in to redirect the conversation toward a successful conclusion. Even though I didn’t work directly with him for that long, he simply had the biggest impact on my career inNigeria. Thank you verymuch to the late Oga Seyi and his beautiful wife, Catherine Bickersteth, for all that you have done and continue to do for me and my family. We are most grateful. It is obvious that the second most influential person in my career in Nigeria is my current boss, mentor, and friend, Oga Leye. I always believed that if I wanted tomake a bigger impact onmy community and society at large, I had to return to Africa. But I couldn’t, in my wildest dreams, picture myself having the rare opportunity of starting a business from scratch. Oga Leye gave me the opportunity to do exactly that. I have not had a boss who constantly seeks to support his Partners and Managers to ensure that they succeed like Oga Leye. He is adamant about restoring the Andersen brand to its former glory, when it was the undisputed number one in Nigeria, and he is capable of selling it and making us disciples. Under his leadership, we have been able to build Andersen Nigeria into a prestigious firm that is known for providing best-in-class services to our clients. Equally important is our commitment to develop our people to ensure that they are well equipped to take the reins of leadership when the current crop of leaders retire. Thanks, Oga Leye, for your exemplary leadership and for being a good friend and mentor! I cannot talk about my career without highlighting the sacrifices that my wife, Freda, had to make to make my dreams a reality. Whether it was the first big decision to relocate from the US to Africa or the second big decision to move from a mature and stable firm to start a new firm, the decisions involved significant financial sacrifices and risks. Thus, I could only make those big decisions because Wifey was willing to pick up the slack in both cases. For example, to ensure that the standard of living of the family didn’t drop significantly, Wifey had to return to the US to work, away from the rest of the family, and visit home in Lagos occasionally every year. This was extremely tough on her, but shemade the ultimate sacrifice to enable me to pursue my dream. The COVID-19 period epitomised her sacrifices. She was alone in Richmond, Virginia, risking her life as a Case Manager at VCU Hospital while her family was quarantining in Lagos. During those years, until the boys recently relocated back to the US, not only was Wifey working to support the family, but she was involved in the boys’ school issues as much as I was (if not more), even though she was an ocean away. Thanks honey, for all your sacrifices, your unflinching support, your good counsel, and your love. I’m deeply grateful, and I pray that the Dear Lord continues to bless you and reward you bountifully for your sacrifices. Love you always! Finally, big thanks to my spiritual fathers, Bishop Frank Ofosu-Appiah of All Nations Church in Atlanta, and Pastor KingsleyOkonkwo of David’s ChristianCentre inLagos, for their teachings, good counsel, and intercessions. Freda and I appreciate you very much. 43
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