At the awards ceremony held in Lagos, SIFAX Group received the award for Most Corporate Social Responsibility Friendly Company, while Dr. Afolabi bagged two major individual honours, Lifetime Maritime Award and Maritime Man of the Year.

According to the Elder Asu Beks, Maritime Media Limited’s CEO, Dr. Afolabi emerged as Maritime Man of the Year after being “overwhelmingly voted” by stakeholders during a 60-day rigorous voting exercise.

In the citation read during the award presentation, the organisers said the recognition reflected his unwavering commitment to the advancement of the maritime industry and his long-standing vision of positioning Nigeria as one of the leading maritime nations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Receiving the awards on behalf of Dr. Taiwo Afolabi and SIFAX Group, Captain Ibraheem Olugbade, Executive Director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the recognition and conveyed the goodwill message of the SIFAX Group Chairman.

Olugbade said the triple recognition was a testament to Dr. Afolabi’s decades of transformational leadership and the company’s sustained impact across the maritime and logistics value chain.

“These awards are deeply appreciated, and they serve as a strong validation of Dr. Taiwo Afolabi’s decades-long contributions to the growth and development of the maritime and logistics industry in Nigeria.

“For us as a Group, this honour also reflects our unwavering commitment to initiatives that positively impact our communities, stakeholders and the wider society. We remain committed to excellence, innovation and sustainable growth across all our business operations,” Olugbade stated.

The triple honours further reinforce SIFAX Group’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous conglomerates, with a strong footprint in maritime, aviation, logistics, oil and gas, hospitality, and financial services.

The project encompasses the development of a new container terminal, construction of a quay wall, dredging of the harbour, and the procurement of essential port equipment towards contributing to solving critical capacity needs in Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Through the development of the Ijora terminal, SIFAX Group intends to add value to the maritime transport & logistics industry by providing additional cargo clearing capability which is expected to result in reduced congestion at the Apapa and Tincan Ports, thereby improving efficiency and reducing delays for importers and exporters.

The terminal, which is now under construction and partly operational, is expected to complement the broader port services rendered by the existing ports along the same water channel in Apapa, Lagos – The Apapa Port and Tincan Island Port.

This transaction is aligned with Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to supporting impactful infrastructure projects and contributing to the sustainable development of Nigeria.

As a leading investor in infrastructure in Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC is committed to playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the institution can support projects that will enhance the country’s infrastructure and provide more reliable solutions for people and communities across the country.

The project’s strong financial prospects, supported by a positive market outlook, credible project sponsor and experienced project parties, make it an attractive investment.

According to Mr. Dolu Olugbenjo, the chief investment officer of Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund,

“This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of the maritime sector in Nigeria, which is crucial for the country’s economic prosperity. By modernizing the Ijora terminal and expanding its capacity, the project aims to generate significant economic and social benefits, including improving trade flows, creation of jobs, and addressing the challenges of congestion and limited capacity at the country’s existing ports.’’

“We are immensely proud to have achieved financial close and construction commencement on the project, in partnership with our very supportive lenders, shareholders, contractors, and all our regulators. In addition to improving ports and terminal capacity for Nigeria, this project will also create jobs and support the country’s development. The terminal will deliver impact on SDGs 1 (no poverty), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure) and 11 (sustainable cities and communities),” concludes Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the founder and group chairman of SIFAX Group.

Held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, the event convened senior executives, industry professionals, and thought leaders to explore practical strategies for empowering women and dismantling systemic barriers in corporate spaces.

At the center of the discussions was a keynote address by Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoritsedere Awosika, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic and former Chairman of Access Bank PLC.

In her keynote address, Dr. Awosika challenged women to actively pursue leadership roles while emphasizing the importance of continuous self-development.

“Success is not handed out—it is earned,” she remarked, stressing that women must position themselves for opportunities and remain adaptable in the face of technological changes.

She further highlighted the need for organizations to move beyond tokenism and adopt structural changes that enable women to lead effectively.

A Corporate Commitment to Gender Inclusion

SIFAX Group’s leadership used the event to underscore its ongoing efforts to promote gender equity across its subsidiaries.

In her remarks, Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, Group Coordinating Director, pointed to the growing number of women holding key leadership positions within the organization as evidence of SIFAX Group’s inclusive culture.

“At SIFAX Group, we don’t just talk about gender inclusion—we prioritize it. The subsidiaries that are thriving are often led by women, and we are committed to ensuring that every qualified woman has the opportunity to lead,” she said.

The company’s chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, reinforced this message in a goodwill address, stating that SIFAX Group views gender inclusivity as a business imperative, not a symbolic gesture.

“We recognize that women bring immense value to leadership and decision-making. At SIFAX Group, we are committed to ensuring that talent, not gender, determines success”, he said.

Beyond corporate statements, the event featured an in-depth panel discussion with senior female leaders from SIFAX Group, focusing on the realities women face in male-dominated sectors and the structural support needed to foster their growth.

The panel highlighted mentorship, continuous learning, and deliberate policy shifts as key drivers of gender equity.

The IWD 2025 event aligns with SIFAX Group’s broader strategy to advance gender inclusion through leadership development programs, mentorship initiatives, and deliberate talent promotion across its subsidiaries.

As the event wrapped up, the message was clear: women must not only demand a seat at the table but also be ready to lead when they get there.

With a renewed sense of purpose, attendees left inspired to challenge stereotypes, develop leadership skills, and break barriers in their respective fields.

After the approval by the Bank of Sierra Leone, Mr. Abiola Bolaji has assumed office as the substantive Managing Director while Mr. Ayoku Liadi, Mr. Abdul Sheku Kargbo and Arch. Abel Onomake have assumed the positions of non-executive directors of the bank.

Abiola Bolaji – MD, Skye Bank, Sierra Leone

Abiola Bolaji is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife and has two Masters degrees in Accounting and Financial Management (Distinction) and Corporate Finance from the ICMA Centre, Henley Business School, University of Reading, United Kingdom.

He began his professional career as an Office Assistant in Development Finance office of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Uyo as a Youth Corp member before joining Universal Trust bank as a Relationship Officer in 2003.

Between 2006 and 2020, Abiola worked with Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank and Stanbic IBTC rising to become a Regional Manager and managing 10 branches of the bank located in Ogun and Oyo states.

He has received numerous awards for his outstanding performance both professionally and academically.

Ayoku Liadi

Ayoku Liadi is an accomplished financial expert with over 25 years of progressive experience.

He had served as the Deputy Managing Director, UBA Nigeria where he was in charge of about 500 branches of the bank with deposits of more than 3.5 trillion naira.

He also served as the MD/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank Sierra Leone between 2011 and 2013 where he recorded outstanding achievements and led the bank to become the most profitable bank in 2013. 

Ayoku’s exceptional leadership also earned the bank the prestigious KPMG award for the Best Customer Service Bank in 2012.

Ayoku holds a B Sc. in Business Management from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, an ACA from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Master’s degree in Marketing from the University of Lagos.

Abdul Sheku Kargbon

Abdul Sheku Kargbon is an Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the immediate past board chairman of UBA Sierra Leone.

He has a vast work experience in policy and strategy formulation locally and internationally.

Kargbo is a LLM graduate of Birmingham City University, UK; Master of Arts in Human Rights, Globalization and Justice – University of Keele, UK and LLB (Hons) from the University of Warwick in the UK. 

Abel Onomake

Abel Onomake is a seasoned architectural consultant who has worked on key designs and supervision of architectural and engineering projects in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia.

He holds a B.Sc and M.Sc in Architecture from the University of Ife and a Diploma in Valuation and Estate Surveying from the Architecture and Surveying Institute, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. Between 2005 and 2021, he is the Managing Director of Ideas Limited, a West Africa-based consulting firm with offices in Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

The appointment of the four (4) new Board of Directors brings to seven (7) the directors of the bank including the Acting Chairman Mr. Brimah Conteh; Chief Adekunle Oyinloye and Mr. Akinremi Akinwale Oladipo (The Executive Director).

The Multitude of resident directors is a part of the Bank’s strategic focus on domesticating the governance, products and services of the Bank to meet the local requirements of the country’s economy.

While congratulating the new appointees, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, said the desire to make sustainable impact in the financial sector across West Africa was responsible for the quality of leaders appointed to manage the financial institutions in Sierra Leone.

He said: “SIFAX Group is synonymous with the delivery of best value and excellence. We know that quality workforce and experienced board would drive our vision of becoming the most desired financial services brand across the West Coast. We are pleased with these appointments and convinced they possess the requisite knowledge and experience to deliver on the vision.

https://techeconomy.ng/2022/05/sifax-group-appoints-taiwo-afolabi-new-board-chairman/

“I have no doubt that these new leaders will catapult Skye Bank, Sierra Leone to the top in the country.  We will provide all the necessary support needed for them to succeed in our quest to become a Pan-African financial institution”.

Of the 90 awardees, 39 were rewarded for 15 years of service, while the remaining 51 were honoured for 10 years.

Each awardee was presented a certificate of recognition, an award plaque as well as financial reward.

Some of the awardees include: John Jenkins, Managing Director, Port & Cargo Handling Services Limited; Barrister Ezekiel Ajewole, Executive Director/Senior Special Adviser to the Group Executive Vice Chairman; Mr. Oliver Omajuwa, General Manager, SIFAX Off Dock Trinity; Yusuf Yaro, Personal Assistant to the GEVC; Kayode Ogunwole, General Manager, IT and Henry Ajoh, General Manager, Ocean & Cargo Terminal Services Limited, Warri.

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, who hosted the event, presented the awards to the staff. In his goodwill message, he appreciated the awardees for their valuable contribution to the growth of the company.

He said: “I must salute your courage, commitment, loyalty and dedication. Without a doubt, you have all contributed immensely to the growth of the company in your different capacities. You have not only run with the vision of the organisation, but also, in the process, inspire others to give their best.

“Many of today’s awardees joined the company when we were at 41, Calcutta Street, Apapa. It was a small office that we all had to share. We then moved to 54, Warehouse Road, Apapa, which is the present site of our head office and we began expanding gradually. I am particularly excited that you have found a home in SIFAX Group, hence, staying this long. I thank you for your unwavering belief in the SIFAX Group dream and for playing a key role in its fulfillment. ”

Responding on behalf of the 15-year awardees, Barrister Ezekiel Ajewole, ED/SSA to the GEVC, lauded the company for the honour as well as providing them platforms to grow.

“I am not surprised that many of us who started about fifteen years ago are still here today. This shows that the company is doing something right to retain its staff. We thank Dr. Taiwo Afolabi for his support over the years”, he said.

John Jenkins, Managing Director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, who spoke on behalf of the 10-year awardees, said the honour would spur the staff to do more. “SIFAX Group is a company that allows all its staff the opportunity to grow and master their crafts. This is why we have a low level of staff turnover. I am happy to have spent ten years here and we want to assure that we will continue to give our best”, he said.

The SIFAX Group’s CSR is focused primarily on education, health, economic empowerment (youth and women) and the physically-challenged.

On education and health, hundreds of indigent students enjoyed full scholarship while equipment and facilities were donated to public educational and health institutions.

Individuals with medical emergencies also received financial support.

Youth and women economic empowerment also took a large chunk of the budget with skill acquisition trainings organized for unemployed youths and women across the country.

Business grants were also extended to those who completed the training programmes. Some targeted and disadvantaged poor households were also catered to as food items were donated to them on a monthly basis.

Various initiatives targeted at the physically-challenged children living with conditions like autism, down syndrome and the blind were also supported by the company in the course of the year.

Most of these projects were executed through its philanthropic arm, Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation (AAAF) which has offices in Lagos, Zaria and Umuahia.

Speaking on the SIFAX Group’s CSR projects in 2021, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, group executive vice chairman, SIFAX Group, said one of the key pillars of the company’s business philosophy is to positively impact humanity and the society in any economy where the company carries out its operations.

According to him: “Right from the inception of our company in 1988, we have integrated social impact into our business strategy. Our businesses are not designed for profit making alone. We see ourselves as a platform that support social causes that provide access to opportunities, engender social stability and economic prosperity. We are motivated to do more when we see the physical impact of these CSR projects on the beneficiaries who today run into thousands.”

Foluke Ademokun, executive coordinator, AAAF, on her own part, noted that the beneficiaries of the various programmes are making a judicious use of the opportunities, adding that the Foundation seeks to partner with more sponsors, both domestic and international, as well as other stakeholders, in order to touch more lives.

Below are some photographs from few of the CSR projects backed by Sifax Group in 2021: