Philip Emeagwali

The African continent has long been home to a great number of innovative thinkers, with famed artists, musicians and scholars among them. As a prize-winning scholar, Philip Emeagwali has contributed much to the field of science throughout his successful career, forging a great impact with his research, findings and initiatives. One of his most celebrated career accomplishments, the use of a supercomputer to aid in analyzing petroleum fields, has garnered him worldwide recognition. Tunde Folawiyo and others with a thirst for knowledge may regard Emeagwali as one of Nigeria’s foremost scholars.

Born the 23 of August of 1954, Emeagwali’s early education was halted due to war. At the age of 14, he began serving in Biafran’s army. Upon the end of the war, he embarked on rigorous self-study to acquire a high school equivalency that would see him travel to the U.S. for study. Attending under scholarship, Emeagwali earned a bachelor’s in mathematics from Oregon’s state university during 1977. He found work as a civil engineer in Wyoming during his time in the United States before later moving to Washington D.C. Here, he received a master’s in marine and ocean engineering as well as a second in mathematics from the popular University of Maryland. Whilst he studied to acquire a P.H.D. from the same university during the late 80’s, his thesis was rejected, prompting a court case that ultimately failed to reverse the university’s decision to withhold a degree. Though he was never awarded a doctorate, his work maintained its credibility.

Voted amongst Africa’s greatest scientists of all time by various publications, Emeagwali’s work has been recognised internationally, demonstrating the wide impact of his discoveries. Throughout his esteemed career, he was awarded several honours solidifying his place as one of the continent’s foremost scientific minds. His achievements were quoted in a speech by former United States president Bill Clinton, who referenced Emeagwali as an inspiration for Nigerians.

Awarded the Gordon Bell Prize of 1989, Emeagwali’s work continues to benefit the lucrative oil industry throughout Africa and beyond. Whilst some claims he made throughout his career garnered controversy, his contributions to his country through his scientific findings are not lost upon the millions who indirectly benefited from his work. Tunde Folawiyo and African citizens may regard Emeagwali’s achievements as some of the greatest in Africa’s recent memory. His legacy as an esteemed engineer, geologist and mathematician is one that will stand for many years to come. For more information about others working for a brighter future for Africa, visit Tunde Folawiyo Slideshare.

The achievements of the novelist Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe was a highly respected author from Nigeria, whom most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, have probably heard of. Although Achebe's novels are written mainly for those living in Africa, they have, over the decades, been translated into over forty languages.

Over the course of his lifetime, he published a large collection of essays, short stories, novels, poetry and children's books, and won many awards for his work, including the New Statesman-Jock Campbell Award for 'Arrow of God', and the Commonwealth Poetry Prize for the poetry volume, 'Christmas in Biafra'. In 2007, he received one of the world's most prestigious awards, the Man Booker Prize. In addition to these, Achebe was also the recipient of over twenty honorary doctorates.

Born in Ogidi in 1930, Achebe's family were members of the Igbo tribe. However, Achebe was raised as a Christian, although he always retained an interest in the more traditional faiths of his homeland. He was a talented and intelligent young man, and did well in his studies, graduating from the University College at Ibadan at the age of 24. He published his first book, entitled 'Things Fall Apart', four years later; based on the clash between the Western culture of the missionaries, and that of native Africans, the novel was enormously successful, and has since been included on many school's required reading lists.

During the sixties, Achebe wrote prolifically, publishing a total of three novels between 1960 and 1960. Named 'A Man of the People', 'Arrow of God' and 'No Longer at Ease', each of the books dealt with the issue of colonial perspectives coming into conflict with traditional ways of life in Africa.

Whilst he was known primarily for his writing, Achebe was also a teacher. For four years in the seventies, and one year in the eighties, Achebe served an English professor at the University of Massachusetts. In addition to this, he spent one year working at the University of Connecticut. His longest period of teaching took place at Bard College, located just outside of New York City. He lectured here for more than 15 years, before leaving to becoming a faculty member of Brown University. He passed away four years later, at the age of 82.

Folawiyo takes a keen interest in the accomplishments of influential figures like Achebe. However, this is just one of his many interests; to learn more about his areas of expertise, follow Tunde Folawiyo projects online.

The Legacy of Nelson Mandela | Tunde Folawiyo

The passing of Nelson Mandela deeply affected not only his home country of South Africa, but the continent of Africa and the world as a whole. The civil rights leader, through his thoughts, actions and principals, paved the way for an international discussion about the injustices of apartheid. His legacy continues to inspire African citizens such as Tunde Folawiyo and countless others who have may be familiar with the story of Nelson Mandela and the amazing strides he made in conquering social injustices.

Born on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa, Nelson Mandela, a.k.a Rolihlahla, was born. The nickname “Nelson” came from a teacher during his years of schooling. Mandela attended college at the College of Fort Hare and later, the University of Witwatersrand from which he received a law degree. It was here that Mandela became acquainted with like-minded individuals who sought an end to apartheid.

As a leader in the African National Congress, Mandela pushed for the congress and protesters to follow in the footsteps of Mohandas Gandhi, utilising his non-violence approach to conflict. After some time, Mandela began to doubt the effectiveness of this ideal and as such, initiated an armed branch of the ANC. Later classified as a terrorist by the South African government, Mandela was sentenced to serve 27 years in prison. His incarceration brought international attention toward the anti-apartheid movement and rather than abandon his ideals in exchange for release, Mandela served his time at Robben Island, and later in Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison. He was released in 1990 and upon this, continued his campaign to end apartheid.

Mandela’s efforts to end apartheid garnered world-wide respect. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Due in part to his labours, citizens of all races were allowed to vote in the 1994 election, demonstrating the social change that was about to be set forth. With this election, Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa. Whilst this ruling came an intense backlash and whilst the opportunity for violent conflict was present, Nelson called for calm and peace, ultimately preventing a major civil war.

After many health struggles, Nelson Mandela passed on December 5 of 2013 at the age of 95. The world mourned as this civil rights leader was put to rest, leaving behind his wife Graça Machel, six children, twenty grandchildren and millions upon millions of admirers, including Tunde Folawiyo. His legacy will forever provide a source of encouragement for those facing social injustice. Without his undying dedication and enduring principals, the country of South Africa and other African countries may not have.

Tunde Folawiyo | Economy

Tunde Folawiyo, is a respected businessman, philanthropist and advocate for the growth of education and commerce throughout Africa. He continues to serve his native Nigeria with his role in several leading companies and academic institutions throughout the region. It is with a great passion for exploring new opportunities that drives Tunde Folawiyo’s determination to promote the continent’s prosperity.

Tunde Folawiyo’s leadership of various Nigerian companies has contributed to the advancement of the country’s economy. A brave proponent of expanding Nigeria’s indigenous petroleum sector, Tunde Folawiyo founded Folawiyo Energy Ltd, a company responsible for the throughput of approximately 30% of the nation’s premium motor spirits. Folawiyo Energy Ltd. is a successful subsidiary of the Yinka Folawiyo Group of Companies, a dynamic conglomerate with global business interests of which Tunde Folawiyo is the current Group Managing Director and CEO. He also serves as the Vice-President of the Nigerian Association of Indigenous Petroleum Explorers and Productions (NAIPEC), a role that is key in furthering his mission toward broadening Nigeria’s energy market.

The impact of Tunde Folawiyo’s contributions to the Nigerian economy are exemplified through his directorship of leading companies throughout Africa. He currently serves as a director, founding shareholder and board member of MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd, the country’s premier telecommunications provider.

Tunde Folawiyo’s academic accomplishments have provided the ideal platform to continue his mission in contributing to the educational advancement of Africa’s youth. With a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Master’s degree in Law from the London School of Economics, Tunde Folawiyo was awarded an honourary doctorate degree in Business Administration from Crescent University in Abeokuta, a university of which he was appointed member of their governing council. A distinguished recipient of the 2010 African Business Leadership Award, Tunde Folawiyo’s dedication to the spread of philanthropy is channeled through his role as a director of the African Leadership Academy, an institution whose mission lies in encouraging the developmental success of Africa’s young leaders. As a Goodwill Ambassador, Honourary Consul of Barbados and member of the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s World Fellowship, Tunde Folawiyo’s initiatives toward improving conditions throughout Africa have proven tremendously beneficial to Africans of all ages.