Jobs/Appointments
Purple Real Estate Welcomes Umar, Oladimeji to Board
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigerian real estate platform, Purple Real Estate Income Plc, has made significant changes to its board, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s growth strategy amid current macro headwinds.
The reshuffle brings on Mr Aminu Umar and Mr Olasunkanmi Oladimeji to join the board as Non-Executive Director and Executive Director.
The duo of Mr Umar and Mr Oladimeji will take over from Mrs Osareme Archibong and Mrs Fiona Ahimie, both outgoing Independent Non-Executive Directors, according to notice on NASD OTC Securities Exchange, where the company trades its securities.
Commenting on the changes, the Chairman of the board, Mrs Jumoke Akinwunmi, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Alhaji Aminu Umar and Mr Olasunkanmi Oladimeji to our board. Their expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we navigate our strategic objectives, reposition the company given the ongoing economic challenges, and strengthen our base whilst capitalising on emerging opportunities.
“We extend our gratitude to Mrs Osareme Archibong and Mrs Fiona Ahimie for their contributions to Purple’s growth and achievements this far.”
She said these changes reflect Purple Real Estate Income Plc’s commitment to fortifying its leadership team and capitalizing on new opportunities in the real estate sector.
Mr Umar is a distinguished figure in the Nigerian business landscape and will bring a wealth of experience as the Founder and CEO of Sea Transport Services Nigeria Limited.
His leadership has propelled Sea Transport Group to become West Africa’s primary transporter of crude and clean petroleum products, boasting a substantial market share in the petroleum movement in Nigeria.
His expertise in maritime policies and his connections with local and international trading companies will undoubtedly contribute to Purple’s strategic vision.
On his part, Mr Oladimeji is a seasoned investment professional with over 15 years of experience in Private Equity, Corporate Finance, Fundraising, and Transactions advisory.
His extensive background, including roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Access Bank, and Synergy Private Equity Fund, positions him well to drive Purple’s operational excellence.
Founded almost 10 years ago, Purple commenced operations in 2014 and is responsible for developing the Maryland Mall, a Grade A mixed-use centre that boasts the largest outdoor LED screen in West Africa.
Purple completed its listing and started trading on NASD OTC Bourse as a real estate company on March 23, 2023.
Jobs/Appointments
CNN Hires Arise News Adefemi Akinsanya
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
British-born Nigerian journalist, Ms Adefemi Akinsanya, has been hired by CNN International to host its new multiplatform feature series known as Africa Inc, sponsored by Dangote Industries Limited.
Ms Akinsanya joins CNN from Arise News, where she is an International Correspondent and Anchor based in Lagos. She has previously worked at Al Jazeera, Reuters, Sky News, and TRT World.
Africa Inc will showcase how African companies are competing and thriving on the global stage, from technology and hospitality to manufacturing and entertainment.
The series positions the continent not as an emerging player, but as a growing force shaping global commerce, innovation, and consumer trends.
The half-hour show will premiere in August, with four more episodes throughout 2026 and into 2027.
Bespoke Africa Inc segments will also run bi-monthly across CNN International, with digital and social content across CNN.com.
“I’m thrilled to be joining CNN to launch Africa Inc at such an exciting time for Africa’s international story. Across the continent, we’re seeing innovation, resilience, and ambition transforming industries and creating opportunities with global impact. I’m looking forward to bringing these stories to CNN’s audience,” Ms Akinsanya commented.
Also commenting, CNN International Group Senior Vice President and Global Head of Productions, Ellana Lee, said, “We are delighted to welcome Adefemi to CNN. As Africa continues to play an increasingly influential role in the global economy, Adefemi’s impactful storytelling will ensure that Africa Inc provides insightful coverage across CNN’s TV, digital, and social platforms.”
Ms Akinsanya is a 2023 Fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University and holds a BA in International Politics from King’s College London.
She has reported from the frontline of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, covering the refugee crisis and the role of race in the early war evacuation effort. She has also reported on the #EndSARS anti-police brutality protests in Nigeria, the 2024 US Presidential election, and from the World Economic Forum in Davos and the 2026 G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains.
Jobs/Appointments
Tinubu Appoints Abel Enitan Nigeria’s Head of Service as Walson-Jack Retires
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan has been appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, effective August 27, 2026.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday disclosed that Mr Enitan replaces Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who will retire soon from the Federal Civil Service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
Mr Tinubu thanked Mrs Walson-Jack for her distinguished service to the nation and for the reforms, impact and innovations witnessed in the civil service during her tenure.
He also wished her a fulfilling and successful life after service and conveyed the nation’s gratitude for her years of dedicated and impactful public service.
As for Mr Enitan, the President charged him to consolidate on the reforms and innovations already underway, deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service, and build a more effective and responsive civil service.
He further urged him to lead a civil service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.
Mr Enitan, from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. He has served as Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, working at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President. He is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
He brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works to his new responsibility.
Mr Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife. He later attended the University of Lagos and graduated in 1988 with a BSc in Finance and Banking. In 2015, he obtained an MSc in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Jobs/Appointments
FTN Cocoa Picks Wale Jubril as Interim Chairman
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The board of FTN Cocoa Processors Plc has appointed Mr Wale Jubril as its interim chairman following the death of the former occupier of the position, Mr S.O. Oguntimehin, in March 2026.
The appointment of Mr Jubril was decided at the company’s board meeting held in July 2026, a statement from the organisation disclosed.
He will pilot the affairs of the organisation pending the appointment of a substantive chairman, a part of the notice submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited stated.
The interim chairman of FTN Cocoa is a seasoned banker, chartered stockbroker and corporate executive with over three decades of professional experience spanning banking, capital markets, finance and corporate governance.
The Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State-born financial expert holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Relations from the University of Lagos, obtained in 1988, and three Master’s Degrees from the same institution in Marketing (1993), International Law and Diplomacy (1998), and Economics (1999).
He qualified as an Authorised Dealing Clerk of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1992 and became a chartered stockbroker in the same year. He subsequently built a career in banking and the capital market before joining Paints and Coatings Manufacturers Nigeria Plc in 2009 as Executive Director, Finance. In that capacity, he provided leadership in financial planning, project appraisal, pricing and negotiations, particularly in relation to major oil and gas projects and engagements involving Chevron, NLNG, Total and other industry participants.
Mr Jubril also contributed to the development of the company’s financial sustainability through strategic planning, policy development, departmental restructuring and financial management, and served on the company’s Planning and Policy-Making Committee of the Board.
In 2021, he joined Float Securities Limited, where he currently serves as the chief executive. He has also served as a non-executive director of FTN Cocoa since 2015.
In recognition of his extensive experience in the private and public sectors, he was appointed an independent non-executive director of Gateway Mortgage Bank, a mortgage bank wholly owned by the Ogun State Government, in November 2022.


