Personality in Focus
PhD @61: Feel the Pain, But Never Stop – Dr. Bisi Oni
July 24, 2025 was a day of triumph, gratitude, and deep reflection as Dr. Bisi Oni walked across the stage to receive his doctoral hood during the 14th Doctoral Hooding Ceremony at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. But this was more than a personal milestone — it was the celebration of perseverance, purpose, and the power of vision.
At 61, many slow down. But for Dr. Oni, highly respected finance executive, motivational voice, and leader at FrontQuest opens up on purpose, pain, and pressing forward
In this exclusive interview with THERESA MOSES, he unpacks key issues in Nigeria’s economic development and the psychology behind market behaviour, his motivation for returning to academia, and the powerful role of resilience and faith in pushing through life’s toughest moments.
Dr. Oni, congratulations on this outstanding academic achievement. What motivated you to pursue a PhD at this stage of your life and career?
Dr. Bisi Oni: Thank you so much. For me, this was a long-held dream — one I carried since my undergraduate days back in the 1980s. But life happened. I had to prioritize family responsibilities and career progression first. Over the years, the hunger never left. I always told myself that when the time and space came, I’d return to fulfill that academic dream. And I did — not just for me, but to set an example for my children, mentees, and anyone who believes it’s too late to begin again.
Your thesis topic — “Global Shocks, Investor Sentiment and the Nigerian Stock Market” — seems timely and complex. What were your key findings?
Dr. Oni: One major revelation was the gap between theoretical assumptions and real-world behavior in the financial market. Theory teaches that investors should buy low and sell high. But in practice, what we observe is quite the opposite — investors often act based on sentiment, not logic. My research revealed the impact of herd mentality, where people buy into market rallies and panic-sell during downturns. This behavioural pattern leads to avoidable losses, and understanding it is key for market efficiency, investor education, and regulatory policy.
Given your vast industry experience, how has academia helped you understand Nigeria’s economic challenges differently?
Dr. Oni: Industry teaches action. Academia explains why. I call it bridging the gap between “town and gown.” Nigeria’s economy is plagued by structural issues — overreliance on oil, fiscal indiscipline, and weak productivity. What academia helped me see is that the solution isn’t rocket science. It’s rooted in creating real value. Nations that thrive do so by producing, not extracting. Agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing can transform Nigeria, but we must fix insecurity first and ensure continuity in economic policy beyond political cycles.
Security remains a major barrier to agricultural development. How should Nigeria tackle this?
Dr. Oni: The government has superior intelligence and resources. If we’re truly committed, we must act decisively. Take the politics out of economics. No ragtag militia should overpower a sovereign state. If agriculture is our priority, then we must secure farmland and protect farmers. We must invest where it matters — in human lives and food security. Countries like Israel and Turkey achieved agri-revolutions with less fertile land than Nigeria. What’s stopping us? Willpower and governance.
What’s your advice for financial institutions and organizations trying to drive innovation and risk management?
Dr. Oni: Change your mindset. In Nigeria, we default to excuses. We ask, “Why it won’t work,” before “How can we make it work?” That mindset kills innovation. I’m already planning my next learning phase — blockchain technology or artificial intelligence. Someone asked, “At your age?” I replied, “What has age got to do with learning?” If your mind stays open, possibilities are endless. Innovation, risk management, and growth begin with mindset reorientation. Above all, continuous learning keeps your brain sharp and improves your productivity.
You mentioned there were times you wanted to quit. What pulled you through?
Dr. Oni: Oh, many times! But my wife was my greatest encourager. She’d say, “You told us you were starting a PhD — what will you tell your children if you give up?” That stuck with me. I also remembered my “why.” For me, it wasn’t just about the degree. It was about the example I was setting. If at 58 I could start a PhD and graduate at 61, then nobody — not my kids, not my mentees — has an excuse not to grow.
You’re a natural motivator and teacher. Do you see yourself stepping into academia full-time?
Dr. Oni: (Smiles) Teaching flows through me — in church, at work, with mentees. I take pride not just in revenue targets, but in the number of professionals who’ve grown under my leadership. Academia is definitely on the table. If I can inspire the next generation and bridge the gap between theory and industry, then I’ll consider that a worthy second career.
You spoke of loss — your pastor, and even your beloved dog, Krypto. How did these moments shape this journey?
Dr. Oni: Deeply. Krypto, my daughter’s dog, would sit quietly with me during long study nights. She was a silent companion. Losing her during my PhD program was tough. My pastor also passed away shortly before this day. He believed in me. Their memory drives me. This journey is also for them.
Finally, what advice do you have for those balancing career, family, and education, and are on the verge of giving up?
Dr. Oni: Feel the pain, but never stop. Remember your why. Push through the darkness — that’s usually when the dawn is closest. Failure is just a number. Fall, but rise again. Don’t let the book remain unwritten, the exam left unpassed, or the dream die. There’s no vacuum in destiny. What you don’t do, someone else will. So get your hands dirty, and leave a mark. Let your story become a reference for others.
Personality in Focus
Eminent Gents Int’l Announces Philanthropist Abiodun Enilari Paseda As New President
By Eric Elezuo
The Eminent Gents International Club, an association of eminent gentlemen, who have proved their mettle in the society, and committed to lending a helping to the upliftment of the society, has announced Sir Abiodun Paseda as its new president.
Paseda takes over from Eminent Otunba Olumide Owoseni, who performed creditably well during his tenure in office.
The announcement was made following a keenly contested electoral process, where Paseda was elected unopposed. His election, according to a cross section of the club members, was made possible as a result of the confidence members reposed in him owing to his acknowledged discipline, focus and leadership abilities.
Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Eminent Barr. Taiwo Odumosu, commended members for the maturity, discipline, and commitment they demonstrated throughout the process, noting that despite minor challenges encountered, members conducted themselves in a manner that reflected the values and ideals upon which the Club was founded.
Immediate Past President Eminent Otunba Olumide Owoseni
Barr. Odumosu congratulated the newly elected officers and urged them to provide purposeful and inclusive leadership capable of strengthening the unity and growth of the Club.
Among members of the executive council, who will be working with Eminent Paseda are Eminent Barr. Oluwaseun Basorun, who was elected as the Vice President and Eminent Ariyo Abass, who won the General Secretary position.
Others are Eminent Ganiu Omotoso for the office of the Assistant General Secretary, Eminent Akinsanya Olaseni as Financial Secretary, Eminent Muyiwa Jayesimi as the Treasurer, Eminent Barrister Yomi Akodu as the Public Relations Officer and Eminent Segun Fetuga, who won the position of the Social Secetary.
Eminent Odumosu admonished the incoming administration to ensure that no member is left behind in the affairs of the Club, and to place the welfare of members at the forefront of its programmes and policies in order to continue to enhance the beautiful etiquette of the almost 20 years Club.
The Eminent Gents International Club was established in 2006 as a group saddled with the responsibility of catering for the less privileged, the needy and the have-nots of the society. The Club strongly believes in giving back to the society, with an overriding philosophy, which revolves around pooling skills, resources and experience to create a sustainable change, and improve the lives of those in need.
New Vice President Eminent Barrister Oluwaseun Bashorun
Consequently, the Club has prioritise engagements in targeted initiatives aimed at addressing critical issues affecting the needy cutting across food, heathcare, shelter, clothing and not forgetting empowerment.
In his acceptance speech, Eminent Paseda pledged to live up to expectations, and ensure that the founding principles of the Club is not derailed.
He congratulated his co-executive council members, urging everyone to give their best performance to ensure the success of the administration in particular, and the Club in general.
A distinguished Nigerian based in London, England, Paseda is the Chief Executive Officer, Focus on Disabilities (FOD) Foundation, a not for profit organization that is saddled with the responsibility of seeing to the wellbeing of those living with disabilities. The organization, founded in 2010, has supervised the provision of sundry humanitarian assistance to people living with disabilities across Nigeria and the African continent with special mention to England, his place of residence.
He is a stern believer in the lifting of the downtrodden in the society, and has been awarded the Humanitarian award by Ceebee Gold Foundation.
A recipient of the BEFFTA Award, Africa achiever Award, Scotland among many others, Paseda has since 2012 been distributing movement enhancing materials to the disabled across the continent. Some of these distributions include 60 wheel chairs and disability aids in Kano and Kaduna states in 2012; distribution of clutches, wheel chairs, food items among other things in Ogun state in March and September 2013. Ever since, the selfless giver has not looked back in supporting the less privileged with his resources. He runs an all-expense paid home for people living with disabilities in Odogbolu, Ogun State
Paseda’s humanitarian outreach stretches across Africa and the UK where he is reputed to have touched a lot of lives.
A new chapter in clinical leadership has commenced at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, with the appointment of renowned Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Olusola Adebisi, as the institution’s new Head of Clinical Services (HCS). He officially resumes duty today, Monday, June 15, 2026, following the expiration of the tenure of his predecessor, Dr. A.S. Adediran, whose stewardship contributed significantly to the advancement of clinical services within the tertiary healthcare institution.
The appointment, approved by the 7th Board of Management at its 6th Extraordinary Meeting held on June 8, 2026, is hailed as a strategic move that places one of the hospital’s most experienced clinicians and respected administrators at the helm of its clinical operations. With a distinguished career spanning renal medicine, healthcare leadership, organized medicine, and community service, Dr. Adebisi brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for excellence to the role.
Until his appointment, Dr. Adebisi served as Head of the Nephrology Unit at FMC Abeokuta, where he earned recognition as one of the leading authorities on kidney-related illnesses within the West African sub-region. A passionate advocate for preventive nephrology, he has spearheaded numerous community sensitization initiatives, including annual World Kidney Day campaigns aimed at promoting early detection and management of kidney disease. He has also mentored and supervised generations of resident doctors, medical officers, and specialized nephrology nurses, helping to sustain a culture of clinical excellence.
His leadership credentials extend beyond clinical practice. Dr. Adebisi previously served as Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), FMC Abeokuta Chapter, where he was instrumental in fostering professional harmony and academic advancement among consultants. He currently serves as Faculty Treasurer of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), a role that underscores his financial discipline, organizational trust, and administrative competence. His earlier engagements with the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) further enriched his understanding of Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Adebisi is actively involved in civic and community development. He currently serves as President of the Rotary Club in the Oke-Ona Egba District, championing humanitarian, maternal health, and community empowerment initiatives. He is also the Social Secretary of the Abeokuta Sports Club, contributing to social cohesion and cultural development within Ogun State.
A devout Christian and committed family man, Dr. Adebisi is widely respected for a leadership style rooted in integrity, compassion, and service. As Head of Clinical Services, he is expected to focus on strengthening patient-centred care, enhancing clinical research and residency training, improving interdepartmental collaboration, and promoting institutional harmony across all clinical cadres.
Speaking on his vision for the office, Dr. Adebisi emphasized the need for innovation, professionalism, and teamwork in healthcare delivery. “Our objective remains clear: to deliver compassionate, world-class, and accessible healthcare to our immediate community and beyond, fueled by clinical innovation, integrity, and absolute dedication to human life,” he said.
With his assumption of office today, stakeholders within and outside FMC Abeokuta express optimism that his blend of clinical expertise, administrative experience, and people-centred leadership will further strengthen the institution’s position as a leading centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, training, and research.
Personality in Focus
June 12: Tinubu Confers National Honours on Kolade-Otitoju, Dasuki, Okei-Odumakin, Others
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on several prominent pro-democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and retired military officers in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle and the historic June 12 movement.
The announcement was made during the President’s nationwide Democracy Day broadcast commemorating Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
According to President Tinubu, the awards are intended to immortalize the sacrifices of individuals who endured persecution, imprisonment, solitary confinement, harassment, and exile during the fight against military dictatorship and the struggle to actualize the June 12, 1993 presidential election mandate.
Tinubu Honours Democracy Heroes
The President emphasized that the honourees played critical roles in defending democratic values and laying the foundation for the civilian rule Nigeria enjoys today.
Among those recognized are veteran journalists, media executives, civil rights advocates, and leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), whose resistance to military rule helped shape the nation’s democratic journey.
Media and Civil Society Leaders Recognised
Notable recipients in the media and civil society category include:
* Gbemiga Ogunleye, former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ)
* Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Director of News at TVC News and veteran journalist
* Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, renowned human rights campaigner
* Chief Ayo Opadokun, NADECO chieftain
* Sam Omatseye
* Oladele Alake
* Olatunji Bello
* Louis Odion
* Tunde Fagbenle
* Richard Akinnola
* Debo Adeniran
The recognition highlights the pivotal role played by the media and civil society organizations in resisting authoritarian rule and advocating for democratic governance.
Retired Military Officers Honoured for Opposing Dictatorship
In what observers have described as a historic and groundbreaking move, President Tinubu also created a special category to honour military officers who worked from within the armed forces to challenge authoritarian rule and support democratic ideals.
The honoured retired officers include:
* Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd)
* Colonel Lawan Gwadabe (retd)
* Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe
* Major General Ishola Williams (retd)
* Major General M.A. Garba
* Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
The President noted that these officers risked their careers, personal freedom, and lives in pursuit of democratic governance during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent political periods.
Celebrating 27 Years of Democracy
The national honours ceremony forms part of activities marking Democracy Day, observed annually on June 12 in remembrance of the 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving democratic institutions, protecting civil liberties, and ensuring that the sacrifices of June 12 heroes remain permanently etched in Nigeria’s national memory.
The honours have been widely viewed as a significant step toward acknowledging the contributions of individuals and groups whose courage and resilience helped restore democratic rule and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
