Business
United Kingdom deports 23 Nigerians over immigration-related offences
The United Kingdom has deported 23 Nigerians for committing immigration-related offences in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deportees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos at about 6am on Friday.
The deportees, who are all males, were brought back in a chartered aircraft.
Joseph Alabi, spokesperson of the Lagos airport police command, confirmed the development to NAN.
The deportees were received by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the police.
Also on ground to receive them were officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
NAN gathered that the deportees were profiled by immigration authorities and given stipends to facilitate their transportation to their respective states.
The Italian government on March 8 deported 37 Nigerians from the country for similar reasons.
Business
Faith, Discipline and Hard Work Brought Me This Far- Now I’m Building Platforms That Will Outlive Me- AMB. TOSIN MICHEAL OWONIFARI
Faith, Discipline and Hard Work Brought Me This Far- Now I’m Building Platforms That Will Outlive Me- AMB. TOSIN MICHEAL OWONIFARI
From the humble streets of Ise-Ekiti to the boardrooms of global influence, Amb. Tosin Michael Owonifari has carved a path defined by resilience, purpose, and visionary leadership. With roots in education, healthcare, and digital empowerment, he has evolved into a trailblazing entrepreneur and global development advocate. As the founder of T21 Global Group and an AU Agenda 2063 Ambassador, his mission is crystal clear — to build enduring platforms that empower generations across Africa and the diaspora. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his journey, values, challenges, and the future he envisions for Africa and the world.
Tell us something about your background and academic adventure.?
I was born in Ise-Ekiti, a town I carry with pride everywhere I go. I started my education in Nigeria and later continued in the United Kingdom, where I obtained a BSc in Oil and Gas Management (Second Class Upper). Over time, I’ve earned professional qualifications in Education, Internal Quality Assurance, Immigration Law, and most recently, I completed a Strategic Leadership & Ethics Programme at Liverpool Hope University. Education has shaped my path and continues to fuel my growth.
How palatable was your upbringing and family rapport?
I come from a humble, values-driven background where faith, discipline, and hard work were the order of the day. My family may not have had wealth, but we had love, structure, and support. That upbringing built the foundation of who I am today.
Were you ever an employee at the beginning?
Yes, and I’m proud of every stage. I started with cleaning jobs, kitchen porter roles, and even factory work when I first arrived in the UK. Later, I moved into tech as a Software Tester, then worked for over a decade in the NHS across roles like Data Quality Analyst, RTT Validator, Hospital Admin, and System Training. These experiences prepared me to understand people, systems, and leadership from the ground up.
What led you into entrepreneurship?
I saw consistent challenges — youth unemployment, digital skill gaps, healthcare staffing issues, and lack of access to global opportunities. I knew I had to act. So, I started T21 Services in the UK, and from there it expanded to Nigeria, and now operates globally as T21 Global Group.
Give us an overview of your companies?
Under T21 Global, we operate three entities:
T21 Services (UK)•RTT Validation & Hospital Admin Training (CPD-certified)
•Remote Job Training & Placement
•NHS Workforce Support
•Immigration Advisory & Recruitment Services
•Civil Service Bootcamps & Public Sector Training
•Digital Inclusion Projects (with UK councils)
•Leadership & Ethics Courses (in partnership with universities)
•Diaspora Engagement & Talent Matching
T21 Consultancy Services (Nigeria)•ICT Training & Federal Programmes (e.g., 3MTT)
•Remote Job Hubs & Global Talent Export
•Software & Web Development
•Certification & Testing Centre
•Startup Incubation & Innovation Hub
•Government Contracts & Policy Advisory
•Student Recruitment (UK, Canada, Hungary, Poland)
•Event Management & Capacity Building
Tosin Owonifari Empowerment Foundation (TOEF)•Leadership Development & Mentorship
•Youth & Women Empowerment
•Community Development Projects
•Grants & Social Welfare Support
•Civic Engagement & Humanitarian Services
These three arms work hand-in-hand to deliver education, empowerment, employment, and investment.
What’s your present workforce at T21 Global?
We currently engage over 150 professionals globally — this includes permanent staff, part-time consultants, freelance trainers, developers, assessors, and remote workers across the UK, Nigeria, Europe, North America, and parts of Africa.
From Ekiti to the world, how did you break the barriers?
I embraced my origin, not as a limitation but as a source of pride. I combined the values from Ise-Ekiti with global vision. I stayed consistent, kept building relationships, invested in learning, and never gave up — even when doors were shut. Hard work, faith, and purpose broke the barriers.
How easy was it at the beginning?
It was extremely tough. There were moments I had nothing but hope. Rejections, delays, financial struggle — I faced them all. But I kept pushing. I believed that every great vision must pass through the fire before it becomes gold.
How did you overcome the challenges of new terrain that you never anticipated?
I stayed teachable. I listened, partnered wisely, studied new systems, and always stayed open to learning. When I didn’t understand a terrain, I asked for guidance and built relationships with people who did.
Tell us something about your first ever award and how you felt.?
It was an award for my contribution to youth development and digital inclusion. I was surprised and deeply honoured. It reminded me that even when you think no one sees you, your work is making an impact.
How many awards so far? Or you have lost count?
I’ve been blessed with several meaningful awards:
•Fellowship – Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM)
•Speak-Up Champion – EKSU Alumni & Student Union
•Outstanding Media Support Award – FIBAN (Ekiti)
•Humanitarian Service Award – 2023
•Ekiti Parapo UK Presidential Award – 2023
•Several others from churches, communities, diaspora groups, and institutions
Every award reminds me to serve better and remain focused.
What’s your source of motivation?
Legacy. I want to build platforms that will outlive me — in people, in policies, and in systems. I’m motivated by the transformation of lives, especially young people who were once overlooked.
Have you ever failed? And how did you get over it?
Yes. I’ve had projects collapse, contracts lost, visa denials, and cash flow struggles. But I don’t let failure stop me. I always step back, learn, regroup, and move forward. Failure is part of the process, not the end of it.
Who is your number one supporter?
My wife, Chief Mrs. Jumoke Owonifari. Her unwavering belief, support, and prayers have been priceless. She’s been with me through every stage, and I’m grateful beyond words.
T21 Global operates on a wider range. How do you cope?
We run with clear systems and trusted leadership across departments. I focus on vision and strategy while my teams handle execution. We use digital platforms, weekly reviews, and regular audits to stay on track across regions.
Your recent Global Award as an AU Agenda 2063 Ambassador — what new terrain is it opening for you?
It’s a gateway to policy, diplomacy, and global development work. As the official AU Agenda 2063 Liaison Officer (UK – Merseyside), I now oversee:
•Investment and diaspora engagement
•Leadership and legislative training
•Talent export and youth development
•Government and NGO collaboration
It’s more than a title — it’s a platform for shaping Africa’s future across continents.
You are gradually becoming a Global African figure. Are you gravitating towards politics in no distance time?
Yes, but not for power — for purpose. I believe public office, when entered with vision and competence, can change lives at scale. If the opportunity comes, I’ll serve with integrity and results, not promises.
Have you been conferred with any chieftaincy title?
Yes, I’ve been honoured with the title of Otunba in an Ekiti community. The official installation will happen soon. I see it as a cultural responsibility to serve, protect, and uplift my people, not just a title.
What new thing is T21 Global cooking?
We are launching:
•A Global Talent Export & Diaspora Registry
•Remote Job Hubs across Nigeria & UK
•A Leadership & Legislative Academy for African public servants
•Diaspora-to-Africa Investment Matchmaking Portal
•Our first Africa Investment & Innovation Summit in the UK
These will shape the future of jobs, policy, and innovation in Africa and beyond.
Who is your hero?
I draw inspiration from values like integrity, service, and resilience — values that have shaped my journey. In global leadership, I admire Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Barack Obama, and Prof. PLO Lumumba — leaders who lead with courage, wisdom, and a passion for people.
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