My Biography

I was born in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, with my parents originating from Abia state. I’m a devout Christian and an ordained Elder within the Presbyterian Church USA. I’m married with children.

My outlook on life has always been one of optimism. Each day, as I open my eyes, I choose to see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty. This unwavering positive mindset and proactive approach have empowered me to confront adversities head-on, always finding a way forward. Such optimism, filled with hope and positivity, seems to magnetically draw people in.

Growing up, it was evident to me that achieving something often required letting go of something else; sacrifices were essential. The choice to leave behind comforts to contribute to solving our nation’s pressing issues came instinctively to me. My career trajectory reflects my deep-seated dedication, tenacity, and enthusiasm.

My candidacy for the presidency is underpinned not just by my natural aptitude for leadership, but also by a profound understanding of the art of the possible, and what many consider being the most crucial element in navigating the Nigerian political landscapes: impeccable timing. Now is a pivotal moment for leadership that can ignite the resurgence of our nation and steer it back from the brink of disaster. Throughout my life, I have witnessed events unfold favorably, often as a result of my seizing the right opportunities at just the right time. The urgency of the present moment offers a prime opportunity for me to lead the renewal of our nation.

As I embark on this presidential journey, I am driven by the conviction that fortune indeed smiles upon the bold and the well-prepared. With this belief, I am ready to lead our nation into an era of unity and prosperity. Together, we will navigate the path towards a brighter, more resilient Nigeria.

My educational journey began in Uyo, where I commenced my elementary schooling and earned my first school leaving certificate in Ututu, Abia state.

In 1974, I graduated from Williams Memorial Secondary School in Afugiri, Umuahia with a Grade One certificate. Following that, I ventured to Lagos, where I secured a position as a line quality control analyst at the Toyo Glass factory located in Agbara, near Badagry. A year later, I received admission to pursue a degree in engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

In 1981, I graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, achieving the highest honors with a First Class degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering. Recognized as the best graduating student, I was honored with the University Academic Excellence award.

Subsequently, I embarked on a journey with Schlumberger as an international wireline field services engineer, contingent upon the completion of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC). During my NYSC service, I worked as an engineer at the Shiroro Hydroelectric Project in Niger State. Following completion of my NYSC commitment, I joined Schlumberger and embarked on an international engineering career spanning five years, offering my expertise in various countries.

Driven by a passion for knowledge and excellence, I left Schlumberger to pursue a higher education, earning an MBA degree from Harvard Business School at Harvard University as a Heinz Fellow. Later, I obtained a PhD in Strategic Management from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. I was honored with the Best Dissertation Award by the International Academy of Business and Management.

My 40 years of professional career encompasses a diverse range of fields, including engineering, high technology, management consulting, entrepreneurship, finance, and venture capital.

Before establishing my own firms, including a New York-based Hedge Fund, technology and strategy consulting firm, and a venture capital firm, I held partner positions in two renowned strategy and operations consulting companies globally. As a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist, I have started, invested in, and successfully sold companies, learning valuable lessons from both successes and failures. My commitment to fostering innovation continues as I invest in pioneering ventures and mentor emerging entrepreneurs worldwide, with a particular focus on Africa and Nigeria.

I am proud to be a self-made person, having shaped my own journey with faith, passion, perseverance, and resolve.

As the founding CEO of an international strategy and technology company, my expertise as a transformational leader has been sought by some of the world’s most well-run companies and governments. I have dedicated my career to resolving complex problems related to business and national economic strategy, technological innovation, leadership development, multilateral negotiation, operational execution, institutional design, change and performance management.

Leading the global Oil & Gas and Chemicals practices at two renowned international strategy and operations consulting firms as senior partner, I have provided strategic and operational advice to executives and boards of top companies worldwide. My in-depth expertise in the petroleum and energy sectors, encompassing both downstream and upstream supply chains, is highly relevant to the management of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources and our engagement with international investors and producers. This experience equips me with a unique perspective and valuable insights crucial for optimizing Nigeria’s potential in these critical industries.

Of all my expertise, solving the problem of corruption has been most rewarding. Corruption stands as the fundamental source of our challenges in Nigeria. To initiate and implement genuinely effective national solutions, we must prioritize and attack the systemic corruption that plagues our nation.

I possess a deep understanding of this corruption problem and the expertise required to combat it effectively. I am a recognized global authority in the field of corruption prevention and have collaborated extensively with both businesses and governments worldwide to combat corruption and bribery.

My doctoral research, titled “Systemic Corruption: A Multi-Theoretic, Multi-Level and Mixed Methods Analysis of the Interplay among Institutional Logics, Strategic Agency and Reward Expectancy,” was supported by the World Bank and driven by the prevalence of corruption in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the pressing need to address it.

Notably, this research marked the first comprehensive dissertation dedicated to investigating the origins, consequences, and potential solutions to corruption. Its quality and significance was recognized with the prestigious Best Dissertation Award presented by the International Academy of Business and Management.

As an expert in anti-corruption policymaking and strategy execution, I have provided guidance to top government officials and corporate leaders globally. My counsel has encompassed the design of institutional frameworks, strategic initiatives, risk mitigation using blockchain early warning system, and policy formulation aimed at preventing corruption from taking root and causing economic, social, and organizational harm.

Additionally, my work in the fields of ethics and corruption has been recognized through my publications in prestigious academic and policy journals, including World Development, Decision Science, Journal of Business Research, and PLOS ONE, among others. These contributions have been influential in the global effort to combat corruption, offering key insights and strategies to tackle this pervasive issue. My research and writings in these areas have made a notable impact in shaping policies and practices aimed at promoting integrity and transparency worldwide.

In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), I co-authored a practical field guide for mitigating corruption risks in the extractive industries. This guide has been implemented successfully in several member states, including Nigeria, making a tangible impact in reducing corruption within these sectors.

All of this underscores my readiness to lead and renew our nation. My diverse and extensive professional background has demonstrated my capabilities as a strategic thinker, an expert in operations, a transformational leader, and a pragmatic problem solver.

My international outlook on matters of capacity-building, economic growth and social development, combined with my experience in collaborative engagements with leaders across sub-Saharan Africa, has endowed me with profound insights and practical skills in vital areas. These include anti-corruption policy making, global negotiation, the energy industry, international finance and venture capital, as well as innovation-led entrepreneurship.

These are vital for Nigeria’s advancement, a country grappling with deep-seated corruption, dependent on oil and gas, and transitioning towards an entrepreneurial economy. My background equips me to effectively engage with international investors and navigate the complexities of global finance, leveraging these relationships to bring about significant economic benefits for our country. My expertise in organizational and digital transformation will be useful in effort to transform our bloated and expensive federal bureaucracy, transforming it into an efficient, cost-effective, and high-functioning entity.

My relentless battle against corruption, a major hurdle in Nigeria, has armed me with actionable solutions to confront this issue head-on. Additionally, my journey as an entrepreneur and venture capitalist has underscored the importance of innovation, economic growth, and nurturing nascent entrepreneurs and small business owners as engines of economic growth and social development.

These collective experiences provide me with a holistic understanding of both local and international business dynamics and governance challenges and opportunities. As president, I am ready to leverage this extensive knowledge and network of valuable relationships to meet Nigeria’s unique challenges head-on.

From maximizing our natural resource potential to executing decisive anti-corruption initiatives, stimulating economic growth, and fostering a culture of innovation and integrity, I am fully prepared to lead Nigeria into a future marked by transformative change and inclusive prosperity.

My distinct blend of local insights and a global viewpoint is precisely what Nigeria needs to embark on a journey of meaningful development and achievement. This is my commitment, my vision, and my pledge to the nation as we stride confidently towards a brighter, more successful future.