By Charles Khiran

Leadership expert and professional speaker, Charles Khiran, engages his business mentor and super entrepreneur, Mahmood Ahmadu, who is also the chairman of OIS, and one of Africa’s greatest entrepreneurs, on a one to one in Dubai, on behalf of the global community.

May I begin by congratulating you on your Forbes award and your Euro-knowledge humanitarian award in 2020, very well deserved sir!

Mahmood Ahmadu – Yes, it was a bright spark in what was a turbulent and challenging year for all of us. The Forbes Africa award was a big surprise, and a high privilege to be selected from a line-up of super achievers and some of Africa’s biggest names was a thing of great joy.

I was also particularly pleased to have received the Euro-knowledge awards as well the second year in a row. However, of greater value to me was the important Euro-knowledge category of ‘leading personality on humanitarian response to COVID-19 crisis’, because as you clearly know, so many lives were adversely affected by this dreaded disease. We had to mount a massive response to the COVID-19 crisis all through the year to alleviate the suffering of so many. I was glad it was recognized by Euro-knowledge. It also encourages us to do much more.

Everything that could be shaken was shaken last year, especially in the business world; many household names from around the world disappeared or were badly affected. You have your business footprints in over 52 countries; how have you and your various companies managed to weather the storm and keep afloat?

Mahmood Ahmadu – Truthfully, I couldn’t really sit here and tell you our genius got us through! Just like every other business owner out there, this thing caught us all by surprise. I will have to give thanks to God above all else for seeing us through what was an extremely challenging year. I have been in business for over 30 years, and I can honestly say I have never seen or experienced anything like what we experienced last year in business!

Speaking to my various friends from around the world, many were in very bad shape and some unfortunately are still not sure whether they will pull through.

Clearly, we as a business, sustained losses, and we equally embarked on strict streamlining of our operations, and pragmatism in terms of leadership was required with regards to our strategic response to the pandemic.

However, uppermost on my mind was how to sustain and retain our staff, especially our top staff. It has taken a lot for us to attract, train, develop and retain some of the sharpest minds out there in terms of our employee pool, and I did not want to lose these talents. There is a grave gravity of responsibility in running multiple profitable businesses and championing the careers of thousands of employees, and it is something I take very seriously.

Furthermore, just like every other global business, we had to look at our overall operations and see which ones we can transition online with the enablement of dynamic technology, and which ones we would have to shut down in the short term. We had always ensured we maintained a lean and agile operation over the years and that has been one of the biggest blessings.

Tell me a bit about the importance of leadership in times of crisis, especially in the past year of the pandemic in steering the ships with thousands of employees?

Mahmood Ahmadu – Well, as the great leadership guru, John Maxwell said – “Everything rises and falls on leadership” my first priority is providing direction with respect to vision of how we are going to navigate in an unprecedented time. So I and the other leaders have had to dig deep and raise our games a notch, for example I have had to increase the rate and regularity of my communication with the team. I have had to be more visible and present than usual; many of our employees in other markets around the world are working from home because of the lockdowns so communication has been more critical than normal.

Therefore, it became absolutely critical to provide virtual platforms that allow for groups as well as two way dialogues. These have been important in settling the angst, and quashing unfounded rumors company wide.

I began hosting weekly and monthly webinars where I spoke face to face with the team, answering questions of what we know, providing hope and inspiration helping to alleviate fears. The other thing is the value of authenticity, transparency and empathy by speaking candidly to the team and letting them know what is going on, sharing brutal truths. These are solid leadership qualities, but I can tell you it has been amplified even more in these times of unprecedented turbulence.

Finally, it has also been all hands on deck with everyone rolling up their sleeves including me. So I have paid more forensic attention to some details than usual after months of immense financial pressure on businesses everywhere including ours, we have learnt the importance of collaborative support from our partners and tighter cost controls in other to maintain strong balance sheets.

What would you say are some of the biggest lessons you learnt in 2020?

Mahmood Ahmadu – In truth, 2020 has been a year of immense education like no other, even for one as pragmatic and visionary like I believe myself to be. There have been so many learning opportunities in the midst of the chaos.

1. You have to know that time is finite, do not waste time

2. I learnt to make important decisions at speed while leading multiple business organizations remotely, even with some feelings of anxiety as we were not sure what was happening.

3. I learnt the importance of constantly being prepared for any eventuality, and the need for more stress testing

4. I learnt not to sacrifice the future based on the current year’s problems. We were still innovating and planning for bigger visions while people were focusing only on the current problems.

I personally believe my own equity as a leader has gone up exponentially because of what I went through and survived in 2020

You are the brain behind probably the largest, innovative and exciting technology companies out of Africa. How has technology helped you in this past year?

Mahmood Ahmadu – There are certain things that technology cannot change, like the human to human experience which we miss terribly in many of our locations experiencing lockdowns. However, for everything else technology is what we know and what we do, so as compared to many, technology has been a life saver as this is our normal terrain.

We have been developing breakthrough technology for governments and large scale institutions in Africa and around the world for the delivery of financial solutions, streamlining the ease of payments and transaction processing through our unique and intuitive platforms for many years now.

So we have built and deployed technology in some areas to quickly plug holes and bridge gaps to stop the hemorrhaging of money where expedient. Our central focus is to never stop innovating, and we are responding to this crisis with even more innovation!

I know you do not have a crystal ball, but what do you see ahead in this new year, 2021, especially in the business environment?

Mahmood Ahmadu – In truth, for anybody to say they know what is ahead of us this year will probably be purely guessing. I don’t believe anyone has a clear picture for what lies ahead. Governments around the world are responding as best as they can to an unprecedented situation, so all we have is faith and hope.

My faith in God helps me to believe that we will be out of this situation soon, but I am not convinced that it will be business as usual anymore. One thing I am completely persuaded about is the ingenuity and the indefatigability of the human spirit. Humans will always find a way!

When I reflect all through history and some of the battles and challenges that have confronted humans, from the great depression, the Second World War, civil wars, Stock market crashes, Black Monday and so many others, I realise that humans found a way, rebuilt and have always came through. I am persuaded we will bounce back and bounce higher after this dreaded pandemic, but there are still many tough months ahead for all of us.

My hope is by the third quarter of this year, we should begin to see the shoots of recovery and the enabling environment from the regulations standpoint to enable high flight again.

What final words of wisdom do you have for other leaders in difficult situations?

I believe leaders, who have had to navigate through a devastating year like 2020 and survived it will definitely be worth their weight in gold. So many have witnessed enviable businesses that built fold up or crumple before their eyes through no fault of their own.

Read Also – Mahmood Ahmadu, New Works Nigeria Limited and NIS on Efficient Service Delivery

I would like to encourage them that the lessons learnt from this period whether good or bad, will definitely add to their overall value going forward. The best business schools could not have taught many of the valuable lessons learnt last year. I would like to encourage them to lift their sights above the temporary failures, and instead focus on what educational good they can glean from the situation.

Remember that adversity and crisis reveal your foundation and your build quality. When crisis comes unannounced like we all experienced last year, all we can do is control some of the details even though we could not stop it.

Finally, guard your mind and your thoughts and discipline it! Do not let fear take you captive, and make a decision not to speak words of fear out of your mouth. Besides the fact that you are listening to yourself, your people are also seeing the world through your eyes and words! May God help us all!

Charles Khiran is an Afro-European professional speaker and corporate trainer based in the United Kingdom. He provides bespoke and customized training to governments and business organisations. For more information please visit www.charleskhiran.com

Source – http://thebossnewspapers.com/

The post Mahmood Ahmadu Shares Lessons Learnt In 2020 appeared first on Daily Concord.

An accomplished entrepreneur, Mahmood Ahmadu, who is the Founder and Executive Chairman of OIS, also known as Online Integrated Solutions Ltd, was born on September 9, 1966. He is a product of a very humble beginning. It is not by accident that his crowning coincides with his 54^th birthday.

He attended ATBU and Nasarawa State University, where he obtained his qualifications. Records have it that Mahmood Ahmadu obtained further educational qualifications in the form of management, IT and communication industry courses. He has since utilized these skills to start and operate small businesses involved in the exchange of various profitable products and Services.

At quite an early age during the early 1980s, Mahmood received a family inheritance with which he established his first company called A2A Communications Limited. The company, it is said, shot him into limelight as one of the pioneers in the field of GSM business, especially in Northern Nigeria with branches in almost all the state capitals. He has since shown class in the field of buy and sale, service delivery among others, establishing various facets of companies to accommodate the teeming and growing Nigerian workforce. His business activities and operations span 53 countries and five continents.

Mahmood has further leveraged on his growing goodwill over the years and dexterity in creating opportunities to expand his venture both locally and internationally. He has also raised awareness on the importance of education and has also enhanced the quality of education through scholarship programmes.

Read Also – Mahmood Ahmadu Dedicates Forbes Best Of Africa Awards To Aregbesola

He has always aimed to be the best in whatever he does, and thus has stayed on top in managing a strong international network between IT and Telecom companies thereby boosting his capability, capacity and credibility. This has given him an edge in relating seamlessly with both the international and local business world, giving his companies a multinational presence in over 56 international locations across 10 different time zones.

Mahmood strongly believes in CSR, and has inculcated it as a form of belief, faith and culture. In addition to raising awareness on the importance of education through scholarship programmes, he has made donations to various charities and individuals as well. This way, he has been able to build an African multi-business

Continue Reading – http://thebossnewspapers.com/

The post Mahmood Ahmadu: The Man Forbes Best of Africa Cap Fits appeared first on Daily Concord.

Mr Ahmadu was one of three outstanding Nigerians honoured on September 11th 2020 for exceptional leadership in business, entrepreneurship and track record of philanthropy.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Interior under the leadership of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, the Nigerian Immigration Service under the supervision of Comptroller-General Muhammadu Babandede and OIS Limited Board, Management and Staff for this achievement.

He explained that he dedicated the award to these individuals and organisations because they provided the uncommon
platform, mentorship, support and inspiration which enabled OIS birth and deploy its exceptional solution of creating the third best biometric visa system in the world.

“This rare support offered by The Honourable Minister and The CGI gave OIS the impetus to be competitive and also specialize in an ecosystem that was otherwise previously thought to be the exclusive preserve of the West.

“Their support was a unique and rare show of patriotism, leadership and direction in our national development architecture” the ever gracious and amiable international entrepreneur stated.

A very private and humble man who prefers to conduct his philanthropic and benevolent activities without fanfare, Mahmood has a penchant for ensuring the intended recipients of his charity benefit directly.

Read Also – Kanye West Thanks Eminem for Rapping on Dr. Dre Remix

Mr Ahmadu has enjoyed many recognitions and awards internationally from Africa, Asia, UAE and the UK for his empowerment of global communities, and this latest award from the highly-regarded Forbes brand was received with great delight and it will surely propel him to do more!

Source – http://thebossnewspapers.com/

The post Mahmood Ahmadu Dedicates Forbes Best Of Africa Awards To Aregbesola appeared first on Daily Concord.

The official letter dated the 24^th October 2016, from the Emir among other things expressed the reasons for the conferment. Below is an except from the letter;

“The conferment of the Traditional Title is a clear testimony of your immense contribution to the development and upliftment of The Mubi Emirate. On behalf of the entire people of Mubi, I want to express my heartfelt felicitation to a man of proven integrity, whose leadership prowess, doggedness, exemplary lifestyle and selfless service to humanity cannot be quantified. It is also a clear message to the next generation that hard and honest work will always be recognized and rewarded no matter the field of human endeavour.

On behalf of myself, my Council and the entire people of Mubi Emirate, please accept my hearty congratulations”.

Nigerian born international businessman and noted philanthropist Alhaji Mahmood Ahmadu was recently conferred with a high level traditional title – ‘The Turakin Mubi’ by His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Isah Ahmadu CFR, FFPM the Emir of Mubi.

The official letter dated the 24^th October 2016, from the Emir among other things expressed the reasons for the conferment. Below is an except from the letter;

“The conferment of the Traditional Title is a clear testimony of your immense contribution to the development and upliftment of The Mubi Emirate. On behalf of the entire people of Mubi, I want to express my heartfelt felicitation to a man of proven integrity, whose leadership prowess, doggedness, exemplary lifestyle and selfless service to humanity cannot be quantified. It is also a clear message to the next generation that hard and honest work will always be recognized and rewarded no matter the field of human endeavour.

On behalf of myself, my Council and the entire people of Mubi Emirate, please accept my hearty congratulations”.

Nigerian born international businessman and noted philanthropist Alhaji Mahmood Ahmadu was recently conferred with a high level traditional title – ‘The Turakin Mubi’ by His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Isah Ahmadu CFR, FFPM the Emir of Mubi.

The official letter dated the 24^th October 2016, from the Emir among other things expressed the reasons for the conferment. Below is an except from the letter;

“The conferment of the Traditional Title is a clear testimony of your immense contribution to the development and upliftment of The Mubi Emirate. On behalf of the entire people of Mubi, I want to express my heartfelt felicitation to a man of proven integrity, whose leadership prowess, doggedness, exemplary lifestyle and selfless service to humanity cannot be quantified. It is also a clear message to the next generation that hard and honest work will always be recognized and rewarded no matter the field of human endeavour.

On behalf of myself, my Council and the entire people of Mubi Emirate, please accept my hearty congratulations”.

The post Nigerian business magnate bestowed with a top traditional title appeared first on Daily Concord.

Given his high level work with the Government and the services provided by his company to Nigerians everywhere, it was a pleasure to meet the man behind the system that has saved so many from heartache and frustration.

There is no doubt that the mobilization of effective technology helps to eliminate fraud, reduces the risks of cash payments going astray as well as relating and holding the information on each person in a secure manner. On the two occasions I have used the Visa service recently I have found it very simple and highly efficient.

We look forward to the continuing conversation and I was pleasantly surprised with Mahmood’s very down to earth and practical attitude to the various projects we discussed. Once again it is unusual to have the needs of the ordinary Nigerian brought to the forefront so transparently. These are the attitudes we need to see coming from more leaders of society as we all work to accelerate the economic development of Nigeria and the continent.

Please let me know when we can move this project forward and give my regards to Mahmood. Here is a copy of the picture we took at the Gala dinner last night.

It was a great pleasure to meet with the man Mahmood Ahmadu yesterday. 

Given his high level work with the Government and the services provided by his company to Nigerians everywhere, it was a pleasure to meet the man behind the system that has saved so many from heartache and frustration.

There is no doubt that the mobilization of effective technology helps to eliminate fraud, reduces the risks of cash payments going astray as well as relating and holding the information on each person in a secure manner. On the two occasions I have used the Visa service recently I have found it very simple and highly efficient.

We look forward to the continuing conversation and I was pleasantly surprised with Mahmood’s very down to earth and practical attitude to the various projects we discussed. Once again it is unusual to have the needs of the ordinary Nigerian brought to the forefront so transparently. These are the attitudes we need to see coming from more leaders of society as we all work to accelerate the economic development of Nigeria and the continent.

Please let me know when we can move this project forward and give my regards to Mahmood. Here is a copy of the picture we took at the Gala dinner last night.

David Smith

Chairman

The post British African Business Alliance (BABA) Chairman, David Smith, Meets Mahmood Ahmadu appeared first on Daily Concord.

Hundreds of Nigerians were among the crowd in attendance for the Angels for Africa fundraising dinner. The glitzy £100 per-head event was organized to raise funds for several charity projects across Africa. HajiyaSalamatuTafida, the current President of ASAHCA and wife of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, explained that ASAHCA is made up of spouses of Ambassadors of 34 African countries, who have pledged to do their bit in addressing some of the continents socio-economic woes

 Among the guests at yesterday’s dinner was the Kaduna State governor MuhktarYero, who was given an award for his contribution to good causes. Other dignitaries who received awards on the night included Mrs OlufunshoAmosun, the wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs Faridah Wada, the wife of the Kogi State governor and HajiyaSalamatu Al-Makura, the wife of the Nasarawa State governor.

Mrs Tafida added that across Africa, there are pupils who are being taught on bare floors, there are mothers who are giving birth to babies on wooden tables and there are maternity wards where women have to sleep on mere springs after childbirth. She pointed out that seeking to help address this, Asahca aims to raise funds for social amenities which include providing drinking water, refurbishing classrooms, constructing maternity clinics and combating ailments like trachoma.

The night was hosted by leading professional speaker Charles Ajayi-Khiran

The Association of Spouses of African High Commissioners and Ambassadors (ASAHCA) banded together to launch the Angels for Africa initiative with a gala fundraising dinner at the Lancaster Hotel, Hyde Park London. Mahmood Ahmadu was proud to be one of the generous sponsors of the event, as he believed strongly in the cause being supported by the charity ASAHCA. Guests were given a presentation by Dr Isaac Odeyemipresented to a packed room of diplomats and high profile guests new technologies adaptable for African conditions that could make a real difference in promoting the health of rural women in Africa.

Hundreds of Nigerians were among the crowd in attendance for the Angels for Africa fundraising dinner. The glitzy £100 per-head event was organized to raise funds for several charity projects across Africa. HajiyaSalamatuTafida, the current President of ASAHCA and wife of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, explained that ASAHCA is made up of spouses of Ambassadors of 34 African countries, who have pledged to do their bit in addressing some of the continents socio-economic woes

 Among the guests at yesterday’s dinner was the Kaduna State governor MuhktarYero, who was given an award for his contribution to good causes. Other dignitaries who received awards on the night included Mrs OlufunshoAmosun, the wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs Faridah Wada, the wife of the Kogi State governor and HajiyaSalamatu Al-Makura, the wife of the Nasarawa State governor.

Mrs Tafida added that across Africa, there are pupils who are being taught on bare floors, there are mothers who are giving birth to babies on wooden tables and there are maternity wards where women have to sleep on mere springs after childbirth. She pointed out that seeking to help address this, Asahca aims to raise funds for social amenities which include providing drinking water, refurbishing classrooms, constructing maternity clinics and combating ailments like trachoma.

The night was hosted by leading professional speaker Charles Ajayi-Khiran

The post ASAHCA 2013 Lancaster Hotel (London Hyde Park) Mahmood Ahmadu supports Angels for Africa appeared first on Daily Concord.