The new year, which will dawn in a few days, has been widely described as a defining moment for Nigeria. From the critical decisions that must be taken to accelerate economic activities, to the choice of candidates, particularly the presidential candidates, by the two leading political parties in coming elections, and the interventions by some private sector leaders, THISDAY, as part of its projections on what 2022 may hold in stock, presents personalities that may have significant impact on the political and business environments, and in turn, shape events in the country.
The 22 individuals, which have been carefully selected, and what qualify them as those most likely to shape the new year are detailed in this report. In their chosen endeavour, either in business, politics or entertainment, they have shown uncommon dexterity and perseverance in the face of adversity and doubt. The list is by no means exhaustive or definitive, but it represents a guide to a year that holds, in unknown proportions, promise, danger and possibilities that are bound to shape the future of the country one way or another.
Buhari: A President Eager to Document His Achievements
In 2021, a normally reticent President Muhammadu Buhari, came out of his shell and was aggressive in his investment drive. Not even the threat still posed by COVID-19 could slow him down. This is expected to continue in 2022, as the president appears eager to document his achievements. Buhari is definitely among those that would shape events in the country in 2022. All eyes would be on him to see how he would deal with thorny issues in his final days, such as fuel subsidy removal, which is expected next year.
In the area of politics, Nigerians would also be watching to see the role Buhari would play in the choice of his successor. His body language towards the APC convention and other issues ahead of the next presidential election is closely watched. His support would be a critical factor in determining the direction of the party and the shape of the next general election. But with nothing really at stake for the president who is completing his second and final term, it remains to be seen if he would strongly back any aspirant.
In addition, Nigerians would be eager to see how the president would respond to the rising security challenges confronting the country.
Osinbajo: No More Hiding Place
With the increasing number of groups expressing support for the vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and urging him to join the 2023 presidential race, he is definitely going to be on the political radar next year. Osinbajo, even though he has not expressed interest in running for political office in 2023, comes across as someone, who wants to run for president, but is more likely to keep his cards close to his chest for now. His body language says as much.
However, in 2022, there will no longer be a hiding place for Osinbajo. All along it has been tales of people calling on him to run, even though there are allegations that his associates are the ones funding the various groups springing up to sell his candidature. Today, Osinbajo attends every ceremony – from birthdays and funerals, to wedding and chieftaincy coronations, among others – apparently to reinforce himself in the consciousness of Nigerians.
Indeed, there have been different groups urging him to throw his hat in the ring. One of such groups is the Osinbajo Grassroots Organisation (OGO), which visited a former military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, recently. IBB, at the meeting, said Nigeria needed a leader like the vice president to run the country at this time. Babangida said Osinbajo was someone he respected because of his good intentions for the country.
In 2022, it would be interesting to watch Osinbajo go toe-to-toe with his mentor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to actualise a quietly nursed ambition.
Tinubu: To Finally Make His Position Known
After playing a kind of hide and seek with the Nigerian public about his presidential ambition, there’s a high possibility that in 2022, Bola Ahmed Tinubu may formally declare his position, whether or not he is gunning for the plum job. The former Lagos State governor is presently consulting with different interest groups and individuals ahead of the 2023 elections, with his eyes allegedly on the exalted seat. With SWAGA, the acronym for “South-West Agenda for Asiwaju,” a group populated by Tinubu’s acolytes and yes men, touring the length and breadth of the country to sell his candidature, it is expected that more of such groups would spring up in 2022 as Tinubu is said to continue to strategise ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries. At the moment, he appears to be the front runner for the party’s ticket in terms of preparation and war chest. And he is not lacking in supporters who are ready to sing his praises. But in equal measure, he is disliked by many for his vast e, unexplained wealth and his politics of godfatherism.
Emefiele: Still Propagating His Made-in-Nigeria Dream
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, was, no doubt, one of the key personalities that shaped activities in the Nigerian economy this year. The stewardship of the advocate of domestic production at the apex bank is marked by unprecedented interventions in critical sectors of the economy with potential for high job creation. Efforts by the CBN governor to enhance credit flow to the private sector is particularly noteworthy, especially, in agriculture, through the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), which has revolutionised local rice production and created massive job opportunities for Nigerians. The CBN intervention in the power sector has also helped to stabilise the sector, which had almost been crippled by its legacy debts to the financial industry.
Emefiele helped to broker a deal, which had since kept the ship sailing, despite all odds, and guaranteed improved electricity supply to homes and businesses. The apex bank under Emefiele played a crucial role in ensuring that the economy exited two consecutive recessions through its intervention programmes in key sectors as well as boosting government’s spending to reflate the economy. In addition, this year, the central bank under Emefiele launched a Central Bank Digital Currency, the first in Africa, and the ‘100 to 100’ policy that focuses on job creation.
Going into 2022, the Emefiele-led CBN, in collaboration with the fiscal authority, would be critical in steering the economy towards accelerated growth.
Atiku: A Recurring Political Decimal
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar wants to run again for the presidency in 2023 and this would likely be made fully open in 2022. Atiku’s son, Adamu, had disclosed that his father would contest for president in 2023, even though he, too, is rumoured to have an ambition in 2023. Some people call him the serial presidential aspirant, but Atiku does not seem to care. He is simply interested in becoming the president of Nigeria.
Since his entry into politics in 1993, Atiku has unsuccessfully contested five times for the Office of President of Nigeria in the following order: 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019. Will he be sixth time lucky if he gets the PDP presidential nomination? Will the forces in the PDP support and allow him to contest the primary? All these will unfold in 2022. No doubt, Atiku has enough experience and some see him as the most suited to wrest power from APC. Above all, he is a good tactician.
Wigwe: Access Bank’s Aggressive Expansion Continues
Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Hebert Wigwe, who this year was involved in an aggressive expansion drive, is not likely to slow down in 2022. The bank is targeting expanding its footprints to 20 countries in Africa. From Nigeria to Rwanda, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, Zambia, among several others, Wigwe’s expansion drive has remained on the rise. A few days ago, the bank opened a new branch in Rivers State, in its bid to serve more customers in the country. In Africa, Access Bank under Wigwe’s leadership is positioning itself to tap from the opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
From a small bank in 2002, Wigwe, who took over from his close friend and business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, in 2014, has completely transformed the bank, which then was ranked 65th among 89 banks operating in the country.
Dangote: Ready to Rescue Nigeria from Fuel Importation
Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is among those expected to shape events next year. While products from his $2 billion granulated urea fertiliser plant hit the market this year, in 2022, his first private crude oil refinery is expected to commence operations in Nigeria. This refinery, expected to be a game changer for the country in 2022, would to be a major forex saver for the country. The Dangote Refinery is under construction in the outskirts of Lagos State, and when fully operational, the $7 billion investment would have the capacity to process about 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it the largest single-train refinery in the world. The refinery would significantly impact on the Nigerian economy, and it expected to end importation of refined petroleum products.
Otedola: A Critical Factor in First Bank’s Future
Billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Femi Otedola, became one of the personalities that shaped 2021, through his strategic investment in FBN Holdings. Presently, the billionaire is the single largest shareholder in the holding company with a total shareholding of 7.5 per cent and he is going to play a role in determining the future of First Bank, the leading subsidiary of FBN Holdings and an important bank in Nigeria.
Market analysts believe Otedola must have pumped a whopping N45 billion to attain the dominant position. But the Chairman of Geregu Energy Group has since debunked speculations that he is interested in holding a board position in FBN Holdings, First Bank or any of their subsidiaries.
This year, Otedola was also invited by the UK-based Save the Children to join the prestigious group of its Vice Presidents, in recognition of his philanthropic efforts to better the lives of thechildren in Nigeria. Save the Children is the second largest charity in the world, after UNICEF, and has Princess Anne as Patron since 2017, after serving as President since 1970.
Saraki: Not Giving Up on North Central’s Claim
A former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, strongly believes the North-central geopolitical zone has paid its due by working very hard to keep Nigeria together as one united entity and should be given the chance to lead the country. He also thinks he is the perfect man to lead Nigeria, when the tenure of the present All Progressives Congress (APC) government ends. The former Kwara State governor has announced his intention to run for the office of the president in 2023. Going by his disposition, Saraki is not going to back down as he seeks the support of people of his region and other PDP leaders towards realising his presidential ambition. He is widely considered qualified, competent and boasting the requisite capacity for the job..
Elumelu: Relentlessly Supporting African Entrepreneurs
Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Mr. Tony Elumelu, is expected to remain focused on building the next generation of entrepreneurs in Africa, which he says is his lifetime ambition. His goal is to impact lives and transform societies in Africa. Through his TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, a $100 million commitment to empower 10,000 African entrepreneurs, he intends to the continent better than he met them. Elumelu is driven by his philosophy of Africapitalism, through which he wants to see the private sector play its role in the economic development of the continent. In 2022, he is expected to continue to promote the development of young African entrepreneurs.
Ayu: A Leadership on Trial
The leadership skills of the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Iyiorcha Ayu, would be tested in 2022. How Ayu would be able to manage the different tendencies in the party and keep them together would determine if his name would be in the PDP hall of fame or infamy. He has started well by identifying APC’s alleged failures and promising to rescue Nigeria from the ruling party. He has continued to remind Nigerians what he terms the good days under the PDP government and also how the APC has allegedly destroyed the country. Ayu has also cited the rising security challenge as one of the reasons the APC should not be allowed to lead the country beyond 2023. He has given himself a target of winning about 25 states in 2023, which sounds like a tall ambition. But the main task for him next year would be to manage the big egos in PDP, especially, some of the governors.
Ahmed: Driving the Nation’s Economic Direction
Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, will play a critical role in shaping the direction of the Nigerian economy in 2022. Nigeria recently launched a five-year National Development Plan (NDP), a replacement to the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which expired in December 2020. The country requires an investment size of N348.1 trillion to achieve the targets set out in the NDP from 2021 to 2025. The projected investment portfolio would be contributed by the government, which would source 14.3 per cent (N49.7 trillion) of the amount, while the balance of 85.7 per cent (N298.3 trillion) would come from the private sector.
The overall target of the plan is to achieve a broad-based real GDP growth rate of five per cent on the average during the period; generate 21 million full-time jobs; and through an inclusive growth, lift 35 million people out of poverty. The finance minister will be expected to drive the process of actualising some of the set goals in the plan before the end of the present administration.
Buni: Live or Die…APC in His Hands
National Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Committee of APC under the leadership of Hon. Mai Mala Buni, who is also the governor of Yobe State, must conduct the national convention for party as soon as possible. Presently, there are several power blocs in APC reportedly battling for the soul of the party ahead of the February 18, 2023 presidential election. Some aggrieved party leaders, believed to have an axe to grind with Buni, have been pushing for the convention to take place. Of course, the outcome of the national convention, which has been tentatively fixed for February next year, will determine the fate of the party. What this means, therefore, is that the fate of the ruling party is in the hands of Buni.
Davido: Taking Philanthropy to Another Level
David Adeleke, whose stage name is Davido, made news towards the end of 2021 following his N250 million donation to orphanages across the country during his birthday celebration. The award-winning singer has since set up a five-man committee to supervise the disbursement of the fund. Nigerians would be expecting to see how the committee would distribute the money. In addition, Nigerians would be looking forward to more releases by the award-winning musician in the new year.
Fayemi: Eyes on the Ball
Many believe the Ekiti State governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also has his eyes on the presidency. But he is said to be keeping his cards close to his chest because of the forthcoming governorship election in his state, which holds in June next year. For Fayemi, who would be completing his second term in the new year, the first battle next year would be to ensure that his party wins the governorship election. He has his eyes on the ball; yet, all eyes are on him.
Wike: One-man Political Squad
Arguably the most influential governor in the country today, by the time 2022 would be winding down, the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, will just be months away from completing an eventful eight-year tenure. Wike has largely determined the direction the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been going since it lost the general election of 2015. He saw to the exit of erstwhile National Chairman, Uche Secondus, earlier in the year.
In 2022, it is not likely PDP will want to take any step without Wike’s input. He is one of those to watch in the new year. Even his opponents cannot deny that.
Wizkid: A Consistently Rising Star
Recently, while performing during a live show, a fan grabbed the legs of Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, and it took the intervention of security guards around the stage to rescue him. This young musician remains one of the most influential entertainment icons on the continent in 2021, and 2022 won’t be different.
This year, he made history when he edged out Drake to win Mobo Awards. He also made history as the most awarded African act after winning the Best International Act and Best African Act awards. His “Essence”, which featured Justin Bieber and Tems, crossed genre lines to top Billboard’s R&B, hip-hop, rhythmic and world charts. Coming up on the one-year anniversary of its release, it reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and became the first song with lyrics in Nigeria’s Yorùbá language to debut on the Global 200 chart, with 269 million on-demand global streams, according to MRC Data,
In 2019, producer P2J, a frequent collaborator of both Wizkid and Beyoncé, recruited the Nigerian superstar for Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” (also featuring young Blue Ivy Carter and SAINt JHN) from The Lion King: The Gift. Both songs yielded Grammy attention for Wizkid: a nomination for album of the year as part of Drake’s Views and a win for best music video for the latter.
The year 2022 is not expected to be different for Wizkid.
Burna Boy: Mummy’s Boy, Music’s Gem
With his mother as his indisputable role model, 2021 has been good to Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, commonly known as Burna Boy. He made remarkable progress as a musician this year and, no doubt, he lived up to his title of African Giant. He won the Best International Act Award this year and also his album, Twice as Tall, won a Grammy, the Best Global Music Album in 2021.
He is a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter. He is one of the biggest and most successful African artists. Burna Boy became the first African artiste to bag three nominations consecutively, having won the BET Award in 2019, 2020 and now in 2021.
The year 2022 will surely see the award-winning artist maintain his rising profile.
Tambuwal: Never Say Die
Ordinarily, the security challenges faced by Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum should be enough to make his name fizzle out from the list of those to watch out for in 2022. But that won’t be the case. Within his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he remains one of the most influential members and it is not a coincidence that his name keeps propping up as the likely presidential candidate of the PDP in 2023 should the party zone it to the North.
A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, security challenges or not, he remains one of those to watch out for in 2022.
Mele Kyari: Leading the Transformation of the Oil and Gas
The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, who is moving the corporation on a trajectory of achieving global excellence is one of those that would define the direction for Nigeria’s economy in 2022. With the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which has been described as a game-changer for the industry, the NNPC would be expected to drive the process of transforming the nation’s petroleum industry into a hub of business opportunities. The Act is also expected to attract huge capital globally into the country’s oil sector, strengthen cost recovery and ensure decent returns on investment. It is also expected that Kyari, who has been in the forefront of transforming the oil and gas industry would ride on the new legislation to promote good governance in the oil and gas sector in tandem with the international best practices. However, one thorny issue that he would be confronted with this year is how he would manage issues around the proposed fuel subsidy removal. He has shown his clear disdain for its retention and preached repeatedly that subsidy is not benefiting the poor, which he insists, negates the purpose. In 2022 when the subsidy on petrol is expected to be removed, his negotiating skills will be tested like never before for the simple reason that Labour is recalcitrant about its opposition to subsidy removal
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji: The Power of Tech and Innovation
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji co-founded two successful fintech startups in Africa before launching Flutterwave in 2017. With $15.7 million in funding, the payments company is empowering Pan-African merchants to execute business on global scale, processing $1.2 billion in transactions so far. Aboyeji’s previous startup Andela, gained attention when the venture received $24 million in funding from Mark Zuckerberg.
In 2021, Flutterwave started the year by securing a $170 million deal in the first quarter. New York-based private investment firm Avenir Growth Capital and US hedge fund and investment firm Tiger Global led the Series C round. New and existing investors who participated include DST Global, Early Capital Berrywood, Green Visor Capital, Greycroft Capital, Insight Partners, Salesforce Ventures, Tiger Management, Worldpay FIS and 9yards Capital. The Series C round came a year after Flutterwave had closed its $35 million Series B and $20 million Series A in 2018. The company helps businesses build customisable payments applications through its APIs.
Shola Akinlade: Expanding the Frontiers Beyond Africa
Akinlade is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Paystack, a fintech company. The company provides modern online and offline payments services for users across the continent. It was founded in 2015 and was acquired by Stripe in 2020 for over $200 million in what was then described as one of the biggest exits in the African tech space. Paystack currently services more than 60,000 businesses and millions of individuals scored 27.5 for ingenious storytelling, 28.5 for brand tribe and 31 for brand experience thus ranking it at Number 8 with a total of 87 points. But despite the acquisition, Paystack has continued to operate independently. Stripe had estimated that the African internet economy was expanding quickly, with online commerce in the region growing at 21 per cent year-over-year, which was said to be 75 per cent faster than the global average. Akinlade believes that with the right tools, African creators, developers, and entrepreneurs would be able to do incredible things.
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