Business
Africa’s Future Depends on Strategic Leadership and Infrastructure” – Odetola Declares at Olin Africa Business Forum
Joel Ajayi
Rising Nigerian policy strategist and youth advocate, Abiola Odetola, has called for a fundamental rethink of governance models and infrastructure development across Africa.
Speaking at the Olin Africa Business Forum 2025, hosted by Washington University in St. Louis, Odetola emphasized that Africa’s long-term economic and social sustainability depends on bold governance reforms that prioritize innovation, inclusion, and strategic infrastructure investments.
The two-day forum, themed “Redefining Africa’s Business Narrative: Thriving Beyond Borders with Sustainable Businesses,” brought together top African professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore key areas such as technology, health, business, and governance. Over the years, the forum has hosted former Presidents, top business executives, and Ambassadors, making it a major platform for shaping Africa’s economic and governance future.
During the Policy & Governance panel, which featured Grace Musoro, CEO of Aquiantz Consulting, and Segun Babalola, Founder/Advisor at the African Chambers of Commerce, Odetola highlighted the transformative power of infrastructure investments. He pointed to Nigeria’s ongoing Coastal Road construction project as a model for how deliberate infrastructure development can unlock economic potential, create jobs, and promote regional trade.
“We cannot build a thriving Africa without a solid infrastructure backbone. The Nigerian government’s Coastal Road project is a demonstration of how deliberate investments in road networks can enhance connectivity, boost commerce, and open up economic opportunities for millions. If replicated across the continent with proper governance oversight, such projects can be a game-changer for Africa’s development,” he stated.
Odetola also used the forum as a platform to challenge graduating MBA students of African descent at Washington University’s Olin Business School to actively contribute to Africa’s development. He urged them to leverage their knowledge, expertise, and networks to drive transformation on the continent.
“Africa’s development will not be a sudden miracle; it will be the result of conscious, strategic input from its best minds, especially in political leadership. If we do not intentionally prepare and position young leaders, we will keep recycling old governance models that no longer serve our future. I challenge every African graduate from institutions like Washington University to find ways to give back, invest in Africa, and shape the policies that will define our continent’s next century,” Odetola declared.
The forum also featured high-profile speakers, including Austin Okere, CEO of CWG PLC; Olusola Amusan, CEO of Vesti; Jimi Tewe, CEO of Jimi Tewe LLC; and Afua Appea, Director of Product Management at Mastercard. The keynote address was delivered by Mojisola Fashola, CEO of Salt Advisory and MD/General Counsel at Kuramo Capital Management.
The Olin Africa Business Forum 2025 once again proved to be a pivotal platform for driving conversations that shape Africa’s business, technology, and governance landscape. With young, dynamic voices like Odetola championing innovative governance and sustainable infrastructure, the forum underscored the urgent need for African leaders to embrace forward-thinking policies that ensure long-term prosperity for the continent.
Business
Court Orders Arrest Of Wike-led FCTA Director, 10 Others
By Aliyu Galadima
An Abuja High Court has issued a bench warrant against the director of investigation and prosecution of the FCTA, Joseph Eriki, and 10 others.Justice Suleiman Belgore has issued an order to compel the director and others to appear before the court for a suit filed against them.
The Judge’s decision followed the application of the prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, who lamented the failure of the efforts to ensure that the suspects appear in court.
Justice Suleiman Belgore of the High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant of arrest against Joseph Eriki, the director of investigation and prosecution of the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration ,FCTA, and 10 others.
The judge had issued the order to compel the appearance of Joseph Eriki and 10 others before the court, as they had been arraigned in a suit filed against them by the federal government.
The warrant was issued following an application by the prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, who stated that all efforts to ensure the suspects’ presence in court had failed. Kaswe informed the court that the prosecution had made several attempts to notify the suspects’ lawyers and sureties, but to no avail.
He cited Section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act ,ACJA, which allows for the issuance of a bench warrant to compel attendance in court.
The court agreed to the application, issuing the warrant to ensure the suspects’ appearance for arraignment on a six-count charge. The charges against the suspects include criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, forgery, and using a forged document as genuine.
They are also accused of using criminal force to deter a public servant from performing their duty. The suspects allegedly entered a plot of land belonging to Etha Ventures and constructed structures without authorisation, to defraud the company.
According to the prosecution, the suspects fraudulently obtained a consent judgment for the land, which was given to Super Structures Limited. The case has been adjourned until June 4 for arraignment.
The court’s decision to issue a bench warrant highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the need for the suspects to face trial. The suspects are facing a six-count charge, which was filed in February.
The court’s ruling emphasises the importance of a speedy trial and the need for the suspects to be held accountable for their actions.
With the bench warrant in place, the court is taking steps to ensure that the suspects appear in court and face the charges against them
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