Who says you can’t rule in a foreign country?
These individuals have proved that sometimes, all you need is a strong determination and passion.
Meet Top 50 Nigerians making Nigeria proud in Ghana, carefully selected from various business sectors, ranging from Real estate to ICT, Oil & Gas, Banking, Insurance, Fashion, Religion, Management and Consultancy, amongst others. The listing presented is in no particular order.
Mr. Dolapo Ogundimu has been Managing Director and Executive Director at Access Bank Ghana Plc since March 2012. Mr. Ogundimu served as the General Manager of Access Bank Plc, Nigeria since January 2012 and from 2005 to October 2011, he served as the Managing Director at Guaranty Trust Bank (Ghana) Limited. He served as Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (Ghana) Limited. Mr. Ogundimu served as the pioneer Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (Sierra Leone) Limited. He has over 28 years of experience in the banking industry in the West African Sub Region, has been with ABG since 7th March, 2012.
Dolapo Ogundimu was recently voted the Most Reputable Ghanaian Bank CEO in a ranking poll led by South African based Reputation Management Agency, Reputation Poll and leading PR and Rating Agency, Avance Media.
Mr. Dolapo Ogundimu, who has schooled at both Harvard and Columbian Business School, pioneered Guaranty Trust Bank to become one of the most successful banks in the industry before his appointment in 2012 as Managing Director of Access Bank Ghana.
HRM, Dr. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu owns Chi-Bert Group of Companies with interest in oil and gas, transport, agriculture, entertainment among others. He is also the Eze Ndi Igbo of Igbos in Ghana. He is known to be a supporter of Nigerians initiatives in Ghana either through financial or moral support.
Odun Odunfa is the CEO of First Atlantic Bank Ghana, he has two and a half decades of banking experience that is uniquely relevant, to leading First Atlantic Bank in the next phase of its growth strategy. Prior to this, he was the CEO/Managing Director at Kedari Capital Ltd and served in various capacities on the First Atlantic Bank’s Board of Directors.
He brings to the role a wide-ranging experience spanning Treasury, Corporate, Investment and Retail Banking in Fountain Trust, Citizens, Ecobank, Capital Bank International and UBA Plc.
Iyiola Ayoade is the C.E.O of CHARTERHOUSE the biggest name in terms of events, above and below line advertising and showbiz in Ghana and an Executive Producer. His company has a rich clientele and it is also the brain behind the annual Ghana Music Awards, Miss Malaika Beauty Pageant, Stars of the Future, National Youth Achievers Awards, the next big thing in GH and a lot of other big events in Ghana.
David Ishola Akintunde is the Chief Operating Officer of Equity Assurance Ghana Limited. Mr. David Akintunde (Bsc. MBA, FCIMN) the General Manager/ Chief, graduated from the University of Lagos in 1991 had a PGD in Marketing from the University of Calabar in 1996 and obtained an MBA from University of Ado-Ekiti in 2002. He is a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing Nigeria, a Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria and an Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Managers. Prior to joining Equity Assurance in 1997, he worked with Lion of Africa and ELMAC and also has attended many insurance and marketing seminars.
Mrs. Christiana Ekaete Olaoye is the Managing Director/CEO of Energy Bank Ghana Limited. She joined Energy Bank in April 2016 with over 30 years of post – qualification banking experience spanning various banking organizations in Nigeria and overseas. She holds a Bachelor of Art in Language, an MBA in Banking & Finance, and has attended courses and programs at top business schools around the world.
She started her banking career in November 1983, gaining experience in various areas that cut across corporate and commercial banking, corporate finance, credit origination and management, loan syndications, import and export trade finance, domestic and foreign operations, liability and asset management, private banking and wealth management as well as relationship management.
A native of Okpe Local Government Delta state, Tony Igbiwu is a real estate investor/developer and business specialist with a focus on helping others.
Tony founded Biwuton Group of Companies a decade ago in Ghana, with interest in import and export, hospitality, shipping and real estate. The real estate division of the company, deals with residential rental and sales since its inception, specializes in proffering real estate services in Ghana and Nigeria.
With over 30 less-privileged in his scholarship sponsorship, Tony’s future goals are to advance his philanthropic lifestyle through various business opportunities.
Kennedy Okosun owns and runs the biggest upscale stationeries outfit in Ghana, KRIF Stationeries. Mr. Kennedy Okosun, Chairman in 2011 receives Best Entrepreneur Office Suppliers & Stationery Award.
Mr. Tope Smart is the Chief Executive Officer of Nem Insurance Ghaan. An Insurance graduate and an award winner from the University of Lagos (1987) is an Associate of both the Chartered Insurance Institute, London (ACII) 1990 and the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (ACIIN) 1991. He holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka 2000.
A seasoned Underwriter and Marketer, he started his Insurance Career with the firm of Everyman Insurance Brokers, Abuja in 1987.
Mr. Smart is currently the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Group, following his increased responsibilities and the company’s expansion into the West African Sub-region with the successful registration of NEM Insurance Company (Ghana) Ltd, a subsidiary of the Group in May, 2009.
Engr. Babalola Babatunde owns and runs First Deep Water Discovery Ghana Limited. His company is a big time player also in the Nigerian Oil and gas sector. A graduate of Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the University of Technology, Akure, Mr. Tunde started his working career with Mobil producing after his service year with them before moving on to Chevron on contract basis where he was exposed to engineering procurement/Oil & Gas transactions and installations of equipment. He later left Chevron to work as a consultant to a number of Oil and Gas companies. Engr. Babalola is widely travelled and has attended a number of courses/seminars abroad majoring in the Oil & Gas industry.
Ogbonna Kaycey is the Chairman of a couple of establishments, such as King Solomon Properties, King Solomon Hotel, Utility Center Limited, and King Solomon’s Chariots, King Solomon’s Multi Media, King Solomon’s Mobile Laundry, and King Solomon’s Farms.
Olugbenga Ogundele joined First Atlantic Bank as Chief Operating Officer following a successful career with Intercontinental Bank and a stint with Access Bank after its merger with the former. In his more than a decade of core banking experience, Mr. Ogundele has no doubt touched virtually all aspects of contemporary banking, garnering all the rudiments of 21st century professional banking. A Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Banker, he also holds a Bachelors Degree in Banking and Finance and an MBA. His banking career started from one of the leading banks in Africa, First Bank of Nigeria Plc before joining Intercontinental Bank Plc. Olugbenga was appointed a member of the team to establish Intercontinental Bank Ghana Ltd in February 2006 as Chief Inspector
Salma Iddriss Okwonko a woman is in charge of affairs at UBI Energy Ghana Limited and Televeras Group; she resigned her job at a multinational oil company and began looking at other aspects of marketing petroleum refined products. Her capital came from her family and her wonderful husband which has now made her one of the top female Nigerians in Ghana. She has four stations and counting in Kasoa, Kumasi, Lashibi and Dumfoasi in the Volta Region in Ghana Currently.
Adedayo Marcus Adesipo is the Chief Operating Officer for UBA Ghana Ltd, he started his Banking career in Nigeria with the defunct Crystal Bank of Africa Ltd and was a pioneering staff Standard Trust Bank Plc before its merger with United Bank for Africa Plc. An astute Banker with 19 years experience spanning all areas of branch banking operations, he has also served and overseen the Banks Operations Directorate at Zonal, Regional and Group levels. He is has a Bachelors of Science degree in Fisheries Management with a Post graduate Diploma in Management.
Chief Emmanuel Okeson is one of the biggest individual employers of labour in Ghana. The highly successful businessman, who doesn’t give into publicity, has over 1000 Ghanaians working in his company. He is the owner of City Lights the biggest lighting company in West Africa. He is also the former boss of Board of Trustees of the All Nigerian Community in Ghana.
Ghana based Nigerian top model Victoria Michaels is one of the most sought-after models to be brand ambassador and lead commercial model for leading businesses in Africa. She has played major roles in commercials for Hertz Rent-a-Car, Vodafone, MTN, Nescafe, Da-Viva, and Bela-Aqua mineral water. Charitable institutions also see Victoria as a powerful brand ambassador; she was chosen by the British Council as one of two representatives from Ghana at the All African Youth Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Victoria Michael name shot to limelight when she was made the brand ambassador for Fashion Icon Awards in 2014 and became brand ambassador for Melcom brand and Africa Fashion Week London the following year.
Since them, she has been on top of her game with movie roles, campaigns, charity works, and multiple excellence awards to her credit.
Olanrewaju Moshood a.k.a OLAMOSH is a Nigerian who lives in Ghana, a Web consultant and digital marketer.
He specialize in Web development, digital marketing and I.T training. He has helped individuals and corporate organisations to establish strong internet presence for their brands/products through blog building, web development, search engine optimization (SEO), internet marketing and list building.
He enjoy talking about Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing, Career Development, Mobile Technology and Blogging. Been on the internet since 2008.
He is the founder/CEO of OLAMOSH Web Services (GH) LIMITED. A Web Consulting firm, offering comprehensive & core Web/Internet Solutions for corporate, private, educational institution and government establishment.
In 2014 he founded EMPOWERGHAIANS, an initiative to help build the next generation of internet entrepreneurs in Ghana. The initiative has been able to trained over two thousand Ghanaians through its 7days online business e-training and over three hundred Ghanaians through its yearly bootcamp program.
Christy Ukata aka ChrisKata is a media personality; TV Host / Content Creator and Actress . This multi talented, bilingual media personality who was once a professional basketballer joined the media when she moved to Ghana ; from staring in movies , hosting events, She is currently the host of Meet the chef on GhOne and a co host on 3Music Flava on Tv3 .
Women are increasingly looking to beauty to launch a second or even third career. Nollywood Actress turned entrepreneur Elo Obokia ventured into beauty business a couple of years ago when she launched her cosmetics line Ador Beauty Cosmetics and just recently she opened a tastefully furnished Spa, Ador Beauty Spa, located at Baatsona High Way, behind Ecobank, Spintex road Accra and has become the styling venue for many top Nigerian and Ghanaian socialites and celebrities.
Adeyemi Adebayo Victor (jnr.) aka YemmeYbaba. He is a multiple awards winning Celebrity Blogger. He provides publicity & brands communication solutions for individual & their brands. He was the formerly an Editor with GhanaWeb, he jointly organized the Fashion Night Out show thrice in Ghana. He has (is) been an integral force behind some known brands in Africa. As a T.V. and radio entertainment pundit, he loves to bare his mind on issues as they should be.
Olalekan Sanusi is currently the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (Ghana) Limited.
Before his redeployment to Ghana, he was the Managing Director / Chief Executive of Guaranty Trust Bank (Gambia) Ltd.
Prior to his redeployment to Gambia in February 2006, he was Head of Corporate Planning & Group Coordination in Guaranty Trust Bank plc Lagos, Nigeria. While occupying this position, he was responsible for managing the Bank’s on and offshore investments in other organizations.
Akure born Bishop Kayode Falarungbon is the Founder of Awakeners International Church, founded in 2003. Through his ministry, multitude have been saved, healed and delivered through the grace of God in his life Bishop Kayode is an author and Gospel artist with many albums to his credit.
Dr Alex Ilechie is a senior lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, where he also doubles as the President of All Nigeria Community; an association which is the umbrella body of Nigerians resident in Central Region. His influence as a leader who has the interest of Ghana and Nigeria at heart, has aided the peaceful co-existence between Nigerians and Ghanaians in the Central Region part of Ghana.
Dr Ilechie has over 20 years of exposure in students’ management and academic counseling both locally and internationally. He has also served as president of a number of international organisations in Ghana, which include United for Sight; International/US and Voluntary Optometric Service to Humanity-US.
From General merchandise to auto sales, interior décor and import and export, the Chief Executive Officer of Rooney Royal Limited, Sucre John Iroko really has his hands full and he has actually made a success of them all, emerging as one of the most successful Nigerians in Ghana. A serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sucre recently opened a luxury salon and spa in Accra and the venture is attracting highly calibers in the society, from celebrities, business executive and other top personalities in the countries.
Yemi Adetuwo is the MD/CEO and board member of Equity Assurance Ghana Limited. Mr. Adeyemi Adetuwo B.A (Hons.), MBA, ACII (Lond.) attended both University of Lagos and Enugu State University of Science and Technology for his Bachelor and Masters Degrees respectively. He is an associate of both the Chartered Insurance Institute of London and Nigeria as well as that of the Nigerian Institute of Management. He is also a member of the society of fellows of the London Institute. He has acquired over twenty years working experience in the Insurance Industry. He joined Equity Assurance Plc in 1995 where he rose to the position of General Manager, technical operations where he seconded as the Managing Director of Equity Assurance Ghana Limited in 2008.
Biyi Otegbeye is the Group Managing Director of Regency Alliance Insurance Plc. Following the consolidation with three other strong insurance brands in 2007, he was retained as the Managing Director of Regency Alliance. Prior to his founding of Regency Insurance Company in 1993, he began his career at the United Nigeria Insurance Company Limited (UNIC) in 1986. He was the General Manager, Capital Asset Insurance Brokers Between 1990 and 1991. In 1991, he became CEO of Excel Insurance Brokers. Biyi sits on the boards of many companies either as chairman or director. They include: Regency Alliance Insurance Limited, Ghana, RIC Microfinance Bank Limited, RIC Properties and Investment Limited, and RIC Technologies Limited. In recognition of his contribution to the nation, he was appointed in April 2013 by His Excellency, the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
Oloye Opeyemi Fatuyi, the aspiring candidate for the post of President of All Nigerian Community in Ghana is the Executive Director of Nigeria Business Forum-Ghana and Managing Director of Ste Microscope International Limited, a risk management and assessment firm in Accra Ghana. He is also the Chairperson, Program of American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) Ghana Chapter 278. A native of Ikeji Ile Ilesha in Osun state and a reputable Chief of Ifalafinimona temple Ijagbo Offa Kwara state. He is a recipient of the African Development Recognition Awards.
Prophet Moses Ugbogonogo is the founder of the Evangelistic Vine Ministry International located behind the Junction mall, Nungua on the Tema Beach road Accra Ghana. He is a born leader with apostolic goft for the twenty first century. In his 40s, Prophet Ugbogonogo has already proven to be one of the world’s most dynamic preachers and church planters and he is regarded as one of the most successful Nigerian pastors in Ghana with over 3,000 strong members as well as satellite churches in Spain, Kenya, US, Ghana and Nigeria. He is married to Wendy Afi Ugbogonogo and are blessed with four kids, Michael Sedinam, Michelle Sena, Phebe Selikem and Catherine Sefa.
Jumoke Lafenwa is a research & management consultant with a strong commitment to providing high quality customer focused services in the sub Saharan region.
She has worked in affiliation with the world leading research organizations in collecting data towards providing real time solutions to socio-economic challenges in the region.
Bashiru Olu Wasiu Ayinde is a social entrepreneur specializes in Event Management, Digital Marketing and Production.
The 2015 West Africa Fashion Awards Entrepreneur of year award winner has created a reputable brand for himself in the fashion industry not only in Ghana but Africa; created series of impacting events such as Fashion Entrepreneurship Seminar (2015), Fashion Icon Awards (2014), Business of Fashion Conference (2013), Fashion Night Out Ghana (2011), and was the first to launched Ghana based independent fashion blog.
As a professional Event Manager, he has helped clients build and maintain strong reputations, enhance brand value, and protect their interests through a successfully executed corporate dinner, product launch, seminar & conference, wedding, social party, and digital media campaigns.
He started his career in production with Africa’s premium entertainment channel, SOUNDCITY in Ghana as a production support crew and later became the Head of Communication & Event while terminated his contract with the brand as General Manager in 2014.
Hogan is a Ghana based Nigerian stand-up Comedian who has been on all the major platform’s in Ghana. From Night of thousand laughs and music ..Lords of the ribs…December 2 remember by citifm..Ghana movie awards and also Hosted Ghana movie awards in 2015.
He is a recipient of the awards for Best Animated comedy from FOFA, Best supporting actor in comedy series On Ghana movie awards 2016 amongst others. He recently premiered his latest movie “Heaven Can Wait” which is still showing at the cinemas.
Franklin Cole is the CEO D’Emperor Media Consult GH LTD, a business consultancy firm that assist management of various companies, specializes in helping small and medium sized businesses creates innovative strategy that includes: Business Development, Public Relations, Media Service with a special interest in event management.
Franklin Cole’s passion to contribute towards promoting Nigeria good image in Ghana led him to join the team that founded two of the most prestigious top Ten beauty pageant in Ghana, Nigeria’s Most Beautiful Ghana & Miss Nigeria Ghana, Platforms that groom young Nigerian ladies towards a new order of projecting Nigeria cultural dexterity and diversity in Ghana. Under the leadership of Mr. Franklin Cole as the chairman of NMBG & MNG, the two brands has however experience a good dimension with various humanitarian activities with special focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign across the ten regions of Ghana with the aim of projecting the good image of Nigeria in diaspora.
Olugbenga Ogundele joined First Atlantic Bank Ghana as Chief Operating Officer following a successful career with Intercontinental Bank and a stint with Access Bank after its merger with the former. In his more than a decade of core banking experience, Mr. Ogundele has no doubt touched virtually all aspects of contemporary banking, garnering all the rudiments of 21st century professional banking. A Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Banker, he also holds a Bachelors Degree in Banking and Finance and an MBA. His banking career started from one of the leading banks in Africa, First Bank of Nigeria Plc before joining Intercontinental Bank Plc. Olugbenga was appointed a member of the team to establish Intercontinental Bank Ghana Ltd in February 2006 as Chief Inspector. He was one of the pioneering management officers and a key member of the Executive Committee who made significant contributions to the transformation of the Bank into one of the fastest growing Banks in Ghana in 2008 and also the fourth best company in Ghana’s Club 100 in 2011. He served in different capacities before IBG merged its operations with Access Bank in 2012
Comrade Barry Ndu Nwaihim a native of Amaigbo in Nwangele Local Government,Area of Imo State is the CEO of AFRIQUE 1 and Coordinator of Rebrand Nigerian Youths in Ghana Organization (RNIGO), a group that its sole aim is to continuously project the good image of Nigeria in Diaspora. He is also the Lead person at the Ghana Nigeria Achievers Award and also the Ghana Rep for Rare Gems Gold and Jewelry,one of the biggest Jewelry companies in Africa. He was at a time the Director of Sports and Social Development of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), Zone B.
He has travelled across all the ten regions of Ghana inspiring and encouraging Nigerian residents in Ghana to remain positive minded and focused even in challenges. He has attended numerous leadership courses across Africa and this has helped him in impacting knowledge to the Nigerian and indeed African youths he has come in contact with.
Ikye Williams is arguably one of Africa’s and Nigeria’s top fashion icons and designers. His Ghana based brand, Dee-Ikye fashion, has dressed top celebrities, chiefs and politicians, which has earned him a legion of followers. His brand provides expertise in distinctive and wearable clothing range combining exceptional West African textiles with the trend and styles; such as African Native wears, Political suits, Shirts, trousers & chieftaincy wears. His clients include the former President of Ghana, H.E President John Mahama , Members of Parliament of Ghana, Prophet Emmanuel Badu Kobi, Bishop Titi-ofei amongst others.
Apostle Sam Dave Adejoh is a Nigerian missionary in Ghana. He is the senior pastor of Doxa house ministry International and president of Doxa pastoral and mission college, proprietor doxa international academy. Sam Adejoh have been on active mission to Ghana since December 1999.
Chief Dr. Prince Christopher Obareki is the CEO/Chairman of CHRISBAKI Group Of Companies. Dr. Obareki is the CEO of CHRISBAKI group of companies’ including Bar Purity, Baki Farms, Spec Autos Ltd, Bamar properties, Cobagco Nig Ltd etc. A Nigerian royal, Prince Christopher Obareki, began his career in Business at a very tender age. He attended St. Francis Catholic School in Nigeria. Later went to study auto-mobile engineering in Sapele Technical School. He then became the manager of Jabara Construction Company but resigned to put up his own company at a very young age. He is also very much strongly represented in the Corporate social responsibility endeavours as a philanthropist of having sponsored Children’ Republic reality TV show, built churches and schools with over four thousand beneficiaries of his unflinching generosity cutting across different tribes and cultures of Ghana and Nigeria.
Others include Ben Hastrup who owns and runs Alliance Legal, which has its headquarters in Accra. Ben Hastrup is one of the highly-rated Nigerian lawyers in Ghana today.
Chief Crystal Djirackor is the CEO of Crystal TV runs three TV channels dedicated to African movies and a Music Channel which are mostly watched in Accra.
Frank Nelson Nwokolo is an executive committee member of the Ghana Football Association and a director at the Accra Heart of Oak Sporting.
Wale Adeoye also runs Premium Advertising Ghana Limited. Austin Chijioke Ngurukwem the CEO of Equilibrium Consult Ltd., a company founded to cater for real estate marketing, land title registration, surrender and renewal, survey, valuation, facilitates business commencement and incorporation certificates, financial statements, statement of affairs.
Oluade Nikiti is the Managing Director of AP (Gh.) Ltd. Razak Abiodun runs Wapic Insurance Co. Ltd. Ibem Anya is the Managing Director of Oando GH Ltd, Ghana and the Owner of Aiban Universal Services Ltd. Roy Bernard manages Capital Assurance, Ghana Limited, Dr Kelvin Ogu Efe Lucas is the CEO of Kel- Efe group Company Ltd Ghana, the company is into waste management,Transportation, Real Estate, sales of building materials and consultancy services.
Dennis O. Carter is yet another big player he is the Chief Executive Officer at Maxigate Petroleum Ghana Ltd and Uche Okogu also runs International Energy Insurance (I.E.I) Ghana Limited.
Adedotun Babatunde Olaoluwa, is a communication expert, a serial entrepreneur with first degree in Communication and Public Relation from the University of Ibadan. Dotun is the publisher of Pleasures magazine, a weekly magazine, on sale across West Africa and online.