Obaji Akpet, a 2019 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Alumni, journalist, documentary filmmaker and entrepreneur, has been elected TEF Alumni Hub Lead for Lagos, emerging with the highest number of votes in the 2026 Hub Lead elections.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation Alumni Engagement Team formally congratulated Akpet, describing his election as a reflection of the trust fellow alumni have placed in his ability to represent, connect and support the community.
As he begins his tenure, Akpet says his leadership will be firmly rooted in the ideals championed by TEF Founder Tony O. Elumelu, particularly the belief that Africa’s private sector and homegrown entrepreneurs must be at the centre of the continent’s economic and social transformation.
“Lagos is the epicentre of the TEF Programme, and our responsibility as its alumni is not simply to celebrate what the Foundation has done for us, but to carry its ideals forward. As the new leadership of the Lagos Hub, we will do everything within our capacity to foster the spirit of Africapitalism, building businesses that create value, generate wealth, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to society,” Akpet said.
He said the Hub would seek to translate the principles of doing well while doing good, self-reliance, long-term value creation and empowering African entrepreneurs into practical community action.
Akpet also emphasised the importance of creating an environment where alumni can support one another through business opportunities, knowledge sharing, mentorship, partnerships and access to markets.
“TEF has demonstrated that we can democratise opportunity by giving African entrepreneurs the tools and capital to build. As alumni, we must now extend that philosophy to one another. Our collective success should become a multiplier of the Foundation’s impact.”
His campaign was anchored on an Eight-Point Agenda, which includes strengthening collaboration among alumni, increasing visibility for alumni businesses, creating platforms for business growth and knowledge exchange, and amplifying the stories and achievements of TEF entrepreneurs.
Akpet also called for unity following the election, stressing that the contest should not divide the community.
“There is no victor and no vanquished. This was not a contest between enemies, but between fellow alumni who care deeply about the future of our community. The campaign ends today; the work begins.”
He congratulated his fellow contestants and called on every Lagos TEF Alumni to participate in building a stronger Hub.
“I will need everyone, not just those who voted for me, to make this vision a reality. My door will remain open to ideas, criticism, support and participation.”
The Tony Elumelu Foundation has said Akpet will play an important role in bringing alumni together, encouraging engagement, sharing opportunities, amplifying alumni voices and creating a more connected and active Hub. The Foundation also confirmed that it looks forward to working closely with him throughout his tenure.
Akpet is the founder of Africa Fixers Ltd, a Pan-African production logistics company operating across more than 40 African countries, and is involved in media and creative ventures. As a journalist and documentary filmmaker, he has contributed to international media organisations including the BBC, Reuters, TRT World, Arte, Business Insider amongst others.
The new Lagos Hub leadership will now focus on translating its vision into practical initiatives that strengthen businesses, deepen alumni collaboration and reinforce the TEF community’s contribution to Africa’s economic development.