Corporate World.....A Visionary Leader's Journey: Dr. Abdulsalam Eremwan Ogbemudia Shares Insights
Dr. Abdulsalam Eremwan Ogbemudia is a force to be reckoned with in Nigeria's manufacturing sector. As an award-winning CEO and Group COO, he has spent decades driving growth, innovation, and excellence in the industry. With a rich academic background and a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Ogbemudia has established himself as a thought leader and a champion of Nigerian industrialization.
In this exclusive interview with World industries leaders magazine international, Dr. Ogbemudia shares his inspiring story, from his early days at Bendel Wood Industries Ltd to his current role as a global leader. He reflects on the influences that shaped his career, the challenges he's faced, and his vision for Nigeria's manufacturing future. As Vice-Patron of the International Summit of Leaders and Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Leadership and Mentorship, Dr. Ogbemudia is poised to take Nigerian industrialization to the next level.
*1. Tell us about yourself.*
I am Dr. Abdulsalam Eremwan Ogbemudia, an award-winning Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief Operating Officer with a career defined by expertise in manufacturing operations and corporate governance. I hold a vast array of academic qualifications, including a PhD and a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). My professional journey began in 1985 at Bendel Wood Industries Ltd, and over the decades, I have evolved into a technocrat dedicated to industrial growth. Recently, I was elected as the Vice-Patron for the International Summit of Leaders for the 2026–2031 term.
*2. What influenced your choice of career?*
My career was deeply influenced by the mentorship of industry pioneers such as late Prince Yemi Eweka and the visionary leadership of the Omo N'Oba Erediauwa, who chaired my first place of employment. I was also inspired by my father, Baba Ogbemudia Irabor, whose support instilled in me the ambition to become a "a dynamic and illuminating gem and symbolic shining star in the darkest darkness" through hard work and exemplary character. I chose manufacturing because I believe it is the primary engine for national transformation.
*3. How has your business been useful to the economic development of Nigeria?*
Through my leadership in manufacturing, I have focused on:
(a) Job Creation: Driving employment opportunities within the food and beverage sectors.
(b) Food Security: Producing top-quality food through value addition and that are affordable to the Nigerian populace.
(c) Backward Integration: Moving away from importation of food concentrates for production to locally processing our agric produce and adding value through processing.
(d) Industrial Financing: Facilitating financing opportunities for Nigerian manufacturing companies to procure equipment and expand production facilities.
(e) Value Chain Development: Encouraging indigenous production and distribution networks, which reduces reliance on imports and strengthens the Nigeria's GDP.
*4. What have been the challenges faced by the companies you have nanaged in recent times?*
Like many other companies in the Nigerian industrial sector, we face:
Infrastructural Gaps:
(a) Inconsistent power supply and logistical hurdles that increase the cost of production.
(b) Economic Volatility: Persistent inflation and exchange rate fluctuations that affect the procurement of raw materials and machinery.
(c) Policy Inconsistency: Sudden shifts in government regulations that can disrupt long-term strategic planning.
*5. What assistance do you want from the Nigerian government?*
(a) Stabilized Macroeconomics: Policies that maintain fixed interest and exchange rates to allow for predictable business operations.
(b) Infrastructure Investment: Accelerated development of power and transport networks to lower the "cost of doing business".
(c) Incentives for Manufacturers: Targeted tax holidays or grants for companies focused on production capacity improvement and indigenous technology.
*6. How do you view the role of technology in the future of Nigerian manufacturing?*
Technology is non-negotiable. It is the key to global competitiveness. We must embr
ace innovation and the future of work to ensure job security and industrial efficiency.
*7. What is your advice to young Nigerian professionals aspiring to leadership?*
Success is bought with the precious coins of perspiration, inspiration, and aspiration. We should be grateful to Almighty Allah because the piece of life we possess today, supported with our focus and commitment, is our greatest weapon for hoping and fighting for a greater tomorrow. We should focus on good character, continuous learning, and being a shining star even in challenging environments.
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