NIDO NIDO R E G I O N. November 15, 2014 PROFESSIONAL DINNER. Connecting Professionals in Calgary to maximize potentials for a brighter future

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1 NIDO PROFESSIONAL DINNER Connecting Professionals in Calgary to maximize potentials for a brighter future Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation NIDO

2 Evening Program Contents Executive Team NIDOA Secretariat s Letter President s Address Areas of Focus Mr. WaLe Balogun - Speaker Dr. Kenny Adegbesen - Speaker Mr. Lindsay Blackett - Speaker Mr. James Dale - Speaker Dr. Julius Ogunnariwo - Success Story Mr. Femi Ajayi - Success Story Dr. Adebayo Olowe - Success Story Mr. Kenny Thompson - Success Story Mr. Duke Okoro - Success Story Mrs. Regina Oluwadario -Success Story Mrs. Adebola Esan- Success Story Event Sponsors & Advertisers 2015 NIDOA EVENTS 2015 Calendar

3 Executive Team President Tope Esan (M.Sc., M.Tech., P.Eng,, PMP) A Professional Engineer with about 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and currently working in TransCanada Pipelines as the Manager, Strategy and Planning, Liquid Operations. Secretary Duke Okoro (PhD, FCSN, P.Chem, EP) Principal Consultant at Dukoria International Limited. He holds a PhD degree in Environmental Analytical Chemistry from the University of Benin in Vice President Chidinma B. Thompson (Ph.D, LLM, LLB, B.L) A Barrister and Solicitor at Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) Calgary with over 10 years practice experience. Assistant Secretary Ogeh Cynthia Onuzulike-Chizoba (B.Sc) A motivational speaker, a brand and image specialist, an activist, and a business woman. She has B.Sc in Banking and Finance from Universityof Benin. Treasurer Segun Arokoyo (M Eng. PMP.) A Project Manager with the Pipeline Integrity Project Management department. Segun holds a Master of Engineering degree in Engineering Management from University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Financial Secretary Uche Obeta (M.Sc, FCA) A Chartered Accountant with over 28 years of professional industry experience. He is currently the Managing Partner at Beta Consultants Inc, Calgary Social Secretary Chino Onwuka (BCOMM) A recent graduate from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary with a degree in Finance and currently working as Commercial Contracts Analyst at TransCanada Energy. Public Relations Officer Uche Ebizie (M.A.Sc) Currently an accomplished Project Engineer with Facilities Projects at TransCanada Pipelines. Ex-officior Wale Onabadejo (PGD, M.Eng, P.Geol) A professional geologist with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and he currently works with Shell Canada as project manager. Provost John Owolagba (M.A.Sc., P. Eng., PMP.) A Professional Engineer with 10+ years' experience in civil, oil and gas pipeline/gas petrochemical facilities and currently with TransCanada in the Pipeline Integrity Project Management department. 3 4

4 Board of Directors Region 1 Dr. Akin Awofolaju - Comm. Affairs Director Hon. Innocent Okemezie Regional Director Region 2 Mr. Samuel Adewusi Esq. Regional Director Rev. Emmanuel Igwe - Treasurer Region 3 Chief Gabe Okoye - Chairman Mr. Gabriel George Public Relations Officer Region 4 Dr. Sandra Dafiaghor- Vice Chairperson Mr. Adedayo Adeniyi - Financial Secretary Region 5 Nze Chinasa Madumere Regional Director Dr. Joy Egbunike - Regional Director Region 6 Dr. Reginald Obiamalu - Events Director Dr. Babatunde Jinadu - Asst. Secretary Region Dr. Sam Afolayan - General. Secretary Chief Tunde Olagundoye Regional Director Region 8 Pastor Dan Husaini Regional Director Mr. Domingo Bamidele - Regional Director Legal Adviser Mr. Mike Essien, Esq. At Large Members Prof. Hauwa Ibrahim Dr. Mohammed Ladan Prof. Chris Igodan NIDOA Secretariat Letter Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation 4401-A Connecticut Ave, NW, #359, Washington DC Dear Chapter President: NIDO Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation The Board of Directors of NIDO Americas (NIDOA) congratulates our Calgary Chapter on the celebration of its second Professional Dinner. As well, consider this letter as an endorsement of its active role and dynamism in assisting its members to fulfill the objectives of NIDO through providing the essential environment for the development of the vast human and intellectual capital available within the Nigerian Diaspora community in Calgary for their self- improvement and for building positive change in their motherland Nigeria. Please be reassured that the Board of NIDO Americas is always available to support all its chapters in the fulfilment of its goals. This includes assisting and working with chapters like yours to provide the needed educational and mentoring support to the Nigerian professional community, either as an organization or in collaboration with other local Nigerian Diaspora community associations. The Board is proud to have a chapter like yours in its fold. You have, by your actions, shown the entire Calgary community the real meaning of the word TEAM. Once again, we congratulate your chapter for its strategic and visionary approach to implementing necessary educational and networking programs geared toward the advancement of the careers and community standings of Nigerian professionals in the Calgary area. The Board applauds and supports the giant strides that the Calgary Chapter has taken in these regard. As the umbrella organization for all Diaspora Nigerians in the Americas, NIDO Americas commits to working with chapters like yours toward the achievement of the ideals for which it was formed. Long Live NIDO Americas, Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Chief Gabe Okoye Chairman, NIDOA Board of Directors Tel.: For general inquiries please contact NIDO Office at (202) ext.1045 Sincerely, Dr. Sam Afolayon Secretary, NIDOA Board of Directors Tel.: Nigerian Embassy 3519 International Court, NW Washington DC

5 President s Address I want to welcome you all to the Professional Dinner organized by Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas (NIDOA) Calgary Chapter. NIDOA is the umbrella organization for all Nigerian professionals in the Americas hemisphere, with a mission to promote the spirit of patriotism, networking and cooperation among Nigerians in the Diaspora for our individual and collective success in the countries of the Americas where we reside, and to mobilize the vast resources of manpower and machinery toward building a greater Nigeria. NIDO Americas - Canada, Calgary Chapter ( NIDO Calgary ) is our local chapter of NIDO Americas. This is the first major event of this current executive and we hope to build on the success of today. Today's forum is one of the numerous ways we believe we connect as professionals for a brighter future. We have seen what other Diasporas like the Chinese, Indians, Israelis, etc. have achieved in the country they reside and ultimately the difference they make in their home country. I know that we as Nigerian Professionals can equally do well if we mobilize the vast manpower and brainpower toward building something greater than us as individuals in Calgary and eventually a greater Nigeria. I am happy to have the current set of executive who are dedicated, selfless and dynamic to execute the vision, missions and objectives of NIDO Calgary Chapter among our local professionals, for the greater good of Nigerians in Calgary. The new EXCO has developed a strategic plan for which at its core is the enhancement of the Nigerian professionals in Calgary through supportive programs such as career coaching and mentorship, active marketing of professional skills, and knowledge sharing. The new EXCO aims at advancing the respect Nigerian professionals command in the Calgary workforce and the society at large, which will in turn spiral into influencing positive policy changes in Nigeria. I encourage you all to become part of this team that will do things differently and uniquely to support, develop and encourage all Nigerians in Calgary to maximize their potentials in their professional career. We will be guided by our core values of transparency, communication, support, collaboration and network building. Rome was not built in a day and we hope we can lay a solid foundation for the upcoming generation to continue to build upon. In conclusion, self-actualization can only be realized when you continually impact peoples' lives positively. Let us come together to use the power of collaboration and networking to support one another for a brighter and better future. Long Live NIDOA Calgary Chapter, Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Long Live Canada. Thank You and God Bless. Temitope (Tope) Adegboyega Esan, M.Sc., M.Tech., P.Eng., PMP President, Nigerians in Diaspora OrganizationAmericas (NIDOA) Calgary Chapter 8

6 Areas of Focus

7 SPEAKERS Bio: Mr. WaLe Balogun WaLe won the 2012 Financial Planner of the Year award for his region as well as four other awards including the Bamboo Tree Award which reflects the highest growth from one year to the next and is based off new business. WaLe has been with Investors Group for years, following a 16 year career in the oil and gas industry as an engineer. His passion for building and preserving wealth drove him to obtain two graduate business degrees in between. WaLe has extensive knowledge of the markets, investor psychology and risk management. He has been recognized 4 years in a row as the #1 Business Leader in his region amongst consultants of less than 4 years tenure. He has won the Investors Group National Pillar Award for 2 years in a row. This places him in a top producing band of approximately 5,000 consultants nationwide. He was recently recognized as one of Investors Group's top 10 consultants in the Alberta area. proud independent event sponsor wale@walebalogun.com Bio: Dr. Kenny Adegbesan Kenny is the President/CEO of KADE Technologies1995 Inc. He is a dedicated petroleum reservoir engineer with over 30 years of experience in the Alberta oil and gas industry. He has extensive technical knowledge and experience in the in-situ recovery of conventional oil & gas, heavy oil and oil sands. Kenny has served as Expert Witness for oil & gas producing companies at Alberta Energy Regulators Hearing and Inquiries, a number of times. Prior to founding KADE Technologies Inc in 1994, he was a senior development engineer at Imperial Oil, and reservoir engineering section head at Texaco Canada. From , he was an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary. He has also trained petroleum engineers worldwide in courses on reservoir engineering and horizontal well technologies. He obtained his B.S.ChE (New Brunswick, 195), M.Eng (McMaster 19) and Ph.D. (Calgary, 1982). Street Address: Suite 1450, 0-th Ave SW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3H6 Tel: Cell: Fax: KADE@KADEINC.COM Mailing Address: PO BOX 2240, RPO BANKERS HALL Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 5G

8 SPEAKERS Bio: Mr. Lindsay Blackett Lindsay Blackett is currently Principal for Lindsay Blackett Consulting Inc. which provides Marketing, Strategy and Execution. Mr. Blackett is a former Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-North West from March, 2008 till April He was the Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices in addition to serving as a member of the following: Operations Committee Cabinet Policy Committee on Public Health & Safety Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Committee Public Health and Safety Cabinet Policy Committee He served as the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit form March 2008 to October Mr. Blackett oversaw a Ministry of 550 employees and an annual budget of approximately 25 Million dollars. Mr. Blackett brought forward The Alberta Human Rights and Multiculturalism Act in 2009 and established Alberta Arts Days in 2008 and helped launch Canada Culture Days in Mr. Blackett is an avid volunteer and is active in his community. In addition to coaching soccer and hockey he had been a volunteer with various associations. From 199 to 1982 Mr. Blackett attended Carleton University in the bachelor of arts program. Bio: Mr. James Dale James Dale leads and trains for B.E.S.T Mindset Groups Calgary - a group for entrepreneurs specially designed to assist business owners with growing their profit to at least $5,000 - $10,000 a month. As part of Colin Sprake's MYM system, members meet every two weeks to set goals, hold each other accountable, be educated and share ideas & solutions with like-minded entrepreneurs. James is also an entrepreneur who has ran small and multi-million dollar businesses and is a real estate investor. Connecting Professionals in Calgary to maximize potentials for a brighter future

9 SUCCESS STORIES Bio: Dr. Julius Ogunnariwo Julius Ogunnariwo holds a PhD degree in Medical Microbiology in 1988 in a joint PhD programme at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and University of Calgary. For 25 years in a career that started in London England (BSc Hons,) through Nigeria (MSc.) and ended in Canada, he was engaged in Research and Teaching and mentored several undergraduates and graduate students. He is well published and cited in several International Scientific Journals and Literature, in his field. After 12 years of a well accomplished career at the University of Calgary, he took an early retirement from Academics, to pursue his other passion - business! In year 2000, he went into real estate in Calgary, Canada. After obtaining the requisite training and qualification to trade as a Real Estate Specialist, he joined Realty Executives, Chinook City Calgary, briefly, before moving on to join the biggest Franchise in the industry world wide, REMAX. Specifically, he joined REMAX Real Estate Central, Calgary (The #1 REMAX Office, Worldwide for the last 15years!). Since joining REMAX Central 15years ago, he has remained a top producer in this highly competitive office of over 300 agents. He has won one Top ProducerAward or the other, every year, till present, including: 1. REMAX President's Award 2. REMAX 100% CLUBAward 3. REMAX PLATINUM CLUB Award 4. MILLION DOLLAR CLUB, Calgary Real Estate Board, REMAX HALL OF FAME Inductee, TOP 100 REMAX AGENTS IN WESTERN CANADA(September 2013) Dr. Ogunnariwo is well respected for his integrity, dependability and honesty by his peers at the University of Calgary, at REMAX Real Estate (Central), Calgary and outside his business community. He has been a cheerful donor and volunteer in many capacities in the city of Calgary. Former President ( ), the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC) Former Vice President, African-Caribbean Council of Calgary Former Committee Member, Calgary Police /Calgary Community Interaction Group Member, Canada Day Celebrations Planning Committee ( ) His success in his new career is partly due to his innovative Team approach as the new way of doing the real estate business. Bio: Mr. Femi Ajayi Femi founded BAFCON Inc in 2009 to provide specialized accounting services relating to International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) to meet the need of Canadian public enterprises looking to complying with IFRS. The company has since evolved to providing full spectrum of taxation services including book keeping personal and corporate tax filing, tax and estate planning, compilation engagement services, trust establishment and management. In addition, BACFCON offers tutoring services for both classroom and one-on-one levels through BAFCON Tutors platform. We pride ourselves to help students overcome their academic difficulties with the help of our experienced and dedicated tutors. Femi is an entrepreneur at heart and in deeds who believes in creating synergy and value through innovation and collaboration. He has pioneered together with other like minds, two investment clubs in Nigeria and Canada respectively. He is an accomplished Chartered Accountant and a member of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Alberta and Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountant. He also completed an executive MBA from prestigious University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business. 13 Everglen Crescent Calgary SW, Alberta, Canada. T2Y-0G4 Tel: info@bafcon.com

10 SUCCESS STORIES Bio: Dr. Adebayo Olowe Adebayo Olowe a first degree graduate in Doctor of dental surgery at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, immigrated into Canada with his wife in April of His area of interest was in maxillofacial surgery. He knew there has to be a way to practice his profession in Canada and he was ready to give it all it takes. In 2005, he was accepted into University of Pennsylvania in the United States of America for the special foreign trained dentist bridging program, which he completed in 200. With lots of opportunities to stay in America as a dentist, he chose to come back to Canada and practice. In 2008, Dr Olowe bought an existing Dental practice and he is still running same till date. He also works as a Casual dentist with the Alberta health region at the Foothills specialized dental clinic. Dr Adebayo Olowe owner of a successful dental practice in Calgarydid not allow coming to the western world kill his dreams, he faced the ADVANTAGE DENTAL CENTER initial challenges and succeeded. He is blessed with 2 kids. ADVANTAGE DENTAL CLINIC Macleod Place One Suite 104, 5920 Macleod Trail South. Calgary, Alberta T2H 0K2 Telephone: (403) FREE Consultations available upon request After Hours Emergencies Available including sundays and public holiday Bio: Mr. Kenny Thompson Kennedy Thompson is the Senior Consultant and Founder of Thompson Immigration Consultants Incorporated. Kenny and his wife Dr. Chidinma Thompson arrived the shores of Canada over a decade ago, leaving behind successful legal career in Nigeria where they both practiced Law. Kenny's decision to practice immigration, was occasioned by his quest to mitigate the hardship faced by new Canadians who encounter enormous challenges in navigating the ever-changing Canadian immigration process, rules and regulations. Many satisfied and successful applicants for all streams of Canadian Immigration both private and corporate located in different parts of the world have utilized our service. We are members of various Professional Associations both local and International among which include, Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), International Bar Association (IBA), International Lawyers Association (ILA), Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) among others. Thompson Immigration Consultants Inc. is a one stop immigration shop, reputed for exceptional and worry-free immigration experience. We have an African Regional office in Lagos, Nigeria, and Associates in Europe, Asia and Australia. With its web based office, paperless model of operation, and highly efficient technical team, Thompson Immigration is able to provide efficient service to clients all over the world. Here in Calgary, Thompson Immigration is fast emerging as one of Calgary's finest boutique immigration firms. Kenny and the team at Thompson Immigration believe in giving back to the community. Kenny volunteers with manyassociations in Calgary among which include, New Canadian Friendship Center Calgary Immigrant Women Association (CIWA) Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC) Former President of the Co-operative ESL Ministries Currently a Senior Pastor at Kings Christian Center Calgary For all your Immigration and related matters call Thompson Immigration Consultants at info@thompsonimmigration.ca

11 SUCCESS STORIES Bio: Dr. Duke Okoro Duke Okoro, Principal Consultant of Dukoria Environmental Canadian Inc., holds a PhD degree in Environmental Analytical Chemistry from the University of Benin, Nigeria in Duke is married to Gloria and has two children: Ashley & Angel. Back in Nigeria, Duke was a researcher, lecturer and Postgraduate Coordinator at the Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) between 2006 & He left DELSU as one of the pioneer lecturers at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) where he became the first Lecturer to be elected into the Governing Council of FUPRE representing congregation for 4 years. He has over 30 academic publications in both national and international indexed journals to his credit. He however immigrated to Calgary in search of a better standard of living and to continue his Environmental Consultancy business. Duke having obtained the status of Fellow, Chemical Society of Nigeria, is now Member, Chemical Profession of Alberta (P.Chem); Member, Environmental Professional of Canada (EP). He is currently set to enter the environmental industry here in Canada with the same vigour and excellence he displayed back home. In private practice, Duke was the Principal Consultant, but still remains a director of Dukoria International Limited, owners of the famous Dukoria Laboratories known for its prowess in Environmental, Laboratory and Risk Management Consultancies. Bio: Mrs. Regina Oluwadario Regina Oluwadairo, practiced nursing briefly in Nigeria before relocating to England UK, where she practiced nursing again for years. In 1991 Regina's family moved again to Canada. It was in the year 2000 that she decided that she had enough of practicing nursing and started to follow her original passion which is business. Her business started very small but with prayers and dedications it grew to become the household name brand in western Canada. She became the CEO and President of Dechosen African Market which officially started in 2002 and Dechosen Foods brands launched in She is an employer of labour both in Canada and Nigeria. Regina was nominated and won the Total Woman Award in 2008, A Total Woman is a Woman of Influence. She has a positive influence on the people that come her way. Her business premises have often functioned as a counselling location for women in need of help. Regina is not just a dreamer; she takes God given dreams and transforms those dreams into reality, which is why her business has grown from one center at the beginning of 2006 to three by the end of this year. She authored the book West African Dishes the Easy Way. She presented at One Book, One Calgary on food and culture in She is a woman of faith and where others see impossibilities, she sees possibilities. Regina's success in business is directly related to her attitude towards people and her welcoming and warm character. Nigeria Operation 10, Airoboyi Estate, Km 2, Refinery Rd, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria. Tel: +234(0) , GSM: +234 (0) : enquiries@dukoria.com 2: dukorialtd@gmail.com Overseas Operations 236 Everridge Way, Southwest, Calgary, T2Y 4X4, Alberta, Canada. Tel 1: Tel 2: Tel 3: enquiries@dukoria.com Calgary North Location Memorial Drive NE Phone: Calgary South Location 966 Macleod Tr. SW Phone:

12 SUCCESS STORIES EVENT SPONSORS & ADVERTISERS Bio: Mrs. Adebola Esan Adebola Esan, owner of Flavours restaurant, is a teacher by profession and has a Masters' Degree in English Education (M.ED.1994). Bola has been married since 1994 and she is blessed with 4 children. When she arrived in Calgary in 2006, she decided to pursue her teaching profession and studied for 6 months to get her certification in Canada. When she attended interview with the Calgary Board of Education, she was told that she still need more Canadian experience before she can be allowed to pursue her profession. Realizing the implication of this, she decided to seek alternative ways of getting herself into gainful employment having given the first 16 years of her marriage life to training up their children. CORPORATE SPONSORS Back in Nigeria, when it came to time for big family or community events, friends and families turned to her to prepare food. She loves and enjoys cooking and was good at it. During this period, she started getting ministration about using her hands and she started cooking on the side in Soon, word s spread in Calgary's over 5000-strong Nigerian community that a good cook had arrived and she found herself back in the catering business. Small events and large parties, such as wedding anniversary bash for 500 people, birthday party for 400 people, community events as well as home cooking, just to mention a few. And soon she was thinking about opening her own eating place in order to meet the needs of people who necessarily don't have a party but crave Nigerian food. There were diverse suggestions with majority suggesting a lot of Nigerian restaurant have opened and closed prior to now. Bola, being a positive and determined person with her faith in the Almighty God decided to pursue her dream. While in Nigeria, she has always dreamt of being at per with Mr Biggs, a Nigeria Eatery. So she decided to blaze the trail again and open a Nigerian restaurant here in Calgary, FLAVOURS RESTAURANT (African Delight). Since then, she has really been happy being able to do and enjoy what she has a passion for, cooking and people. So if you're looking for a taste of West African cuisine, Flavours Restaurant is open 6 days a week ST NW: Food, Snacks, Cake, Eat in, Take Out, and Event Catering Hours of Operations: Monday: Closed except for Group Booking Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00am - 8:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm - 3:00pm Phone No: ADVANTAGE DENTAL CLINIC THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

13 2015 NIDOA EVENTS 2015 CALENDAR NIDOA Calgary street NE Calgary, AB. T1Y-6Z1 Contact us for more information nidocalgarysecretary@ gmail.com Phone: (403)