Selected Entries for The Top10 magazine #Biz-Idol Challenge (unedited)
Topic: Why I would like to choose Tim Akano as my business idol and role model
By Okonkwo Chinonso Naomi
I am writing to express my admiration and reasons for choosing Mr. Tim Akano, the CEO of New Horizons Nigeria, as my business idol and role model. Africa needs dreamers who will transcend national boundaries and transform the lives of its people. It is this breathtaking vision and limitless courage to think the unthinkable that has drawn me closer to Tim Akano, the Managing Director of New Horizons, Africa’s leading information and new technology company.
Akano is the initiator and the chairman of the One Africa Initiative which is bringing in leaders and thinkers across the continent. Mr. Akano exemplifies the qualities of a visionary leader, innovative thinker, and dedicated mentor. Under his leadership, New Horizons Nigeria has become a pioneer in the IT training and certification industry, empowering countless individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving digital world. One of the most inspiring aspects of Mr. Akano’s career is his unwavering commitment to education and skill development.
He has spearheaded initiatives that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry requirements, ensuring that students are not only well-educated but also job-ready. Akano is trying to leapfrog the handicaps of Africa by embarking on a journey into the New Age. His company is training young Nigerians in competence in computer and information technology and today New Horizons is at the forefront of changing the narrative. Akano believes that science, especially information science and the computer, provides a level-playing field where our young ones, despite our challenging environment, can find their mettle.
It is this knowledge that he is transporting to the rest of Africa. He believes Africa can change for the better if we embrace the panacea of real education and the liberating theology of science. He is reaching out to every country on the continent. Akano is showing us that private people can be the drivers of change on our continent. This may open a new horizon for Nigeria and Africa. Akano’s achievements and impact showed that even Africa could change the world.
Additionally, His dedication to nurturing talent and fostering an environment of continuous learning resonates deeply with me. Furthermore, Mr. Akano’s entrepreneurial spirit and resilience in the face of challenges are truly commendable. He has successfully navigated the complexities of the Nigerian business landscape, demonstrating that with perseverance, strategic thinking, and a passion for excellence, one can achieve remarkable success.
His journey from a modest beginning to leading a major enterprise serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs like myself. In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Akano is known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to giving back to the community. His involvement in various social initiatives and charitable endeavors underscores his belief in the power of collective growth and the importance of uplifting others.
In conclusion, Mr. Tim Akano’s visionary leadership, dedication to education, entrepreneurial spirit, and philanthropic contributions make him an exemplary business idol and role model. His accomplishments inspire me to strive for excellence, embrace continuous learning, and contribute positively to society. Thank you for considering my entry.
Okonkwo Chinonso Naomi
Chinonsookonkwo315@gmail.com
TOPIC: WHY I WOULD LIKE TO CHOOSE TIM AKANO AS MY BUSINESS IDOL AND ROLE MODEL
By Mene Precious Boyi
Talk about mighty warriors. They fight wars, win battles and conquer nations. Yet for the most part, hardly make noise. Truly, these warriors are rare. Yet they exist. Speaking of one of such warriors would not leave me without mentioning a man who has conquered territories in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, home and abroad – Mr. Tim Akano.
Mr. Tim Akano, born on April 2, 1963 in a town in Osun state is the Founder and Managing Director of New Horizons Nigeria, a franchise holder of the US-based New Horizons International – an institution dedicated to the training of individuals in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
New Horizons Nigeria has witnessed tremendous growth under the leadership of Mr. Tim Akano. From its inception in 2005 with not more than five staff and less than ten students, it has grown to a mega institution welcoming and training at least 100,000 candidates yearly, whilst employing over 400 ICT professionals. It has also made name as the company that broke new ground in the integration of ICT certification-based training in higher institutions of learning in Nigeria.
This is surely not a game of luck, but a product of the leadership of a man with vision, longanimity, grit, passion, resilience, innovation and unmatched business acumen. To know that Mr. Tim Akano quit his stable job and ventured into the unknown to make New Horizons Nigeria a reality leaves my mouth agape.
In an era where a high percentage of the nation’s leaders in business and government tend towards the enrichment of their pockets, I see a man who weeps over the devastating digital divide between his nation (and continent) and other nations of the world. Mr. Tim Akano has worked his life out in ensuring that the average Nigerian youth can be confident ICT-wise, in a fast-paced world driven by constantly evolving technology.
A firm believer in true success, Mr. Tim Akano’s life models his beliefs. He has proven that the hard road – and not the short cut – is the way to true, lasting success. Before founding New Horizons, he had worked with multiple national and multinational corporations such as Unilever, DEBIS Computers, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), just to mention a few. His diverse yet rich skill-set earned him seats in different positions, as he rose steadily to the top.
As a cyber security enthusiast, Mr. Tim Akano pioneered the World Cyber Security Conference, & which is aimed at discussing issues that pertain to the cybersecurity of Nigeria, gleaning from seasoned international experts. He is also a member of many institutional boards where he serves actively in various key positions. I find it thrilling to know that Mr. Tim Akano is so keen about the future of youths like me in an ever evolving and competitive world. He is a philanthropist, author, writer, mentor and great thought leader with numerous awards to his credit. His desire to pass the baton on and see a transformation in the minds of the younger generation sets me aflame with the zeal to make a difference.
There is no doubt that his life strikes a chord deep within. For these and many more reasons which ink may fail me
to mention, are why I would choose Mr. Tim Akano as my business idol and role model.
By Mene Precious Boyi
meneprecious87@gmail.com
TOPIC: WHY I WOULD LIKE TO CHOOSE TIM AKANO AS MY BUSINESS IDOL AND ROLE MODEL
By Amarachukwu Amanda
Can I introduce you to a man, who believes in the possibility of accomplishing audacious ambitions? He is Tim Akano, my inspiration in the digital age. He is your average businessman. He’s a game-changer, a visionary who sparked a tech revolution in Nigeria. His story is more than just making money; it’s about empowering a nation. That’s why he’s my ultimate role model.
Mr Tim Akano saw a gap in Nigerian education: no one was teaching vital tech skills in schools. He could have chosen easier routes and businesses, but he saw the need to bridge the gap in Information Communication Technology (ICT). He could have ignored the pressing challenge or left it for someone else to figure out, but he envisioned a future powered by tech-savvy Nigerians. Following through with action, his dream became New Horizons Nigeria, that has launched over 100,000 Nigerians into thriving tech careers.
But Mr Tim Akano’s vision wasn’t a one-shot deal. He wanted a system that kept producing tech talent.
So, he pushed for partnerships with schools, thereby creating a never-ending stream of qualified IT professionals. He wasn’t just building a company; he was building a bridge, that will connect people to whole new exciting world of possibilities that tech had to offer.
Mr Tim Akano’s passion goes beyond business. He’s a social responsibility champion. His brainchild, One Africa Initiatives, connects Africans everywhere, uniting them across borders. He mentors young people, planting the seeds for future leaders, and pushes for a more diverse agricultural industry, knowing it’s crucial for Africa’s future.
Mr Tim Akano’s entrepreneurial spirit is admirable. In his almost twenty years of a corporate career pursuit, he showed great dedication to his work. One of such testaments was his steady rise during his corporate career journey from the position of a commercial attached to a Senior Executive Manager for NBC. Not only that, the many awards and recognition speaks volume of his impact.
He left his comfort zone to chase his dream, showing the courage and grit needed to be a successful entrepreneur. In a world where quick fixes have become the coveted norm, his testimony serves as an inspiration to embrace a more meaningful path, to take calculated risks and chase one’s dreams with all your might. Mr Akano is a lifelong learner. His impressive education from places like Lagos Business School shows his commitment to getting better. He’s proofed that knowledge is power, and he inspires me to keep learning and growing my skills.
Tim Akano’s story is a mix of purpose, innovation, and a huge helping of social responsibility. He’s a shining light in the digital age, a leader who uses business to make a positive impact. As I start my own entrepreneurial journey, I hope to follow his lead and make a difference in the world, just like he has.
Amarachukwu Amanda
amandajasace5@gmail.com
TOPIC: WHY I WOULD LIKE TO CHOOSE TIM AKANO AS MY BUSINESS IDOL AND ROLE MODEL
By Precious Ushang
Tim Akano — the Founder and Managing Director of New Horizons Nigeria, a franchise holder of the US-based New Horizons International (a global e-learning company that offers technology and business skills training in Nigeria), is a visionary entrepreneur, leader and trailblazer whose fearless approach to the ICT field has created a ripple effect, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.
He has revolutionized the IT training industry in Nigeria bridging the digital gap and empowering individuals and organizations through technology. I strive to emulate this pioneering force for his innovative spirit, unwavering passion, strategic vision, dedication to excellence, and his ability to build a successful and sustainable business model. This aligns with my own values and goals, and I believe that adopting a similar mindset will help me achieve success.
His humble beginnings as a computer instructor to founding New Horizons Nigeria, resonates deeply with me. With a passion for innovation and leadership, he has trained over 100,000 professionals in IT and entrepreneurship; empowered thousands of youths through mentorship and skill development programs; fostered partnerships with global tech giants like Microsoft, Cisco, and EC-Council; inspired a new generation of leaders and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond; and also received numerous awards for his contributions to education, entrepreneurship, and youth development. These awards include:
- Icon of Youth Empowerment from the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC)
- Award of Excellence for Contribution to Enhancement of Technology in Education from the International Society of Education in Atlanta (2018)
- Nigerian ICT Entrepreneurs from Top 10 Magazine (2019)
- 30 Living Legends of Osun State (2022), amongst others.
Tim Akano has had a significant influence on the business world and ICT industry. He pioneered the integration of ICT certification-based training into university curricula, enhancing the employability of graduates in the job market. His efforts have led to the creation of job opportunities in the ICT sector, and has promoted Nigeria as an outsourcing destination, offering relevant skills training to tap into the global outsourcing market.
As I chart my own course in the business world, I look to Tim Akano as a beacon of inspiration, drawing valuable lessons from his experiences, successes and setbacks. His unwavering dedication to excellence, resilience in the face of adversity, and passion for making a difference set a high bar for me to strive for. Tim Akano is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a clear vision. He is a catalyst for positive change, and I am grateful to have him as a role model to look up to.
Precious Ushang
precyushang4@gmail.com
TOPIC: WHY I WOULD LIKE TO CHOOSE TIM AKANO AS MY BUSINESS IDOL AND ROLE MODEL
By Okonjo Victor
The common saying; “Necessity is the mother of innovation” reminds us of the important need to tackle major societal challenges such as unemployment and underdevelopment through innovative ideas. The advent of technology and digitalization plays a significant role in tackling major odds in society.
Tim Akano, the Chief Executive Officer of New Horizon Nigeria has championed this significant role through his wide spread innovative network. Tim Akano has demonstrated a strong desire for societal development through technological and digital integration.
Tim Akano’s New Horizon Nigeria continues to lead the pace in innovative and digital empowerment through the training of young people in diverse digital skill set such as machine learning, data analytics, networking, software development etc.
Tim Akano’s business model promotes rapid technological innovations amongst the youth populace. Therefore, his business empire has made major contribution in addressing the high unemployment rate bedeviling our society. Above all, Tim Akano’s business model has become increasingly relevant for a feasible actualization of the digital economy.
Tim Akano’s success and track records in the tech and digital space have earned him prestigious awards and accolades both from within and outside Nigeria. In addition, he has received due recognition and distinguished awards particularly from youth based organizations such as but not limited to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of Computing Students (NACOS) and the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC).
Tim Akano continues to be an inspiration to every youth out there to be determined and have firm belief in their ability to excel without fears of barriers. Tim Akano corroborates this belief in his address to the Lagos NYSC corp members in 2017 saying “Every youth must learn to say yes to his dream”
Indeed, I can affirm Tim Akano to be a driving force and an Icon whose sense of purpose is worthy of emulation and therefore, the reason I choose Tim Akano to be my business Idol.
Okonjo Victor
kellykenchor@gmail.com
TOPIC: WHY I WOULD LIKE TO CHOOSE TIM AKANO AS MY BUSINESS IDOL AND ROLE MODEL
By Eze Ujunwa
Tim Akano, the founder of New Horizons Nigeria, stands out as an exemplary figure whose achievements, vision, and leadership inspire admiration and emulation. There are several compelling reasons why I would choose Tim Akano as my business idol and role model.
Tim Akano’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of vision and determination. He founded New Horizons Nigeria with the ambition of bridging the gap between Nigeria and the developed world in terms of information technology. His foresight in recognizing the pivotal role of IT education in national development and individual empowerment is commendable. Akano’s ability to transform challenges into opportunities resonates deeply with my entrepreneurial aspirations. His story teaches me that with the right mindset, even the most daunting obstacles can be converted into steppingstones to success.
Creativity is at the heart of Akano’s leadership style. He not only identified a critical need in the market but also crafted innovative solutions to meet that need. His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has established New Horizons Nigeria as a leader in IT training and certification. This creative approach to problem-solving is something I greatly admire and wish to emulate in my business endeavors. Akano’s ability to stay ahead of the curve, anticipating market trends and adapting swiftly, serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of agility and innovation in business.
Tim Akano’s impact extends beyond the corporate world into the realm of social responsibility. His dedication to corporate social responsibility and community development sets him apart as a business leader with a heart. Through various initiatives aimed at empowering the youth and uplifting underprivileged communities, Akano has demonstrated that business success and social impact are not mutually exclusive. This aspect of his leadership inspires me to think beyond profits and consider the broader impact of my business on society.
Furthermore, Akano’s ability to inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders is truly remarkable. His journey is a rich source of lessons on leadership, perseverance, and the importance of lifelong learning. I am particularly drawn to his emphasis on the value of education and skill acquisition as tools for empowerment. This aligns perfectly with my belief that knowledge is the foundation upon which great businesses are built.
In a world where role models often seem distant and unattainable, Tim Akano stands out as a relatable and accessible figure whose achievements are both impressive and inspiring. His story reinforces my belief that with hard work, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive impact, I too can build a business that stands the test of time and contributes meaningfully to society.
In conclusion, choosing Tim Akano as my business idol and role model is driven by his extraordinary entrepreneurial journey, his innovative mindset, his commitment to social responsibility, and his ability to inspire and mentor future leaders. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder that true success is not just about personal achievements, but about creating lasting positive change in the world.
Eze Ujunwa
aruaujunwa96@gmail.com
Topic: Tim Akano – A Visionary Leader and My Business Role Model
By Joseph Ifejika
Tim Akano is a highly respected figure in Nigeria, celebrated for his pioneering spirit and foresight in establishing New Horizons Nigeria, the country’s premier ICT training institution. His ability to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities is remarkable.
Through his dedication and strategic thinking, Tim Akano has expanded his reach into secondary and tertiary institutions across Nigeria, providing a platform for young people to acquire essential ICT skills and knowledge.
Hailing from Oluponna, Osun State, Tim Akano’s humble beginnings did not limit his vision. He leveraged education to achieve his dreams, graduating from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and further honing his skills in South Africa and Switzerland.
Mr. Akano boasts an impressive portfolio, marked by visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. His notable accomplishments include founding and leading esteemed corporate institutions like WiniGroup Inc., New Horizons, KnowledgeHub365, One Africa Initiatives, and FABAAW.
Through these endeavors, Mr. Akano has demonstrated his ability to innovate, inspire, and drive growth, leaving a lasting impact on the business and technology landscape.
As a distinguished entrepreneur, Mr. Akano stands out for his dedication to empowering young Nigerians through his writings and coaching programs. His impact has been recognized with the Nigerian Icon of Youth Empowerment award in 2022 by the NYSC.
I was inspired by a YouTube video of Mr. Akano speaking about his vision for Nigeria and Africa to become leading exporters of technology and technological products. He emphasized the need for cybersecurity and urged young people to pursue careers in computer science.
Through Mr. Akano’s journey, I have learned the importance of breaking the glass ceiling by:
- Thinking big: Having bold aspirations and vision
- Building networks: Fostering meaningful connections and relationships
- Grasping education: Embracing learning and self-development
By adopting these principles, I understand that breaking the glass ceiling is not only about personal achievement but also about inspiring others to strive for excellence.
Joseph Ifejika
josephifejika842@gmail.com
TOPIC: WHY I WOULD LIKE TO CHOOSE TIM AKANO AS MY BUSINESS IDOL AND ROLE MODEL
By Chiamaka Egbusiri
Tim Akano is the founder and managing director of New Horizons and managing director of New Horizons Nigeria, a franchise holder of the U. S – based New Horizons International – the world’s number one ICT training institution. New Horizons International is reputable for its global impact, with offices in 85 countries, a daily student’s attendance of over four million and the first choice of the top fortune 500 companies for most of their training needs.
For Tim Kayode Akano, he believes that “…… Everything is possible to those who can believe and are willing to stake everything they have to push their dreams…”. Africa is in need of dreamers that will transcend national boundaries and transform the lives of its people, and it is for this reason I choose Tim Akano as my business idol and role model, as it is for this assignment, New Horizons is present in more than 30 Nigerian Universities, helping to train students in computing. Yet, he is not a politician and he has never been invited to the plenary of the African Union nor has he ever joined the Nigerian delegation to the United Nations. He has no army and does not possess the panache of a radical revolutionary, yet from the belly of his computer, Akano is brewing a revolution.
Tim Kayode Akano is my business idol and role model because he tries to leap frog the handicaps of Africa by embarking on a journey into the New Age as he believes that science especially information science and the computer provides a level – playing field where young ones despite our challenging environment, can find their mettle. Serving as a role model, Akano is showing us that private people can be the drivers of change in our continent and this may open a new horizon for Nigeria and Africa, as Akano ‘s achievements and impacts has shown that dreamers, even in Africa, can change the world.
Akano is my business idol and role model because he made me realise that in starting up a business, I mustn’t have all the funds in rich reserves rich enough to take care of my needs for at least six months, as he was able to commence his company business with just #80,000, which of course this position is contrary to the law of business, but he still succeeded as his company tried very hard to observe and operate within certain laws namely ;- the law of destination which made them adhere strictly to their focus; the law of connecting the dots and the dots are actually the resources available to you ; the law of place which relates to your location per time; how appropriately positioned you are; the law of the two, which states that for everyone that desires success, he has to find someone, a mentor that will help him in achieving this , and ; the law of the seed which says you have to put something to your endeavour to show that you are committed to it.
As my business idol, I’ve learnt from Tim Akano that to succeed in business, my choice of personnel is very important, as Akano stated -“I learned from Bill Gates and Warren Buffett that four factors must be considered while selecting your staffs and they are;- Competence, Intelligence, Passion and Integrity, but where you see the first three qualities in a staff to be and you discover the fourth one ( INTEGRITY) is missing – don’t hire the staff, as the four variables must be present and be intact before that staff is engaged”. As he stated that he has seen a lot of companies fail because of the type of people they into their companies, as a business cannot grow beyond the level of people around it.
Having Tim Akano as my role model has taught me not to believe in the word – ” failure”. When asked what are his views about failure, he said that -“I don’t believe in the word failure, as when we do things and we don’t get the desired results that does not mean that we have failed. It only means we should look at a different innovative way of solving the problem. Challenges are like river, and you need a boat (wisdom, perseverance, etc) to cross the ‘ RIVER CHALLENGES ‘ before you can arrive at your destination – which you call – SUCCESS “.
As my business idol, through Tim Akano, I got to realize that the number one skill a man should have is the SELLING SKILL, as he said that if a person has selling skill, that person would prosper no matter where he/she finds his /herself either as a journalist or politician or medical doctor or engineer or whatever. He made me understand that marketing and selling skills are very crucial to have, a third essential skill is mathematical skill, as he said that the world is mathematically coded by God and only those who are good in mathematics can decode a tiny part of it and become wealthy, and a fourth skill I should choose is the ICT skill , as the world is going to become one united world of technology ( UWT) in less than two decades from now.
My role model Tim Kayode Akano has taught me to overcome and ignore my fears, when asked about his perception on fear, he responded -“Fear is the oldest and strongest of human emotions, fear is a tyrant and a despot, more terrible than the rack, and more potent than the snake”, he said quoting Edgar Wallace in his book, – The clue of the twisted candle. He said that people fear many things but his approach is to ignore fear, as he lives every day as it comes, pray to God for guidance all the time and work hard to live alright, eat right and practice moderation in all his activities.
As regards the management of personal finance, through Tim Akano, I’ve learnt to follow some simple rules which he said his mum taught him years back, Tim Kayode Akano stated – ” I sow a portion for God’s work. I invest a portion every time I make money almost immediately before I start having sundry dreams. I keep a portion for daily needs and I keep the remaining for emergency and charity”. In Tim Akano, I’ve learnt that one rule of making money is never to spend your money before you earn it and another rule is to live below your income by 50 percent as people who check daily sales promo and participate can never be rich , as illustrated in the book – “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” which is a great book that teaches simple practical strategies on personal finances , as money has no permanent address and it keeps changing address anytime it’s fundamental rule is violated.
Tim Akano my role model made me realize that it’s important to use one’s wealth to benefit one’s immediate environment, as Tim Akano was able to display this role by using his wealth to employ handicapped people in New Horizons straight from NYSC camp because he was persuaded that it was the right thing to do.
In Tim Kayode Akano, I’ve learnt that the importance of reading books and engaging in serious research magazines, as he has stated that three books that changed his life are; The Holy Bible – it’s the greatest book of all time; Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill; and how to win friends and influence people.
Having Tim Kayode Akano as my role model has helped me learnt that an essential value that’s necessary to have inorder to help drive one’s passion is delayed gratification. Another essential value that should be imbibed is the value of learning to sow one’s time and money wisely, and the importance of right timing in human success.
I have learnt through Tim Akano that the first focus to everything shouldn’t be about money as he stated that he was not focusing on money when he started, as indeed most of the initial training his business embarked on were done free for clients just for them to see that they were serious and they meant business. The lesson here is that any business that is excessively focused on bottom – line from day one rather than value cannot pass the litmus test of time.
As my role model and business idol, I’ve learnt so much in business and personal virtues from the legendary Tim Kayode Akano, as there’s nothing more I would have to ask for in choosing a role model and business idol, and it is for this reason I choose Tim Kayode Akano as my role model and business idol as he made me understand that despite all things in life, it is important to be happy all the time, hence quoting him , he stated – ” I like to be happy all the time, so I laugh to myself regularly “.
Chiamaka Egbusiri
egbusirichiamaka@gmail.com
TOPIC: WHY I WOULD LIKE TO CHOOSE TIM AKANO AS MY BUSINESS IDOL AND ROLE MODEL
By Opeyemi Obafemi
Tim Akano is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and business leaders to reach their full potential, making him an ideal mentor for those seeking support and guidance.
Tim Akano has motivated and encouraged a lot of young entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and achieving success through his life story which is an ideal tool of achieving something tangible in business. His personal life is an inspiration for personal development, self-awareness, and intentional action in achieving business success.
Having him as a mentor would help in attaining great web and connections in the business world. Moreover, he is passionate in helping young entrepreneurs to grow their business.
Opeyemi Obafemi
opeyemijacob97@gmail.com
