entrepreneur Archives - StateCraft Inc.

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, born on December 23, 1973, in Nigeria, is a distinguished legal professional and entrepreneur who has left an indelible mark on various sectors. Graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1996, she swiftly joined the Nigerian Bar the following year, showcasing her early dedication and competence in the field of law. Her academic journey continued with the attainment of a Master of Laws degree from the University of Abuja in 2002, further solidifying her expertise in legal matters.

Kennedy-Ohanenye’s influence transcends the legal domain as she ventures into real estate and education, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to multifaceted endeavors. As the CEO of Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye & Co, she offers invaluable legal counsel to individuals and corporations, ensuring the protection of their legal rights and interests. Additionally, she founded and leads the Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye Academy, an esteemed educational institution dedicated to nurturing future leaders through quality education.

In the dynamic landscape of Nollywood, Kennedy-Ohanenye shines as a prominent producer, enriching the industry with captivating titles such as “Mama Onboard,” “The Senator,” “The Governor,” and “The President.” Her involvement underscores her passion for storytelling and her desire to contribute to the vibrant Nigerian entertainment scene. Moreover, her leadership as the president of the Association of Nollywood Producers (ANP) reflects her commitment to advancing the interests of industry professionals.

A trailblazer in politics, Kennedy-Ohanenye’s historic candidacy for the Nigerian presidency in the 2023 general elections marked a pivotal moment for women’s representation in the All Progressives Congress (APC). Her platform prioritized critical issues such as women’s empowerment, economic development, security, and anti-corruption, resonating with a diverse range of constituents. Despite stepping down from the presidential race, her endorsement of Bola Tinubu showcased her dedication to advancing the party’s agenda and fostering unity within the APC.

Recognizing her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to national development, President Bola Tinubu appointed Kennedy-Ohanenye as the Minister of Women Affairs in August 2023. Her appointment not only underscores her competence and leadership qualities but also positions her as a beacon of hope for women across Nigeria. Pledging to tackle gender-based violence and enhance women’s economic empowerment, Kennedy-Ohanenye’s tenure as Minister of Women Affairs promises transformative change and progress for the nation.

Natasha Hadiza Akpoti

Natasha Hadiza Akpoti, a distinguished Nigerian barrister, social entrepreneur, and politician, has emerged as a prominent figure in her quest for positive change and representation. Her notable foray into politics began with her candidacy for the post of Senator for Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 2019 elections, running under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Subsequently, she also contested in the 2019 Kogi State Gubernatorial Election, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to serving her community and driving meaningful change.

Born on December 9, 1979, Natasha is the daughter of a Nigerian father and a Ukrainian mother, and she is the second of four children. Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of her father in 1998, Natasha remained resolute in her pursuit of academic excellence and professional achievement. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Abuja and was called to the Nigerian bar in 2005. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue further studies at the University of Dundee, where she obtained a Master of Laws degree in 2012, followed by a Master of Business Administration in Oil & Gas Management from the same institution.

Natasha’s commitment to public service and community development is underscored by her founding of the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP), which aims to drive sustainable development and empowerment initiatives. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and social justice.

Despite facing political challenges, Natasha’s resilience and determination have been evident. Despite stiff competition in the 2023 Kogi Centre Senatorial Elections, she emerged victorious in the PDP primaries, highlighting her widespread support and appeal among constituents. Following a rigorous legal battle, she was rightfully declared the winner of the Kogi Central Senatorial Election, showcasing her steadfast commitment to democratic principles and justice.

Natasha’s triumph is not only a personal victory but also a win for the people she represents. Her dedication to serving her community, coupled with her visionary leadership and unwavering integrity, makes her a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring leaders and change-makers across Nigeria. As a mother of three, Natasha’s passion for creating a better future for the next generation fuels her relentless pursuit of excellence and service to humanity.

Kadaria Ahmed

Kadaria Ahmed stands as a towering figure within Nigeria’s media landscape, renowned for her profound contributions as a journalist, media entrepreneur, and the CEO of RadioNow 95.3FM. With a career spanning various media platforms, she embarked on her journey at the BBC in London, where she served as a senior producer on acclaimed programs such as Focus on Africa and Network Africa, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to journalistic excellence.

Ahmed’s academic credentials underscore her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Holding an MA in Television from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a Bachelor’s degree from Bayero University Kano, where she was honored as a Chevening Scholar, she solidified her foundation in media and journalism, equipping herself with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the field.

Returning to Nigeria, Kadaria Ahmed assumed the role of editor at the award-winning publication Next, where she steered a large newsroom and played a pivotal role in shaping its editorial agenda, setting the standard for quality journalism in the country. In 2011, she moderated Nigeria’s presidential election debate, further solidifying her reputation as a respected journalist and media personality. Later, she co-created, produced, and presented the acclaimed interview program Straight Talk, showcasing her adeptness in engaging with diverse perspectives and probing questions.

Ahmed’s influence extended to television as she launched the groundbreaking show The Core on Channels TV in 2017, where she conducted insightful interviews with notable figures, including Nnamdi Kanu, further cementing her status as a prominent voice in Nigerian media. Her involvement in moderating town hall meetings for presidential candidates during the 2019 general elections underscored her commitment to fostering informed public discourse and democratic engagement.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Kadaria Ahmed is deeply committed to promoting journalism through her company, Daria Media Ltd, and actively contributes articles to esteemed national and international newspapers such as Daily Trust, The Guardian, and the Financial Times of London

Additionally, she serves on the boards of various journalism organizations, further solidifying her role as a leading figure in shaping the future of media in Nigeria.

Kadaria Ahmed’s unwavering dedication to journalistic integrity, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to promoting informed discourse, exemplifies her as a trailblazer and visionary within Nigeria’s media landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the industry for generations to come.

Awele Vivian Elumelu

Awele Vivian Elumelu, born in Delta State, Nigeria, on April 8, 1970, stands as a remarkable figure celebrated for her diverse accomplishments across multiple domains. Educated both in Nigeria and the UK, she holds distinguished degrees in Physiology, Public Administration, and Medicine, a testament to her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and broad expertise.

With a rich background in healthcare spanning Nigeria and the UK, Dr. Elumelu co-founded Avon Medical Practice in 2009, where she currently serves as CEO, leading its nationwide expansion and delivering high-quality healthcare services to communities.

However, Dr. Elumelu’s influence extends far beyond the healthcare sector. As a trustee of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, she plays an active role in promoting entrepreneurship across Africa, thereby contributing to economic empowerment and sustainable development on the continent. Her advocacy for social investment, demonstrated through support for initiatives like the African Philanthropy Forum, underscores her dedication to uplifting communities and fostering positive change.

Married to Tony Elumelu, Dr. Elumelu exemplifies the power of partnership, both personally and professionally. Their joint commitment to philanthropy is reflected in their seven children, symbolizing their shared values and aspirations for a better world.

Dr. Awele Vivian Elumelu’s esteemed membership in prestigious social clubs like the Lagos Country Club and the Ikoyi Club 1938 further attests to her esteemed status and invaluable contributions to society. Through her multifaceted endeavors, she continues to inspire and make a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike, embodying the principles of leadership, service, and excellence.

Chizoba Wigwe

Chizoba Wigwe is far more than Herbert Wigwe’s partner; she has carved her own path from legal practice to thriving entrepreneurship, establishing herself as a formidable force in the business world. Initially, she served as a legal advisor specializing in corporate law, commercial litigation, and arbitration, demonstrating her expertise and versatility in the legal field. However, she later ventured into entrepreneurship, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and ambition.

In 2016, Chizoba founded Craneburg Construction, a pioneering construction company headquartered in Ikoyi, Lagos. Her decision to transition into entrepreneurship marked a significant milestone in her career, reflecting her determination to pursue new opportunities and make a mark in the business landscape.

Prior to establishing Craneburg Construction, Chizoba contributed her legal expertise to Access Bank’s legal board, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s legal strategy and operations. Additionally, she pursued a Master’s degree in International Law from the University of London, further enhancing her knowledge and skills in her field.

Renowned for her innovative and business-savvy approach, Chizoba’s leadership has propelled Craneburg Construction to become one of the foremost construction companies in Nigeria. Under her guidance, the company has successfully completed numerous large-scale projects nationwide, earning a reputation for excellence and reliability in the industry.

Chizoba’s journey epitomizes resilience, determination, and the ability to excel in diverse fields. Her remarkable success in entrepreneurship serves as an inspiration to aspiring business leaders, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s construction industry and beyond.

Bola Shagaya

Hajia Bola Muinat Shagaya MON, born on October 10, 1959, stands as a distinguished Nigerian entrepreneur and fashion icon, renowned as one of Africa’s most successful businesswomen. As the visionary founder and CEO of Bolmus Group International, she has led the conglomerate to remarkable success across diverse sectors, including real estate, oil and gas, banking, and photography.

Shagaya’s academic journey commenced at Queens School in Ilorin, followed by tertiary studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Armstrong College in California, where she pursued studies in economics and accountancy, laying the groundwork for her entrepreneurial pursuits.

Beginning her career in the audit department of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Shagaya’s entrepreneurial spirit propelled her to venture into commercial endeavors in 1983. She notably pioneered the introduction of the renowned Konica brand to Nigerian and West African markets in the photographic materials sector, demonstrating her innovative approach and business acumen.

Shagaya’s leadership extends to Practoil Limited, where she serves as managing director, overseeing the company’s pivotal role as a top importer and distributor of base oil in Nigeria, thereby supporting local lubricant blending plants and contributing to the country’s industrial growth.

Her extensive investments in real estate, spanning major Nigerian cities, have not only provided employment opportunities for hundreds but also underscore her commitment to economic development and empowerment.

Beyond her corporate pursuits, Shagaya’s dedication to societal impact is evident through her longstanding service on the board of Unity Bank Plc and active involvement in the Nepad Business Group – Nigeria. Additionally, her patronage of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) reflects her support for local talent and creativity, further solidifying her status as a pillar of the Nigerian business community and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the continent.

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