Draft:Buffy Okeke-Ojiudu

Buffy Okeke-Ojiudu
Buffy Okeke-Ojiudu is a Nigerian social entrepreneur, industrialist, and the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) of the Zebra Group, an organization with interests in agriculture and media. . He is widely recognized for his innovative contributions to the agricultural sector and his commitment to addressing food insecurity in Nigeria and beyond.

Early life and education
Buffy Okeke-Ojiudu spent his early years in Nigeria, where he developed a passion for entrepreneurship and public service from a young age. His family background, deeply rooted in both business and public service, influenced his career trajectory. He moved to England in his teenage years, where he attended college and university. Okeke-Ojiudu holds a degree in Law from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, and a Master's degree from Harvard University.

Career
After completing his education, Buffy Okeke-Ojiudu embarked on a mission to tackle sustainable income challenges facing smallholder farmers in Nigeria. He founded Zebra Agro-Industries, an agro-innovation and technology company dedicated to creating sustainable jobs, building rural economic development, and increasing the income of smallholder farmers.

Under Okeke-Ojiudu's leadership, Zebra Agro-Industries developed the Zebra CropBank initiative, a post-harvest service platform for farmers to store, manage and monetise their produce efficiently. This initiative has garnered international recognition, including the prestigious United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) "World Food Forum Global Innovation of the Year" award and the award for the "Better Production" category at the 2023 UN World Food Forum in Rome.

In addition to his work with Zebra, Okeke-Ojiudu founded E.A.T Africa (Entrepreneurs for Agriculture Transformation), a platform for agro-entrepreneurs, policymakers, and executives to exchange ideas and experiences aimed at transforming the agricultural sector in Africa.

As a devoted philanthropist, Buffy Okeke-Ojiudu serves as the Chairman of the Ojiudu Foundation, which focuses on creating opportunities for underprivileged youth in West Africa. He is also the publisher of the Abuja Times Newspaper, further extendifng his impact in media and information dissemination.

Okeke-Ojiudu's expertise and leadership have earned him recognition on various platforms, including being featured on the TRUE AFRICA 100 List —a compilation of innovators, opinion-formers, and game-changers shaping Africa today. He is also a TED speaker and a 2019 Acumen Fellow.

Personal life
Outside of his professional endeavours, Buffy Okeke-Ojiudu maintains a private life. He is known for his passion for travel and his dedication to family. He values style as a reflection of personal values and believes in the importance of carrying oneself with dignity and respect.

Views on Agriculture
Okeke-Ojiudu is vocal about addressing Nigeria's food crisis and believes that leveraging modern technology and patient capital is crucial for agricultural transformation. He advocates for policy changes that establish clear national agricultural priorities and goals, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and synergy between government and private sector initiatives

Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Buffy Okeke-Ojiudu has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the agricultural industry and social entrepreneurship. His innovative initiatives, including the Zebra CropBank, have been celebrated internationally for their potential to revolutionize food systems and empower smallholder farmers.