A group of influential Nigerian businessmen and corporate executives have come together under the Circle of Friends Forum to promote friendship, fellowship and philanthropy.
The group brings together successful men from different sectors, including banking, oil and gas, power, maritime, real estate, hospitality, engineering and automobile businesses.
Coordinated by Earl Osaro Onaiwu, the Forum comprises business leaders who have built successful careers and companies in their respective industries.
Among its members are Gabriel Ogbechie, founder of Rainoil Limited; Dr. Leemon Ikpea, founder and chairman of Lee Engineering Group; Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group; and Chief Julius Rone, Group Managing Director of UTM Offshore Limited.
The banking sector is represented by Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, former Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, and Clement Buari, a former senior official of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Other members include Taiwo Afolabi, founder and Group Chairman of SIFAX Group; Tayo Ayeni, founder of Skymit Motors; and Frank Okosun, Senior Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Knight Frank Nigeria.
The Forum also has Bayo Fatusin, Richard Lamai, Julian Osula, Timi Alaibe, Lai Oriowo, Usman Mohamed, Ola Kukoyi, Wale Otegbola, Tony Osagie Odigie, Edward Oladimeji, Greg Uanseru, Chief Bernard Imarah, Peter Obafemi, Dapo Balogun Jojo, Oyo Akpovi and Alfred Okoigun as members.
Beyond their business achievements, the members share a commitment to supporting others and making positive contributions to society.
One example is Dr. Leemon Ikpea, who built and donated a 62-bed ultramodern medical centre to his Idumu-Iyase community in Ewatto, Edo State.
The facility is expected to improve access to healthcare for residents and neighbouring communities.
The donation reflects the belief that success should not be measured only by wealth, business growth or professional positions, but also by the positive impact people make in their communities.
The Circle of Friends Forum also promotes mutual support, goodwill and solidarity among its members.
Through their friendship and shared values, the businessmen seek to show that professional success can go hand in hand with compassion and service to society.
For the members, friendship and fellowship provide a platform to encourage one another and make meaningful contributions beyond their individual businesses.