How I Became Managing Director Of Engen Ghana At 28 Years - Caleb Ayiku At Role Model Africa.

Role Model Africa, is a mentoring platform that seeks to engage African personalities whose influence span beyond Africa. The initiative, a project organized by INVENTS on a quarterly basis is designed to identify African personalities whose contributions to the continent and beyond are worth emulating.

The project comprises variety of packages including an Exclusive One-on-One mentoring session, a Business Mentoring Class, Mentoring Hubs on various tertiary institution campuses and the Corporate Dialogue. The maiden edition of the Role Model Corporate Dialogue was held on Sunday 27th September, 2015 under the theme: “Doing business with Integrity”.

Dr. Samuel Onwona, an Ex-World Bank official of Ghanaian nationality was the role model for the first edition. In a story telling format, a guest (role model) is engaged in a discussion by a host to a live audience. The interaction delves into the personal history and experiences of the guest as it brings to bare the lessons and attitudes that are key to future success.

The second edition of the Role Model Africa corporate Dialogue was held on Sunday 24th January, 2016 under the theme: “Financing the African Business”, with Caleb Ayiku as the guest. Mr. Ayiku is a Ghanaian professional trained as a Chemical Engineer.

Caleb Ayiku shared his personal work experiences, working in various capacities along the corporate ladder with influence that spans across the continent. He addressed the theme of the session “Financing the African Business” extensively, walking the audience through some facts of life.

The role model for the session, Mr. Ayiku caused shock and excitement among the audience when he disclosed that he became the Managing Director of Engen Petroleum Ghana at the age of 28,and assumed office in a time when the company was near its shutdown phase. He went on to share with the audience how he was able to turn around the fortunes of the company to a profitable position.

He stated that one of the most important elements of life is attitude, urged the Ghanaian youth and all who were presentto develop a positive attitude towards work. He added that, employees must think and like the business owners or employers; as this prepares them for managerial roles. Caleb, lamented about the poor work culture and indiscipline exhibited by most Ghanaians towards work and its evidence on the rate of national development.

Caleb Ayiku is an experienced business executive with a passion for turning around failing businesses. He has strong business development skill; he is a strong leader with exceptional strategic, communication and networking skills capable of building teams for flawless execution of business strategies. He is the founder of the renowned management consultancy, Breakthrough Consult and a co-founder of the Camarie Group. He is also the co-founder of Rex Oil, an Oil Marketing Company in Ghana.

Caleb has worked in a number of corporations across the continent, where he gained key experiences and knowledge in business. He is a former Managing Director of Engen Ghana, Engen Kenya, Engen Tanzania, Herbalife and Oando Ghana. He is a Chemical Engineer by profession and offers career and life coaching to young and aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs. Caleb is also a Management Consultant, and has trained and consulted with several recognized companies including Barclays Bank, Citi FM, Enterprise Insurance and FEDEX. He is also an author with 12 books to his credit.

The dialogue was moderated by Dr. William Okyere Frimpong a medical doctor by training and a certified leadership and life coach. He is the country Chief Executive Officer of the HuD group and presents a show on 3fm , an Accra based radio station.

The event started with a keynote address delivered by the CEO of Galaxy Capital, Mr. Samuel Bright-Kaitoo. He emphasized the role of mentorship in national development,making reference to some noteworthyindividuals who attained extraordinary feats by way of their association with mentors. He mentioned Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg was mentored by Apple founder Steve Jobs. In a similar fashion Bill Gates was mentored by Warren Baffet. He further encouraged the participants to submit to role models in humility. Nana Asaase also thrilled the audience with some very African poetry renditions; credit must also be given to the MC of the day, Paul Agbai, who was able to ease tension among the participants by creating an enabling and relaxing environment.

The event was graced by Mr. Martin Luther King (Journalist for Regional Integration), John Ntim Fordjour (2016 Parliamentary candidate), Edem Adzaho (CEO of Spec Consults) among a host of other dignitaries.

The Executive President of INVENTS, Mr. Samuel Agyeman-Prempeh expressed excitement at the many young people at the event. He also revealed future plans to connect young people with mentors of different backgrounds.Mr. Agyeman Prempeh used the opportunity to award some executives who have been dedicated in their service to raising magnates and dynamic leaders across the continent.

Role Model Africa is an initiative by INVENTS Foundation, a mentoring organization that focuses on raising young people as Leaders and Entrepreneurs before they turn 25. For over 7 years, Invents has been consistent in using personal Leadership models and projects to reach out to millions of young people.

Our flagship programs include: She Magnate Project and Ideas Pulpit. Our events have attracted remarkable personalities such as Bishop N.A. Tackie-Yarboi; Founder and Presiding Bishop of VBCI, Dr. Yaw Perbi; Global C.E.O. of the HuD Group, Dr. Mrs. Ellen Hagan; Founder and C.E.O. of L’aine Services, and Mrs. Comfort Ocran; Co-Founder of Legacy & Legacy.