Dr. Joe Madu

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Dr. Joe Madu is a highly accomplished economist and international business leader, with a distinguished career that spans across both the United States and Nigeria. He is an alumnus of the University of Massachusetts, Bryant University, and Cambridge College, where he obtained his degrees in business and economics.

Dr. Madu began his career as an investment banker with Prudential Bache Securities, a subsidiary of Prudential Insurance. His expertise and leadership quickly propelled him to the position of Regional Vice President at Wisconsin National Life Insurance Co., a Fortune 500 company, where he was responsible for operations across the northeastern United States, managing over 5,000 employees.

After returning to Nigeria, Dr. Madu served as a key member of the economic team responsible for setting up a new government in Imo State. In this role, he contributed significantly to the state’s economic strategies and governance. He also led COMZER Financial Insurance Corporation to become the largest minority-owned insurance and financial services company in Massachusetts before his return to Nigeria.

Currently, Dr. Madu is the Managing Director of ITC Worldwide Limited, an IT consulting and solutions company with a global presence in the USA, India, South America, and Nigeria. He also serves as the Principal Partner of Bridge Continental Advisory Group, an international economic development and infrastructure consulting firm based in Washington D.C. In this capacity, Dr. Madu advises various states and countries on economic development projects, helping to create substantial employment opportunities.

Additionally, Dr. Madu is the Chairman of Franklin Howard International Corporation in Houston, Texas, and holds several significant board affiliations, including Vice Chairman of African Safety Insurance Nigeria Ltd., Executive Director of Bank Blackwell (the first online Black bank in the USA), and Vice Chairman of the Greater Roxbury/Boston Chamber of Commerce. He is also a board member of the Independent Insurance Association of Massachusetts and Chairman of the Economic Development Committee WK.

Dr. Madu’s contributions to business and philanthropy have earned him numerous honors, including recognition by the City of Boston, Boston Private Bank, and the Greater Roxbury Chambers of Commerce. He has been named one of the most influential Black/minority individuals in Massachusetts in both 1995 and 1996, and is listed in “Who’s Who CEO’s of America” and “Who’s Who of the Business World” worldwide.

Dr. Joe Madu’s extensive experience and insights will contribute greatly to the discussions in honor of General Ibrahim Babangida.

Hajiya Mutia Ahmad

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Hajiya Mutia Ahmad is a distinguished legal expert specializing in technology law, data protection, and policy development. Her extensive academic and professional achievements highlight her profound expertise in these critical fields.

Hajiya Mutia holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Technology, Law, and Policy from Georgetown University Law Center, Washington DC. This prestigious degree has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding technology and its legal implications. Her academic journey also includes a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ghana, a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Bolton, UK, a Law degree (LLB) from the University of Ghana, a BL from the Ghana School of Law and an array of specialized legal training that underscores her commitment to advancing legal practice in the digital age.

Professionally, Hajiya Mutia during her time at the Georgetown University Law Center and couple of months thereafter, served at the District Department of Transport in Washington, D.C. In this role, she contributes to shaping transport-related policies and legal frameworks, focusing on legislative drafting, regulatory compliance, and legal research. Her responsibilities also include assisting with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and providing legal support in various adjudicatory proceedings.

Currently, Hajia Mutia is the Executive Director of AMB Technology Solutions Ltd and in addition to that, Hajiya Mutia serves as in-house counsel to a public institution in the transportation industry in Ghana. Here, she oversees legal and data protection issues, ensuring that the agency adheres to stringent privacy standards and regulatory compliance. Her work demonstrates her ability to integrate legal mandates with technological advancements, a crucial skill in today’s digital landscape.

Hajiya Mutia’s expertise extends beyond her professional roles. Her involvement in community service is evident in her contribution and role towards the establishment and management of the “Community Law and Economic Development Center” (COLEDEC) a not-for-profit organization established to make available free legal consultation and also assist vulnerable members of her community to achieve financial independence.

Hajiya Mutia Ahmad’s career is marked by a blend of academic excellence, professional expertise, and a steadfast commitment to advancing legal practice in the digital era. She is a member of the Ghana Bar Association and a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM).

Her role as a distinguished speaker at this noble virtual colloquium in honor of General Ibrahim Babangida underscores her influential position in the global legal community, and her contributions to policy development

 

General Haliru Akilu

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General Haliru Akilu (rtd), MA, psc, fss,mni, is a distinguished retired General of the Nigerian Army, celebrated for his extensive service and strategic contributions to Nigeria’s military history. His career, which began in 1967, reflects a series of significant leadership roles and tactical achievements.

General Akilu’s early military service included positions as Company Commander and Lieutenant and Adjutant of the 5 Battalion. His dedication was evident when he continued to serve as a Staff Officer in the Infantry Division (Rear) Headquarters despite being wounded during the Nigerian Civil War.

He held critical roles such as Captain/Aide-de-Camp to the General Officer Commanding, I Division, and Commanding Officer of the 146 Battalion, where he played a crucial role in quelling the Maitatsine religious riots in Kano in 1980. He further commanded the Direct Short Service Commission Wing at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

General Akilu played a significant role in shaping the Nigerian military’s governance and strategic direction during a critical period in the country’s history. From 1985 to 1989, he served as a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), where his influence and strategic expertise were pivotal. Beyond his role on the AFRC, General Akilu held several key positions within the Babangida administration. He first served as the Director of Military Intelligence (DMI), followed by his appointment as the Chief of Defense Intelligence (CDI), where he oversaw crucial national security and intelligence operations. Later, he became the Director-General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), further solidifying his impact on the country’s security landscape.

His educational background includes advanced training at prestigious institutions such as the Command and General Staff College in Pakistan, Kings College University of London, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Nigeria.

A close ally of General Ibrahim Babangida, General Akilu’s career and personal relationship with the former president add depth to his profile. His extensive experience and insights make him a valuable speaker and special guest at the Virtual Colloquium in honor of General Ibrahim Babangida.

Honorable Dr. Abdel Majeed Haroun

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Honorable Dr. Abdel Majeed Haroun is a distinguished agricultural economist and seasoned politician, with a career spanning over four decades in both academic and governmental roles. Born on May 12, 1952, Dr. Haroun is widely recognized for his contributions to agricultural development, economic policy, and public service in Ghana and beyond.

Dr. Haroun holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Development from Wye College, University of London (1992), where he also earned his M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics (1983). He completed his B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture at the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, in 1979. His academic excellence was recognized early in his career, as evidenced by his numerous academic awards, including the Commonwealth Postgraduate Fellowship for both his MSc and PhD studies and the DAAD Students’ Exchange Fellowship Award.
In academia, Dr. Haroun served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi and conducted significant research at institutions such as the Universität Hohenheim in Germany. His research has been pivotal in advancing agricultural practices, particularly in the Savannah ecological zones of West Africa.

Dr. Haroun’s political career is equally illustrious. He has held several key positions in the government of Ghana, including Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Deputy Minister of Mines. His leadership extended to chairing multiple steering committees on national projects, such as the Root Crops Development Project and the Mining Sector Support Project. Dr. Haroun also played a crucial role as a Special Private Advisor to the late Vice President Aliu Mahama, where he was instrumental in advising on economic policies, agricultural development, and international relations.

A pivotal political activist in Northern Ghana, Dr. Haroun has been a New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate in several parliamentary elections, demonstrating his deep commitment to the socio-economic development of the region. His role as CEO of the Northern Development Authority further highlights his dedication to advancing the welfare of Northern Ghana, covering a substantial 43% of the country’s landmass.

Dr. Haroun’s expertise in agricultural economics and policy analysis, combined with his experience in managing large-scale development projects, makes him a respected figure in both the academic and political spheres. His leadership and vision continue to influence agricultural and rural development across Africa. As a speaker at the virtual colloquium in honor of General Ibrahim Babangida, Dr. Haroun’s insights and experiences will undoubtedly enrich the discussions, particularly in the areas of development policy and economic transformation.

Her Excellency Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

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Her Excellency Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a renowned scientist, accomplished academic, and distinguished former President of Mauritius. Serving as the first female President of Mauritius from 2015 to 2018, Dr. Gurib-Fakim made history by breaking new ground in both political and scientific arenas. With a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Exeter University, she is celebrated for her pioneering research in the field of ethnobotany, focusing on the medicinal and nutritional properties of the plants of the Indian Ocean region.

Before her presidency, Dr. Gurib-Fakim held the position of Managing Director at the Centre for Phytotherapy Research (CEPHYR), where she spearheaded numerous projects that bridged traditional knowledge with modern science. She also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Mauritius, where she contributed significantly to the development of science and higher education in the region.

In her political career, Dr. Gurib-Fakim was not only a symbol of women’s empowerment but also a strong advocate for sustainable development, climate change action, and the advancement of education and innovation across Africa. She has been recognized with numerous international awards and honors, including the L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science, for her exceptional contributions to science and society.

Dr. Gurib-Fakim’s leadership, coupled with her deep commitment to social and environmental causes, has made her a globally respected figure. Her presence as Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker at the virtual colloquium in honor of General Ibrahim Babangida will undoubtedly bring invaluable insights and inspiration to the discussions.