Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso
Director General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council
Martin Oluba is a seasoned decision optimization expert and economic policy analyst. These define his primary forte and areas of interest. Martin’s secondary interest is in the academia and is explained by his involvement as student mentor in The Wharton’s School (University of Pennsylvania) Customer Analytics Initiative, professor of economics and finance at SMC University, Switzerland; formerly a faculty (mentor) at Northcentral University, Arizona, USA; professor of international administration and global economics at EUCLID (Euclid Intergovernmental University Framework) as well as professor of economics at UGSM-Monarch Business School, Switzerland. Aside University of Pennsylvania, all the other institutions are virtual.
Martin obtained a bachelors degree (cum laude) and a master’s degree (with a distinction) in economics from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He equally obtained Ph.D from ESEADE University Institute Argentina as well as a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) from the SMC University, Switzerland.
He is also a Fellow of the African Analytics and Econometrics Initiatives, a Fellow of the Centre for the Study of Economic Policy Performance, a Senior Fellow of the Institute for Public Policy Analysis and a member of the governing council of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI).
Dr. Oluba has over 20 years experience in leading economic and financial research activities. He has been responsible for setting up and managing processes and structures for the delivery of high-quality strategic advice in several research-driven corporate environments and institutions.
Angela Agoawike
Communications Consultant and Founder of Omalicha FM
Angela is a Communications Consultant on Violence Against Children with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria. Between April 13 - September 30, 2015, she spearheaded the very successful launch of the Year of Action to End Violence Against Children.
She was Head of the Public Relations and Information Department at the Vienna, Austria-based Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Her promotion to head the Department made her the first, and so far, the only woman to manage a Department in the history of the 12-member Organization. After her tenure, she was retained as an Advisor on Information to the Secretary General from September to December 2013. She joined OPEC as Editorial Coordinator in August 2006, and was promoted to the position of Head of Department in 2010.
Before joining OPEC, Angela was a practising journalist and had edited three national weekly papers (The Post Express on Sunday 1999–2001; Daily Times on Saturday 2002–2004; and National Interest on Saturday 2004–2006).
She also worked closely with international organisations like UNICEF, UNDP, USAID and non-governmental organisations in Nigeria, Ghana and New York and has international experience that cuts across Diplomacy, Journalism, Public Relations, and NGO activities.
For 11 days in December 2015, Angela was engaged by Chemonics, a USAID Contractor, as Media Development Expert to plan, organize and execute a National training workshop for journalists and CSO partners on Media and Development Reporting under the project – Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement (SACE).
Garba Deen Muhammad
Media Consultant, Former President of Nigerian Guild of Editors
Garba Deen Muhammad holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He has undertaken journalism training courses organized by the BBC in Lagos and journalism courses in Florida, USA, at the Foundation for Democracy in Africa. He is also an alumnus of the Lagos Business School.
He started his media career at Weekly Trust newspaper in 1999 and held the positions of Abuja Bureau Chief and State House Correspondent, Deputy Editor, Editor of the Weekly Trust, and Acting Editor of the Daily Trust.
He has also served as Director of Media for the Bukola Saraki campaign organization and later Director of Electronic Media for the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign organization in 2011.
Muhammad has served as a member of the National Working Committee of the NUJ, a member of the Standing Committee of the NGE, former Deputy President of the NGE, and Honourary Media Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Olufemi Awoyemi, FCA, mni
Founder and Chairman, Proshare Nigeria
Olufemi Awoyemi, Founder and CEO of Proshare Nigeria Limited (Nigeria’s foremost financial information hub), is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers (AIPM), Institute of Credit Administration, and Institute of Information Management. He is an Associate member of the Institute of Chartered Taxation of Nigeria, Institute of Management Consultants, and the Institute of Directors.
He has over 28 years of hands-on strategic management experience with reputable professional and multinational firms including PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Eterna Oil, UACN, Fountain Trust, Phillips Consulting, and British American Tobacco.
Femi remains actively involved in many initiatives, associations, academia and commercial activities including serving in committees of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce; the West African Bankers Association; the Institute of Directors; the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG); and the Strategy, Research & Advocacy Committee of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
He is also a Council Member of AIPM, an Independent Member of the Investment Committee of Alternative Capital Partners Ltd (ACAP), a former Technical Consultant to the National Assembly House Committee on Capital Markets, and the Founding President, Board of Trustees of the Online Publishers Association, Nigeria (OPAN).
Boniface Chizea, Ph.D
CEO, BIC Consulting
Dr. Boniface Chizea is an honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (Chartered) and Institute of Directors, where he serves on the Publications and Company Directorship Committee.
He is a first-class honours graduate of Mathematics, University of Lagos (1973), holds an M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics (Operations Research) from Kings College, University of London (1975), and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Manchester Business School, University of Manchester (1981).
Dr. Chizea has had a distinguished career as an administrator and research fellow in the finance and banking industry, where he served as Head of Corporate Development Division and later as Head of Investment Banking Division at UBA Plc.
He served as Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the Bankers’ Quarterly Journal and Money Market Association magazine for over ten years, and represented the Bankers on NACCIMA’s Economic and Statistics Committee for several years.
He is a seasoned facilitator to leading institutions such as the Lagos Business School (LBS), Centre for Management Development (CMD), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
Christian Udechukwu
Founder and Managing Director, BusinessinAfrica Events UK Limited
As CEO of Business in Africa Events UK Ltd, Africa’s leading business communications organisation, Christian is an entrepreneur, communications expert, live event organizer, strategic analyst and reputation management consultant.
Christian holds a B.A (Hons) in History and English Language from the University of Nigeria, an M.A in Advanced International Studies from the University of Leeds, an MBA from Middlesex University Business School, and a Corporate Finance certification from the London Business School.
He serves as Director at the London-based Business Council for Africa (BCA), IC Publications (publishers of African Business, African Banker, New African Woman and New African magazines), and Osike Synergy Nigeria Limited. He was recently appointed Bloomberg Multimedia representative for Africa.
Christian is a consultant and commentator on African affairs for global media organisations and a member of the Royal Commonwealth Society. His career includes professional experience with Guinness Brewing Worldwide, the UK Office of Fair Trading, and the OECD in Paris.
Chizor Malize
Managing Director/CEO, FITC
Chizor Malize leads a globally inspired multi-disciplinary brand consulting firm founded to help organizations creatively align their branding and marketing strategies with business goals and objectives.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and an MBA specializing in Marketing. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), London, and an Executive Education alumnus of both the London Business School and Columbia University, New York.
As CEO of Brandzone, Chizor manages international and indigenous brands, including BMW, Range Rover, Qatar Airways, Heritage Bank, Access Bank, Fidelity Bank, FBN Capital Asset Management, and Coscharis Group.
She has extensive experience across Branding, Advertising, Communications, Public Relations, and Digital Media, and is also a prolific speaker and facilitator of Marketing and Brand Management courses at Lagos Business School.
Tilewa Adebajo
CEO, CFG Advisory Group
Tilewa Adebajo is a seasoned investment banking and financial policy expert with over 27 years of experience across markets in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
He began his career with JP Morgan Chase on Wall Street and has since held senior roles in investment banking, academia, project finance, and policy advisory. His transaction experience spans Real Estate, Oil & Gas, Telecoms, Infrastructure, and Agribusiness.
In Nigeria, Tilewa helped establish Hamilton Hammer & Co and launched the country’s first investment fund. He later served as Finance Faculty Head at Lagos Business School before founding CFG Advisory Group in 1998.
He has also served as General Manager, Corporate Banking at GTBank; Turnaround Executive at Equitorial Trust Bank (CBN appointment); and Senior Technical Adviser (Investment) at the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, promoting FDI and local investment.
Ijeoma Nwogwugwu
Former Managing Director, Arise News; Former Editor, THISDAY Newspaper
Ijeoma Nwogwugwu is a graduate of the University of Lagos and a seasoned media executive. She has served with THISDAY Newspapers since 2007, holding editorial leadership positions.
She worked with the World Bank as a consultant to Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Enterprises, managing the privatization of state-run media enterprises, including the sale of the National Mint and Daily Times of Nigeria Plc.
As Group Business Editor of THISDAY between 1995 and 2001, she led the paper’s business coverage, producing authoritative economic and financial content. She also served as Managing Director of Arise News, overseeing broadcast and editorial operations.
Christian Ekeigwe, FCA
Chairman, Audit Committee Institute; Centre for Audit Quality; Centre for CyberForensics; and the Expert Witness Institute
Christian Ekeigwe is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Massachusetts, USA, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
He trained and worked with Akintola Williams & Co. (Nigeria) and Deloitte & Touché, Boston, and is recognized as an industry pioneer in information systems assurance. He is among the first Nigerians to earn the CISA designation.
Marcel Okeke
Former Chief Economist, Zenith Bank Plc
Marcel Okeke served as Chief Economist and Assistant General Manager at Zenith Bank Plc, where he led the Research and Economic Intelligence Group (R&EIG).
He holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an MBA (Finance), as well as a specialist certificate in Financial Analysis from the Centre for Foreign Journalists, USA.
His career spans the oil and gas, media, and consulting sectors. Marcel worked with The Guardian, The Punch, Concord, and Champion Newspapers, and served as Business Concord’s Editor.
Before joining Zenith Bank, he was on The Guardian’s Editorial Board as In-House Economist. He also led Zenith Economic Quarterly since 2005, earning the GMD/CEO Award in 2006 as the “Best Individual Staff in the Group.”
Ayo Arowolo
Editor-at-Large, ThisDay Newspapers and Arise Television
Ayo Arowolo is a seasoned financial journalist and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience elevating the standards of financial journalism in Nigeria.
He is a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the International News Media Association (USA), and Toastmasters International. Ayo currently leads the Editorial team at THISDAY Newspaper and Arise Television as Editor-at-Large and Chief of Staff to the Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, overseeing special editorial and business operations.
Before joining THISDAY in 2014, he served as CEO of Enlightened Media Limited and earlier founded Moneywise Newspaper, a personal finance paper simplifying complex financial issues. From 1999 to 2003, he was CEO/Managing Editor of Financial Standard Newspaper, which became Nigeria’s leading business paper under his leadership.
He previously served as Group Business Editor of THISDAY (1996–1999), supervising business reporters and coordinating special projects. Ayo has attended the Executive Training Programme on Project Execution and Sustainable Development at the University of Oxford and has represented THISDAY at World Bank, IMF, and AfDB meetings globally.
Ubong Essien
Dean, School of Eloquence and Founder, Achievement Channel
Ubong Essien is West Africa’s first Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and a leading motivational speaker since 1999. He is the award-winning publisher of The Achiever's Journal and Dean of the School of Eloquence, with campuses in Lagos and London. He also founded the Achievers Channel and Blue Economy Academy.
Ubong has delivered training and consulting for organizations such as Guinness Nigeria Plc, AIICO Insurance, Fidelity Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria LNG, May & Baker, FERMA, Lagos and Imo State Governments, and UAC Nigeria Plc, among others.
His expertise spans achievement motivation, public speaking, and leadership communication across public and private sectors. He remains a respected voice in professional development and human potential advancement in Africa.
Michael Amuzie Uzor
CEO/Lead Consultant, Datatrust Consulting Limited
Michael Uzor is the Lead Partner at DataTrust Consulting, a firm of financial analysts and consultants. He holds a degree in Finance from the University of Nigeria and an MBA from Kensington University, California. He also trained in Strategic Management at Cranfield School of Management, London, and attended senior management programs in Nigeria, London, and Germany.
His expertise spans financial journalism, banking, stockbroking, and marketing communications. These experiences have positioned him as a financial analyst and consultant focused on macroeconomic policy, financial markets, and corporate performance analysis.
Uzor is a former member of the Monetary & Fiscal Policy Committee of the Bankers’ Committee and author of How to Buy & Sell Shares in Nigeria: A Practical Guide. He consults for leading newspapers, online publications, and stock market investors, writing regularly on the economy and financial markets.
John Wesey
Managing Consultant/CEO, Psyntech Limited
John Wesey is the Managing Consultant and CEO of Psyntech Limited, providing strategic leadership for the firm’s growth and sustainability. With over 22 years of experience, including 13 years in business strategy, organizational change, leadership development, and project management, John brings multidisciplinary insight to his clients.
He is a certified change management consultant and an alumnus of PriceWaterhouseCoopers. His professional training in BPR, IT strategy, management information systems, and leadership gives him a unique capacity to deliver transformation across industries in Nigeria and West Africa.
John serves on the boards of multiple organizations and frequently speaks on human resources, digital transformation, innovation, and enterprise leadership. He is also known as a futurist and advocate for organizational evolution and adaptability.
Goddy Chidi Ikeh
CEO, Fortworth Communications Agency
Goddy Chidi Ikeh is the Lead Consultant at Fortworth Communications Agency, a media relations and training firm with international partnerships. He previously served as CEO/Managing Editor of The Business Eye magazine and retired as Deputy Editor-In-Chief at the News Agency of Nigeria after 29 years of service.
A 1979 graduate of the University of Ibadan, Ikeh is a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. His career includes roles as Press Secretary to three Finance Ministers and correspondent for international news organizations including Platts Oilgram, OPECNA, PANA, APA, and South Africa’s Star Group.
He has trained journalists through the BBC World Service Trust and consulted for organizations such as DFID’s ENABLE program and FOSTER, promoting better governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Funke Egbemode
Former President, Nigerian Guild of Editors
Funke Egbemode is a respected journalist, media executive, and consultant, and former CEO of Daily Telegraph Publishing Ltd, publishers of New Telegraph Newspapers. She holds a B.A. from Obafemi Awolowo University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos.
She began her career at Prime People magazine before joining The Punch in 1993, where she became Deputy Features Editor. Funke has also held editorial roles at ThisDay, The Post Express, and Saturday Independent, and served as Editor of Sunday Sun.
Her public service includes roles as Assistant Press Secretary at the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Special Adviser (Media) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Board Member of FRCN, and Commissioner for Information in Osun State.
She is a celebrated columnist and author of Intimate Affairs and Conversations with My Country.
Harry Willie Nnanke
Founder/Managing Director, Heritage Quality Services Consult (HQSC) Limited and Publisher of BrandEconomy
Harry is a thoroughbred Marketing Communications practitioner with over two decades of cross-functional experience in brand management and marketing communications. He is a full member of the Advertising Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria (APCON), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria.
Harry earned a Philosophy degree from the University of Lagos in 1988 and possesses strong strategic, creative, and media-network competencies across all communication platforms. He began his career at TSM in 1992 and moved quickly through Partnership Advertising, Broyon Advertising, Goldmark Advertising, Cardinal Advertising, SO&U, and Globacom.
While at SO&U (1997–1999), he managed brand development and campaign executions for top clients such as ValuCard, Colgate-Palmolive, Abuja Sheraton, Citibank, NNPC, Mobil, GTB, UTB, and Cadbury. Between 1999 and 2002, he served as Advertising/Promotions Manager for CIL/Globacom, while also acting as Head of Corporate Affairs at Devcom Bank Limited and communications consultant to Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr on businesses including ETB, Conoil, and Consolidated Oil.
As the founding Managing Director of Heritage Quality Services Consult (HQSC) Limited since 2013, Harry has executed major projects for clients such as Vmobile (now Airtel), the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, National Insurance Commission, CSCS, Sona Group of Industries, UNICEM, Carnival Calabar, the Nigerian Institute of Architects, and Nollywood at 20.
He is also the conceptualizer and Editor-in-Chief of BRANDPOWER magazine.
Dr. Ray Echebiri
CEO, Centre for Financial Journalism and Editor-in-Chief, NextMoney
Dr. Ray Echebiri is a seasoned financial journalist, economist, financial analyst, researcher, and author. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Financial Journalism—a media capacity-building and research outfit—and serves as Editor-in-Chief of NextMoney magazine, a leading source of business, financial, and economic intelligence in Nigeria. He also co-founded BusinessWorld newspaper.
Before founding CFJ and NextMoney, Ray held several top editorial roles including Assistant Editor, Business Editor, Deputy Editor, Member of the Editorial Board, and Editor-in-Chief at major Nigerian publications. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
Ray has covered numerous high-profile local and international events including the Nigerian Economic Summit, World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, African Development Bank Meetings, World Economic Forum sessions, and Afreximbank Annual Meetings across different continents.
He has attended, facilitated, and presented at various international conferences and has published scholarly articles in high-impact journals. Ray is also the author of two influential books: Rage of the Risk God: A Reportage of the Lamido Sanusi Banking Reforms and The Power of One Man: How the Soludo-Engineered Consolidation Transformed Nigerian Banks to Global Players.
Dr. Echebiri studied Economics at the University of Calabar as a Mobil Scholar and earned his MA in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia, UK, as a British Chevening Scholar. He holds a PhD in Economics from Babcock University, Nigeria.