nigerians as they brought back the glory

days of basketball in the country. She continues

her exploits on basketball courts and looks set to fly

Nigeria’s flag higher on the global stage.

FEATURE / ANALYSIS

FEATURE / ANALYSIS

IBB’S 'REVELATIONS':

An Interrogation

By Segun Adeyanju

Former military president,

General Ibrahim Badamasi

Babangida (IBB), is a pivotal

figure in Nigeria’s political

history. His much-anticipated

memoir, "A Journey in Service",

promised insights into the defining

moments of his administration and

beyond, yet it leaves many critical

questions unanswered. While

the memoir offers Babangida’s

perspectives on governance and

power, its selective omissions

create significant gaps

in Nigeria’s historical

narrative.

The lack of

detailed

information on

the annulment of

Nigeria’s freest and

fairest election on

June 12,1993; the civil

unrests triggered by the

Structural Adjustment

Programme (SAP); and,

the bizarre assassination

of Dele Giwa, Nigeria's

leading investigative

journalist at the time,

raise concerns about the

book’s intent - whether it

seeks to clarify history or

merely control its telling.

The Search for Truth and

Accountability

IBB’s memoir arrives at a time

when Nigeria is undergoing a

complex national reckoning.

His tenure (1985–1993) saw

major political, economic, and

military decisions that continue

to shape the country’s trajectory.

While many see the book as an

attempt to set the record straight,

others argue that Babangida’s

revelations are selective,

omitting crucial aspects of

his administration's actions

or inactions that demand full

accountability. The fundamental

question remains: Is Babangida’s

attempt at revisiting history

sufficient, or do Nigerians expect

something deeper - perhaps

remorse, reparations, repairs, or

even justice?

June 12 and the Long

Shadow of History

One of the most talked-about

revelations in "A Journey

in Service" is Babangida’s

acceptance that the late

Chief Moshood Kashimawo

Abiola (MKO) won the June

• IBB And MKO Abiola

12, 1993, presidential

election. This

acknowledgment,

while significant,

does little to erase

the pain and

political turmoil and

torture that followed

its annulment.

For decades,

Babangida remained silent

on the reasons behind

the annulment, allowing

speculation to fester. Now,

with his belated confirmation,

Nigerians seem to be left

with more questions than

answers. Why was Abiola

denied his mandate?

Why did the military elites

believe democracy had

to be interrupted? And, if

Babangida now admits

the annulment was

wrong, should there be

compensatory measures

for Abiola’s family and

supporters?

Legal experts like Femi Falana

argue that Babangida’s

confession could open

the door for legal redress.

Others, like President Bola

Tinubu, believe that merely

acknowledging the truth

is a crucial step toward

reconciliation. But for

many Nigerians, the pain

of June 12 is not just about

acknowledgment - it is about

accountability.

The 1966 Coup and

Nigeria’s Ethnic Fault Lines

Another striking element

of Babangida’s memoir is

his attempt to correct the

long-held narrative that

the first military coup of

January 1966 was an “Igbo

coup.” For decades, this

perception fuelled ethnic

• Maj. Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi Speaking To Reporters In

January 1966 Before His Death In July

divisions, particularly in

Northern Nigeria, where the

coup was viewed as an

Igbo-led conspiracy against

Hausa-Fulani leaders. By

stating that the coup was

not ethnically motivated but

rather an attempt at reform,

Babangida challenges a

long-standing historical

belief.

However, his assertion has

not been accepted simply.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the

apex Igbo socio-cultural

organisation, sees this as

proof that the Igbo have

been unfairly blamed for

Nigeria’s first coup and

are demanding a public

acknowledgment of historical

distortions. If Babangida’s

revisionist history is

accepted, new questions

arise: Should the Nigerian

government formally correct

past misrepresentations?

Should ethnic groups

that suffered post-coup

retaliations receive some

form of restitution? And, more

broadly, can Nigeria heal if

historical grievances remain

unresolved?

Structural Adjustment

and Its Unfinished

Business

One of the most impactful

policies of the Babangida

regime was the introduction of

the Structural Adjustment

28 |



| 29

FEATURE / ANALYSIS

FEATURE / ANALYSIS

Source: Macrotrends

Programme (SAP) in 1986.

Aimed at reviving Nigeria’s

struggling economy through

deregulation, privatisation,

and subsidy removal, SAP

ultimately led to mass job

losses, rising poverty, and the

collapse of local industries.

In his memoir, Babangida

defends SAP, arguing

that it was necessary for

Nigeria’s economic stability.

However, critics contend that

SAP deepened economic

hardships from which the

country is yet to recover.

For many Nigerians, especially

those who lived through

the economic crises of the

late 1980s and early 1990s,

Babangida’s explanations

fall short. If SAP was indeed

necessary, why were there

no protective measures for

the most vulnerable? Why

did corruption thrive under

its implementation? And,

should Nigerians expect an

apology for the suffering that

followed?

The memoir also sidesteps

the nationwide protests and

unrest that erupted due

to SAP’s harsh economic

consequences. The silence

on the protests has been

criticised because it appears

the retired general didn't

place any value on the

number of lives and property

that were lost.

Political Engineering or

Deliberate Manipulation?

Babangida’s tenure is also

remembered for his elaborate

political experiments,

including the controversial

introduction of a two-party

system namely, the Social

Democratic Party (SPD) and

National Republican Convention

(NRC) and his eventual

handover of power to an interim

government led by Chief Ernest

Shonekan. IBB's memoir attempts

to present these moves as efforts

to stabilise Nigeria’s democracy,

but many believe they were

tactics designed to extend

military rule. By banning political

aspirants, shifting election dates,

and eventually annulling a widely

accepted election, many believe

that Babangida’s government

played a role in setting Nigeria

back politically. Does his memoir

offer sufficient justification for

these actions? Or do Nigerians

deserve an outright admission

of guilt? It would be recalled that

the annulment of the June 12,

1993 election, which Chief M.K.O.

Abiola won, led to political chaos,

his eventual imprisonment and

death.

Dele Giwa's Bizarre

Assassination By Parcel Bomb

Among the most glaring

omissions in IBB's memoir

is the assassination of Dele

Giwa, the renowned leading

journalist and founding

editor of Newswatch, who

was killed by a letter bomb

on October 19, 1986. Giwa’s

murder remains one of

Nigeria’s most controversial

1 - Dele Giwa

2 - Dele Giwa's table

3&4 - Dele Giwa's severe body

1 2

3 4

assassinations, with many

believing that top officials

in Babangida’s government

played a significant role

in it. The book’s silence on

this issue is striking, as it

avoids addressing a case

that profoundly impacted

Nigeria’s media, human

psyche, and democracy in

remarkable ways.

• Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa

Did Mamman Vatsa

Deserve To Be Executed?

The relationship between

General Ibrahim Babangida

and Major General Mamman

Jiya Vatsa OFR, referred to as

the poet-general due to his

published and unpublished

collection of poems, is a

poignant chapter in Nigeria's

history. Both were childhood

friends and military

colleagues, but their bond

was tragically severed in 1986

when Vatsa was executed

for allegedly plotting a

coup against Babangida's

regime. Babangida, who was

Nigeria's military president

at the time, claimed that

covert investigations

provided evidence of Vatsa's

involvement in the coup plot.

Despite their close friendship,

Babangida stated that he

had to prioritise national

security over personal

loyalty. Vatsa's family,

however, has consistently

rejected these claims,

arguing that the execution

was politically motivated.

This event remains a deeply

controversial and emotional

topic in Nigeria's political

history and Babangida's book

doesn't seem to have done to

assuage concerns.

Why Are Nigerians Asking

for More?

General Babangida’s "A

Journey in Service" is a bold

attempt to shape his own

legacy. In the opinion of

many, his revelations are

significant but incomplete,

raising as many questions as

they answer. Nigerians are

• Nation wide protest caused by 50k

not merely interested in a

retelling of history; they want

justice, equity, closure, and,

in some cases, reparations.

Whether it concerns the June

12 annulment, the 1966 coup

narrative, the economic

difficulties of SAP, the political

and dogmatic 'dribbles' by

his administration or the

assassination of Dele Giwa,

Babangida’s revelations

do not necessarily satisfy

the deep yearning for

accountability.

So, Nigerians asking for

more? Absolutely. They

expected a more honest

and comprehensive

reckoning with history on

very important issues that

have had far-reaching

impact on the country -

one that is not selective but

fully transparent. They seek

leaders who acknowledge

past mistakes and take

active steps to address

them. They envision a

Nigeria where history is

not just documented but

where its tellers draw from

transparency to shape

the path to justice and

reconciliation. Babangida

may have spoken, but for

Nigerians, the conversation is

far from over.

SEGUN

ADEYANJU

AUTHOR’S BIO









management..

FEATURE / ANALYSIS

FEATURE / ANALYSIS

ETHICS OF SPORTS

ACCOMPLISHMENT

- APPLICABLE TO

EVERY AREA OF LIFE

By Victor Olewunne

• Anthony Joshua

Sports have always been

a powerful metaphor

for life. The hunger to

excel, the drive to win,

the discipline required to

improve, the teamwork

needed for success, and the lessons

of failure - all mirror the challenges

we face in our everyday personal

and professional lives. At the heart

of every sports victory lies a critical

element - ethics. The ethics of sports

accomplishment go beyond the rules

• Scottie-Scheffle

of the game; they shape character,

sharpen vision, influence decisionmaking,

and establish values that are

applicable to every area of our lives.

Anthony Joshua, the cover

personality for this edition of

ACCOMPLISH Magazine, epitomises

and aligns with several ethical

principles, particularly in the areas

of discipline, perseverance, respect,

humility, responsibility, and social

impact.

Discipline & Hard Work

(Ethic of Excellence)

Joshua’s rise from a troubled

youth to a world champion is a

testament to his work ethic and

discipline. After starting boxing

relatively late (at 18), he dedicated

himself to training rigorously,

earning an Olympic gold

medal in 2012 and later multiple

heavyweight titles.

The ethic of hard work teaches

that sustained effort and sacrifice

lead to accomplishment. Whether

preparing for an Olympic

competition or working toward

a career milestone, discipline

ensures steady progress. The

value of delayed gratification

- in training and conditioning

- applies directly to financial

success, academic achievement,

and personal growth.

Resilience & Perseverance

(Ethic of Grit & Integrity)

One of the most fundamental

ethical principles in sports is

integrity. Athletes are expected

to play fairly, follow the rules, and

uphold the spirit of the game.

This principle applies equally in

business, education, politics, and

personal relationships. Integrity

means being honest, keeping

promises, and staying true to

one's values even when faced

with temptations to cut corners.

Anthony Joshua’s journey

includes setbacks, such as his

loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, but

he displayed a high level of

integrity and perseverance by

accepting the defeat, working on

his weaknesses, and regaining

his title in a rematch. He has

never resorted to unethical tactics

in or outside the ring, showing

commitment to fair competition

and self-improvement.

Respect & Sportsmanship

(Ethic of Fairness & Honour)

The concept of fair play embodies

respect, humility, and justice.

In sports, this means following

Integrity

means being

honest,

keeping

promises, and

staying true to

one's values

even when

faced with

temptations to

cut corners.

the rules, accepting referees' or

umpires’ decisions, and treating

opponents with respect. Fair play

extends beyond the game; it is a

guiding principle in every aspect

of life.

Even in business, fair competition

ensures a healthy marketplace

where innovation and quality

thrive. In leadership and

relationships, fairness promotes

equity, trust, and mutual respect.

Just as unsportsmanlike

behaviour can damage an

athlete’s reputation, unethical

practices in any field can lead

to downfall. Joshua consistently

shows respect for opponents,

referees, and the sport itself. He

does not engage in trash talk or

unethical psychological warfare.

Humility & Responsibility

(Ethic of Leadership)

Athletes often serve as role

models, influencing young fans

and aspiring professionals.

Ethical leadership in sports

- whether demonstrated by

captains, coaches, or respected

athletes - has a lasting impact

on society. Despite his fame and

fortune, Joshua remains humble

about his achievements, often

crediting his team and never

blames others for losses.

Social Responsibility

& Giving Back (Ethic of

Community & Ubuntu)

Joshua invests in community

projects, youth development,

and charity work, particularly in

the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

He promotes positive values

to young people, encouraging

them to avoid crime and pursue

education, sports, or business as

pathways to success. His actions

align with the African ethical

principle of Ubuntu, emphasising

shared humanity and giving

back to the community.

In life, just like the typical story

of successful sports careers,

all is not just about victories

and losses; there is always a

foundational reflection of ethical

leadership, discipline, resilience,

and social responsibility.

Joshua’s journey truly aligns with

Afrocentric ethics, emphasising

personal excellence while

uplifting others.

VICTOR

OLEWUNNE

AUTHOR’S BIO

Victor Olewunne, the Ethicist,

is a public affairs analyst and

Founder/President, Afrocentric

Ethics for Leadership and Social

Responsibility Foundation. He

is the Business Development

Director of Accomplish

Magazine and member of

its Editorial Board.


www.theaccomplishmagazine.com | 33

GL BAL InfoDIGEST

Compiled by Diiyi William-West

Spooky

Photographs

The photographs here have some spooky history.

In fact, one of them has been described as the

spookiest photographs in history.

10

Day-to-day Hacks You

Should Consider Seriously

6. Be in rooms where you're the dumbest person. Workout at

gyms where you are the least fit person.

7. When lifting weights, use your mind to muscle connection

to increase muscle contraction.

8. Mouthwash is the biggest dental scam. Kills your oral

microbiota. Avoid.

9. Your best ideas come in the shower, walking, or the gym.

Keep a notepad ready.

GL BAL InfoDIGEST

You Could

Have Met

The Next

Elvis Presley

1 2 1. When someone is walking in

Photo 1: Who do you see? Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin, leader of

the Soviet Union, joyously leaning over the Moscow Canal. What

you don’t see is what makes this one of the spookiest images in

history.

Photo 2: In the original photo, Stalin poses with Nikolai Yezhov,

chief of the Soviet secret police. From 1936 onward, Yezhov

oversaw the height of the purges (approximately half of the

Soviet political and military establishment were imprisoned or

shot during this period).

However, in typical Stalin fashion, Yezhov fell victim to Stalin’s

paranoia about disloyalty. On April 10, 1939, he was executed. By

eradicating him from the original portrait, he was equally

“eradicated” through Soviet national memory through

censorship.

The story behind it proves how “eerie” history can be, especially

when represented (misrepresented) by photography.

Editor's Note: The story and photographs were posted by

Brendan Filice on Quora.com. Both title and story were edited

slightly.

your path, look at their shoulder

closest to you. Nine times out of 10,

they will move out of the way.

2. Delay coffee 1-2 hours upon

waking. This lets cortisol clear out

adenosine, which can lead to

sustained energy into the

afternoon.

3. Mouth breathing disrupts sleep,

ruins oral health and can cause

sleep apnea. Mouth taping at night

helped me solve this.

4. Use the 3-2-1 method for better

sleep. No eating 3 hours before

bed. No liquids 2 hours before. No

screens 1 hour before.

5. You can tell a lot about

someone's character by how they

treat service staff.

10. You sleep for one-third of your entire life. Learn how to

optimise it and make it as awesome as possible.

Editor's Note: This was written by Yahiya Ali and posted by

Psychopath Level on Quora.com. The title was changed.

So, Satan Cares For His Son?

The famous film "The Passion of the Christ"

features a scene where a mysterious

character appears holding a baby, while

Jesus is physically punished. The scene is

somewhat spooky even though the

mysterious character doesn't say a word, and

the baby's appearance leaves much to think

about.

But the scene has a meaning that few are able

to understand: It turns out that Jesus Christ is

being whipped and Satan appears with "a

baby" to show Jesus that even "The Devil" cares for his

son, while God allows him to be cruelly humiliated.

The one carrying the old Child is Lucifer and has an

androgynous appearance, since angels have no

gender. It is undoubtedly a scene with a very strong

meaning.

A rather peculiar film that is worth analysing...

Editor's Note: This story was written by Anna Sebastian without a title

and posted by Ask Daddy on Quora.com

In 1947, a woman walked

into a grocery store in

Memphis, Tennessee,

United States of America, to

drop off a roll of film to be

developed. As she entered,

she realised she had one

last photo left to take.

She saw a boy outside the

store and asked him if he

could put down his new

bicycle so she could quickly

finish the roll of film and give

it to the store. She never

could have imagined that

this young boy would grow

up to be the most famous

rock star and icon the world

would ever know.

In 2014, this photo was finally

shared in Vanity Fair

magazine, showing the

young Elvis Presley!

Editor's Note: This story was

written by Alessando 13

without a title and posted

by Extremely Interesting

Facts on Quora.com.

34 |



| 35

CEO INTERVIEW

CEO INTERVIEW

Chief Violet Yough

On Breaking Glass Ceilings

By Harry Choms

In the heart of Nigeria's corporate revolution stands a

pioneering force whose legacy transcends boardrooms

and balance sheets. At 86, Chief Violet Yough (born April 8,

1938) - banker, industrialist, philanthropist, and visionary

- reflects on a life spent shattering barriers in fields that were

once considered "a man's world".

From her humble beginnings as the eldest daughter

shouldering family responsibilities to becoming a founding

director of some of Nigeria's most influential banks, Chief

Yough's story embodies resilience, determination, and

unwavering integrity.

In this exclusive CEO Interview with ACCOMPLISH Magazine,

she unveils the wisdom gathered from decades of

transformative leadership, inspirational mentorship, and

purpose-driven impact. As Nigeria continues to evolve, so

too does the profound influence of this remarkable woman

whose name is literally etched into the streets of Lagos - and

into the nation's corporate history.



| 37

CEO INTERVIEW

CEO INTERVIEW

• Evang. Violet Yough with Cardinal John

Onaiyekan and daughter, Pamela.

You have witnessed and shaped many

changes in Nigeria's banking and

industrial sector. Can you share some

defining moments from your childhood

that influenced your path?

I am the first daughter in my family, the

Ada, according to the Igbo culture. I was

relied upon to look after my siblings,

which made me industrious, versatile,

and multi-dimensional in my approach

to life. I also have strong organisational

and administrative skills. Therefore,

when the opportunity presented itself,

I got involved in establishing various

industries in the manufacturing sector

with business partners.

I started with fishing nets (Stretch Fibre

Industries), for which we built a factory in

Port Harcourt. We also established a few

others in FMCG (fast moving consumer

goods), such as Pancos Industries, which

I chaired; Vino Distillers, a collaboration

with CFAO where I served as a director on

the Board; Elite Magazine (my self-owned

publishing company); etc.

Regarding the banking industry, I was

privileged to be appointed by the government

as a non-executive director of United Bank

for Africa (UBA) in 1990. I was also appointed

to the board of Savannah Bank, and we

established Kapital Merchant Bank. I was also

part of another group that established Access

Bank through the help of God Almighty. And, I

served on their boards for many years.

What were some of the biggest challenges

you faced as a woman in business and

banking and how did you overcome them?

In the early 1980s to late 1990s, there was a

solid glass ceiling for women in corporate

Nigeria. Through hard work, destiny, and God's

favourable moves towards me, I was able to

break through all the barriers and shatter the

• Chief Mrs. Yough going to church and

thanksgiving for her daughter, Pamela’s birthday

You should do your

best to work hard and

contribute to the growth

and development

of the country.

glass ceiling. Thereafter, I was able to operate

smoothly and stand toe-to-toe alongside my

male partners and colleagues.

The challenge I faced was that women had

to work twice as hard to be recognised and

prove they were worth their weight. I had to

be silently diplomatic to coexist in what would

otherwise have been called a man's world or

gentlemen's exclusive club at the time. Things

have significantly improved since then in the

corporate world. However, we women are still

cutting our teeth to establish ourselves in the

political space.

Many people admire you as a pioneer. Who

were your biggest inspirations or mentors.

How did they impact your journey?

During my career and in the journey of my

lifetime, I have been inspired by several key

people who impacted my life and were my

mentors and role models. They are as follows:

A. Lady Margaret Thatcher, former Prime

Minister of the United Kingdom, was known for

her intelligence, strength, determination, and

doggedness in the face of fighting to achieve

control as the first female prime minister of

the UK.

B. Hillary Clinton - for her intelligence,

strength of character, class and ability

to wade through the storm in the face of

scandal; standing by her man, President Bill

Clinton, during the attempted impeachment

due to the Monika Lewinsky scandal and

running for the position of US President in 2016.

C. Bishop Olafimihan and Archdeacon

Oredugba - who sent me to college

through a scholarship scheme, although my

father, Magistrate George Ike, had been the

headmaster of a government-owned school

in Kaduna.

D. Mrs. Uzoka, my school mistress and

Mrs. Patterson, the principal of my school,

Women's Training Centre, Kano, for instilling

discipline and strong values in me.

E. Her Excellency, Mrs. Mariam Babangida,

who was my very good friend, had so many

qualities that anyone would wish to emulate.

She was a very inspiring and good woman.

F. Mr. Goh and Mr. Mohan Vaswani, my

business partners, who mentored me in the

business world. Mr. Goh is dearly departed,

but Mr. Vaswani remains the Chairman of the

Tolaram Group worldwide.

Living through decades of economic, political,

and social change, what lessons have stood

the test of time for you?

The lessons I learned are mostly around

leadership. For any business to thrive and

achieve sustainability, it must have strong,

flexible, visionary leadership that is adaptive

to change. We had to do this to create strong

companies during our time.

Having a street named after you in Victoria

Island, Lagos, Nigeria, is a rare honour. What

does that recognition mean to you personally?

Having a street, Violet Yough Close in Victoria

Island, named after me, is a sign of recognition

and respect accorded me by the government

for my hard work, good name, and integrity.

It is a gift from God and a legacy that

transcends time. It is truly a source of pride and

accomplishment for me.

As a pioneer director of Access Bank and UBA,

what were the biggest innovations or

transformations you championed?

As a pioneer non-executive director (NED) of

Access Bank and an NED of UBA, most of the

causes I spearheaded dealt with issues of

women's empowerment, as I was a patron

of the National Council of Women's Societies

(NCWS). This is why the Federal Government

recognised me through the NCWS as "an

Excellent Ambassador of the Nigerian Women."

How would you describe the state of banking

when you first started compared to what it

has become today?

In my heyday as a banker, transactions and

bank cheques used to take a week to 2 weeks to

clear. We used to give out tally numbers to



| 39

CEO INTERVIEW

CEO INTERVIEW

customers to queue up in the

banking hall, and everything

was slow, manual/analogue.

With the advent of technology

and online/real-time banking,

everything has become

digitalised, faster and more

efficient. People don't have to

go to the bank now as many

transactions are done using

mobile phones or laptops,

using an app from their homes

or offices, compared to the

old brick-and-mortar banking

system. The world has become

faster and smaller and has

become a global marketplace.

What leadership principles

guided your decisionmaking

as a bank director

and industrialist?

The leadership qualities and

principles I have always

abided by are those of being a

visionary and transformational

leader - creating, building

and improving whichever

• Evang Violet Yough at a dinner

party in Abuja in 2018

institution I am involved with.

I am also a consultative

leader who listens to various

opinions from colleagues

and stakeholders that will

guide me towards making the

ultimate decision. I also believe

in team-building, openness,

transparency, and integrity

and creating a value system

that will stand the test of time.

I am not Machiavellian in

my principles, as I believe in

business ethics instead of the

capitalistic approach.

What advice would you give

young women looking to

break into banking and

business leadership today?

I will tell them to get educated

and be well-prepared before

entering the industry. They

should also imbibe strong core

Having a

street, Violet

Yough Close in

Victoria Island,

named after

me, is a sign

of recognition

and respect

accorded

me by the

government

for my hard

work, good

name, and

integrity.

values, which they must abide

by, as best practices and

integrity form the foundation

of banking and the corporate

world. They should also be

focused and hard-working

and avoid shortcuts as they

climb the corporate ladder.

Lastly, they must have the

fear of God so that they can

use the Ten Commandments,

which cover all codes of

conduct.

Looking back at your life,

what are you most proud of?

I am proud of my recognition

by the Federal Government,

having been given the national

honours of MFR (Member

of the Order of the Federal

Republic) in 2002 by President

Olusegun Obasanjo. However,

of all my achievements in life,

I am most especially proud of

my children, grandchildren,

and great-grandchildren,

whom God has Blessed me

with.

What do you believe is your

greatest contribution to

Nigeria's business and

financial sectors?

My greatest contribution is

being involved in creating a

few new-generation banks,

one of which is still functioning

today and has generated

employment for many men

and women; that is in the

areas of youth and women

empowerment.

Also, through the

establishment of the

Ambassador Simon Gboko

Youth Educational Foundation

(ASGYEF), which was set

up on my 70th birthday in

memory of my late husband,

I was responsible for and

self-funded the education of

• Evangelist Violet Yough in Christmas mood

over 240 students in various

universities across the country.

I paid fees and upkeep for the

entire university education of

the students in a scholarship

programme.

Coincidentally, on my 70th

birthday, I also launched a

book titled "Because I Care",

which talked about life visa-vis

socio-cultural issues,

etiquette, religion, etc. The

book was distributed to

libraries and schools.

For many years, I have been a

patron of many orphanages

in Lagos State, where I

refurbished their premises

and donated food, clothing,

furniture, and educational

materials to motherless

babies' homes.

As part of my civic duty

and contribution to the

development of my

hometown, I built and donated

an Anglican church and

a borehole to my village,

Ndikelionwu, in Orumba North

LGA, Anambra State.

Lastly, I was involved in

the final completion of the

National Ecumenical Centre in

Abuja through my work as a

strong, active member of the

Christian Association of Nigeria.

As you approach 87, what

message do you have for the

next generation about

resilience, leadership, and

making a lasting impact?

As I approach my 87th

birthday, on April 8, my

message is that we should all

strive to be good. You should

do your best to work hard and

contribute to the growth and

development of the country.

We should all help the children

everywhere to overcome

poverty and illiteracy, as they

are the future of this country.

Be creative and productive, as

that is the only way to solve

Nigeria's problems and bring

the country out of its present

condition. Be tolerant of your

neighbours and their religious

beliefs.

Lastly, I'm emphatic about

making sure that you love and

fear God so that you ultimately

do His Will.

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.



| 41

GRAND DESIGN / ARCHITECTURE

GRAND DESIGN / ARCHITECTURE

By Damian Ikenna Ngere

• Sustainable and Striking:

The Ochre-Tinted Concrete

Design of Leftfield in Melbourne

Kennedy Nolan’s 'Leftfield' building in Melbourne’s Nightingale

Village redefines affordable housing with an emphasis

on warmth, sustainability, and community-driven living.

Constructed using ochre-tinted precast concrete panels,

the building not only stands out visually but also integrates

elements that foster social interaction, such as shared rooftop gardens and

communal spaces.

Designed with a restrained yet texturally rich material palette - including carbonneutral

bricks, terrazzo, and timber - the project embraces the Nightingale model’s

mission of creating environmentally and socially responsible housing. Positioned

amidst industrial and residential structures, Leftfield makes a bold urban statement

while maintaining a domestic and inviting atmosphere, setting a precedent for future

sustainable housing developments.

DAMIAN

IKENNA NGERE

AUTHOR’S BIO


who works as a freelance writer. He has interest

in technology, humanity and sports.

REALTORS' AVENUE

WINNING STRATEGIES

FOR REAL ESTATE

BUSINESS IN NIGERIA

as a good grasp of the environment in which

they are conducting business. The marketers

should also have the financial wherewithal,

business acumen, and understanding of the

laws governing the market in order to navigate

the market efficiently and effectively.

2. Promote your brand/value: Nigerian real

estate sales professionals must engage

people in their network to get referrals. In

addition, working hard and establishing an

impressive reputation would create the right

perception for them. Writing a column for a

local business journal, for instance, would

boost the marketer’s 'industry presence'.

3. Be consistent at all times: Consistency builds

trust; it could be consistency in producing

a monthly newsletter, a quarterly report, a

reccurring event, or returning clients' calls.

Trust guarantees solid relationships.

4. Set reasonable a goals: Successful

entrepreneurs tend to create specific,

measurable, attainable, relevant to the

business, and timely goals. This applies to

real estate too. Running with goals that are

S.M.A.R.T. will ensure efficiency.

5. Relationship management and sustainability:

As a real estate professional, your focus is to

REALTORS' AVENUE

7. Inbound marketing: For brokers who rely

on cold calling, direct mail, and newspaper

advertising, the audience for such is dwindling.

Inbound marketing has been found to be more

effective as business flows to you based on

the information and resources you put out

so that people can find you. This could be

achieved through establishing a blog, a Twitter

account, joining a real estate LinkedIn group, or

formulating a social media strategy in general.

8. Possess a winning mentality: You must imbibe

and constantly exhibit an unapologetic,

winning mentality in all situations. It'll help you

weather any storm and boost your confidence

in pushing for more.

Conclusion

To be really successful in marketing real estate

in Nigeria, there are no shortcuts. Building a

successful strategy requires taking a look at the

whole picture. Building a strong business requires

hard work, critical thinking, and strong execution

skills. You must not only have the know-how, the

strategic approach, and the appropriate team

in place to actualise your goals, you must also

align sales and marketing efforts for the business

to grow.

Above all, satisfying customer needs through a

systematic approach to uncover opportunities

and effectively manage them through

strong relationships is the straight-forward

and sustainable approach you need. When

understood and leveraged properly, marketing

amplifies and increases the reach of such

messages and efforts for unassailable results.

By John Abiodun Olaitan

There's no single magical

solution that guarantees

quick success in real estate

marketing. Indeed, online

marketing of real estate

in Nigeria is not a single act or a

strategy on its own. Rather, it is a

complementary force that enhances

the core strengths of a sales team.

Most commercial leasing and sales teams

in Nigeria are structured in such a way that

marketers typically support a commercial real

estate broker or a team of brokers who carry out

and service business development and property

marketing strategies in order to assist with

growing the business unit.

Here are 8 winning marketing

strategies for real estate businesses in

Nigeria.

1. Core abilities development: In this era of

serious lack of trust in financial institutions and

financial services, it is important for real estate

marketers to have due knowledge of the

products and services they are selling as well

sell more properties, represent more buyers,

gain additional market share, or be a resource

to the community at large. Therefore, make

sure you spend time building relationships that

would help you to accomplish your objectives.

6. Leveraging other platforms: There are a variety

of platforms that work to promote real estate

offerings. By continuously monitoring the

effectiveness of such platforms, you can adjust

your usage of each of them to match your

business goals.

JOHN

ABIODUN OLAITAN

AUTHOR’S 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.

THE INCUBATOR

with Diiyi William-West

SERIES

DIIYI

WHO ARE YOU

INFLUENCING?

Often, when the subject of influence is raised, people look at how "other

people" have influenced them or how people they know have influenced

other people or society in general. Majority of people don't think about

how they themselves can positively influence other people. It is one of

the manifestations of the all-about-me syndrome; this has been made

worse by increasing slide of social values.

What is "influence"? Influence

can be defined as the capacity

to have some effect on the

character, development, or

behaviour of someone else. It

can happen through various

ways: direct persuasion,

modelling behaviour, or

leading by example. Numerous

psychological theories have

been developed to understand

how influence works. Social

psychologist Robert Cialdini’s

principles of persuasion,

for example, have become

foundational in understanding

the mechanisms of influence.

Cialdini identifies six principles:

reciprocity, commitment, social

proof, authority, liking, and

scarcity. Each principle offers

insight into how individuals can

effectively influence others.

Influencing people in our

environment is a complex

process that can lead to

significant social change.

Renowned people like Mahatma

Gandhi and Martin Luther King

Jr. are typical examples of how

one can influence other people.

Gandhi and King's ability to

mobilise communities and

inspire social movements in

their respective environments

shows how an individual can

impact his or her sphere of

endeavour or existence. For

instance, Gandhi’s philosophy

of non-violent resistance and

King’s advocacy for civil rights

exemplify the power of influence

through values and principles.

These leaders not only

influenced their contemporaries

but left lasting legacies that

have continued to inspire

many subsequent movements

around the world. Like these two

men, you too can determine

to influence other people in a

certain direction and go on to

build and implement strategies

to make it happen.

Beyond individual actions,

community efforts can also

create powerful waves of

influence. Local organisations

can undertake initiatives

that would promote social

responsibility, environmental

sustainability, and civic

engagement. By harnessing

collective energy, these

groups can bring about

change at a local level that

resonates significantly across

broader contexts. The work

of organisations like Habitat

for Humanity exemplifies

how communal involvement

can create lasting impacts

on society. Of course, group

influence always begins with

one individual. Could that be

you?

It is important to note that

influence does not always

have positive outcomes.

Manipulative tactics or

unethical persuasion can lead

It is important

to note that

influence does

not always

have positive

outcomes.

Manipulative

tactics or

unethical

persuasion

can lead to

harm, distrust,

and social

fragmentation.

to harm, distrust, and social

fragmentation. These tactics

that tend to coerce or deceive

eventually lead to regrettable

outcomes. This highlights

the ethical considerations

surrounding influence and the

responsibilities that come with

it.

Today, unfolding technology

is bringing about new

dimensions of influence. The

rise of influencer marketing

is reshaping societal and

business realities. Social

media influencers have

become powerful figures who

sway consumer behaviour.

Brands leverage the immense

followings of these individuals

to market products and

services. This phenomenon

demonstrates a contemporary

understanding of influence

in economic terms, where

individuals with significant

social capital can affect

THE INCUBATOR SERIES

purchasing decisions and

brand loyalty. Just like group

influence, influencer marketing

begins with one person. Do you

see yourself positively affecting

the way people live or deal with

issues of life?

In summary, the capacity

to influence people in one's

environment is a multifaceted

concept deeply rooted in

psychological, social, and

historical contexts. From

historical figures who have

inspired movements to modern

technologies that shape

behaviours, the dynamics of

influence continue to evolve.

Ultimately, each individual

holds the potential to influence

his or her surroundings, shaping

not only his or her immediate

community but also the

broader societal landscape if

one is determined to. Are you

so determined? Or, do you want

to be remembered as one who

made life all-about-you?

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.

46 |



| 47

AI

TODAY & TOMORROW

AI

TODAY & TOMORROW

Everything You Need to

Know About DeepSeek

By Wisdom Thursday

The field of artificial intelligence is constantly evolving, and DeepSeek has

emerged as a significant player in the landscape of AI-driven language models.

Developed as a powerful alternative to existing large-scale AI models, DeepSeek is

designed to push the boundaries of natural language processing (NLP), machine

learning, and conversational AI. Let's explore DeepSeek’s capabilities, compare it

with similar models, and examine what makes it stand out.

service, and research support.

Like other large language models,

DeepSeek is trained on vast

datasets, ensuring its responses

are contextually relevant and

insightful.

One of the defining features

of DeepSeek is its efficiency

in handling diverse languages,

making it an excellent tool for global

communication. It incorporates

state-of-the-art, transformer-based

architecture, allowing it to process

complex queries with accuracy and

generate coherent, natural-sounding

text.

How Does DeepSeek Compare with

Other AI Models?

Several large-scale AI models

dominate the NLP space, including

OpenAI’s GPT-4, Google’s Gemini, and

Meta’s LLaMA. Each of these models

brings unique strengths, and DeepSeek

competes effectively within this

ecosystem.

1. DeepSeek vs. GPT-4: OpenAI’s

GPT-4 is one of the most advanced

AI models, known for its extensive

training data and multimodal

capabilities. While GPT-4 is widely

used across industries, DeepSeek

distinguishes itself with its superior

contextual understanding and

optimised computational efficiency.

2. DeepSeek vs. Google Gemini:

Google’s Gemini model boasts

exceptional integration with Google’s

search ecosystem, making

it a strong tool for real-time

information retrieval. However,

DeepSeek’s ability to maintain

consistent contextual relevance

in long-form text generation

gives it an edge in applications

such as academic research and

automated writing.

3. DeepSeek vs. Meta’s LLaMA:

Meta’s LLaMA is a researchfocused

language model

known for its open-source

availability. While LLaMA excels

in academic applications,

DeepSeek outperforms it in

real-world business applications,

offering more refined responses

and better adaptability to

commercial use cases.

DeepSeek’s standout qualities

include:

- Enhanced Context Retention:

DeepSeek is designed to

maintain context over longer

interactions, making it

particularly effective in chatbot

applications and complex

writing tasks.

- Multilingual Proficiency: Unlike

some models that struggle with

certain languages, DeepSeek

is optimised for high accuracy

across multiple languages,

making it a valuable tool for

international users.

- Computational Efficiency:

DeepSeek operates with lower

computational overhead,

making it more accessible to

organisations with limited AI

infrastructure.

- User-Centric Adaptability:

Unlike some generic AI models,

DeepSeek can be fine-tuned

for specific industries, providing

tailored solutions for business,

education, and content

development.

from AI advancements such as

DeepSeek. Businesses can use

it to enhance customer service

automation, improve local content

development, and support

AI-driven research initiatives.

Additionally, Nigerian developers

and AI enthusiasts can explore

its capabilities to build innovative

applications tailored to local needs.

Furthermore, integrating DeepSeek

into Nigeria’s educational sector

could provide enhanced learning

resources and intelligent tutoring

systems. The government and

private sector should invest in AI

research and infrastructure to

ensure that such cutting-edge

technology is accessible and

beneficial to the economy.

Conclusion

DeepSeek is a formidable AI

model that competes with

some of the most advanced

language models available

today. Its strengths in contextual

retention, multilingual processing,

and computational efficiency

make it a valuable tool for various

applications. As AI continues to

shape the future, Nigeria must

embrace such technologies,

fostering innovation and digital

transformation to stay ahead in the

evolving global landscape.

Understanding DeepSeek

DeepSeek is an advanced AI

model built to understand,

generate, and analyse human

language with remarkable

precision. Utilising deep learning

techniques, it enhances

language comprehension and

text generation, making it highly

suitable for tasks such as content

creation, automated customer

How Can Nigeria Leverage

DeepSeek?

Nigeria’s growing digital

landscape stands to benefit

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..



| 49

AFRICA RISING: NEWS ABOUT AFRICA


• Oil field in Libya

By Adams Oma

Libya Set to Launch First Oil Exploration

Bid in 17 Years

Libya is getting ready to hold an oil exploration bidding

round after an almost 17-year hiatus. Libya is a major

• Mali's Mining Site

Mali Set to Resume Issuance of Artisanal

Mining Permits

IMali's mines ministry said in a statement on Friday, March

7, that it will partially relax its ban on issuing mining permits

on March 15. Citing efforts to enhance the permitting

procedure, the West African country, a major producer of

gold, suspended the distribution of mining titles throughout

its territory in November 2022.

Mali implemented a new mining code in 2023 that gave

the state more ownership stakes in mining assets and

raised taxes.

participant in the global oil

market and a member of the

Organisation of the Petroleum

Exporting Countries (OPEC),

ranking as Africa's secondlargest

oil producer.

However, foreign investors

have been reluctant to invest

in the country, which has been

in turmoil since long-time

leader, Muammar Gaddafi, was

overthrown in 2011.

POLITICS

• President Cyril

Ramaphosa

• President Donald Trump

Trump Announces End

to All Federal Funding

for South Africa

The United States State

Department has mandated

that all government funding

for South Africa be immediately

discontinued. This comes after US

President, Donald Trump, signed

an executive order last month,

in which he reiterated his an

allegation that the South African

government is seizing white

farmers' land.

Trump, in his Truth Social post,

restated his offer of shelter to

farmers fleeing the country for

fear of their safety, along with a

"rapid pathway to citizenship."

Burundi's Aid Efforts

Strained as Influx of

Displaced Congolese

Grows

As thousands of people continue

to escape the growing violence

in the eastern Democratic

Republic of the Congo (DRC), aid

efforts in Burundi are being put

under pressure. Nearly 63,000

individuals have entered Burundi

in less than a month, making it

the greatest refugee influx the

nation has seen in decades.

More than 1,100 people entered

on Wednesday, March 5 alone,

and although the number has

somewhat decreased, hundreds

still enter every day at 11 border

crossings, most of which are

unofficial. Women, children,

TECHNOLOGY

Visa Study: 40% of Kenyan SMEs Embrace

Digital Payments

Visa, a digital payments firm, has published a new research

outlining the potential for development in digital payments,

specifically among Kenyan SMEs. In the past two years, 40% of SMEs

have embraced digital payments, the survey claims.

Visa states that this momentum is fuelled by the realisation that

corporate expansion requires investments in payment technology,

such as card payments as well as mobile and digital wallets.

SMEs cite convenience (40%), cost savings (38%), and increased

efficiency (37%) are the main reasons for implementing digital

payments.

and the elderly make up

the majority; many of them

have previously experienced

displacement.

• Congo woman prepares a meal near a temporary shelter at Rugombo Stadium

in Cibitoke Province, Burundi

ADAMS OMA

AUTHOR’S BIO

Adams Oma is a skilled blogger

and SEO content writer. When

he is not writing, Adams Oma,

a Computer Science graduate,

enjoys music, playing video

games and surfing the

internet for more knowledge.


| 51

GLOBAL NEWS ROUND UP

TECHNOLOGY

Skype to Shut Down

After 20 Years of

Service

Skype, the internet-based

phone and video service

that was the most popular

means of communication

in the mid 2000s is being

shut down by Microsoft.

The company stated on X

that Skype will "no longer be

available" to use from May

this year, but users may still

use their login credentials

on Microsoft Teams' free tier

in the "coming days."

The shutdown of Skype

occurs 14 years after

Microsoft paid $8.5 billion

in cash to acquire the

service, which at the time

was the company's largest

acquisition ever. The

service was included by

Microsoft into its other

products, including Office

and Windows Phone, its

ill-fated mobile operating

system.

Alibaba Unveils DeepSeek Competitor,

Boosting Stock Prices

Alibaba, a Chinese internet behemoth, announced

its newest AI reasoning model on Thursday, March 7,

claiming that it outperformed competing models from

OpenAI and startup DeepSeek. Alibaba's Hong Konglisted

shares ended the day 8% higher as a result of

the news, which also helped the Hang Seng's China

Enterprises Index increase.

This latest AI model was released one day after

another business introduced Manus, a "general AI

agent."


China Retaliates Against

Canada with New Agricultural

Tariffs

China opened a new front in

ongoing cross-continental trade

war when it announced tariffs on

more than $2.6 billion worth of

Canadian food and agricultural

exports, retaliating against charges

Ottawa introduced in October. China's

commerce ministry announced the

taxes, which went into effect on March

20.

By Adams Oma

A cargo ship carrying containers is seen near the Yantian port in Shenzhen,

Guangdong province, China

These levies are similar to the

100% and 25% import duties Canada

imposed just over four months ago

on steel and aluminium items as well

as electric vehicles made in China.

US Unemployment Rate

Stabilises Around 4.1% as

Economy Gains 151,000 Jobs

in February

In February, the US labour market

grew despite the uncertainty

surrounding Donald Trump's

trade policy and the possibility of

widespread layoffs in the federal

government. The economy added

151,000 jobs

in February,

compared to

an adjusted

125,000 jobs in

January. The

unemployment

rate, which was

4.1% in January,

did not change

much.

A total of

10,000 federal

jobs were lost

over the month

but those losses

were countered by employment

in health care, financial activities,

transportation and warehousing, and

social assistance.

A hiring sign at a grocery store

in Glenview, Illinois.

POLITICS

Syrias interim President

Ahmed al-Sharaa

Syria’s Sharaa Urges

Peace Amid Ongoing

Communal Clashes

The greatest communal

violence since Bashar al-

Assad's downfall killed hundreds

of people in coastal areas

happened on Sunday, March 9,

prompting Syrian leader Ahmed

Sharaa to urge for peace. The

13-year-old civil war in that

country has seen some of the

worst violence in years, with over

1,000 people dead in two days

of fighting in the Mediterranean

coastline region, according to the

Syrian Observatory for Human

Rights, a British-based war

monitor, on Saturday, March 8.

Impeached South

Korea’s President Yoon

Released as Trials

Proceed After Court

Overturns Detention

Recently impeached South

Korean President Yoon Suk

Yeol walked out of a detention

centre on Saturday, March 8,

after prosecutors declined to

appeal a court order to remove

the impeached leader's arrest

warrant on rebellion charges.

Due to his brief declaration

of martial law on December 3,

2024, Yoon is still suspended

from his office and his criminal

and impeachment cases are still

ongoing.

Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol

Citing the timeliness of Yoon's

indictment and concerns

regarding the legitimacy of the

investigation, the Seoul Central

District Court revoked his arrest

warrant on Friday, March 7.

ADAMS

OMA

AUTHOR’S BIO

Adams Oma is a skilled blogger

and SEO content writer. When

he is not writing, Adams Oma,

a Computer Science graduate,

enjoys music, playing video

games and surfing the

internet for more knowledge.

52 | Accomplish Magazine Accomplish Magazine | 53

LIFESTYLE

LIFESTYLE

ARTS & THE MASTERS

By Damian Ikenna Ngere

In response, Ukrainian historians and museum

professionals have undertaken significant

efforts to safeguard and recover stolen artworks.

Historian Leonid Marushchak, co-founder of

the NGO, Museum Open for Renovation, has

evacuated nearly 2 million artifacts, including

paintings and sculptures, from frontline areas,

often under perilous conditions.

One notable rescue involved a stone lion

sculpture, potentially up to 1,000 years old,

from a museum in Bakhmut, a city heavily

contested during the conflict. These endeavours

underscore the ongoing struggle to protect and

reclaim Ukraine's cultural heritage amidst the

ongoing conflict.

• Lost Portrait of England’s ‘Nine Days

Queen’? Experts Uncover Intriguing Evidence

• English Heritage conservator Rachel Turnbull gives the portrait

a final examination before it goes on display. English Heritage.

• Ukrainian historian, Leonid Marushchak, has rescued around 2 million artifacts from frontline areas, sometimes under

heavy fighting. Here, he holds a painting of Ukrainian poet, Taras Shevchenko.

• Art in the Crossfire: The Fight to

Preserve Ukraine’s Cultural Legacy

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion over

three years ago, Ukraine has faced significant

threats to its cultural heritage, with numerous

artworks and artifacts looted from museums and

cultural institutions. In April 2022, Ukrainian officials

reported that Russian forces seized over 2,000

unique exhibits from museums in the occupied

city of Mariupol.

This collection included original works by 19thcentury

Mariupol native Arkhip Kuindzhi, renowned

Russian romantic painter Ivan Aivazovsky, a

handwritten Torah scroll, and an 1811 Gospel from

a Venetian printing house. These items were

reportedly moved to areas within the Russiancontrolled

Donbas region.

As of January 2025, UNESCO has verified

damage to 476 cultural properties in Ukraine,

encompassing cathedrals, museums,

monuments, and libraries. The Ukrainian Heritage

Monitoring Lab estimates the toll to be higher,

having documented more than 1,200 damaged

cultural heritage sites and infrastructures across

the country. Experts and historians assert that

many of these sites have been deliberately

targeted by Russian forces, aiming to undermine

Ukrainian identity.

• Infrared reflectography shows significant changes to her

costume and the positioning of the subject's eyes since the

initial portrait was completed. English Heritage.

Researchers may have uncovered the only known

pre-execution portrait of Lady Jane Grey, England’s

ill-fated “Nine Days Queen.” The painting, housed

in a private collection and now loaned to English

Heritage, was long believed to depict Jane, though

art historians later doubted its authenticity.

Using infrared reflectography and

dendrochronology, experts dated the wooden

panel to between 1539 and 1571—within Jane’s

lifetime. They also discovered alterations to

the subject’s clothing and gaze, possibly made

to depict her as a modest Protestant martyr.

Additionally, scratches on the eyes, mouth, and

ears suggest political or religious defacement, a

pattern seen in other Jane Grey portraits.

While definitive proof remains elusive, these

findings strengthen the case for its authenticity.

If confirmed, the painting would offer a rare

glimpse of Jane Grey as a living figure rather

than a tragic historical symbol. It is now on

display at Wrest Park, Bedfordshire.

DAMIAN

IKENNA NGERE

AUTHOR’S BIO


who works as a freelance writer. He has interest in

technology, humanity and sports.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

CONNECT TO THE

EARTH AND ENJOY

BETTER HEALTH

By Joel Logbo

You can get the grounding effect by using grounding mats and patches while

sitting or sleeping, and, if possible, by walking barefoot outdoors on natural clean

surfaces like grass, soil, gravel, stone, and sand.

Earthing therapy improves the body’s functions in multiple ways. Here are some:

1. Elimination or reduction of chronic inflammation; a cause or aggravating

factor of chronic and aging-related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases,

autoimmune disorders, diabetes and cancer.

2. Better sleep and better blood flow. It encourages melatonin production,

especially if you do it in the evening hours.

3. More energy - like recharging a flat battery. The Earth's natural

electromagnetic field may help regulate circadian rhythms and promote

deeper, more restful sleep.

4. More relaxation effect as it helps to decrease stress in the body through a

normalising effect on the autonomic nervous system and the stress hormone,

cortisol.

5. Speeding up healing from trauma and injuries.

To get the most out of grounding, it's best to

practice it between 20 to 30 minutes daily.

Earthing therapy (or Grounding for short), is an ancient self-healing

application with special benefits for the disability society. Grounding

unites you to the natural electric charge of our planet. It balances your

physiology at the deepest level, removing inflammation, relieving

stress and pain from your body, and promoting uptimum health.

Earthing or Grounding Techniques

Take a walk: Find ways to connect your bare feet with the earth by walking

on grass, across the sand or the mud. Pay attention to the feeling of the land

beneath your feet but be mindful of sharp objects as you go.

Play in the dirt: Dig into the earth and get the soil between your fingers. You

can create a garden in your compound if live in an apartment - and directly

link to the energy in the dirt.

Ground yourself indoors: When walking outside is not possible, grounding

mats come in handy as they replace the direct connection you would have

gotten walking barefoot outdoors. Grounding mats bring Earth's electrical

currents into the home or office by replicating the physical connection of a

nature walk.

Many people notice the difference after just a few minutes of grounding. Take

note: consistency is more important than the duration of practice. Individual

experiences with grounding may vary, and they should not be considered a

replacement for medical treatment or advice.

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden or some sort of (clean) outdoor

space, walking around barefoot on the pavement, grass or sand might just

be one of the health promotion routines you can think of.

So what are you waiting for? Try grounding therapy and experience the

exciting power embedded in the earth's electromagnetic field.

JOEL

N. LOGBO

AUTHOR’S BIO

Dr. Joel N. Logbo is a patient-centred

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.



| 57

CORPORATE SUITE

CORPORATE SUITE

Why Nigeria Govt.

Won’t Back Down on

Tax Reforms

By Segun Adeyanju

In the bustling markets of Lagos, Kano,

Onitsha, Port Harcourt and other cities,

a common thread binds Nigerians: the

aspiration for a prosperous future.

Central to this vision, recently, is the

Federal Government's unwavering

commitment to tax reforms - a strategy

aimed at reshaping the nation's economic

landscape and addressing pressing fiscal

challenges.

Bridging the Revenue

Gap

Nigeria's economic narrative

has long been intertwined

with its oil industry. However,

fluctuating oil prices and

persistent oil theft have

eroded this once-reliable

revenue stream. In response,

the government has turned

its focus to tax reforms to

engender diversification of

income sources and reduce

dependency on oil.

The 2025 federal budget,

dubbed the "Budget of

Restoration," reflects this

shift, with a record ₦49.74

trillion allocation - a 41.9%

increase from the previous

year - necessitating

robust revenue generation

strategies.

Key Pillars of the Reform

A cornerstone of the

proposed tax reform is the

gradual increase in Value-

Added Tax (VAT). The plan

outlines a rise from the

current 7.5% to 10% in 2025,

12.5% between 2026 and

2029, and reaching 15% by

2030. To mitigate the impact

on low-income households,

essential goods and services

will remain exempt from VAT,

aiming to balance revenue

generation with social equity.

Additionally, the reform

proposes a reduction in

corporate income tax rates

from 30% to 27.5% in 2025,

further decreasing to 25%

in subsequent years. This

initiative seeks to stimulate

business growth and

attract foreign investment,

fostering a more conducive

environment for economic

expansion.

Addressing Regional

Disparities

Nigeria's diverse economic

landscape presents unique

challenges, particularly

concerning regional revenue

allocation. The proposed

tax reforms include a new

formula for sharing taxes

between states, which has

sparked concerns among

northern regions about

potential revenue losses.

Balancing these disparities

is crucial to ensure equitable

development and national

cohesion.

The

establishment

of the Nigerian

Revenue Service,

replacing the Federal

Inland Revenue

Service, aims to

enhance efficiency

and transparency in

tax collection

Enhancing Compliance

and Modernisation

To bolster tax compliance,

the government plans

to streamline tax

administration and

introduce stricter

reporting requirements.

The establishment of the

Nigerian Revenue Service,

replacing the Federal

Inland Revenue Service,

aims to enhance efficiency

and transparency in tax

collection. These measures

are designed to create

a more straightforward

tax system, encouraging

voluntary compliance

and reducing evasion.

The Path Forward

The insistence

on tax reforms

underscores the

Nigerian government's

resolve to build a

resilient and selfsustaining

economy.

By broadening the

tax base, incentivising

business growth, and

addressing regional

inequalities, these

reforms aspire to lay

a solid foundation

for Nigeria's future

prosperity. As these

policies unfold,

their success will

hinge on inclusive

dialogue, effective

implementation,

and the collective

commitment of all

Nigerians to the

nation's economic

renaissance.

SEGUN

ADEYANJU

AUTHOR’S BIO









management..



| 59

AUGUST 2023

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