Excellence is not an achieved by replicating the successful feats of people. It is defined by carving out your niche and owning up to it. Men of excellence are not known in their versatility of knowledge but in their exuberance of knowing the onions of a craft and how to cut them. These are the men are well sought after when a particular discourse arises because they are a maestro.
Over the years, Black people have been at the front burner of numerous achievements spring up in the world. Interestingly, Black men, generation by generation has been firing cylinders on every side to stay afloat success without being deterred by stereotypes, culture, and geography.
In this edition of Duke of the Month, we will be celebrating two distinguished personas that have plied their path through odds to achieve success in their respective endeavors.
Hakeem Muri-Okunola: A Distinguished Technocrat
Muri-Okunola entered the public sector following his appointment as the Company Secretary and Legal Adviser at Ibile Holdings Limited, The Investment Company of Lagos State Government, the role he was in till 2003. He further went to be appointed as Personal Assistant to the erstwhile Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In corroboration with his exploits as a man of innovation and strategy, Muri-Okunola has been relevant in the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, where he served as the Permanent Secretary. Under his leadership belt, he transformed the ministry by streamlining and strengthening the adoption processes in line with international best practices, thereby strengthening the Social Welfare Department.
Wole Arisekola: The People’s President
Wole Arisekola has over the years shouldered the burdens of many Nigerians as he finds it difficult to look away from the helpless poor and needy. In his words ” breaks my heart to see people suffer”—Wole Arisekola.
The Ireland-trained journalist is a hardworking and focus-driven man who takes his job with all measures of seriousness and agility. His businesses span many sectors of industries, especially the media, and are scattered around the globe from Dublin, New York, London, Abuja, and Lagos.
