By Seyi Odewale
The newly elected Lagos TEF Alumni Hub Lead, Obaji Akpet, has unveiled an ambitious agenda to transform the alumni community into a stronger platform for business growth, collaboration, mentorship and market opportunities.
Akpet, who is a 2019 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) alumnus, emerged with the highest number of votes in the 2026 Hub Lead election.
As stated by TEF, the new Lagos Hub leadership would play an important role in bringing alumni together, sharing opportunities, amplifying alumni voices and creating a more connected and active community.
In that vein, Akpet said his leadership would focus on translating the principles of Africapitalism into practical initiatives that directly benefit members of the Lagos Hub.
Akpet, in a statement on Saturday, said, “Lagos is the epicentre of the TEF Programme, and our responsibility as its alumni is not simply to celebrate what the Foundation has done for us, but to carry its ideals forward,” the new Hub Lead said.
He said the leadership would prioritise businesses that create value, generate wealth and jobs, while contributing meaningfully to society.
“A major plank of the plan is to build a more connected alumni network where members can support one another through business opportunities, knowledge sharing, mentorship, partnerships and access to markets,” he said.
The new Hub Lead’s eight-point agenda also seeks to increase the visibility of alumni businesses, create platforms for business growth and knowledge exchange, strengthen collaboration and amplify the stories and achievements of TEF entrepreneurs.
“TEF has demonstrated that we can democratise opportunity by giving African entrepreneurs the tools and capital to build. As alumni, we must now extend that philosophy to one another,” he said.
He stressed that the election should not divide the alumni community, calling on all contestants and members to contribute to the success of the new administration.
“There is no victor and no vanquished. This was not a contest between enemies, but between fellow alumni who care deeply about the future of our community. The campaign ends today; the work begins,” he said.
The Hub Lead further pledged an open-door leadership style, urging members to contribute ideas, criticism, support and participation.
“I will need everyone, not just those who voted for me, to make this vision a reality. My door will remain open to ideas, criticism, support and participation,” he said.
