Ogun Central: Adebola Emmanuel Sofela Shines At The APC Senatorial Meeting, Declares His Ambition For Senate

 Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo, Abeokuta 

The leading aspirant for the position of senate in the forthcoming election in 2023, Hon Adebola Emmanuel Sofela stole the show as he attended the senatorial meeting of the All Progressives Congress APC, Ogun Central district today 31st of March, 2022. 

The political meeting had in attendance of all the chairmen of the six local government, youth and women leaders, past and present house of assembly members, members of elders advisory board, and Ogun state government appointees.

Diving in to the aspirant profile, Adebola Sofela is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in financial services. He graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Accounting in 1986/87 from the University of Ilorin and got an MBA in Finance from the University of Lagos in 1996. He qualified as a Chartered Banker in 1988, a Chartered Accountant in 1989, and a Chartered Stock Broker in 2011. Adebola has completed curses at the prestigious Harvard Business School, Wharton Business School and INSEAD. He is a fellow of the reputable Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and the Chartered of Stock Brokers. In the past, he also served on some of the Committees of Council. 

Adebola’s career is filled with 32 years of post-graduate experience that spans banking, financial services, and telecommunications. In addition, he has varied experience in the following areas: domestic and treasury operations, financial planning and control, internal audit, treasury services, corporate and project finance, investment banking, risk management, regulatory compliance and tax planning, and regional banking business and relationship management. His regional banking experience includes the retail, commercial, corporate and public sector.

Over the course of his extensive banking career, he became adept with government accounts and accounting. He developed strategic relationships with state and local governments, providing finance for development projects and offering revenue collection services. He is also well versed with the transition from IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) cash-based accounting to IPSAS accrual-based accounting, the deployment of IPPIS (Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System), and other governmental initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of governance.

He worked in the banking industry up until August 2011, rising up the ranks to Divisional Director and General Manager at Equatorial Trust Bank Limited (Now Sterling Bank PLC). Afterwards, he transitioned to the telecommunications industry as the Group Treasurer and Director of the Executive Office at Globacom Limited. He held his position at Globacom Limited until February 2018. 

Adebola also served as the Managing Director/CEO of Bridge Capital and Investments Limited. He was able to hone his entrepreneurial drive in financial advisory services, stock broking, investment management, tax advisory services and financial consulting. He committed his time to regularly working with SMEs and as a result, became very acquainted with the problems they encounter with Development Financial Institutions. He provided tailored and customized solutions to these companies and assisted them with overcoming the challenges of accessing financial assistance. 

After an extensive career in the private sector, Adebola is now utilizing his skills and making an impact in the public sector. He is currently the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Number Plate Production Authority, the flagship state corporation that produces vehicle number plates and aluminium based signage. He has held this position since August 2019.

Adebola Emmanuel seeked for the support of the six local governments namely Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo, Ewekoro and Odeda in the forthcoming primary election, he promised to represent them adequately and efficiently without leaving any stone unturned.