Friends of Nigeria is a dedicated community that bridges the gap between businesses in France and lucrative opportunities in Nigeria, fostering cultural exchange, promoting development, and nurturing enduring friendships.
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Friends of Nigeria is a dedicated community that bridges the gap between businesses in France and lucrative opportunities in Nigeria, fostering cultural exchange, promoting development, and nurturing enduring friendships.
"Our honorary board guides the management team in executing the Spotlight Nigeria annual event (A prominent initiative by FON) and achieving the organization's mission, vision, and objectives.".
Founder & Ceo, Phobos
Founder, Avandis consulting
President and CEO, GreenElec
Professional Lawyer
PR & Communication Specialist
CEO, SCB Sub Sahara
"Our honorary board guides the management team in executing the Spotlight Nigeria annual event (A prominent initiative by FON) and achieving the organization's mission, vision, and objectives.".
© 2023, Friends of Nigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Dr Emmanuel Igah is a seasoned professional with considerable international experience.
He holds a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Economic Geography and Development Planning from the University of Paris IV Sorbonne and an International Executive Master of Business Administration (IEMBA) from the International School of Management – ISM, Paris/New York, both obtained after initial studies (Masters) in Architecture and Project Management in Paris.
Actively engaged in teaching in various institutions, Dr Igah has carried out a substantial number of publications on different topics. He was conferred in 2001 with the French National Order of Merit Award for his professional achievements.
Dr Anino Emuwa is an international management consultant with over twenty-five years’ professional experience in Europe and Africa.
A former corporate banker with Citibank, Anino is the founder and managing director of Avandis Consulting in France and Nigeria, providing strategy and financial advisory services to entrepreneurs and business leaders, and consulting on bilateral commercial activities.
A highly respected advocate for women business leadership, Anino convenes several networks including the Africa Women CEOs Network and leads the Power Breakfast Series for Women CEOs and the Women Business Owners’ Seminars. Anino is also a business coach and mentor for the prestigious Cartier Women Initiatives and the Cherie Blair Foundation.
An international public speaker on entrepreneurship, fintech and diversity in business leadership, Anino has been invited to speak at Facebook, ING, Nottingham Business School, Institute of Directors, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics and The Banking Space. Her thought leadership articles have been published in Forbes and Entrepreneur.
Anino graduated with a BSc Economics from London School of Economics and holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management. She obtained her Doctorate in Business Administration from Nottingham Business School where she is an alumni fellow. Anino has been accepted at the University of Cambridge to pursue a Masters in Entrepreneurship.
An experienced Non-Executive Director, most recently Anino was on the board of Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company PLC where she was the Chair of the Audit Committee. Anino is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, a member of the Institute of Directors and an AACSB certified business school instructor. She has lived and worked in six countries in Europe and Africa, and is bilingual in English and French.
Élé Asu is a Nigerian-born communications professional with a background in broadcast journalism.
She is a seasoned interviewer, well versed in decrypting complex issues for a broad audience with a mix of friendly banter and sharp attention to detail. She hosts with ease in English (her native language) and in French.
Élé was a news anchor and talk-show host for over a decade on pay tv network Canal+.
Her achievements include co-hosting the morning show “La Matinale” in France from 2007 to 2012, and launching the flagship business program [Réussite], leading brand in 20+ African countries from 2014 to 2017.
Serge has accumulated a wide experience as a consultant, as an entrepreneur and as a senior manager within large companies. He started his career at the Boston Consulting Group where was elected Vice President and Director in 1985. He initiated an entrepreneurial venture in 1991 and launched a retail service chain. After the sale of the business, he then joined Capgemini in 2001 where he held several senior management positions. In 2010, He decided to join OC&C a leading consulting firm where he was elected partner.
In 2015 he founded SCB-SUBSAHARA with a team of recognized high level experts. The company is dedicated to assisting corporations in their global expansion and offers a full range of services from designing international strategic plans to monitoring sales generation programs.
Serge is recognized as a specialist of growth issues and international development. In this area, he has authored several books: “Quand les RH construisent la croissance” (2005), “Notre avenir depend d’eux” (2010) and lately, together with several CEO’s of large groups, he contributed to a book called, “La France et ses Multinationales”.
He has delivered numerous speeches and published a number of articles on his preferred themes.
Serge Blanchard is a graduate of Ecole Centrale de Paris and obtained an MBA at the Wharton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Oluwatoyin F. Sanni is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, investment banker, and financial strategist, currently serving as Executive Vice-Chair of Emerging Africa Group. She previously led United Capital Plc as Group CEO, and earlier headed United Capital Trustees.
With a foundational education in law and further executive training at Harvard Business School, IESE and Lagos Business School, Dr. Sanni combines legal acumen with financial leadership. She is also a published author, notably Riding the Eagle – A Guide to Investing in Nigeria.
She is a founder of Women in Finance Nigeria, a former board director in leading corporate institutions, and a 2017 All Africa Business Woman of the Year.
Dr. Sanni is widely recognized for her advocacy for women’s economic empowerment and her contributions to sustainable investment across Africa.
John is an expert in international business and project development with several years of experience across 30 Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and 40 Countries Globally, spanning across key sectors of the economy, with a particular focus on sustainable infrastructure projects and enterprises.
John is currently Managing Director of Growth Energy, and member of the Executive Committee of Solio Group, Growth Energy’s parent company with offices and subsidiaries in France, Canada, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania (Zanzibar) and Burundi. Growth Energy develops, engineers, and deploys renewable energy power plans and electric mobility charging stations in selected markets in Africa.
Before Co-Founding Growth Energy, John was Commercial Director (Sub-Saharan Africa) for CMR Group’s Solar Division until December 2022 and directly reported to the Group CEO of CMR Group. In this role, John directly managed business and project development teams located across France, Tunisia, Nigeria and Zanzibar. Before his career in clean energy and infrastructure, John worked as a Project Manager in the public and private sectors in Nigeria including at Nigeria’s Presidency between 2012 and 2013 during which John was part of a project team in charge of deploying a public-private partnership project geared towards job creation amongst Nigerian youths. John also co-founded several social impact initiatives including the “mentor-me” initiative which won a state award for excellence in Nigeria in 2013. John is an international keynote speaker and panelist on topics related to clean energy, innovation, and Africa. John has delivered various presentations and key notes at more than 20 international conferences across 10 Countries. John is also a non-executive board member of several companies and non-profit organizations in Africa and Europe, spanning across Engineering, Technology, and human capital development.
John holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Covenant University, Nigeria and a master’s degree in project management and business development from Skema Business School, France. John is also an alumnus of the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management’s Climate and Renewable Energy Finance Program. John is a member of the Project Management Institute and holds the global Project Management Professional (PMP) certification since 2013.
John is Co-Founder and President of Friends of Nigeria Europe. In this role John oversees administration and works closely with his colleagues and in collaboration with leaders of other African Diaspora organizations in strengthening the capacity of the African diaspora in Europe and in promoting the attractiveness of the African continent to foreign investors and the African Diaspora.
John has a flair for sports, music and arts. He plays football, badminton, ping pong, tennis and was former member of the IBB Golf and Country Club Abuja. John also plays the Piano, Drums, and Bass Guitar. He writes poems, does interior decorations, and is fascinated by nature. John’s most relished hobby, however, is spending ample time with his Wife and children which his peripatetic schedule does occasionally deprive him of.
Abiodun Dominic Odunuga is an international development consultant.
Having acquired over 10 years of experience in the field of sustainability, entrepreneurship and International development, Abiodun has developed and worked on projects with organizations such as the World Bank, European Union, United Nations (UN), Africa Development Bank (AfDB), and The Commonwealth across Africa and Europe. He has presented various papers relating to entrepreneurship, social innovation and sustainability at different levels such as the International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD) in New York, United States as well as the in Rome Italy.
He has consulted for various government agencies in Nigeria and France on economic initiatives in Agriculture, Digital Technology and Industry. Abiodun has also worked with various Sates Governments in Nigeria and the Nigeria Governors Forum with respect to development projects and attracting foreign investments.
He holds a Masters in Development Practice (MDP) degree from Sciences Po, Paris.
Abiodun is also the project manager for the Nigeria-France Tech Initiative (NFTI) recently launched by the Embassy of Nigeria, Paris amidst stakeholders such as the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to support the tech ecosystem between France and Nigeria.
He is a recipient of many international awards such as the Tocqueville Active Citizens Award for Co-creation and Community Impact in France as well as the United States of America Partnership award for Economic Empowerment by the United States Consulate, Lagos, Nigeria.
Based in Paris, he brings his wealth of experience in training, project management, fundraising and business development to consult for various International organizations focusing on Africa as it relates to investment opportunities, supporting start-ups, and empowering small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).
Abiodun is also a lecturer on Leadership, Soft Skills and Entrepreneurship with leading institutions having students across Africa and Europe. He is a frequent global conference speaker and sits on the board of many organizations.
As the Co-Founder and Vice-President of Friends of Nigeria, Abiodun serves in the Executive role of Director of Partnerships for the organization.
When he’s not working, you can catch him mentoring young people, discovering new cultures, volunteering for noble causes or watching movies.
Nkechi Nwosu is a HR professional with over a decade of solid experience in multiple HR disciplines including strategic planning, leadership, people operations & employer branding.
Over the course of her career, she has developed a wealth of experience, working in both multinational companies and start-ups, and collaborating in global environments across Europe, Africa, South America and Asia in multiple sectors: oil & gas, agriculture, healthcare, IT, and tourism.
As a co-founder of Level Hire, she oversees the conception and implementation of the organization’s strategic business plan and operational framework.
Nkechi is happy to serve on the Friends of Nigeria Europe (FON) board facilitating business collaboration between French and European companies and startups with their Nigerian counterparts, and vice-versa
She is a lover of arts in all its forms and expression: music, dance, fine arts, performing arts, and has channels this creativity in consulting on high-level events that bring cultures together such as African food and French wine tasting events.
As a social networker passionate about creating platforms and supporting stages that promote inter-cultural exchanges, networking and social / community development, she’s been part of the management team of various networking platforms across France. In Nice, she was part of the organizing team for NTA, Nice – a prominent social group in the French Riviera bringing together hundreds of expats and locals through various social events. This love had in the past led her to create the defunct “ECOWAS Young Professionals” association in 2015 at Grenoble, whose objective was to create a platform where professional Franco-phone and Anglo-phone West Africans could collaborate and share value.
Nkechi holds a Master’s Degree in International Human Resources Management and Organizational Development from Grenoble Ecole de Management, France, and a Bachelor’s Degree in French Language from Abia State University, Nigeria. She speaks English, French, Igbo, a bit of Yoruba, and Pidgin English.
Oyindamola Olusunmade is a Financial services consultant currently working at Altran, a global innovation and engineering consulting firm. She has almost four years work experience in France, Luxembourg, and Nigeria with multinational companies across diverse sectors including Fintech, Investment Banking, Aerospace and Asset Management. Specifically, Oyindamola’s previous clients and employers include corporations such as Airbus, PayPal, AXA Investment Managers and Société General Corporate and Investment Bank. While serving these organisations, her cognate work experience cut across a vast range of business concerns to include Finance, Risk Management, Regulatory Due Dilligence and Compliance.
Oyindamola obtained her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Caleb University in Nigeria and is a holder of a Masters of Finance degree from Grenoble Ecole de Management in France. She has also passed Level I of the CFA Program.
Oyindamola enjoys travelling, experiencing different cultures through food, arts and languages. She speaks French, Yoruba and English. When she is not at work, she is exploring the world and appreciating the diversity in its people and cultures.
Princess Ifèdolapo Onikoyi, is a multidisciplinary creative force whose journey bridges fashion and contemporary art. With a Bachelor in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Greenwich, her career began in the fast-paced worlds of fashion and event management when she started “Crystal Deroche Agency”.The agency provides various services from styling photography shoots to directing artistic fashion editorials and shows during London, Paris and Lagos Fashion Weeks, Princess Ifèdolapo honed her expertise in form, texture, and color, gradually evolving her focus to wider artistic expressions.
Her love for visual arts was sparked at the age of 12 when she discovered Matisse, whose vibrant use of colors and forms mesmerized her. This early passion led her to explore art inspired by her Yoruba heritage and the works of renowned African artists like Ben Enwonwu, Yinka Shonibare, and Twin Seven Seven. This fusion of cultural influences became the backbone of her unique artistic signature, blending traditional and contemporary themes in both her fashion and art projects.
In 2020, she founded Artfrofest , an art agency dedicated to promoting emerging and established from Africa and its diaspora. Princess Ifèdolapo curates exhibitions, manages events, and leads Art and Cultural projects, fostering intercultural artistic exchanges. The agency serves as a platform for artists to showcase their work globally, offering mentorship, support, and opportunities to enrich the dialogue around African art, as well as socially engaged artistic endeavors.
Oluwasegun Kadiri is an astute Cloud and Data Professional. He currently works as a Senior Cloud Engineer at Edurino GmbH. Data WareHouse Engineer/Data Platform Engineer at InnoGames GMBH. Prior to InnoGames GMBH, Segun worked mostly with Sterling Bank Plc as a BI Developer where he initially commenced as an Operations staff and subsequently transitioned into the Information Technology Department garnering varied experience from Software Development, to Quality Assurance, Change and Release Management, Service Management and Data Development and Business Intelligence.
Segun obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical-Electronics Engineering from FUTA. Segun’s commitment to continuous improvement and self development first witnessed in His transition to Information Technology from Engineering was further strengthened with his Applied Master’s in Data Engineering from Data ScienceTech Institute, France.
Segun is a certified Google Cloud Solutions Architect, with equivalent experiences on AWS and Azure Cloud Platform asides his experience with the Microsoft BI Stack. Segun has extensive experience working with teams of different kinds either in Leadership or advisory or collaborative capacity. He is currently part of the Leadership and Management team for FON Germany.
When Segun is not on his computer, he is reading Non-fiction literature, playing the piano or drums, writing or inspiring audiences. He also places importance on quality time with Family, friends, exploring new frontiers and places and meeting people.
Ogenna is an Architect and Architectural lighting designer with a passion for sustainable design solutions and she brings this passion to bear in her day to day tasks as a Cabin Lighting Designer at Airbus where she helps airlines tell their brand story within their cabins using light as a medium.
Before Airbus, she worked as a lighting designer at IB-Schwarz GmbH as well as Licht Raum Stadt GmbH designing lighting for several Churches, Universities, government administrative buildings, parks, and City façades across Germany and Luxembourg.
Ogenna is also the Co-founder of Handistery, an Ed-tech start up empowering young Africans with skills in practical trades and craftsmanship in the AEC industry.
In her spare time through her podcast, The Diary Of Us, she collects and promote inspiring stories of guests with immigrant backgrounds in Germany, who through unfiltered and authentic interviews provide firsthand accounts of how they have navigated the intricate web of language, education, employment, self identity as well as cultural adaptation.
Her blog, “naijagirlingermany” as well as her YouTube channel, provides valuable information for English speaking Internationals on navigating life in Germany.
Ogenna obtained her Bachelor degree in Architecture from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, a diploma in interior design from KLC, and a Masters degree in Architectural lighting design from Hochschule Wismar.
Bukky Kadiri is a Creative Graphic designer, who transforms ideas into visually compelling designs that communicate brand messages and captivate audiences. She thrives in creating clean, modern, and dynamic visuals that not only look great but deliver measurable impact across digital and print platforms.
By combining her expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD) with a deep understanding of UI/UX principles and creative problem-solving, I transform ideas into engaging designs that resonate with target audiences.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science, which has greatly contributed to my ability to organize and manage visual assets, ensuring they are accessible and efficient for use in content creation.
Her background in information science also honed her skills in research and data analysis, which she leverages to understand market trends and user
behavior, ensuring my designs are not only creative but also strategically effective.
Outside of Work Bukky enjoys singing, reading, cooking and exploring new places.
Angel is a Nigerian writer, performing poet, and visual storyteller. She is the author of “The Days of Silence” (MASOBE 2021) and “SUNDANCE” (a collection of poems & notes. With a passion for amplifying unheard voices and shedding light on sensitive themes, she seeks to inspire change and foster meaningful dialogue through impactful storytelling.
In 2021, she launched “Poetry and Tea” event, a creative safe space for poetry lovers and creatives to connect and heal through poetry and tea. With a background in Psychology, mental health and well-being are common themes explored in her works.
Angel has worked with the Asmara Addis Literary Festival in Exile (AALFIE) Belgium, and facilitated a class at the Creative Writing Academy for Refugees and asylum seekers in Brussels. Her essays have appeared in AYO magazine and Afreada.
Anurika is an accomplished AML Analyst with a keen eye for detail and risk assessment. With expertise in Logistics, she ensures efficient supply chains and logistics solutions. A skilled B2B Negotiator and Sales Strategist, Anurika drives growth through effective negotiations and strategic planning.
Her comprehensive understanding of INCOTERMS facilitates seamless international transactions. Anurika’s multifaceted background and expertise bring a unique perspective to every endeavor.
Nene Ananaba is a multilingual professional with over 12 years of international experience spanning three continents and six countries, including the United States, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Nigeria, and Tanzania. With a strong passion for Africa, she specializes in managing projects at the intersection of the public and private sectors, collaborating with international partners.
Nene is also the CEO and Founder of Certified Èfiko, a global one-stop boutique, offering language and cultural Assistance in French, English & Nigerian Pidgin.
Her thematic interests include migration and diaspora politics, international trade, entrepreneurship, and African linguistics. A proud advocate for African diplomacy, Nene is particularly passionate about advancing Nigerian Pidgin as a language for diplomacy and international relations.
Nene holds two master’s degrees: one in International Affairs with a focus on African Studies from Sciences Po Paris, and another in Comparative Politics and Public Policy from the University of Montpellier, France.She earned her bachelor’s degree in French Studies at Covenant University, Nigeria, where she also pursued a minor in translation.
Ajibola Faniyi is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in business management, healthcare, and community development. He currently serves as the Head of the Business Committee for Friends of Nigeria (FoN), where he leads initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment within the Nigerian and wider African diaspora community in France.
Ajibola works with Hospices Civils de Lyon, the public health delivery agency serving France’s second-largest metropolis, where he contributes to advancing healthcare administration and service quality. His academic background spans several countries and disciplines — holding a Business Diploma from West London College (UK), a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Accounting) from Valley View University (Ghana), an MBA in Hospitality Management from the Swiss Hospitality School, and a Master’s in Pharma and Healthcare Management from the Rome Business School.
Before his current roles, Ajibola gained extensive experience as Country Manager and Executive Director of a marketing company in Ghana, as well as in quality control in London. His leadership journey also includes serving as Finance Officer for both the Nigerian Students’ Association and the Foreign Students’ Association (Ghana Chapter), and as Editor for the Private Universities Students’ Association of Ghana.
Ajibola is involved in real estate in Nigeria, France,and Ghana.
Fluent in English, French, Yoruba, and Twi, Ajibola brings a multicultural perspective to his work and advocacy. He is deeply passionate about the advancement of foreigners living abroad, with a focus on helping individuals leverage their skills, networks, and opportunities to create lasting value within their communities and the broader society.
Ajibola enjoys travelling and learning about new cultures, borders, and people.
Praise is a dynamic and globally minded professional with four years of experience in the maritime industry. As a Vessel Optimization Analyst at CMA CGM, she plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of cargo across international trade routes — transforming data and strategy into real-world impact.
Her career journey has taken her from sales and customer success roles in Paris to the heart of global shipping operations, giving her a unique perspective that blends commercial acumen, analytical expertise, and operational excellence. Praise-El thrives at the intersection of people, performance, and purpose — driven by a passion for efficiency, collaboration, and continuous growth.
She holds a BSc in Human Resources Management from Covenant University, Nigeria, and an MSc in Business Analytics and Strategic Management from the Alliance Manchester Business School. Fluent in English and French, Praise-El brings a truly international outlook and a deep appreciation for diversity and innovation in business.
Whether she’s optimizing vessel operations or inspiring the next generation of global professionals, Praise-El is committed to making a difference — connecting insights to action and turning challenges into opportunities for progress.
Ifeanyi Nwadishi is a result driven IT Professional with extensive experience in IT Governance and Operations.
Having acquired over 10 years of experience in Information Technology in different business sectors such as Training and development for youths in ways that build their innovative and creative capacities , Insurance, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Software development etc.
Ifeanyi has developed and worked on projects with organizations like MindAfrica Leadership Initiative on IT empowerment and youth development for Teenagers and youths in underserved communities in South-South Region of Nigeria.
His passion for Innovation and love for Electronics prompt him to developing a Remote control for Fans(ventilators) in Nigeria. This idea was borne out of his passion for giving back to the community after an encounter with some physically challenged group of people in Nigeria. This initiative was what led to his being a board member and one of the creative minds of a Startup in Nigeria (Royallabs Technologies) that specialized in providing Electrical and Electronics solutions such as the Auto-Hydro gauge, Solar panels etc. He is also a founding member of a Tech Start-up SMAT(See my Africa Tech) in Nigeria where they develop software solutions and handle various IT related Projects.
Presently, Ifeanyi works as an Infrastructure Analyst with one of the biggest software development company in the World (ADOBE).
He enjoys playing football, Movies, Surfing the web for Latest technologies, creative thinking for new solutions, travelling with friends and acquiring new skills.
He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Information System Management from EPITA (Paris). He also has various IT certifications from Cisco, Microsoft and Comptia.
Victory is a communications and development professional with over 8 years of experience driving strategic communications, advocacy, and media engagement across corporate, humanitarian, and development sectors. His work spans agriculture, food systems, climate resilience, and livelihoods, where he has consistently elevated the visibility and impact of organisations through evidence-based storytelling, public relations, and thought leadership.
Victory currently serves as the Operations and Communications Manager (Nigeria) for Friends of Nigeria Europe (FoN. In this role, he coordinates operations and communication strategies in Nigeria, working closely with the leadership team in Europe to implement FoN’s flagship initiatives such as the Spotlight Nigeria Business & Investment Forum (Paris) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Awards (NIDA). These events have become premier platforms that connect policymakers, investors, and innovators from Africa and Europe to celebrate excellence, attract diaspora investments, and strengthen Nigeria’s global image.
Victory is known for his creativity and systems-thinking approach, merging strategic communication with social impact. He has designed and managed campaigns that highlight inclusive growth, gender equality, and resilience among smallholder farmers and displaced populations, working across diverse contexts and international donor frameworks.
An advocate for ethical storytelling and youth empowerment, Victory is also the founder of Jasi Cleaning Services, an eco-friendly cleaning and waste management enterprise based in Abuja, focused on sustainability, job creation, and environmental protection.
Victory is passionate about Africa’s transformation narrative. He continues to inspire through his writing and creative storytelling.