Speakers | naaep

DELEGATION / Forum Speakers

Arkansas-Nigerian Economic Development Forum is pleased to have some of the worlds most influential experts as speakers at this important event.

H.E. Professor Ibidapo Adebowale Adefuye

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

His Excellency, Prof. Ade. Adefuye hails from Ogun State and obtained his PhD in History at the age of 26. He is a conflict and governance specialist with 24 years of experience in international affairs and development, backed by 12 years previous experience in research and teaching. Professor Adefuye is a seasoned diplomat and currently Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States. His expertise and experience in diplomacy and conflict resolution has contributed immensely in fostering the foreign relations between the United States and Nigeria, as well as strengthening the economic ties between both countries under the prevailing legislation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Ambassador Adefuye’s previous assignments include: guiding and encouraging continuing negotiations between the leaders of rival political parties so as to arrive at peaceful solutions to disputes and thus avoid civil strife. He has also been encouraging, assisting Governments to amend existing or draft new Constitutions and supervising the organization of credible elections. The major focus of his assignments has been the creation of a politically suitable climate that will be conducive to sustainable social and economic development. Working as a Special Adviser to Commonwealth Secretary-General on Africa Affairs in 2000, and Adviser to ECOWAS President on Democracy and Good Governance in 2008, Professor Adefuye was formally Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, High Commissioner to Jamaica and Belize, and also served as a delegate to the United Nations. Before his entry to the Nigerian Foreign Service, he was Head of the Department of History at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. His practical skills in governance and conflict prevention/resolution are proven in the most senior political circles, and with rebel leaders alike. Professor Adefuye’s country experience includes: Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Zimbabwe.

Ambassador Adefuye is happily married and blessed with children.

Dr. Gloria B. Herndon

President & CEO Global Energie Inc., Global Group Inc., Global Pharma Inc.,

Dr. Gloria B. Herndon has more than 35 years of successfully conducting business internationally. Dr. Gloria Bozeman Herndon, Ph.D. serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at GB Herndon and Associates, Inc. Dr. Herndon worked for the Brookings Institution and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, has served as a US diplomat and is Co-Chair of the Women's Business Center Board of Directors. She worked for the US Department of Agriculture as an economist and joined the State Department to the U.S. Embassy Commerce positions in Africa and Europe. Dr. Herndon is active in the business and local communities through her involvement with various organizations such as the Board of Trade, the DC Chamber of Commerce, the National Conference of Negro Women (NCNW), Africare, and Women’s Business Network. She chairs the Corporate Advisory Boards of the National Head Start Association (NHSA) and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO). Dr. Herndon serves as Director at National Women's Business Center, Inc. She has been Member of Medical Advisory Board at TNI BioTech, Inc., since July 2012. Dr. Herndon earned Bachelors Degrees in Economics and Political Science, as well as a Masters and a PhD in International Law and Economics from Johns Hopkins University.

Chief Temitope L. Ajayi

Chairman / CEO of The Nigerian-American Agricultural Empowerment Program (NAAEP Ltd) / NCF Investment Ltd trains and empower farmers in mechanized farming system, while facilitating business loans, accessibility to farm implements, and the harvesting and marketing of their end product both locally and internationally. Chief Temitope Ajayi is also Chairman / CEO NCF Investment Ltd Business consultant to Foreign Investors to Sub Saharan Africa and a Foreign investor on Agriculture NCF Investment Ltd, which serves to increase the Global Understanding and Trade by Embracing and Building on Individual Cultural Capacity and Diversity, Community Development and Business Projects in the US and Internationally.Committed to promoting and encouraging economic growth among the Nigerian communities and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Designed and established superior services that would continue to increase overall business inefficiencies with an inundated competitive edge in the areas of business and economic management, structural organization, and technological training. It's also ensures that small businesses are well funded, profitable, and can leverage all our global partnerships for better business placement among other businesses within the Global marketplace.

Arc. Kester Ifeadi

Managing Director of Contemporay Group Limited

Arc Kester Ifeadi is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (MNIA). His career spans 25 years in the Architectural practice. He joined Crown Associates, a leading Architectural firm in Lagos and rose to become an associate partner with this company before leaving in 1990.Thereafter, he went into consultancy business by floating Contemporary Design Associatesin 1990- were he is still serving in the capacity of a Principal partner.
Contemporary Design Associates is regarded as the consultancy of choice and trusted adviser that provides specialized services in the areas of consultancy for her projects, private, corporate and government clients respectively. While holding the principles of professionalism close to his heart, he floated Contemporary Properties Ltd in 1992 where he is the Managing Director presently. The company since its establishment has been involved in the development of many top class properties in various parts of the country. Designed or built numerous projects amongst which are: Asaba Airport project Asaba, the Nigerian Law School Main Auditorium Enugu, Nigerian Law School Bayelsa, Gombe State Governors Office / Government office complex, Modern Market Effurun, Delta State, Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, Deputy Governors Office Asaba, Delta State, globalcom offices/switch centers, visa phone, Conoil oil offices, Chevron guest house facility at Park view Ikoyi, Lagos, Contemporary Properties Estate VGC, Lagos, Top class Hotels, and over 20 Zenith bank branches where he was involved in pioneering a standard design concept of Zenith Bank Branches, Oceanic Bank branches and recently the rebranding of the design concept of Equitorial Trust Bank Nationwide.

H.E Muhammad Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Fnse

The Executive Governor of Kano State

Kwankwaso’s journey into politics can be traced to his student days when he served as the National Assistant Secretary General of Kano State Students Association (NAKSS), as well as the President of the Kano State Students Association (Kaduna Polytechnic Branch). He also served as Board member of both Faculty of Agricultural Science, as well as Post graduate Studies at the University of Nottingham, UK. His active party politics started with his election as member of Representative in (1992), representing Madobi Federal Constituency. His subsequent election as Deputy Speaker in the House brought him to the limelight of National politics. This was however short-lived as the Civilian Administration was truncated by a Military Coup.
In 1994, Kwankwaso was elected delegate to the Constitutional Conference, which fashioned out the constitution that later ushered in the fourth republic. Under this dispensation, he contested and won the governorship ticket of Kano State- a position he held from (1999-2003). During his tenure, the state witnessed some milestone developmental projects.
He was appointed Federal Minister of Defence in 2003, a positioned he meticulously occupied till 2006. Between 2006 and 2007 Kwankwaso was Special Adviser to the President on Darfur/Somalia. He represented the North-West zone on the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission, from 2009 to 2010.
Ever passionate and patriotic, Kwankwaso contested for the position of governor of Kano State on the platform of the (PDP) in the April 2011 elections, during which he defeated the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANNP)-led government under former governor Ibrahim Shekarau, setting the record of returning to the governorship seat after vacating the position for eight years.

Kenneth Yellowe
Chairman and CEO, Global Energy USA, Inc.

Kenneth Yellowe is a successful and well-known US-based entrepreneur and among the most dynamic international businessmen currently operating on the African continent. Having founded several companies in the United States, South America and Africa, Kenneth is known as a visionary leader whose business acumen has positively impacted the Nigerian oil and gas sector. He formed the Global Energy Group business concept in the early 1990’s, establishing Global Gas and Refining Limited (GGRL) in 1998, the first indigenous gas processing company in Nigeria. He is currently Chairman and CEO of Global Energy USA, Inc., located in Houston, Texas, which serves as the headquarters of Global Energy Group. Today, Global is the foremost independent gas development and utilization company in Nigeria, focused primarily in LPG and methanol production.
Kenneth’s accomplishments are recognized and well-respected by his peers, business and world leaders. He serves on numerous boards, civic/community organizations, advisory councils and foundations such as Greater Houston Partnership, International Festival, Alliance for Multicultural Community Services, Bobcock University Foundation and African Disaster Relief Fund. His extensive humanitarian work focuses on improving healthcare, education and the overall socio-economic well-being of the local communities.

Bob Brunner

Vice President America's for Arik Air

Bob Bruner is currently the Vice President America’s for Arik Air. He is responsible for establishing their presence in the United States and creating a platform for expansion throughout the America’s. He oversees all aspects of the airlines activities in the America’s, including operations, sales, marketing, finance and cargo. Bob spent a number of years at British Airways with management roles in cargo sales, passenger sales, marketing, revenue accounting and he ended his career responsible for their Midwest sales and marketing activities. Prior to joining Arik, Bob had his own business with 2 partners. They developed a business process which allowes airlines and hotel companies to move the liability for their loyalty programs to a 3rd party, which provides companies with an improved balance sheet, income statement and cash flow. He has lived in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, London England and Chicago. He is married with 2 children and enjoys travel, reading, playing golf and watching most any sport. He has previously held board level positions as the Chairman of the Board of the British Airways Credit Union, Treasurer British American Business Council, Member of the boards of The Denver World Trade Center and The Chicago Fine Arts Building and is currently a member of the Board of Directors at the Africa Travel Association and on the Advisory Board for Self Help Africa. Bob has been honored to be Honorary Indigene of Odo-Noforija Kingdom by HRM Alaiyeluwa Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja and received the 2012 Entrepreneurship award from Nation to Nation Networking.

Hon. Dr. James Wall, Jr.

Mayor District Heights, MD USA President, World Conference of Mayors
The Honorable James L. Walls, Jr., was re-elected Mayor of the City of District Heights, Maryland on May 3, 2010. He is the youngest person in the City's History to be elected as a Mayor, as well as the youngest person to ever serve as Vice Mayor and City Commissioner. Mayor Walls has received accolades from many Cities and States from around the United States and the World for his outstanding commitment and dedication to public and community service. In 2008, Mayor Walls received the Distinguished "Martin Luther King Foundation" of Prince George's County, "Civic Engagement Award". He holds memberships in many organizations such as the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., National League of Cities, National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO), Maryland Municipal League, U.S. Conference of Mayors, National Conference of Black Mayors, World Conference of Mayors, Inc., Maryland Black Mayors, and the Maryland Mayors Association to name a few.
Mayor Walls serves on the Executive Board of Directors for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO). He is the Past President of the Maryland Black Mayors Association. In 2003, Mayor Walls received a United States Presidential Appointment to serve on the United States Selective Service Board for Maryland. In 2010, he was appointed by the Maryland State Governor to the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code Advisory Council and is a former member of the Maryland State Board of Foresters. In 2011, he was elected the youngest President of the World Conference of Mayors, Inc., and also serves as Chairman of the International Affairs Committee for the National League of Cities-National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO). Mayor Walls is an Alumnus of the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) and a Member of the US Department of State Alumni. Mayor Walls has traveled and Headed delegations to West Africa, Eastern Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. In 2003, he was selected out of National, State and Local elected official candidates to travel with a U.S. delegation to the Republic of Hungary and the Republic of Romania in Eastern Europe. In 2005, he was asked to serve as a US Representative to the Balkans for the first historic Europe & Eurasia Young Leaders Conference in Macedonia. The conference concluded with the dedication of a "Liberty Pavilion" at Southeast European University, erected as a symbol of democracy to commemorate this pioneer gathering of Young political leaders working to expand freedom's frontier across Europe and Eurasia. In 2011, President Adoulaye Wade of the Republic of Senegal designated Mayor Walls as a Goodwill Ambassador for the African Renaissance during the Historic 3rd World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures. Mayor Walls has been honored to be made an Honorary Citizen of Osun State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has fostered sister cities international agreements with the Republic of the Congo, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Republic of Haiti.

Mr. Roberts Ungwaga Orya

MANAGING DIRECTOR/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER NEXIM BANK,

Mr. Roberts Ungwaga Orya attended University of Ibadan, Nigeria and graduated with an M.Sc in Banking and Finance. His experience spans over 28 years in Banking and Finance covering Investment, Commercial and Mortgage Banking, having worked in several Financial Institutions. His career in banking began in February 1984 when he joined the services of International Merchant Bank Plc and worked up until September 1990 when he left to join Credite Bank of Nigeria Limited briefly as a pioneer staff. He was then seconded to Prime Merchant Bank Ltd in July 1991 as Head of Operations. Mr Orya subsequently moved to Pace Mortgage Finance Ltd in October 1992 as the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer. He thereafter joined Lobi Bank of Nigeria Ltd in January 1994 and later became the Managing Director and Executive Chairman until January 1998 when he was reassigned to Premier Commercial Bank Plc as an Executive Director. Mr Orya’s last appointment was as an Executive Director in charge of Capital Markets, Financial Advisory Services and Research & Strategy with Afribank Capital Ltd. He held the position until his appointment on 14th August 2009, as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank.

Since his appointment a little more than three years ago, he has fundamentally transformed and refocused the Bank through the introduction of robust risk management and corporate governance structures thereby returning it to profitability. Mr. Orya is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and London, Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria and Nigeria Institute of Management. He is also the Chairman BOT of the Risk Management Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) and a Member of the Institute of Management Consultants. Mr. Orya is happily married with children.

Feyi Oshinkanlu

President/CEO Fegnat Linited & Petrobarrel Nigeria Limited

Mr. Oshinkanlu has 36 years of unbroken experience not only in the marketing of petroleum products, oil services operation, marine equipment ownership/operator but also a close-to-a-decade experience as an investor in insurance broking business in Nigeria. As a Petroleum Products Marketing Executive with African Petroleum Plc, Mr. Oshinkanlu has occupied many management positions such as: Area Commercial Manager, South East Region of Nigeria, Relief Manager for the Central Region, South South Region, South West and Northern Region of Nigeria.

Early in 2001, in his quest to break new grounds achieve higher managerial executive capacity and diversify his petroleum products marketing experience, Mr. Oshinkanlu voluntarily retired from African Petroleum Plc to take up appointment with former National Oil & Petrochemical Marketing Plc (NOLCHEM) (former SHELL Nigeria Limited) now Conoil Plc, as General Manager Specialised Products, overseeing its chemical and bitumen marketing throughout Nigeria. Mr. Oshinkanlu left NOLCHEM Plc/Conoil Plc to become the President/CEO of his own Companies: Fegnat Limited and Petrobarrel Nigeria Limited. While Fegnat Limited specializes in the ownership and operation of marine equipments such as barges, tug boats, house boats, swamp bogies, crew boats etc and marketing of petroleum products, Petroberrel Nigeria Limited is wholly a petroleum products, chemical and bitumen marketing company. In 2003, Mr Oshinkanlu forayed into politics and contested as a Senatorial Aspirant for Lagos Central Senatorial District as a candidate of one of the leading political parties in Nigeria. In year 2006, Mr. Oshinkanlu, identifying the niche in the Insurance Broking Industry in Nigeria and floated an Insurance Broking Firm: Mc Cullum Insurance Brokers Limited. This Insurance Broking Firm currently holds insurance accounts of States Governments in Nigeria, Nigeria Federal Government Parastatals and some private corporate outfits. Between 2005 and 2007, Mr. Oshinkanlu was appointed to the board of one of Nigeria’s Federal Government Parastatal: the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority by the Nigerian Government as a Non-executive Director of the government parastatal. Mr. Oshinkanlu is currently engaged as a Consultant in petroleum products marketing business and petroleum product investment analysis.

Commissioner Jack C. Sims

City Commissioner District Heights Maryland

Commissioner Jack C. Sims was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania and graduated from Coatesville Area Senior High School (CASH) in 1968. Afterwards, he attended Cheyney State Teacher's College in Cheyney, PA from 1968 to 1971. Commissioner Sims is a University of Maryland College Park Fellow-Academy for Excellence in Local Governance (2001). The Honorable Jack C. Sims serves as a City Commissioner in District Heights, Maryland. His was elected as Commissioner in May of 1992. He has served as Vice Mayor in 1994 and Police and Code Enforcement Commissioner from 1993 to 1995. He served two terms as Mayor of the City of District Heights from 1997-2003.He is the Executive Director of District Heights Community Development Corporation; Founding Director of the District Heights Citizen Action Patrol (neighborhood watch program); and he started the District Heights Mayoral Scholarship Award. He is the Founder of the Central Prince George's County Rotary Club. He serves as South County Economic Development Association (Chairman International Committee).He is also a member of the Maryland Municipal League (MML) and has served in the following capacities: MML Election Committee Chairperson, MML Representative to the National League of Cities Human Development Policy Committee and Prince George's County Municipal Association Board of Directors.
Commissioner Sims is also a former member of: The World Conference of Mayors (served as a Vice President and Chairperson, Trade and Economic Development Committee); U.S. Conference of Mayors; Maryland Mayors Association; National Conference of Black Mayors (Vice Chairman, International Committee); Past President of the Maryland Black Mayors Association; National League of Cities; National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO); Micro-enterprise Council of Maryland (Board of Directors); Maryland Institute for Governmental Service Advisory Board. He served on the Board of Directors for the East Orange VAMC Credit Union and the Washington DC VAMC Credit Union. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police 2F-DC; Knights of Columbus; Honorary Naval Aviator; and St. Mary's Parish.
In 2000, he retired as Chief, Environmental Management Service from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, DC, after working 25 years. In 2002, he founded The Atrium Group, Inc. He and his spouse are partners in Discovery Information Consultants as "public records research specialists."

Dr. Alhamdou Diagne

President / Chairman of the International Consultant Group. He is the Corporate Administrator Chairman for Africa Maeva Investments Inc. Dr. Diagne is an Associate of Heenan Blaikie. He is the General Director of MCD-Afrique. He is the Governmental Advisor and the International Investment Expert Chairman of ID-Afrique Canada. Dr, Diagne is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Children Walfare Foundation in Mali. He serves as a International Consultant to KPMG, Ace Consulting, EuroAfricaine de Sevices, the Republic of Guinea, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, CE Communication Systems. Dr. Diagne served as Chairman for Africa Walltech Group specialized in the construction of social housing (Ecuador- Mexico-Spain) He also served as the Advisor to the CEO of Societe Francais d' Equipement Hospitalier. He is the Vice President of Pan African Association Researchers and Development.

Professor Tajudeen Gbadebo Olusanya Gbadamosi

Scholar, an Historian, Author, Social leader
Professor. TGO Gbadamosi is passionately committed to community service and development. He believes in widening, enriching and deepening the scope of human knowledge and experience. He had a brilliant and distinguished academic career as a scholar. A first-prize winner at school, he won various scholarships that saw him through to the university. He obtained his Ph.D in History from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, blazing a new trail of research in African History. He joined the staff of the University of Lagos in 1965 and became a Professor of History in 1982. As a Head of History, Hall Master and Dean of Arts in the University, he had had a very wide and rich experience which traversed Nigeria and stretched from the west to the east. In London, he was a visiting scholar at the School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS) in the University of London. In Saudi Arabia, he was a Visiting Associate Professor in King Abdul Azeez University in Jedda. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Residence at Le-Moyne College, Memphis, Tennessee, USA. His numerous and landmark publications as well as lectures made him retain his leadership position in his area of specialisation. The new University courses he introduces in University of Lagos have spread far and wide in Nigeria, enriching historical studies and research. He is a member of various professional bodies, notably Nigerian Academy of Arts, Historical Society of Nigeria and African Studies Association of USA to mention a few. He played notable roles and gave technical support to the establishment, of two private universities in Nigeria. He has written and published a growing number of poems highlighting for emulation the matrix of edifying values and ethical principles that ennoble men, as well as underpin and drive the growth and civilisation of nations. As the President of University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Lagos and Vice President of King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA), he brought new dimensions and made notable impact. In the state of Lagos, he was the longest serving chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, and the moving force behind Muslim unity in contemporary times. At the national level, especially in the private sector, he is serving as the chief executive of a tertiary teacher training college and the officer-in-charge of education for a private major player in the education industry in Nigeria.
He is an entrepreneur in the printing business and in agriculture, through the Nigeria-American Agricultural Empowerment Programme (NAAEP).

Michele R. Wright, Ph.D.

Author, Speaker and Success Expert

Michele R. Wright, Ph.D., a native of Tuskegee, Alabama, currently serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Region with the American Red Cross as well as the Senior Director of the National Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Association (NBPA). Dr. Wright is also the past recipient of Sister Friends United, Inc. “Women of Excellence” Service Award alongside the organization’s Business/Entrepreneurship Award.

Dr. Wright is a top-performing National and International multiple award-winning Corporate Leader. She has worked with Fortune 500 organizations including Genentech Biotech Company, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, The Pillsbury Company, The Procter and Gamble Company, Honeywell, and Martin Marietta Corporation. She has a successful track record in Education; Engineering; and Food, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Sales. She is a Success Guru in Project, Team, and Total Quality Management.

Michele holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Tuskegee University, where she graduated with High Honors and the distinct honor of "Electrical Engineering Student of the Year"; a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering/Engineering Management from the University of Tennessee Space Institute, where she chartered the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and became UTSI’s first full-time African-American student to earn a M.S. degree in Engineering Management/Industrial Engineering; and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, with a double specialization in Health and Leadership Policy.

Success Expert Michele Wright’s extensive research of some of America’s most outstanding women achievers served as inspiration for her International Book Award-winning acclaimed book “DEAR SUCCESS SEEKER: Wisdom from Outstanding Women” (Atria/Simon & Schuster) which received the 2012 U.S. Best Books Award for “Best New Non-Fiction” and has allowed her to create a groundbreaking success model which she offers to corporations, organizations and educational facilities around the world.

Dr. Michele Wright lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with her husband Terry G. Wright.

Dr. Nedra Dodds

President Opulence Aesthetic Medicine

Dr. Dodds has been practicing medicine for 18 years. Dr. Dodds has been featured on CBS Radio on several programs including- On the Air with Egypt- as a commentator on medical issues, "Atlanta & Company" - WXIA (NBC Affiliate) and has appeared o several network programs including the Bravo Station. Dr. Dodds has chaired sections of the National Medical Association, lectured nationally on the subject of Cosmetic Surgery and internationally on Emergency Medicine topics has authored several medical chapters in Emedicine.com. and has also been published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine. Dr Dodds is a monthly contributor on the subject of Anti-Aging Medicine for Metro Atlanta Magazines, and serves as Research Director for MesoAti, Inc. and serves as a physican trainer for Viora Medical, Advanced Cosmetic Surgery Training Institute, Osyris Medical USA, Ellman, Inc. and as a regular contributing research physician for Erchonia Medical, and other projects soon to be published. Certifications and Associations include:

• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
• American Medical Association
• Certified by the Brazilian Association of Lipoplasty
• Member and Diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
• Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners
• Member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
• Member of the American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery
• Member of the International Hormone Society
• Member of the National Medical Association
• Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians
• Certified Center for Skin Cancer- by the Royal Association of Dermatology of Australia

Lilian O. Ajayi

Founder/Executive Director of the Global Connections for Women Foundation
Lilian Ajayi is a Harvard graduate and a current MBA Candidate in Finance & Marketing from Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College (CUNY). Lilian is a current Member of the Harvard Club and sits on the Board of Directors at NAAEP, Nigerian American Agricultural Empowerment Program, which trains and empowers farmers through a mechanized farming program. Lilian spent a portion of her career working at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, representing the Mission of Nigeria to the UN, and served on the Social Economic Committee as the Economic Development Policy Negotiator. More recently, Lilian Ajayi has led Web Marketing campaigns along with SEO & Analytics efforts for a not-for-profit organizations, Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies. She was awarded with the Special U.S. Congressional Award for Outstanding Community Service from Congresswoman Barbara Lee and recognized by Applause Africa magazine as one of the “Top 40 under 40” Most Inspiring Africans in the Diaspora.

The Global Connections for Women Foundation (GC4W) is a non-profit organization that believes in all women and girls - and their right to create new opportunities for themselves and their communities. GC4W was created in response to the 3rd Goal of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as documented by the United Nations and in reaction to the collective outcry of women in under-served communities around the world.

The organization serves as a social platform, where generation Y and the millennials can be encouraged to Give Back and be engaged through the GC4W Champions program. The organization’s roster of GC4W Champions includes: Ivy League Alumni, MBA Graduates, Educators, Entrepreneurs, Industry Leaders and Social Innovators. These exemplary individuals come from diverse backgrounds - they all share a strong desire to Give Back and realize the importance of equipping women in underserved communities with the resources they need to feel connected, educated and empowered.

GC4W enjoys strong relationships with a multitude of partner organizations, including an ongoing alliance with Women in Need Inc. (WIN), an organization dedicated to providing shelter and care to homeless families in New York City. GC4W teamed up with WIN to hold an empowerment workshop series, where participants can rediscover their personal strengths, be mentored and inspired to set and live out their personal goals.
On November 18th 2012, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in New York City, the GC4W Foundation partnered with the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative for the “Day of Action” to assist in Hurricane Sandy Recovery efforts – an initiative that was created and led by Chelsea Clinton.

Lastly, Lilian Ajayi is a Champion of the youth and a Youth Motivational Speaker. She sits on the Junior Board of Directors for the Madison Square Boys &Girls Club, whose mission is to save and enhance the lives of New York City boys and girls by providing after-school and summer programs for thousands of children in New York City’s most disadvantaged communities. Lilian has also served as a special Guest Speaker at several youth empowerment programs at NYU, Lehman College, CUNY, CYAL, Lead Nigeria and the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club.

Excell La Fayette Jr.

Owner & President of La Fayette Enterprises, LLC, a supplier diversity strategist and retail business consultant company. An astute businessman, corporate executive, motivational speaker, and broadcast media specialist, Excell served as Director of Supplier Development and Administration for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. for more than seven years. It was a promotion from his responsibility for Wal-Mart’s cutting-edge Supplier Diversity Program from 1999-2005, where he directed more than $3 billion of procurement for diverse suppliers. Toward the end of his tenure, he also directed new supplier on-boarding, administration, and insurance compliance within Wal-Mart Stores, Inc..
Prior to serving in Supplier Development, Excell was Manager for the Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Television Network from 1994 to 1998. In this position, he provided audio-visual broadcast creative, production, and training for Wal-Mart’s domestic and international divisions. Before joining Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Excell was a Video Production Representative for Oklahoma-based Conoco Phillips Petroleum Company providing media support and creativity for the company’s corporate public affairs, safety, executive and legal divisions. Prior to that position, he worked for KTUL-TV-Channel 8 in Oklahoma from 1983 to 1989, as well as with ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and FOX.

Re-appointed by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe as Chair to the Arkansas Minority Business Advisory Council, Excell also serves on numerous boards and has received numerous awards and honors, including:
• Board of Trustee, Philander Smith College, Little Rock, AR
• Board Member, Langston University Foundation Board, Langston, OK
• Executive Board Member, Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross, Little Rock, AR
• 2000 and 2001 Billion Dollar Round Table Award, Business News USA
• 2001 Outstanding Men of Minority Business Development Award, Minority Business News USA
• 2001 MBE Advocate of the Year, ARMSDC
• 2002 Corporate Partnership Award, ARMSDC
• 2002 Rising Star Award, African American Business Hall of Fame and Museum Cleveland, OH
• 2003 Commitment to Excellence Award, US Black Chamber of Commerce
• 2004 Georgia Minority Business Association, Global CEO Award, Atlanta, GA
• 2005 Power Play Awards, Power Surge Award, Little Rock, AR
• 2008 Arkansas M.L. King Commission, Salute to Greatness Award, Little Rock, AR

Alistair Soyode

Founder and CEO of BEN Television,

The first Black-oriented television channel in the United Kingdom and Europe. (www.bentelevision.com). BEN television, covers all diverse programmes to do with Africa, Caribbean’s and Ethnic people in the UK.

Mr. Soyode has participated in many UK’s government initiatives such as Electoral forum to get Black and Ethnic citizens vote for their rights etc.
Alistair was formerly a Football agent, telecom entrepreneur (Published the 1st Telecom magazine in Nigeria) now turn TV guru – what an ambitious combination. Always willing to learn! BEN – Bright Entertainment Network – Is the 1st Ethnic Satellite channel in the UK and across Western Europe and North Africa, globally online at www.bentelevision.com - aimed primarily focused on the BME and UK’s diverse Black communities, Africa-Caribbean’ & Nigerians.
Alistair’s vision is to create more interactive programmes for our people to discuss issues affecting us. The channel is fully independent. Educated in Nigeria and in the United Kingdom and has over 20 years post experience in business development and management. He is the founder of Jadergroup (Publishers of MOBILE TECH NEWS, E magazine and initiators for African Business Roundtables’ {www.abrnet.org}-INVEST AFRICA 2004 Publication in association with Mr. Bamanga Tukur's NEPAD BUSINESS GROUP {www.nepadbusinessgroup.org} and Her Majestic Stationery Office in the UK. Africa Invest is a 300 plus pages guide publication on and how to invest on the African continent.

PROFESSOR JULIUS OKOJIE

Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission

Professor Julius A. Okojie is currently the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, a position he has held since August,
2006. Professor Okojie was appointed Vice-Chancellor, University of Agriculture Abeokuta in 1996, a position he held until 2001. He joined the National Universities Commission in August 2002. While in the Commission, he chaired the Standing Committee on Private Universities (SCOPU). It is to his credit that a large number of private universities established between 2002 and 2005 received the Federal Government’s approval during his tenure as Chairman, SCOPU. Professor Okojie has held many administrative positions at national and international levels. These include: Sub-Dean Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan; Dean, College of Environmental Resources Management , University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 1990-1994; Deputy Vice-chancellor University of Agriculture , University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 1994-1995; Vice-President, Association of African Universities, 2001; Vice-Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta ; Member, Board of Association of Commonwealth Universities. 2001. It is to the credit of this erudite unassuming scholar that during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, the University of Agriculture Abeokuta was ranked No 1 Nigerian University from the NUC accreditation exercise.
Professor Okojie has at different times served as Chairman and member of various Standing and ad-hoc committees, special panels as well as serving as external examiner/ assessor to a number of Nigerian Universities.A scholar of international repute, Professor Okojie has many chapters in books and scholarly articles in his field in national and international journals, in the sciences generally and on issues on higher education development. His numerous Fellowship awards include the Royal Society (Nuffield Foundation) Fellowship; Senior Fulbright Fellowship; and the United Nations University Fellowship. He is a Fellow, African Academy of Science (FAAS); Fellow Science Association of Nigeria (FSAN) and Fellow Forestry Association of Nigeria (FFAN).

Major General Cornell A. Wilson, Jr. - Retired
Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces South
Deputy Commander, U. S. Marine Corps Forces Command.

Major General Cornell A. Wilson, Jr.’s last assignment was as the Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces South in Miami, Fl., and the Deputy Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., before retiring in 2010.

In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he was activated as the Deputy J-3 for Central Command in Tampa, Florida, from September to December 2002. From February through May 2003, he commanded the Combined Joint Task Force Consequence Management (C/JTF-CM), headquartered in Camp Doha, Kuwait, and supported Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. On July 9, 2004, he assumed command of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp LeJeune, N.C., where he served as the MEB commander, Commanding General for II MACE and the Deputy Commander for II MEF.

In July 2005, he was assigned as the Director, Reserve Affairs Division, Manpower & Reserve Affairs at Headquarters Marine Corps, Quantico, Virginia. In July 2007, Major General Wilson was assigned as Commanding General for U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa in Stuttgart, Germany. He assumed his duties as Deputy Commander for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command in October 2008, and as Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces South in October 2009.

Major General Wilson's professional military education includes the Harvard University Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security, Marshall Center Senior Executive Seminar, NATO Defense College General and Flag Officer Course, Senior Information Warfare Application Course, Logtech Executive Course, Revolution in Business Practices, National Defense University's Capstone Course, Naval War College's Strategy and Policy Course, and Amphibious Warfare School.

H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Olusegun Obasanjo served as President of Nigeria from May 1999 to May 2007. It was the culmination of a life spent on the front line of African politics. In 2008 he was appointed by the United Nations as a special envoy for Africa and has since overseen democratic elections on behalf of the African Union and Ecowas in countries across the continent. He has since emerged as an advocate for investment into the country and with the launch of his Foundation will tackle issues critical to advance across the Continent. Obasanjo became President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1999, following the demise of the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha. After fifteen years of repressive rule that saw Nigeria slip into pariah status internationally, Obasanjo quickly emerged as the front-runner to lead the country’s historic transition back to democracy. He created the country’s first Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which secured in excess of 275 convictions, including high profile members of Nigeria’s elite, recovering a total of $5bn in assets. This was the first time in the country’s history that public officials were prosecuted for the misuse of state funds.

With high oil prices, Obasanjo’s government oversaw a doubling of Nigeria’s average economic growth rate to 6 per cent.Foreign reserves rose from $3.7 billion in 1999 to $45 billion in 2007. Sound economic stewardship helped Obasanjo secure $18 billion in debt relief from Western creditors and his government used burgeoning state revenues to pay down a further $12 billion in dues leaving Nigeria almost debt free.

He is also a role model for the youth of Africa. He established the African Leadership Forum, which organizes workshops advocating African solutions to African problems through better leadership, state capacity building and the encouragement of private enterprise. The Presidential Library complex he is building in his home town of Abeokuta will be the first of its kind in Africa – an enduring testament to his leadership, and a model for the rest of the continent.Outside the political arena Obasanjo has been a catalyst in driving Africa’s economic transformation. The region is now amongst the fastest growing in the world, rapidly becoming the destination of choice for international investors looking to emerging and frontier markets. Using his experience as a successful farmer and businessman in Nigeria he is actively engaging this community to facilitate more investment into the continent. Obasanjo will achieve this vision through the Africa Investment Council (AIC) a platform of distinguished leaders working to provide advocacy, thought-leadership, collaboration and best-practices on sustainable investment into Africa. He is presently an advisor to New World Capital; an investment advisory firm providing interested parties with market access, investment advisory and co-investment opportunities across the continent.

President Obasanjo is also Founder of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, a UK based charity that has a mission of advancing Human Security for All. The Foundation has wide ranging initiatives of Feeding Africa, Youth Empowerment, Education for Girls and a health initiative focused on non-communicable and water borne diseases.

H.E. Ambassador Geoffrey I. Teneilabe

Consulate-General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Atlanta

Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe, a career diplomat, is the Consul-General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Atlanta, with jurisdiction over 17 Southeastern States of the United States. Ambassador Teneilabe obtained his Bachelor of Science (Mass Communications in 1980 from the University of Lagos, Nigeria and Masters of International Law and Diplomacy in 1989, also from the university of Lagos. He is a member of the Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, and named for The Gambian National Hornors. Ambassador Teneilabe joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in 1981. Befroe his assumption of duty in Atlanta as Consul-General, he was the Senior Special Advisor to the Vice President and the President of Nigeria on International Relations/Audience. He was also a Special Assistant to the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sle Lamido, now Governor of Jigawa State and to the Former PDP Chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali. He has held several other important positions in the Foreign Service and served in various departments of the ministry including Administration, Inspectorate, Public Relations & culture, Multi-lateral Economic Relations, Trade and Investment, Policy Planning, etc. He is well travelled, having served in different capacities in Nigerian Diplomatic Missions in Athen Greece, bonn, Germany, seoul Korea, Banjul, The Gambia, where he served as Acting High Commissioner for over five years. he is happily married and has children

Sir Arumemi-Ikhide

Chairman of Arik Airlines

Commander of the Order of Niger

He is a recipient of several awards that span engineering, agriculture and philanthropy, Sir Arumemi - Ikhide is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and of National Farmers Institute, a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, UK, and American Management Association, and a Patron of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers' Foundation. he was a member of the pioneering team that set up the Rivers State Transport Corporation between 1973 and 1974; and between 1974 - 1975 he worked as a Field Mechanical Engineer on turbo machines, compressors and alternators at Ebocha for Nigerian Agip Oil Company. He traversed the globe for over a decade in different roles as senior commissioning engineer, and project manager installing and commissioning solar turbines, a leading technology in the power, oil and gas industry for Solar Turbines International Company, USA. His experience in Solar turbines earned him the distinction of been a member of the Nigerian Federal Government Technical delegation to Angola in 1979 after the Angola Civil War for the rehabilitation and recomissioning of 5No General Electric gas turbines of 20MW each, 330 kV sub - stations and 132 kV transmission systems. He had also been a Project Manager for the installation of a 250 MW combined gas turbine for Cambodia, Angola and the installation of Solar turbines for Shell North Sea at Scheedam near Rotterdam, Holland. From 1985 to June 1999, he served with accomplished success as the Executive Director, projects for Negris Limited during which period he was responsible for the design, engineering, construction, installation and commissioning of a 2x 8MW Power Station for Nigeria's premier refinery, the Nigerian Petroleum Refining company, Port - Harcourt. As project manager and project director, he installed and commissioned Solar turbo pumps for Chevron Seawater injection schemes at Meren and Delta South platforms, and a 2x 8.8 MW Central Power plant for Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in East Bonny.was emboldened to set up Rockson Engineering Company Limited that by 2005 had a work force of 20 expatriates, 125 Nigerian engineers and about 200 technicians and other support staff with assets worth over $10 million. The company had been involved with power plant projects at Omoku, Trans Amadi and Eleme, all in the Rivers State. Sir Arumemi-Ikhide is a leading investor in the agricultural and aviation sectors of the economy, and has over the past few years been actively redefining the air transportation standards in Nigeria with his ‘tear rubber' Arik Air aircrafts that dominate the air space in Nigeria. A philanthropist of a rare type, a trait he inherited from his mother, Sir Arumemi - Ikhide has shown incredible and unbeatable patriotism and love for his alma mater through his exemplary generosity in the quantum of donations to the Old School which enhanced tremendously the restoration of the dilapidated buildings in the Old School. Twice a Papal knight of the Catholic Church, a lover of sports particularly football, Sir Arumemi - Ikhide has been happily married to Mary Ehiomome (nee Otoide), the love of his life and the pillar of his family for over 35 years and they have five children who have achieved distinction in their various life pursuits.

Professor Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa'i

was appointed Nigerian Minister of Education on 6 April 2010, when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan announced his new cabinet. Rufai was born in Ringim in Jigawa State, She obtained a B.Ed in History at the Bayero University, Kano in 1981, an MA in History from the same university in 1987 and PhD in Education from the West Virginia University, USA in 1991. She was Commissioner for Health under the military regime of General Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1996.
She was promoted professor in 2003, and served as Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Jigawa State.[1] She said she was always ashamed when faced with the challenge of low enrollment of the girl-child in Jigawa State, and found it difficult to explain why the state could not enroll more girls in the schools. She banned the use of mobile phones in secondary schools due to their distracting influence.

Akinwumi Ayo Adesina
Federal Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nigeria
Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Republic of Nigeria In his position as Federal Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Adesina is spearheading major reforms to Nigerian agriculture. His passion is to use agriculture to end hunger, create wealth and jobs and drive equitable economic growth in Africa to lift millions out of poverty. Before his appointment as Minister of Agriculture in 2010, he was Vice President (Policy & Partnerships) for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), before which he worked for a decade (1998-2008) at the Rockefeller Foundation in a number of senior leadership positions. He has received several global awards for his leadership and work in agriculture. In 2007 he was awarded the prestigious YARA Prize in Oslo for his leadership in pioneering innovative approaches for improving the access of farmers in Africa to agricultural inputs and he was appointed by Ban Ki-moon as one of 17 global leaders to spearhead the Millennium Development Goals.

Olusegun Olutoyin Aganga

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

He was first nominated by General Obasanjo and appointed by President Jonathan as Minister of Finance from 6 April 2010 to June 2011.
He was educated at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria where he obtained a B.Sc Degree in Biological Sciences in 1977 and the University of Oxford, United Kingdom where he obtained a degree in Theology in 2000. Aganga qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1983.
Aganga previously worked in Arthur Young in Nigeria, Ernst & Young in London UK, and Goldman Sachs International in London, where he was Managing Director in hedge funds. Aganga was also a Board Member of the Nigerian Security and Exchange CommissionTechnical Committee on Nigerian Capital Market Structure and a former Chairman of the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) Prime Brokerage Committee. Aganga currently serves on a number of boards and committees including Technoserve and The Prince’s Trust Invest in Futures Committee. In 2006, Aganga founded the Nigerian Leadership Initiative. Aganga is credited for the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) in Nigeria. In July 2011, Aganga was redeployed by the President to the new Ministry of Trade and Investment, to make way for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to return as the Nigerian Minister of Finance. On 9 March 2013, the Nigerian Government changed the name of the Ministry of Trade and Investment to Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Aganga is married to Abiodun Aganga (née Awobokun). He has four children. He is also the brother-in-law to the former military Governor of Kwara State Group Captain Salaudeen Latinwo. His older sister is Mercy Latinwo.

Ambassador Olugbenga Ayodeji Ashiru

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Ambassador Ashiru joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in June 1972, as a Third Secretary and went on to enjoy a successful career that spanned over three decades as a diplomat. During that period he held various positions and led several departments within the ministry. He also served at various Nigeria missions and participated in the United Nations General Assembly sessions as a representative from Nigeria.
He was appointed the Ambassador to the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea in January 1991. Ambassador latter awarded the Order of the Republic of the People's Republic of Korea in 1997. In July 1999, the French President awarded him the Commander of the Order of National Merit (Commanduer de L'Odre National de Merit).
Ambassador Ashiru was appointed the Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa and with concurrent accreditation to the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland by President Olusegun Obasanjo in August 2005.
In March 2002 he served as a the Under Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in charge of the Regions of the World and International Organizations directorate.
He was born in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria on 27th August 1948. Ambassador is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Omokehinde Ashiru and they have four children.
Ambassador Ashiru holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with honours in History (specializing in International Relations) from University of Lagos.

Robert C.Perry
Vice President, The Corporate Council on Africa
Ambassador Robert Perry is Vice President at The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), where he manages CCA’s conferences and programs to foster understanding of business opportunities in Africa and to build relationships for future partnerships. He also served as managing editor of CCA’s March 2009 report “The United States and Africa –Policy Recommendations from the American Private Sector for the Obama Administration.”

Bob joined CCA in 2003 after a career in the U.S. Foreign Service at the Department of State, where he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs (July 2001-December 2002) following an assignment as U.S. Ambassador to the Central African Republic. His previous assignments in Latin America and Africa included political analysis and reporting, trade promotion, and management of the USG interagency counter-narcotics program for Latin America and the Caribbean. Ambassador Perry is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Foreign Service Association, and has served on several NGO boards. He currently serves on the Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee of the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Bob holds a B.A. in Political Science from Wittenberg University and a M.A in International Relations from American University.