Obaji Akpet, a 2019 alumnus of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), 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 has congratulated Akpet on his election, describing the outcome as a reflection of the confidence and trust fellow alumni have placed in his ability to represent, connect and support the community.
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Akpet Pledges Commitment to Africapitalism
As he begins his tenure, Akpet said his leadership will be guided by the principles championed by TEF Founder Tony O. Elumelu, particularly the belief that Africa’s private sector and homegrown entrepreneurs must play a central role in 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,” Akpet said.
He added that the new Lagos Hub leadership would work to foster the spirit of Africapitalism by supporting businesses that create value, generate wealth, provide employment and contribute meaningfully to society.
According to him, the Hub will focus on translating the principles of doing well while doing good, self-reliance, long-term value creation and empowering African entrepreneurs into practical initiatives within the alumni community.
Focus on Alumni Collaboration and Business Growth
Akpet also stressed the importance of building an environment where TEF 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 built around an Eight-Point Agenda, which includes strengthening collaboration among alumni, increasing visibility for alumni-owned businesses, creating platforms for business growth and knowledge exchange, and amplifying the stories and achievements of TEF entrepreneurs.
Calls for Unity After Election
Following the election, Akpet called for unity among Lagos TEF alumni, stressing that the contest should not create divisions within 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 the other contestants and urged all Lagos TEF alumni to participate actively in building a stronger and more connected 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.”
TEF Welcomes New Lagos Hub Leadership
The Tony Elumelu Foundation said Akpet would 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.
Obaji Akpet’s Media and Entrepreneurship Background
Akpet is the founder of Africa Fixers Ltd, a Pan-African production logistics company operating across more than 40 African countries.
He is also active in media and creative ventures, having worked as a journalist and documentary filmmaker and contributed to international media organisations including the BBC, Reuters, TRT World, Arte and Business Insider, among others.
His combination of entrepreneurship, journalism, documentary production and experience within the TEF ecosystem is expected to inform his leadership of the Lagos Alumni Hub.
New Leadership to Drive Practical Initiatives
With the election concluded, the new Lagos Hub leadership is expected to focus on turning its vision into practical programmes that strengthen alumni businesses, deepen collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange and reinforce the contribution of the TEF community to Africa’s economic development.
Akpet’s election marks a new chapter for the Lagos TEF Alumni Hub as members look to build stronger networks and create greater opportunities for entrepreneurs within the community.
One Hub. One Community. One TEF Family.
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