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UNGA79: Tony Elumelu Advocates for Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurial Growth in Africa

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At the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York, Dr. Tony Onyemachi Elumelu, a renowned banker, philanthropist, and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), championed the urgent need for global leaders to support youth inclusion and empowerment in Africa. His mission is to ensure that emerging entrepreneurs receive the mentorship and seed funding necessary to drive sustainable growth on the continent.

Elumelu’s work through the TEF has significantly impacted African entrepreneurship. Over the years, the foundation has provided mentorship and financial support to numerous entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of establishing a robust wealth creation process for future generations.

Reflecting on his own journey from humble beginnings, he remarked, “The rigorous process that led to my breakthrough as an entrepreneur is not what I want the coming generation to face.” This personal experience fuels his commitment to easing the path for young entrepreneurs through mentorship and initial capital, offering $5,000 to help them launch their ventures.

To date, the foundation has disbursed an impressive $100 million to entrepreneurs across Africa, enabling them to thrive in their respective industries.

During his address at UNGA79, Elumelu urged world leaders to recognize the immense potential of African youth. He stressed the necessity for systemic changes that empower this demographic to develop disruptive ideas and solutions to pressing challenges. “We must place priority on human capital development, entrepreneurial skill survival, funding, and mentorship to tackle unemployment in Africa,” he stated. His remarks resonated during a joint discussion at the World Food Programme, led by Cindy McCain, where he emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions to combat unemployment and the hunger crisis.

Elumelu pointed out that more than 783 million people are grappling with acute hunger, largely due to an underutilized agricultural sector. “If we properly address these issues, agriculture and livestock farming can play a pivotal role in job creation,” he explained. He highlighted how many young people are turning to greenhouse farming, which is revolutionizing agriculture on the continent. Elumelu urged increased collaboration and funding for agricultural initiatives, asserting that such efforts could create wealth and enhance the agricultural supply chain.

In his discussions with Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Elumelu reinforced the importance of international partnerships. The European Union’s ongoing collaboration with TEF aims to empower 2,500 young women entrepreneurs in Africa, with plans to support an additional 1,800 by year’s end. Elumelu noted that some beneficiaries have received up to €50,000 through the Women Entrepreneur for Africa (WE4A) program, emphasizing the initiative’s role in transforming women into nation-builders and wealth creators.

Continuing his advocacy, Elumelu engaged with leaders such as H.E. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, and H.E. Brice Oligui Nguema, President of Gabon, urging them to formulate favorable policies for youth entrepreneurship. He also met with H.E. William Ruto, President of Kenya, to discuss strategies for enhancing employment opportunities through entrepreneurship.

Elumelu reaffirmed his dedication to empowering Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs, highlighting the potential of a well-supported youth demographic to drive economic transformation. “When our youth are empowered, we can expect a reduction in crime, increased opportunities, and healthy competition with their Western counterparts,” he asserted. His vision is clear: to transition Africa from a continent of dependency to one of self-reliance, driven by innovative, forward-thinking youth.

As the UNGA79 concluded, Elumelu’s unwavering commitment to advocating for African youth set a hopeful tone for the future, reinforcing the need for global support and partnerships to nurture the continent’s entrepreneurial spirit amidst ongoing challenges.

Oladapo Sofowora writes from New York

Opinion

Spotlight: Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun CJN Designate

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Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun is a serving Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She is the 5th and youngest female to be appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This article examines the early life, education, and notable achievements of Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun.

Justice Kekere-Ekun was born in London, the United Kingdom on 7th May 1958. Her parents were both indigenes of Lagos State, Nigeria. She is the eldest of eleven siblings from both parents. Her father, Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, OFR, LL.D, was a fervent Muslim and a very dedicated family man of noble lineage. He belonged to at least 3 Royal Families in Lagos. He was a legal practitioner and very active in politics. Throughout his career, he worked for many years as a Crown Counsel in the old Western Region of Nigeria. He also became the Town Clerk of Lagos City Council (similar to being the Mayor of Lagos). In 1975, at the age of 56 years, he retired voluntarily from the civil service. He subsequently became a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1983. His tenure was however brought to an abrupt end with the overthrow of the Alhaji Shehu Shagari-led civilian government in a military coup in December 1983. He was also an author. He died at the age of 99 on 31st March 2019.

Her mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu (née Savage), is a devout Christian. She studied nursing in the UK, where she qualified as a Public Health Nurse before returning to Nigeria in December 1965. Upon her return to Nigeria, she built her career in the civil service of Lagos State and retired years later, at the age of 60. Mrs. Ogundimu is currently the head of a large and prominent Lagos family, the Savage Family.

Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, OFR, LL.D, and Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu both remarried when K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun was still young. K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun grew up in a polygamous home with her father, stepmothers, siblings, and other relations. One of her stepmothers, who greatly influenced her life, was a teacher. She was brought up in an extremely strict and disciplined environment at home, where she was taught lasting values such as hard work, integrity, contentment, and the ability to get on with most people and to cope with most situations. It was always a full house with extended family and other school children spending their holidays, to earn extra tutoring and a disciplined upbringing.

K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun was privileged with quality education. She attended private primary schools before proceeding in 1970 to Queen’s College, Lagos, which was the best Federal Government College for girls in the country at the time. She studied Law at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, from 1977 to 1980 and obtained her LL.B in 1980. Following this, she attended the Nigerian Law School from 1980 to 1981 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981. From 1981 to 1982, she was engaged in the compulsory National Youth Service at the Ministry of Justice, Benin City, Bendel State (now Edo State). Afterward, she proceeded to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) where she obtained a master’s degree in law in 1983.

After qualifying as a lawyer and obtaining a master’s degree in law from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), she worked in private law practice for a few years. As a result of the toll of the demands of private practice on her domestic responsibilities, she decided to join the bench to be able to enjoy more predictable work hours. She applied and was appointed by the Lagos State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in December 1989. This marked the beginning of her career on the bench. She was subsequently appointed a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on 19th July 1996. In September 2004, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal. As a Justice of the Court of Appeal, she served in five different Divisions across the country. She was the pioneer Presiding Justice of the Makurdi Division of the Court of Appeal, and also served as the Presiding Justice of the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal before her elevation to the Supreme Court on 8th July 2013. She is currently a member of the Supreme Court Rules Committee and Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Litigation Department of the Court.

K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 till May 1999, when the Tribunals were abolished. The constitution of the Tribunal included one Police officer and one Military officer. In the process, the Police officer gained significant insight into the requirements for conducting effective criminal investigations and prosecutions. He was subsequently posted to the Police College (where recruits are trained) as a lecturer and was able to share a lot of what he had learned from his participation in the Tribunal hearings. In recognition of her reputation for integrity and hard work, she was one of 3 Judges of the Lagos State High Court first selected to try offenses relating to financial crimes and money laundering under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004 and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Furthermore, in 2003, K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun served as a member of the Ethics Curriculum Planning Committee of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), in collaboration with the Department for International Development (DFID) and UNODC. This committee produced the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. She also chaired the Public Complaints and Training Committee that was part of the UNODC pilot project on strengthening judicial integrity and capacity in Lagos State. This was from February 2003 till July 2004. The Public Complaints Committee investigated complaints against magistrates in the performance of their official duties and became pivotal for the reform of the justice delivery system in the magistrate courts. Moreover, she served as a supervisory judge in charge of the Apapa Magisterial District in Lagos State from October 2002 till July 2004. She also served as a member of the committee that drafted the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2004 from April 2002 till December 2002. The new Civil Procedure Rules introduced innovations in case management such as the front-loading concept, pre-trial conference, and the application of ADR mechanisms for the speedy dispensation of justice. The innovations have also been adopted by most states of the Federation and have proved particularly helpful in the speedy dispensation of electoral disputes.

From December 2001 till December 2004, she served as a member of the Steering Committee of the Lagos State Multi-Door Court House, the first court-connected Alternative Dispute Resolution center in Africa. At the Court of Appeal, she served on the Information Technology Committee, which was to facilitate the computerization of the Court. Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun is a recipient of prestigious awards. She was a recipient of the Merit Awards of the Lagos State Judiciary, in December 2003 and in September 2013. Again, she was twice awarded the Distinguished Trailblazers Awards by the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (August 2012 and 2014). She belongs to several professional associations and groups, including the National Association of Women Judges; International Association of Women Judges; Body of Benchers – Life Bencher W.E.F. 8th February 2018; Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (Fellow); and International Dispute Resolution Institute (Fellow). She is also a member of the Ikoyi Club 1938. Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun has been married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR, since December 1983. His work ethic and integrity have been a great motivating factor for her. Their union is blessed with three children who are all graduates and excelling in their chosen fields. K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun is passionate about self-examination, being the change that one wants to see in the world and setting your standards early, starting every endeavour in the same manner as one means to carry on. These have been her guiding principles in her personal and professional life.

 

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Dauda Lawal Restores Zamfara’s Lost Glory with Agricultural Revolution

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Since the return of Democracy in 1999, Zamfara State has always been in the news for the wrong reasons.
The state is one of the poorest in Nigeria and has one of the highest incidences of extreme poverty (over 60% of the population) according to World Bank data from 2018. Different administrations have struggled to bring the people out of the poverty line and also attracted Foreign Direct Investment FDI to boost the state’s internally generated revenue IGR. The state is predominantly occupied by over 80 per cent of farmers whose major products include millet, guinea corn, maize, rice, groundnut, cotton, tobacco and beans. The State is known by the moniker ‘farming is our pride’ because Agriculture is the main occupation of most indigents. Zamfara is supposed to be economically rich as it has a huge deposit of natural resources like; Iron ore, Gold, Chromate, Granite, Clay, Limestone, Quartz and Kaolin that are more than enough to take the state out of the poverty line if properly managed and utilized by the previous administration. Instead of the state using its natural resources for wealth creation and also development; the state has witnessed degeneration and constant civil unrest fueled by illegal miners and local actors who benefit immensely.

The unrest opened the state to vulnerability and also made the primary source of livelihood which is farming no longer viable as agricultural activities were put on hold due to constant kidnapping issues, banditry, insecurity and illegal mining activities which have claimed much farmland and also caused destroying of many farmland due to mining. Despite many interventions to bring an end to banditry which many now see as a lucrative business in the state; all means to halt the activities of illegal miners and banditry have proved abortive by successive administrations. Zamfara had been struggling and grappling for life until the emergency of Governor Dauda Dare Lawal who came and changed the narrative using his strong will and passion to bring succour to his people with investment in critical sectors of the economy to drive development and capacity building also to create wealth and also contribute immensely to the GDP of the State moving it from the 32nd Position in 2021 with $11.8Billion to an enviable position and not just a state which shares federal allocation but a state that contributes its quota to the development of the country through farming and food production.

Governor Dauda is unapologetic about his approach to first restore sanity through the provision of security in the state. When he reeled out his manifesto during the campaign, he mentioned the fact that; apart from his investment to restore security across the state; he will invest massively in Agricultural & livestock development in a bid to restore the lost glory of the state as a farming and food-making hub. He did feasibility studies on things that can be done to bring the lost glory of the state to enable it to fly high like it used to in the days of yore. One of the main drivers for the success of his agricultural revolution was security which led to him reading a riot act to district heads, emirs and others who were possibly fueling insecurity in the state in a bid to enrich their pockets. In line with one of his campaign promises. He wasted no time in creating a more holistic security apparatus localizing it to support the police and other law enforcement agencies to bring banditry and insecurity that has chased many out of their farmland to a reasonable halt. While some youths have abandoned their farms and are used as tools for mining by the elites in the state to create unrest, Governor Dare is ensuring that; food production which their ancestors used in raising revenues must be restored. In other to kickstart this project in line with the best global practices and also align with President Bola Tinubu’s Administration, which is giving more spotlight to food security through the Agricultural Revolution with the use of mechanized farming, which will ensure massive plantation and massive food produce that will not only feed the nation also the state can generate revenue from exporting its excesses harvest to neighbouring state bother Zamfara like the republic of Niger. This will also attract FDI into the state and inject fresh interest in youths and other farmers to move to their farmland to produce more food.

The Governor also embarked on a massive campaign for the benefit of his people returning to their farms as well as expunging all bottlenecks with the distribution of farming kits like; Sprayers, fertilizers, ploughers, modified seedlings and a host of others. Governor Dauda is investing massively in mechanized farming which facilitated his recent trip to Turkey. While on the working trip, he visited the Türk Traktör (tractor) manufacturing plant where he advocated for the Investment and establishment of Greenhouses, a Mechanized Manufacturing hub in Zamfara state as a move to drive its massive food production campaign. He also wooed Direkci Group to establish various greenhouses, including soilless greenhouses, soil greenhouses, Polyclima greenhouses, transplanting greenhouses, ornamental production greenhouses, and banana-growing greenhouses which will also drive and support the state’s agenda in its quest for Agricultural and livestock production. During his trip, he also visited Innova Dairy Farm, an animal livestock farm which provides advice and innovative solutions for setting up and managing modern farms efficiently. It’s expected that Innova Dairy Farm will establish a system in Zamfara State to gather all advanced technologies, including patented rumination and activity monitoring, herd management systems, cooling, milking, manure management, and barn equipment also in a bid to stop the moving of livestock’s across the state which will stop the farmers and herders crisis the country has been witnessing for ages. The leadership of Zamfara state is no longer watching from the sidelines like the previous administration, it’s going all out to attract investment in the state in a bid to drive the agricultural revolution that will self-sustain Nigeria in its production of food and also raise the level of poverty which will provide funds for parents to fend for themselves and improve the state purchasing power. Zamfara State has also closely working with the leadership of the African Development Bank AfDB since its participation in the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) Program Phase 2 last year. This will see the state benefit from more funding for its agricultural revolution mandate and also open the state to more intending investors.

In other to consolidate its investment drive, the recent groundbreaking launch of the Zamfara Airport in Gusau is another right step which will not only boost economic proficiency in the state it will also bring about easy movement of investors and other transportation of agricultural produce trade purposes. The airport when completed will ensure the state opens its doors more to investment and also consolidates its Agricultural Revolution.

Oladapo Sofowora Writes from Lagos

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Jubril Adewale Tinubu: The Extraordinary Corporate Disrupter in the Oil & Gas Sector

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Jubril Adewale Tinubu is a highly respected figure in the history of Nigeria’s Oil & Gas industry. His insights are backed by solid facts and figures, making him a true authority in the field. Whether you admire him or not, there’s no denying that he operates on his terms and has made significant contributions to the industry. For students seeking a degree or postgraduate qualification in the Oil and Gas sector, understanding the remarkable strides made by JAT (as he is fondly known in the industry) will offer valuable perspectives on upstream, midstream, and downstream aspects of the industry.

His audacious nature, resilience, risk-taking ability, foresight, and tenacity are qualities that students should pay close attention to. Moreover, his practical experience in the field, gained over three decades, is invaluable and cannot be taught within the confines of an academic institution; because he has seen it all by crossing the T’s and Dotting the I’s in the industry which he is currently staying afloat after 3 decades of investment and still winning.

JAT, a trained lawyer, has proven that his business success is not merely a product of his background. He displayed exceptional traits of greatness early in life, earning him the well-deserved title of “King of African Oil.” Instead of relying on family wealth, he focused on forming alliances and studying the market to achieve his goals. His journey from a Law student at the University of Liverpool to obtaining an LLM from the London School of Economics and eventually specializing in corporate law showcases his determination and commitment. Wale Tinubu has a proven track record in building successful businesses across the energy value chain.

In 1993, he co-founded Ocean and Oil Group, one of the first indigenous trading companies with extensive operations exporting Nigerian petroleum products. In 2000, during the Nigerian Government’s privatization exercise, Tinubu led Ocean and Oil’s successful bid for a stake in Unipetrol. While his peers were partying and spending their business proceeds on frivolities; he was busy investing in a terrain that was meant for the richest of the richest in the country. For him, opportunity meets preparedness; Two years later, he led the largest-ever acquisition of a quoted Nigerian company, with Unipetrol PLC’s purchase of Agip Nigeria PLC. The group was rebranded to Oando PLC in 2003. Instead of Wale being swallowed by the deep waters and eaten by the sharks in the oil and gas business; he was skilful enough to navigate through the waters to remain in business to date waxing stronger. While expanding; he became a headache for his competitors as he infused impeccable ideas into running his business conglomerate. He also infused some ideas to strengthen the Oando brand with the successful transformation of Oando from a petroleum marketing company to an integrated energy group, included in the downstream – OVH Energy (formerly Oando Marketing) and Oando Trading; midstream – Axxela Limited (formerly Oando Gas and Power) and upstream – Oando Energy Services and Oando Energy Resources.

With these impeccable ideas; he was able to transform and capture other aspects of the terrain which aims at developing not only the sector but also ensuring divesting into other terrain. In 2014, Wale through the OER led the $1.8 billion landmark acquisition of Conoco Phillips solidifying the company as the leading independent exploration and production company in Nigeria. OER has assets on and offshore in Nigeria, and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of São Tomé and Príncipe. The portfolio which includes 14 licenses boasts of net average production of ~44,000 boepd, 2P reserves of ~ 485.3mmboe, 2C reserves of ~158.9 mmboe as well as extensive infrastructure including ~22,500km2 of combined acreage, ~483,000 bpd of oil handling capacity, ~3,663 mmscf/d (million standard cubic feet per day) of gas handling capacity, 3.5 mmbbls (million barrels) terminal capacity, and over 1,255 km pipeline network, amongst others.

JAT’s disruptive and transformative ideas have not only changed the fortunes of the oil and gas sector but have also set new standards for the industry. His pioneering efforts and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping the energy landscape in Nigeria and beyond. In 2019, he was set to eliminate the operational constraints and inefficiencies in petroleum product importation into Nigeria, Wale led the successful divestment of Oando Marketing Limited to the Vitol Group, the world’s largest independent trader of energy commodities and Helios Investment Partner with a sale portfolio of $461 million. OVH Energy boasts the largest distribution value chain in Nigeria, with over 1,500 trucks, 50 million litres in tank farm storage capacity and over 400 retail station outlets dispensing PMS and other products. He pioneered the development of the first privately owned mid-stream jetty in West Africa which sits within OVH Energy’s business portfolio. In the same year, Oando divested from Axxela to a vehicle owned by Helios Investment Partners LLP (“Helios”), an investment of $160 million which focuses on the development and distribution of Nigeria’s natural gas. The company pioneered the private sector piping and distribution of natural gas to industrial and commercial consumers, successfully reviving private sector participation in Nigeria’s gas distribution business.

The witty and highly cerebral Wale despite having the heart of Hercules; is a man soft at heart. He loves to enjoy life but one thing he can’t stand is the face of people in distress. Despite being a very private person, who would rather spend time doing business or with his family; he is a very generous man with a large heart. His generosity is one thing that keeps him going. Those who have cried to him have always returned with smiles on their face because cheerful giving is part of his culture and personal lifestyle. Annually during fasting periods, Wale is known for silently reaching out to those Muslims faithful by distributing edible items and also meals. He also holds an annual lecture in memory of his late father; Oluwole Kafaru Tinubu where he also uses the avenue to touch people’s lives. As the generous money bag saunters into age 57 today; his joy knows no bounds and he is super excited with joy in his heart. He is feeling happy and ready to climb the mountain top to shout but one thing remains constant he stays in tune with his creator via prayers for a longer life in good health and wealth. Apart from his persona proceeds to help the needy; he also loves education. He has personally spoken against the educational deficit in the country which is why he thinks that a public and private partnership should be imbibed by many rich individuals and companies to bridge the gap in education for national development. This led to the founding of the Oando Foundation in 2011, with the mission to improve the learning environment in primary schools by holistically creating world-class basic education systems for the community; Wale personally spearheaded the Adopt-A-School Initiative (AASI). The initiative has adopted 88 public primary schools across Nigeria, supporting over 500,000 students, enrolled over 60,000 School Children, trained 3,000 teachers, promoted infrastructure rehabilitation of 300 classrooms (renovation and new build) and established 40 solar-powered digital learning centres.

For Wale, his best is yet to come as he has lots of ideas in the pipeline and also plans to divest more and take over critical sectors of the economy. His success is not by fluke but by sheer dint of hard work and his passion for the development of Nigeria. Despite his dreams gradually becoming reality; Wale is not relenting on his oars until he finally holds a stake in the Oil &Gas sector in Africa and by extension the rest of the world putting Nigeria on the world map.

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