Frederick Olukayode Apeji

“Indigenous Nigerian and African companies, irrespective of their size, must see planet Earth as one single space, and deliberately position themselves to play actively in this global market. Standard Bank Group and MTN Group of South Africa, Dangote Group, UBA Group and Access Bank of Nigeria, Ecobank Group of Togo, Ethiopian Airlines, Azalai Hotel Group of Mali, and a growing list of many others are sterling examples of this global competitive mindset (GCM).” FREDERICK APEJI

Born on December 17, 1965 and raised in Igarra, Edo State, Mr. Frederick Olukayode Onobere Sadare Apeji, 59 years, is an event management specialist with decades of experience in corporate communications practice. He is currently the Chairman/CEO of Alford Conferences Limited; and the Publisher of REVENUE Magazine, Tractors for Africa, and Abuja Metro. He also doubles as the Founding MD/CEO of the newly established Bendell Tractors Limited; and he is a member of the board of directors of Eli Business Support Services Limited, Frases Consulting Limited, Amfire Exhibitions Limited and Raphos Real Estate Limited.

Fred graduated in English Language from University of Maiduguri, Borno State in 1990. He also began a Masters in English program in University of Lagos in 1991/1992 (and plans to someday complete this unfinished business). Over the years, he has attended numerous executive education programs in Nigeria and abroad.

Post-graduation, Mr. Apeji has spent the last 34 years in the following jobs and missions: secondary school teaching, business journalism, press advertising sales, PR consulting, full-time Church ministry, and corporate communications practice. He was Head of Corporate Communications at the legacy Devcom Bank Limited, Head of Corporate Communications at the legacy NNB International Bank Plc, and Unit Head of Media and Communications at Unity Bank Plc (2003-2008). He left banking in 2008 to focus on his business career in event management and corporate communications consulting. Over the years, he has consulted on events, PR and branding for clients based in France, Ghana, Italy, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, UK, and USA.

Apeji has been a regular volunteer for various Church and other community programs from 1986 till date. He is a public speaker on various subjects and areas: internally generated revenue (IGR) amongst Nigerian states, financial intermediation for micro, mini and small business (especially in the agricultural space); agro-mechanization in Africa, tech in Africa, innovation and entrepreneurship, European/African business relations, globalization, good governance, etc. He speaks English, Etuno (his mother tongue), Yoruba and a little bit of Hausa. To feed his body, mind and soul, Fred plays chess and swims. He also hosts (together with his wife) an annual celebration devoted to Christian hymns.