Connect with us

Personality in Focus

John Okelue Okpoli: Pacesetter, Pathfinder and Pioneering Expert

Published

on

By Eric Elezuo

The ultimate measure of a man, they say, is not where he stands in the moment of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy. The willing man is an achiever in whatever situation he finds himself. He don’t just achieve, he creates or rather pioneers a million ways to getting things done. There are however, very few men in the universe, who have worked extremely hard to create opportunities, even from nothing, carved out veritable future for not only themselves but also for generations to come. One of such men is Delta born finance and asset management guru, Okelue John Okpoli.

Fondly called The Pioneer, John Okpoli, who is reputed to have pioneered almost everything he is involved in today ranging from academics, career, family, associations and many more, was born into the family of Dr. (Sir) Felix and Lady Dorothy Uzor Okpoli on October 6, 1978.

He started at a very young age to exhibited the featues and qualities of a gifted child, becoming a pathfinder and pace setter for his mates, contemporaries and collegues both on the home and academic fronts. His leadership abilities threw themselves to the fore, and could not be extinguished as he nurtured it step by step through to the adult he is today.

Young John kicked off his academic journey very early in life when at the age of four, he enrolled at Delta Steel Primary School, Owvian Aladja Delta State in 1982. But owing to geographical relocation because his father was a civil servant, he continued and concluded his elementary education at Iyobosa Primary School, Benin City in 1988, and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate.

John started his secondary education at Greater Tomorrow Secondary School, Benin City in 1989, but moved to Lagos thereafter and attended Ikeja High School, Ikeja where he concluded his seconadary i education in 1994. He was at the end of the day, rewarded with the prestigious West African School Certificate as he ‘cleared’ his papers in a single sitting, and with notable grades.

His exploits while at Greater Tomorrow Secondary School Benin City created a leverage for him to become a member of the Interim Executive committee of the 1994 set later in life

In 1996, John Okpoli was admitted into the University of Benin with the 1995/96 set to study Mathematics and Economics. He graduated with B.Sc honours in 2000 as a high flyer.

Being a goal getter with unquenchable zeal to acquire and sustain, and one whose focus and attention to details is second to none, Okpoli undertook a Special Executive MBA Programme at the Metropolitan School Of Business and Management in 2013. He knew what the future was going to throw at him, and he was prepared.

Highly equipped to face the harsh business environment, Okpoli began turning things around, and practically became a builder, an apostle of some sort, creating firsts and pioneering strong financial business ventures, which have stood the test of time, and are still flourishing till date. In fact, Okpoli has the proverbial Midas touch to make things happen and turn anything to gold.

As the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fundvine Asset Management Ltd, Okpoli singlehanded pioneered the setting up of all the company’s subsidiaries. He didn’t stop there. When the cruise boat of job relocation took him to AT&A as the Chief Operating Officer, Okpoli again brought his wealth of experience to bear, creating new vistas and breaking barriers. It is not by accident that the firm is today a force to reckon with.

The pioneering achiever went ahead to work with Sasware, a Signal Alliance agency as Head of Operations, and his story has bordered on performance, capacity building and expansion. He is a go-getter in its simplest term.

It is worthy of note that under his watch, Fundvine Hathaway Asset Management Ltd, rebranded and rolled out new enticing products.

Hear him: “I think I owe everything that has happened to me, and still going to happen to me to God. He has been more than kind to me, releasing in me the right words and actions at the right time.

“My success stories of pioneering ability, expansionist approach and general achievements, have remained legendary, and I hardly fail. This is the zeal and call I take to any establishment I find myself for the service of mankind.”

Among many other pioneering activities of John include but not limited to being among the pioneer set of Mathematics and Economics department of the University of Benin. He went ahead to become the pioneer president or leader of distinct associations while on campus, including Project committee, UNIBEN Mathematics Class of 99 and Emerging Leaders Network (An Intiative Of Centre Of Leadership).

A very humble person, Okpoli gives credit to God for his ‘little’ efforts so far, and to his father, Felix Okpoli, who retired as a zonal General Manager with the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). The senior Okpoli was the first product of Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Ubulu Uku in Delta State.

In the same vein, his maternal grand father Reverend S. I. Nwabuoku was the pioneer/first Anglican priest in the Anioma part of Delta State just as his uncle, Ven. (Dr) I. E. Nwabuoku was the pioneer Chief Medical Director, University of Benin Medical Centre and Vicar General, Anglican Diocese, Benin City.

Basically, pioneering ability runs in the family. It is left to the imagination what a person of John Okpoli’s Calibre can do to an establishment or best still, a political institution. He is truly an asset; a much sought after one for that matter.

Okpoli, among many secular and formal endowments, is blessed with so many professional qualifications such as:

– Project Management Institute U.K 2011

– Nigerian Institute Of Management 2002

– Institute Of Credit Administration 2004

– Institute Of Cost Management 2002

– Economics Institute 2004

He may be a man about town, hovering from one boardroom to another, yet he is an accomplished family; a beloved and cherish husband to his beautiful wife, Oberhi Mary Okpoli, a prolific lawyer and Head of Chambers of Prince M.P Ohwovoriole (SAN) in Lagos.

Between John and Oberhi are wonderful children, who are steadily following the greater heights footsteps of their parents.

Congratulations John, you deserve our personality in focus honours

Continue Reading
Advertisement


Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Personality in Focus

NAOSNP Celebrates IGP Disu, Wife on 30th Wedding Anniversary

Published

on

The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) has extended warm congratulations to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on the occasion of his 30th wedding anniversary with his beautiful wife, Mrs. Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, describing the milestone as a reflection of the stability and discipline the IGP has brought to both his home and his office.

Mrs. Disu, who doubles as National President of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), the umbrella body for wives and spouses of police officers nationwide, has been a steady presence alongside her husband through a career that has spanned more than three decades of policing, culminating in his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the nation’s 23rd indigenous Inspector-General in February 2026.

In a statement signed by NAOSNP National President, Mayor Oki O. Samson, the Association described the union as “a partnership that has clearly shaped a man now trusted with the safety of over 200 million Nigerians,” adding that “thirty years of marriage is no small feat, and we join well-wishers across the country in celebrating the IGP and his amiable wife on this golden occasion.”

The Association noted that Mrs. Disu’s leadership of POWA has itself been an extension of her husband’s community-first approach to policing, with the association playing a quiet but consistent role in supporting the welfare of officers’ families across the Force. This is a mission that mirrors IGP Disu’s own emphasis on troop and personnel welfare since assumption of office.

Beyond the celebration, NAOSNP used the opportunity to reflect on what it described as the sterling contributions IGP Disu has made to President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing security architecture reforms in his first six months in office. The Association recalled that the IGP’s appointment came at a pivotal moment in the country’s history, as the Presidency pursued the most far-reaching restructuring of Nigeria’s security institutions since the Civil War. The reforms include the State Police bill now passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions, and the rollout of the Forest Guard corps.

“IGP Disu has actively complimented the reform agenda of Mr. President Tinubu,” Mayor Oki said. “From his welfare-driven leadership of the rank and file to his insistence on intelligence-led and community-rooted policing which were the same approach that made him a celebrated name at the Lagos RRS, he has shown that the Force under his watch is a willing and capable partner in Mr President’s vision for a secure Nigeria.”

NAOSNP also heaped praises on the IGP for the Force’s professional conduct during the just-concluded Osun State governorship election held on August 15, 2026. The Association noted that IGP Disu personally directed a massive security deployment led by DIG Ishyaku Mohammed to the State. The Police deployment included Police mobile units across all 30 local government areas, air and drone surveillance. The Police also engaged with civil society groups such as Yiaga Africa ahead of the poll to strengthen public trust in the process.

Despite isolated incidents, the election was widely adjudged as peaceful and credible, with candidates across party lines, INEC officials, media and residents commended the professionalism of Police officers on ground. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party was declared winner, defeating APC’s Bola Oyebamiji by over 66,000 votes, in a contest that many observers say passed a key credibility test ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Osun has once again proven that when the Police lead with professionalism and neutrality, Nigerians reward that conduct with confidence in the process,” Mayor Oki Samson stated.

NAOSNP concluded its statement by wishing IGP Disu and his wife many more years of marital bliss, and expressing confidence that the same discipline, patience and grace that has sustained their union will continue to guide his stewardship of the Nigeria Police Force in the months ahead.

Continue Reading

Personality in Focus

Abductors of Anambra Businessman Demand N1.5bn Ransom

Published

on

Gunmen who kidnapped the chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion for his release.

Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian businessman, was reportedly abducted in Anambra State about a week ago.

The kidnappers initially demanded N700 million from the businessman’s family.

Unofficial reports quoting an anonymous source said the kidnappers had established contact with the family after the abduction.

The source said the family accepted the initial N700 million demand as part of efforts to secure Ezeokafor’s release.

However, the kidnappers later increased the ransom to N1.5 billion.

The source said the family remains willing to negotiate with the abductors, but the kidnappers have allegedly stopped further communication.

The development has reportedly left the family in a difficult situation, as attempts to restore contact with the abductors have not yielded results.

Ezeokafor was kidnapped on Tuesday at about 2am after he reportedly left his home for a prayer ground as part of his annual spiritual rejuvenation.

He was said to have left his security details behind when he stepped out of his residence, which the kidnappers capitalized on, to abduct him.

One week after the incident, the police and the State government authorities have yet to make any official statement on the businessman’s abduction.

The Anambra State Police Command has also not publicly commented on the incident.

Continue Reading

Personality in Focus

Lessons from Dickem Farms: Two Decades of Pioneering Innovation in Nigeria’s Aquaculture Industry

Published

on

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

“Our philosophy has always been simple: innovation should solve real problems, create opportunities and improve livelihoods.”

Introduction

For over two decades, Dickem Farms has remained committed to transforming Nigeria’s aquaculture industry through innovation, technology, enterprise development and human capacity building. What began in 1999 as a vision to improve fish production has evolved into one of the country’s respected aquaculture enterprises, recognized for pioneering practical solutions that have strengthened fish farming and empowered the next generation of agripreneurs.

Dickem Farms was the first to introduce mobile fish ponds into the Nigerian market, making fish farming more flexible, affordable and accessible to investors and smallholder farmers. The company also pioneered the local production of a floating fish feed extruder that uses locally available materials, reducing dependence on imported technology while lowering production costs for fish farmers. In addition, Dickem Farms has invested in modern hatchery systems that produce healthy, high-quality fingerlings to support commercial fish production.

Our philosophy has always been simple: innovation should solve real problems, create opportunities and improve livelihoods.

Recent experiences and initiatives

To get more important information about the farm there were questions on the different aspects, starting with the experiences in the past five years. Let us glean from the horse’s mouth. According to the Managing Director, Godwin Emaketenemi, “Over the last five years, we have continued to strengthen our production systems for both catfish and tilapia. Our focus has been on improving fingerling quality, enhancing pond management practices and maintaining strict water-quality monitoring to maximise fish survival and productivity.

“We also introduced better feeding programmes and comprehensive record-keeping systems that enable us to monitor growth performance, feed conversion efficiency and mortality rates.

Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, we have adopted a disciplined strategy of scaling only after achieving consistent operational results.

“This measured approach has enabled Dickem Farms to build a resilient business capable of supplying quality fish and aquaculture services to customers in Lagos and across Nigeria.”

Overcoming challenges:

On the challenges faced and how they were overcome, he stated that: “Like every agricultural enterprise, we have encountered significant challenges. Rising feed costs, unreliable electricity supply and disease management remain major concerns within the aquaculture industry. Instead of allowing these obstacles to limit our growth, we viewed them as opportunities for innovation.

Producing our own quality fish feed has significantly reduced production costs while giving us greater control over feed quality and formulation. We have also improved water-management systems and operational planning to minimize the effects of power instability.

“At the farm level, stronger biosecurity measures, improved hygiene and proactive fish-health monitoring have substantially reduced disease outbreaks and production losses.”

Marketing strategies

With regards to marketing he explained that; “Production alone does not guarantee success; a reliable market is equally important. Dickem Farms has therefore, built long-term relationships with wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and institutional buyers. We grade our fish according to customer specifications and schedule harvesting to coincide with periods of stronger market demand.”

Training programs

Furthermore, with the focus on training he explained that: “Our reputation has been built on dependable supply, consistent quality and customer trust.

One of our proudest achievements is our investment in people. We believe that sustainable agriculture depends not only on technology but also on developing competent professionals and entrepreneurs.
Over the years, Dickem Farms has trained hundreds of staff, industrial attachment (IT) students, graduates and aspiring fish farmers in practical aquaculture.

“Our training covers hatchery management, pond construction and management, fish nutrition, water-quality management, fish-health monitoring, biosecurity and business record-keeping.

More importantly, we do not stop at training. We mentor young graduates and entrepreneurs, providing technical guidance and business support until they are confident enough to establish and successfully manage their own enterprises. Seeing former trainees become successful employers and business owners remains one of our greatest rewards.

“Continuous learning has also shaped our growth. Through partnerships with foreign organisations and technical visits to leading aquaculture companies, we have gained valuable knowledge in modern hatchery technology, fish-health management, production efficiency and operational excellence.”

Government ‘s support

Coming to the need for government’s support he beamed light on it this way:
“These experiences have strengthened our technical capacity and enabled us to transfer global best practices to Nigerian farmers.

Nigeria possesses enormous potential to become a leading aquaculture producer in Africa. However, unlocking that potential requires stronger collaboration between government and the private sector.
We recommend tax exemptions or significant tax incentives for fish farming and aquaculture value-chain businesses to encourage investment.

“Farmers also need affordable financing with realistic repayment terms, reliable access to quality fingerlings, improved energy support and stronger extension services that provide timely technical guidance on fish health and disease prevention. Organized marketing systems that connect producers directly with institutional buyers will further strengthen the industry’s competitiveness.”

Piece of advice to the younger generation:

His piece of advice to young people who might be interested to go into fish farming:
“To young people considering aquaculture as a career or business, my advice is straightforward: seek proper training and find a credible mentor. Fish farming is a science and a business that rewards discipline, knowledge and patience. Begin with manageable investments, keep accurate records, master water-quality management and learn from experienced practitioners before expanding.

“A good mentor can save years of costly mistakes and accelerate the journey to success.”

As the future beckons:

As for plans for the future he highlighted that: “Looking ahead, Dickem Farms will continue to invest in innovation, local technology development, commercial hatchery expansion, fish-feed production, modern aquaculture equipment and practical capacity building. Our ambition is not only to grow our business but also to contribute meaningfully to food security, employment creation and economic development.

Our long-term vision extends beyond Nigeria.

“We believe Africa possesses the resources, talent and entrepreneurial spirit to feed itself and compete globally. Through innovation, strategic partnerships and investment in people, Dickem Farms will continue to play its part in building a modern aquaculture industry that delivers prosperity for farmers, affordable nutrition for families and sustainable growth for the continent.

Our mission remains unwavering: to inspire a future where Africans feed Africa through innovation, enterprise and excellence in agriculture.”

These indeed, are brilliant submissions for us all to learn from now and always.

Continue Reading