Wofai Samuel /wəʊfə/ (born 18 September 1990) is an international communications executive[2][3] and media personality from Nigeria.[4]

Wofai Samuel
Wofai Samuel in October 2022
Born (1990-09-18) 18 September 1990 (age 33)
NationalityNigeria
Other namesWofais
Alma materUniversity of Lagos, University of Calabar, Federal Government Girls College, Calabar
Occupation(s)International communication, Government Relations, Public Affairs
Years active2005–present [1]
Notable workBelarus-Africa Forum in Minsk, State of Illinois Trade Mission to Nigeria

Early life and education

edit

Samuel was born in Calabar, Cross River State,[2] where she attended the Federal Government Girls College and the University of Calabar in 2012 where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology and environmental biology.[5] In 2021, Samuel obtained an advanced diploma in human resource management and organisational development from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.[citation needed]

Career

edit

Samuel is the[6][7]Acting Director-General of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce.[8][9] She joined the Chamber as Director of Communication, Government Relations & Advocacy in August 2021.[10] Previously, she was director of communication and external affairs to the UK-Liberia Chamber of Commerce,[11][12] a British Chamber of Commerce affiliate.[13]

Samuel was appointed Head of Oil & Gas to Foreign Investment Network U.K,[14] and organised a series of meetings for the upstream Petroleum industry in 2020,[15] which attracted 22 countries, 21 petroleum and energy operating companies and 150 senior stakeholders. She was then profiled on Forbes Africa as "shaping the future of the continent".[16]

She is the editor of Africa Energy & Infrastructure magazine.[17]

She was then nominated for an honorary doctorate degree in leadership and management from the Commonwealth University of London,[18] a private online college registered in Panama.[19]

Samuel was featured by the Center for International Private Enterprise in Washington DC,[20] a United States Chamber of Commerce affiliate[21][22] in a research project on the potentials of Breakfast Meetings.

Representing the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce in May 2023,[23] Samuel visited the United States for a series of Business Meetings aimed at diversifying Nigerian-American Trade Goals. During the visit, She toured the White House[24] and the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C, the Maryland State House and the State of Virginia.[25] In March 2024, Samuel on behalf of the Chamber [26][27]implemented an inbound Trade mission to Nigeria for the Government of Illinois,[28]Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.[29]

Samuel cited Kamala Harris as her inspiration in an interview with The Nation in July 2023. [30] She is ranked among the top 100 Career Women in Africa by 9to5 Chick.[31][32]

Communications

edit

Samuel moderated;

  • Central bank of Nigeria cashless card expo forum (2016)[33]
  • West Africa power and energy awards (2016)[34]
  • Committee of e-Banking heads retreat (2016)[35]
  • Belarus-Africa forum, Minsk (2017)[36]
  • Nigeria assembly (2017)[37][38]
  • Oil trading logistics Africa downstream week (2017)[39]
  • African Export–Import Bank launch of project preparation facility, Johannesburg (2018)[40]
  • sub-Saharan Africa oil, energy and infrastructure summit, Nairobi (2018)[41]
  • Invest in Africa (2018)[42]
  • West Africa trade and export finance conference (2019)[43]
  • International produced water Africa conference (2019)[44]
  • Nigeria - Italy Forum (2019)
  • West Africa Trade and Investment Conference (2019)[45]
  • West Africa Agriculture forum (2020)[46]
  • Forum for Africa finance, economy and compliance, Angola (2021)[47]
  • Securex West Africa (2022)[48]
  • Women in Oil and Gas Conference (2022)[49]
  • Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy Conference, Nigeria (2022)[50]
  • IOT West Africa (2022 & 2023)[51][52]
  • Rivers State economic and investment summit (2024)[53]

Social service

edit

On 24 December 2020,[54] Samuel was elected for a one-year term as the fourth communications chair for the Young African Leaders Initiative, YALI RLC West Africa (Nigeria Alumni). She was then sworn in as publicity secretary[55] for the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association on 1 October 2021 and served until March 2024. Samuel moderated the YALI RLC West Africa Homecoming Conference in Lomé, Togo in December 2022[56] and in Accra, Ghana in 2023.[57] In May 2023, Samuel was invited by the Public Affairs section of the United States Consulate General in Lagos, to moderate the United States Government Exchange Alumni Summit.

In March 2024, She was selected with three Alumni to represent YALI RLC Alumni in West Africa at the YALI Legacy Localization Design Charette in Kigali, Rwanda,[58] and was subsequently chosen to represent West Africa alumni on the YALI LL roadmap advisory group.

She is a member of Ace Health Foundation,[59] ForbesBLK,[60] and an advisor at ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network in Washington, D.C[61] where she inspires young women internationally.

References

edit
  1. ^ Samuel, Wofai (16 October 2016). "Confidence, Intelligence are Qualities of a Good Presenter - Wofai Samuel". Secure Nigeria 365 (Interview). Interviewed by Segun Lawal. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  2. ^ a b Okogba, Emmanuel (15 June 2017). "Wofai Samuel goes international, chairs Ministerial panel for the Belarus-Africa forum". Vanguard News. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  3. ^ "International Media Personality, Wofai Samuel bags Prestige Excellence Awards as International Media Personality of The Year". Prestige International Magazine. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  4. ^ Ikenwa, Chizoba (6 November 2017). "Media personality Wofai Samuel emerges youngest representative for the energy Nigeria assembly". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  5. ^ "Alumni". University of Calabar. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  6. ^ Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (10 May 2024). Acting D.G., Wofai Samuel converses with TVC News on Nigeria-U.S. Bilateral relations. Retrieved 11 June 2024 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ Channels Television (5 April 2024). Nigeria, Other African Countries Must Address Issues To Benefit From AfCFTA- Wofai. Retrieved 11 June 2024 – via YouTube.
  8. ^ Samuel, Wofai (12 September 2022). "Power sector crisis threatening business, economic growth – NACC boss". Punch Newspapers (Interview). Interviewed by Kolawole Olaniyi. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  9. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (17 January 2024). "Illinois' trade mission to Nigeria will leave lasting impacts on both regions, says Wofai Samuel". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  10. ^ Faminu, Gbemi (26 July 2022). "NACC appoints Wofai Samuel as director of communications, government relations & advocacy". Businessday NG (Press release). Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  11. ^ Brooks, Joel Cholo (2 March 2021). "UK-Liberia Chamber of Commerce Appoints Wofai Samuel as Director of Communication & External Affairs". Global News Network. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  12. ^ "Watch The Webinar". Global Market Entry | PEO | Business Expansion into Africa | Workforce Africa. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  13. ^ "UK-Liberia Chamber - Global Chamber". www.britishchambers.org.uk. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  14. ^ TVCN (18 October 2020). "FIN hosts Secretary General of African Petroleum Producers Organization". TVC News. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  15. ^ "Foreign Investment Network - fIN host Global Petroleum Leaders in it's [sic] Upstream Oil & Gas Investment Meeting". Foreign Investment Network. 23 December 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  16. ^ Forbes, Africa (October 2020). ""Investing in Africas Leading Businesses Supplement pdf"" (PDF). Forbes Africa. p. 20. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  17. ^ "Our Team". African Energy & Infrastructure. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  18. ^ "Commonwealth University of London nominates Wofai Samuel for honorary doctorate degree". The Nation. 27 January 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  19. ^ "Accreditation". Commonwealth University. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  20. ^ "Events". Center for International Private Enterprise. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  21. ^ mxw_admin (19 May 2014). "Celebrating 30 Years as a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Affiliate". Center for International Private Enterprise. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  22. ^ importer (7 February 2012). "History". U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  23. ^ Report, Agency (18 May 2023). "Mission to US will boost Nigerian-American trade — Wofai Samuel". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  24. ^ "Communications Director of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Wofai Samuel visits the United States, Tours the White House, U.S. Capitol. – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  25. ^ Akinyemi, Bioluwatife (18 May 2023). "Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson, Wofai Samuel, visits US, tours White House, Capitol". Tribune Online. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  26. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (12 May 2024). "Government of Illinois inbound trade mission to Nigeria, biggest win as NACC's acting Director-General, says Wofai Samuel". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  27. ^ TVC News Nigeria (18 March 2024). WATCH: American Industrialists To Collaborate With Nigerians To Boost Investments. Retrieved 11 June 2024 – via YouTube.
  28. ^ Balogun, Folake (19 March 2024). "NACC seeks to boost trade ties between Nigeria, Illinois businesses". Businessday NG. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  29. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (21 March 2024). "Nigeria, Illinois explore collaborative opportunity". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  30. ^ "WOFAI SAMUEL: Kamala Harris, Remi Tinubu inspire me". www.thenationonlineng.ng. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  31. ^ tvcnewsng (3 April 2024). "9to5Chick Unveils Top 100 Career Women in Africa, 2024 - Trending News". Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  32. ^ BellaNaija.com (8 April 2024). "Trailblazing Women: 9to5Chick Unveils 2024 Top 100 Career Women in Africa". BellaNaija. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  33. ^ "CBN Cashless Card Expo Africa starts June 14". The Nation. 11 June 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  34. ^ Okogba, Emmanuel (15 November 2016). "Wofai Samuel to host West African Power Industry Awards". Vanguard News. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  35. ^ "Wofai Samuel hosts top dignitaries at 6th e-banking retreat". The Nation. 9 December 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  36. ^ "Wofai Samuel hosts Belarus - Africa forum in Minsk". Nigerian Tribune. 15 June 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  37. ^ "Oil and Gas Council holds Nigeria Assembly". Punch Newspapers. 13 November 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  38. ^ Power, Nextier. "Nigeria's Power Sector Lacks Technical Expertise – Wofai Samuel | Nigeria Electricity Hub". Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  39. ^ Okogba, Emmanuel (9 November 2017). "Wofai Samuel establishes New Frontiers". Vanguard News. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  40. ^ Okogba, Emmanuel (24 November 2018). "Wofai chairs Afrexim Bank's Launch of PPF in Jo'burg, South Africa". Vanguard News. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  41. ^ "Wofai Samuel chairs Oil, Gas & Energy infrastructure summit in Kenya". The Nation. 20 October 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  42. ^ Okogba, Emmanuel (14 November 2018). "Wofai Samuel speaks on 'Why Invest in Nigeria'". Vanguard News. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  43. ^ "West Africa trade, export finance confab to boost opportunities, says Wofai". The Guardian. 19 February 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  44. ^ Okogba, Emmanuel (18 November 2019). "Wofai Samuel leads keynote presentation for Produced Water Management Conference, Africa". Vanguard News. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  45. ^ "Experts seek infrastructural development to foster trade, investment in West Africa". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 25 July 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  46. ^ "Global Trade Review West Africa at Global Trade Review via Movemeback". Movemeback. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  47. ^ "African Local Content Fund Initiative launched in Angola The Nation Newspaper". 27 March 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  48. ^ "Wofai Samuel". www.securexwestafrica.com. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  49. ^ "Wofai Samuel Chairs NCDMB Women in Oil & Gas Conference – African Energy & Infrastructure". Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  50. ^ Okogba, Emmanuel (13 December 2021). "Wofai Samuel chairs Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy Frequency Spectrum Management Forum". Vanguard News. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  51. ^ "IOT". iotwestafrica.com. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  52. ^ "Program2 - IoT West Africa Conference & Exhibition". iotwestafrica.com. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  53. ^ "Wofai Samuel Moderates Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  54. ^ "Wofai Samuel elected as Communications Chair for United States of America's Exchange Program YALI". The Sun Nigeria. 3 January 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  55. ^ "Wofai Samuel emerges publicity secretary for The United States Government Exchange Alumni Association". Vanguard News. 1 November 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  56. ^ Fabunmi, Funmilayo (22 December 2022). "Young leaders centre holds homecoming in Togo". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  57. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (5 December 2023). "Wofai Samuel moderates YALI RLC 2023 West Africa Homecoming in Ghana". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  58. ^ "Wofai Samuel participates in YALI LL Design Charette in Rwanda – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  59. ^ "Wofai Samuel | ACE Health Foundation. Greater Washington, DC". www.acehealthfoundation.org. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  60. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (8 October 2023). "Wofai Samuel gets ForbesBLK recognition for her work in social service". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  61. ^ "ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network | ACE Health Foundation. Greater Washington, DC". www.acehealthfoundation.org. Retrieved 21 July 2023.