Business

PROFILE OF CHINEDU A. NSOFOR

Published

2 years ago

January 26, 2024

PROFILE OF CHINEDU A. NSOFOR

Chinedu Afamuefuna Nsofor was born into the Nsofor Royal Family of Nkalafia Royal Dynasty of Irefi, Oraifite, Ekwusigo LGA of Anambra State on the 24th of March 1990. He had his primary school education at Mayrays Primary School Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State from 1996 to 2002 and secondary school education at Mayrays Secondary School Fegge, Onitsha from 2002 to 2008.

He immediately gained admission into the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State where he bagged his First Degree in Social Work with an impressive Second Class Upper Division between 2008 to 2012.

In 2015, he proceeded to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State for his Masters Degree, also in the same field of Social Work.

He is presently rounding off his Doctorate Degree Program in the same field. Chinedu Nsofor also attended the Dunamis School of Ministry from January 2016 to June 2016.

A seasoned technocrat, a highly creative, innovative and dynamic leader, Chinedu Nsofor has over the years demonstrated a great capacity for youth development, youth empowerment and mobilization.

His flagship Project, Work While In School Programme has gained National Acclaim and has become a Roadmap to Human Capacity Building among Secondary and Tertiary Institutions Students across the country.

Chinedu is a quintessential Pacesetter who understands the need of being a true Servant in any capacity he finds himself, he possesses the leadership potentials required for proffering solutions to any given task in any Institution or Organization he works with; while bearing in mind the dynamism of the various establishments he works with, while aiming towards achieving their organizational goals and objectives.

Having started early in life to nurture these qualities and potentials through his interest in developing and empowering Nigerian youths and students, he has so far gained so much mileage that his name is now synonymous with Youth Development and Youth Empowerment.

Chinedu Nsofor is a Skilled Networker, Project/Event Manager, Professional Social Worker, Youth/Grassroot Mobilizer, Financial Manager, Public Speaker, ICT Expert and Business Development Expect/ Consultant.

Nsofor has a huge wealth of experience in both Governmental and Non Governmental Sector with great understanding of the International Development Partnership Sector.

He is the Nigeria’s Program Director of Asia– Pacific Sports International since 24th March 2023 till date. Africa/ Nigeria’s Director Asia Pacific International Consult since May 2023 till date, Nigeria/ Africa Business Representative/ General Manager SERI MERSING Consult, Maylaysia, Program Director, Nigeria Association of Economists since 4th of April 2022, National Coordinator G– INITIATIVE since March 30th 2022,Member Management Committee of Global Coalition for Sustainable Environment since March 17th till date, Member Imo State Government’s Committee On Science and Technology Roadmap ( 2020 to 2030) from December 2020 to January 2022, Special Assistant ( Special Duties/ Special Projects) to Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR (AHAEJIAGAMBA NDIGBO) Chairman Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide ( 1st August 2017 to March 24th 2022). National Coordinator Iwuanyanwu Foundation (1st August 2017-24th March 2022). National Coordinator/Board Secretary Iwuanyanwu National Ambulance Foundation (1st August 2017-24th March 2022).

Founder/CEO Work While In School Ventures Ltd. a Company that is currently in Partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria via the National Commission for Colleges of Education( NCCE) for the implementation of the Work While In School Program in all Colleges of Education in Nigeria, Coordinator Imo FINTECH Programme for 5,000 Imo youths organized by Imo State Government in partnership with Iwuanyanwu Foundation on October- December 2019.

Programme Coordinator of Safety Training for Ambulance Drivers in the South East during COVID19 in 2021. Coordinator, Central Bank of Nigeria- SOUTH EAST Entrepreneurship Development Centre Programme, Owerri Study Centre 2018, Program Coordinator of the Maiden Edition of Inter Secondary Schools Debate Competition for all Secondary Schools in Abuja 2018, organized by the Federal Road Safety Corps in Partnership with Iwuanyanwu National Ambulance Foundation, Program Coordinator of Imo State and Ebonyi State Free Automobile Training Program organized by Innoson Kiara Academy in Partnership with Iwuanyanwu Foundation, Imo and Ebonyi State Governments respectively in 2021.

Program Coordinator Free Physiotherapy Treatment Intervention Programme for Arthritis, Neck Pain, Waist Pain, Patients in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State on the 3rd and 4th of December 2021.

Programmes Manager El–Bethel Global Business School(14th December 2015 to 30th September 2017) Program Coordinator of Chattered Institute of Personnel Management, Abuja Study Centre ( April 2015 to December 2015) Programme Coordinator of 20 days NAPSAS/ National Power Training Institute of Nigeria ( NAPTIN/ SURE- P T VET) Training for Graduate Engineers held in Lagos ( February to March 2015) Business Development Executives at Abuja Graduate School from (September 2014 to December to December 2015), South Eastern Nigeria Advocate/ AMAC–FCT Administrative Secretary of Citizens Club of Nigeria ( March 2014 to September 2014) Admin/ Transport Officer at the Presidency SURE–P National Secretariat Abuja ( NYSC March 2013 to March 2014) Network Manager, University of Nigeria Nsukka Book of Fame Project– Who Is Who In UNN( 2011 till date) Programmes Coordinator of the 2nd Edition of 7 days Work While In School Conference in UNN for about 3,000 Students, National Coordinator/ Board Secretary Igbo Heroes Foundation,2011 till date, Coordinator of the 7days African Education/ ICT Conference by Work While In School Foundation and Institute of African Studies UNN (March 2010).

The Conference attracted the renewal of the N5 Million Annual Scholarship Grant of Dr. Sam Onyishi Foundation including a N50 Million donation to the University.

During the Conference, over 5,000 UNN Students across 7 selected Faculties were trained in various Skills in 2011.

Chinedu Nsofor is the Founder of Work While In School Foundation and Foundation Member of Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research UNN Committee on Student Entrepreneurship Peogrammes.

He was also the Chairman of otu Subakwa Igbo UNN Chapter, an Association with Prof. Pita Ojiofor ( Former VC UNIZIK) as the National President.

He was a member Institute of African Studies UNN Committee on Conferences/ Seminars 2011 to 2012, Marketing Manager SOCIOSCOPE LIVE Magazine (The Official Magazine Of The Faculty of Social Science UNN, Office Of The Dean 2011 to 2012, Igwe, Faculty of Social Science UNN 2010 to 2012, Secretary Youth and Dreams Leadership Forum UNN Chapter 2008 to 2012, President Press Club at Mayrays Secondary School Fegge Onitsha 2007 to 2008 and Labour Prefect Mayrays Secondary School Fegge Onitsha Anambra State 2007 to 2008.

As a Public Speaker, he delivered the Inaugural Speech at the 1st University of Nigeria Work While In School Programme held on 5th of December 2011, he also delivered a Module on Entrepreneurship Development during SURE–P. Graduate Internship Scheme Training in Enugu State on the 31st of December 2014, he also delivered another Module on Entrepreneurship Development in also the Graduate Internship Scheme of the Federal Ministry of Finance on the 7th of September 2016 at Bayelsa State.

He equally delivered a Speech on the Theme: Work While In School at the School of Arts, Alvan Ikoku College of Education Owerri,Imo State on the 17th of May 2016; and on Saturday, the 14th of August 2021, he delivered a Speech on: Restructuring, The Panacea To A Peaceful Co-Existence in Nigeria.

A Prolific and Versatile Writer, he has authored several Books among which are: Amazing Grace (A Biography of Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu) Co- Authored with Unaegbu J.C. Work While in School Book (The Students with Innovation Guidebook) co-authored with Jeff Unaegbu, Chattered Institute of Personnel Management.(CIPM).(Operational Manual. Abuja Graduate School Chattered Institute of Bankers (CIBN) Operational Manual for Coordinating Training Programmes in Abuja Graduate School.

Chinedu Nsofor has received an avalanche of Awards and a plethora of Recognitions among which include: Leadership Excellence Award from the Rotract Club of UNN 2012,Premier Alumni Award By The Department of Social Science Work UNN in 2018, Spotlight Medalist on Entrepreneurship (Big Brothers Award), Meritorious Service Award (National Association of Social Work Students UNN), UNN Raiser of the Year by Golden Heart Foundation in partnership with Trail Blazers Organization, Most Political Student Award by the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association UNN chapter, Most Popular Student Award by National Association of Social Work Students UNN Chapter, Most Acknowledged personality of the year by National Association of Archeology Students Association UNN Chapter, amongst others.

Chinedu Nsofor’s hobbies include: Listening to Gospel Music, Deep Worship and Prayers, Reading Inspirational Books and the Holy Bible, Logical Reasoning, Brainstorming, Political Discuss, Youth Empowement and Mobilization.

He is a devoted Christian and a Minister of Gospel of Jesus. He is happily married to Mrs Ebere Nsofor.

Bank

WEMA BANK CELEBRATES 81ST ANNIVERSARY AND 9TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALAT

Published

4 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

WEMA BANK CELEBRATES 81ST ANNIVERSARY AND 9TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALAT

…Set to Reward Hundreds of Customers, Launch 5 for 5 Season 5

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous national bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has simultaneously marked its 81st anniversary and the 9th anniversary of ALAT on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.

Adopting a different approach from its grand 80th anniversary celebration in 2025, Wema Bank is set to celebrate its 81st anniversary this year by giving back to its customers. The Bank’s anniversary celebration features rewards for customers on the ALAT App in celebration of ALAT at 9 as well as rewards for Wema Bank customers at the launch event for the 5th Season of the Bank’s 5 for 5 Reward Initiative, happening on the Bank’s anniversary day, May 2nd 2026.

In line with the Bank’s 81st anniversary theme, “Your Future of Possibilities, Powered by Wema Bank”, the Bank will also rollout a specialised customer success initiative dedicated to helping different demographics of its customers to map out and build the future of their dreams. From businesses to students, working class women, creatives and more, Wema Bank will provide tailored, practical and strategic insights and support that will help these unique demographics access better opportunities, receive useful support and make accelerated progress towards meeting their goals.

Commenting on the Bank’s motive behind its approach to celebrating its 81st anniversary, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, said, “The world is rapidly evolving. Digital evolution and emerging technologies continue to present newer opportunities and realities. To thrive, one must be prepared to adapt where needed and ready to leverage the possibilities ahead; and this is what we want to help our customers achieve. With millions of individuals and businesses in our care, we have a deep sense of responsibility towards helping them make meaningful progress and our 81st anniversary presents the perfect opportunity for us to deepen our efforts towards fulfilling that responsibility”.

“We are building a smarter and more secure financial future for our customers, one where banking is effortlessly aligned with their goals, intelligently anticipating their needs and proactively providing the right solutions. Beyond banking solutions, we are curating opportunities, providing platforms, building an entire ecosystem engineered in the best interests of every unique Wema Bank customer. Our goal is for our customers to grow as we grow, to always be one step ahead, and to make accelerated progress towards their future of possibilities as we journey with them”.

“To every stakeholder who has been a part of Wema Bank’s 81-year journey: our investors, regulators, partners, esteemed customers and dearest employees; this anniversary is dedicated to you, and this is why we have chosen to celebrate this way. On behalf of the entire board and management of Wema Bank, I say THANK YOU for 81 historic years. We have, we are, and we will be with you, all the way. Happy 81st Anniversary to us all”, Oseni concluded.

Wema Bank has established a proven track record of empowering lives, supporting businesses and providing tailored solutions that meet real needs. From financial support to digital solutions, unique opportunities and customised service, Wema Bank continues to show that it is a Bank that truly cares, understands and is committed to helping individuals and businesses thrive and achieve their goals.

For more information on how to tap into the rewards curated by Wema Bank, isit wemabank.com

Business

BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu Rises to Become Africa’s Second Richest Man

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

BUA’s Abdul Samad Rabiu Promises $1.5m Windfall, Goal Bonuses as Super Eagles Fly Past Algeria

BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu Rises to Become Africa’s Second Richest Man

LAGOS – In a notable reshuffle of Africa’s wealth hierarchy, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, has climbed to the position of the continent’s second richest individual. The development highlights the accelerating growth of his industrial empire and the increasing global relevance of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

Recent valuations show the billionaire businessman overtaking long-standing contenders to secure the number two spot, behind only Aliko Dangote. His rise has been driven largely by the strong market performance of his publicly listed firms, BUA Cement Plc and BUA Foods Plc, both of which have recorded significant gains on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

Rabiu’s ascent reflects years of strategic expansion and vertical integration. BUA Cement, Nigeria’s second-largest cement producer, has scaled up operations with new production lines to meet rising infrastructure demand. At the same time, BUA Foods has strengthened its leadership in key segments such as sugar, flour, and pasta, reinforcing its role in regional food supply.

Analysts note that his focus on essential goods has provided stability, helping his businesses maintain steady revenues despite broader economic fluctuations. By prioritizing domestic production, BUA Group has also reduced exposure to external shocks.

Philanthropy and Development Impact

Beyond business, Rabiu has earned global recognition for his philanthropic efforts through the ASR Africa Initiative, a $100 million annual intervention fund supporting education, healthcare, and social development across Africa.

His rise in the rankings is widely viewed as evidence of the power of African-driven industrialization—not only in building wealth but also in delivering meaningful social impact. As Africa’s economic landscape evolves, the shifting billionaire rankings underscore the growing influence of Nigeria’s private sector in shaping the continent’s future.

Bank

ZENITH BANK EXPANDS FRONTIERS WITH CÔTE D’IVOIRE SUBSIDIARY, DEEPENS FRANCOPHONE WEST AFRICA PUSH

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ZENITH BANK EXPANDS FRONTIERS WITH CÔTE D’IVOIRE SUBSIDIARY, DEEPENS FRANCOPHONE WEST AFRICA PUSH

Zenith Bank Plc has taken a major step in its Pan-African growth journey with the official launch of its Côte d’Ivoire subsidiary, reinforcing its strategic ambition to dominate key markets across the continent.

The grand opening ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, is expected to draw top-tier government officials and regulators from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, alongside leading business executives and members of the diplomatic corps—underscoring the growing economic ties and investment flows between Anglophone and Francophone Africa.

Licensed in December 2025 by Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Finance and Budget and regulated by the UMOA Banking Commission, the new subsidiary will operate from its headquarters at SCI Wall Street, Avenue Noguès, Plateau, Abidjan—one of the region’s most important financial hubs.

The move signals a calculated expansion into Francophone West Africa and positions Zenith Bank as a key financial bridge within the West African Economic and Monetary Union. The subsidiary is designed to drive cross-border trade, offering corporate banking, trade finance, offshore banking, and structured financial solutions tailored to businesses operating across Africa and beyond.

Speaking on the milestone, Group Managing Director/CEO Adaora Umeoji said the expansion aligns with the founding vision of Chairman Jim Ovia to build a globally competitive African bank.

“The launch of Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire is a bold step in realising that vision. It opens a strategic corridor into Francophone West Africa and reinforces our commitment to facilitating trade, investment, and enterprise growth across the continent,” she stated.

The subsidiary will be led by Managing Director/CEO Cédric Tano, who brings over two decades of industry experience. He noted that the bank is entering the Ivorian market at a time of strong economic momentum and increasing regional integration.

“Our goal is to position Zenith Bank as a customer-centric institution that blends global best practices with deep local expertise, while supporting businesses with innovative financing and enabling seamless cross-border transactions,” Tano said.

Beyond Côte d’Ivoire, Zenith Bank is accelerating its expansion into Central Africa, with plans underway to enter the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, using Cameroon as a strategic gateway.
With an established presence in multiple markets—including Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the United Kingdom, France, the UAE, and China—the bank continues to strengthen its role as a conduit linking African economies to global capital and trade networks.

Founded in 1990, Zenith Bank has evolved into one of Africa’s most formidable financial institutions, maintaining the highest Tier-1 capital position in Nigeria’s banking industry for 16 consecutive years. Built on its core pillars of People, Technology, and Service, the bank has consistently delivered strong financial performance and earned widespread local and international recognition.