By Ehi Braimah

Some people pass through life leaving footprints. Others leave enduring legacies. As family, friends, associates, former colleagues of Nigerian Breweries Plc and distinguished members of Nigeria’s marketing community gather in Lagos on August 8 to celebrate Tony Agenmonmen on his 70th birthday, they are honouring a man whose life has been defined by excellence, integrity, friendship and a solid commitment to the advancement of the marketing profession.

Also read: Xenophobia and the abandonment of foreign policy…

Seventy is a significant milestone. It is an age that invites reflection on a journey of purpose, achievement and service. For Tony, it is also a celebration of a life devoted to building brands, nurturing people, promoting professional excellence and forging relationships that have stood the test of time.

Tony Agenmonmen belongs to that rare generation of marketing professionals who have experienced virtually every aspect of the profession.

His distinguished career at Nigerian Breweries Plc, spanning more than three decades, saw him grow through the ranks, acquiring a deep understanding of consumer behaviour, brand management, strategic marketing and corporate leadership.

His years at one of Nigeria’s foremost corporate institutions equipped him with an uncommon depth of knowledge and practical experience that continues to command respect across the business community.

Those who worked with him at Nigerian Breweries remember not only his competence but also his calm disposition, analytical mind and critical thinking ability to inspire confidence.

Marketing, for Tony, has never been merely about selling products. It has always been about understanding people, creating value, building trust and sustaining relationships.

These principles became the hallmark of his career and remain the foundation of his work today.

Retirement at the age of 60 did not mark the end of his professional journey. Rather, it ushered in another productive chapter.

Leveraging decades of practical experience, Tony reinvented himself as a respected marketing strategist and consultant whose counsel is sought by organisations and business leaders across different sectors.

His passion for the profession has remained undiminished, proving that true professionals never really retire; they simply find new ways to contribute.

Perhaps one of his most visible contributions to the marketing profession is the annual Nigeria Marketing Awards, a prestigious event that has become one of the industry’s most anticipated gatherings.

Through this initiative, Tony has created a platform that celebrates excellence, innovation and professionalism.

The awards have inspired healthy competition, recognised outstanding achievements and encouraged younger practitioners to aspire to higher standards.

Tony’s influence extended far beyond the corporate boardroom. As President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), he brought vision, innovation and exceptional leadership to the Institute during his two-term tenure spanning four years.

At a critical period in the evolution of Nigeria’s marketing profession, he inspired members with fresh ideas, strengthened the Institute’s profile and championed initiatives that enhanced professionalism, ethical standards and continuing education.

Under his stewardship, the NIMN became more vibrant, more visible and more relevant to practitioners and stakeholders alike.

His inclusive leadership style and strategic thinking earned him the admiration of colleagues across the country.

His presidency remains one of distinguished service, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape the Institute and inspire future leaders of the marketing profession.

In celebrating others, Tony has strengthened the profession he loves. He understands that industries flourish when excellence is recognised and when outstanding performance becomes worthy of emulation.

His commitment to honouring excellence has enriched Nigeria’s marketing ecosystem and contributed significantly to its continued growth.

Yet, beyond the impressive credentials and professional accomplishments lies the man many of us know personally – a dependable friend, loving husband, caring father, trusted adviser, compassionate mentor and true gentleman.

For me, Tony is much more than an accomplished marketing professional. He is a close friend and associate, but even more importantly, he has always been like an elder brother.

Over the years, he has been one of the strongest supporters of my career and professional calling.

His encouragement, wise counsel and unshakeable confidence in my abilities have provided invaluable support during different phases of my professional journey.

We have collaborated on several projects, sharing ideas, challenging each other intellectually and working together in pursuit of excellence.

Every engagement has reinforced my admiration for his professionalism, discipline, work ethic, and remarkable ability to see opportunities where others often see limitations.

Working alongside Tony has always been an enriching experience because he brings not only knowledge but also wisdom, patience and perspective.

Our friendship extends beyond professional engagements. We share more than common interests; we share common roots.

Coming from the same linguistic background of Edo State has created an even stronger bond founded on shared values, mutual respect and cultural affinity.

That connection has blossomed into a friendship that has endured through the years and become part of our respective family histories.

Our families know one another well. My wife enjoys a warm relationship with Tony’s family, just as she does with his younger brother, Julius, whose own family has long-standing ties with ours.

These relationships illustrate something Tony has always cherished – that genuine friendships should transcend business and become enduring family connections built on trust, loyalty and mutual affection.

One of Tony’s greatest qualities is his humility. Despite his outstanding achievements and his respected position within Nigeria’s marketing profession, he remains remarkably approachable. He treats everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of status or position.

He is generous with his time, open in sharing his knowledge and always willing to encourage younger professionals finding their feet in a highly competitive industry.

His leadership has never been loud or flamboyant. Instead, it has been quiet, thoughtful and deeply effective.

He influences through character rather than position, through wisdom rather than authority and through example rather than mere words.

These are qualities that have earned him admiration across generations of marketing practitioners.

Integrity has also defined Tony’s life. In both business and personal relationships, he has consistently demonstrated honesty, fairness and dependability. His reputation has been built not simply on competence but on character.

In an age when reputations can easily be compromised, Tony remains a shining example of professionalism anchored in ethical values.

For younger professionals entering the marketing industry today, his life offers enduring lessons. It teaches that success requires hard work and continuous learning; that leadership demands humility and service; that relationships are invaluable assets; and that true greatness is measured not merely by personal accomplishments but by the number of lives positively influenced.

As we celebrate Tony Agenmonmen on his 70th birthday on August 8, we celebrate not only an accomplished marketing strategist but also an exceptional human being whose generosity and kindness have touched countless lives.

On behalf of my family and all whose lives you have enriched, I extend heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable milestone.

Thank you for your friendship and goodwill; your encouragement, your mentorship and your steadfast support over the years. Thank you for believing in people and for investing your time, wisdom and energy in helping others succeed.

Your legacy is firmly established – not only in the brands you helped build or the professionals you have mentored, but in the countless friendships you have nurtured and the values you continue to uphold.

May the years ahead bring you continued good health, divine favour, peace of mind and abundant joy. May you continue to enjoy the love of your family, the admiration of your friends and the respect of your professional colleagues.

Also read: Xenophobia and the abandonment of foreign policy…

May your wealth of experience continue to inspire future generations of marketers, business leaders and young professionals across Nigeria and beyond.

Happy 70th birthday, dear Oga Tony.

By Moses Braimah

Statement of fact, Nigeria’s data economy will never be the same again.

The most consequential technology ruling in Nigeria this year did not emerge from a fintech boardroom, a venture capital summit, or Silicon Valley. It came from a Federal High Court.

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In Emmanuel Harunna v. Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the court affirmed the Commission’s authority under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 to regulate major data handlers, including decentralized Point-of-Sale (PoS) agent networks. Far beyond a legal victory, the judgment redraws Nigeria’s digital economy.

It is a corporate wake-up call, a regulatory milestone, an economic opportunity and, above all, a victory for millions of Nigerians whose personal information has too often been treated as an unprotected commodity.

For the boardroom, here is a warning. Listen corporate directors, the era of treating data protection as an IT department responsibility has officially ended.

The court has effectively armed the NDPC with the legal certainty to enforce compliance across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Under the NDPA, non-compliant organizations face administrative penalties that can reach the greater of ₦10 million or 2% of annual gross revenue, depending on the severity of the violation.

That transforms data governance from a routine compliance checklist into a board-level financial, legal and reputational risk requiring immediate executive oversight.

Global investors increasingly evaluate cybersecurity, privacy governance and regulatory maturity before deploying capital.

Companies with weak data controls now risk more than fines; they risk losing investor confidence, strategic partnerships and customer trust.

In today’s digital economy, data governance has become corporate governance.

This has also initiate the emergence of a new growth industry. Without any iota of doubt this ruling has unlock one of Nigeria’s most overlooked economic opportunities.

Every organization classified as a Data Controller or Processor of Major Importance must now register, conduct periodic compliance audits and strengthen internal governance.

That requirement creates sustained demand for licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs), cybersecurity professionals, privacy lawyers, compliance auditors and certified Data Protection Officers (DPOs).

Thousands of qualified Nigerian graduates can now build careers in a rapidly expanding profession instead of competing for shrinking traditional employment opportunities.

For government, the implications are equally significant. Registration fees, annual compliance filings and lawful enforcement create sustainable internally generated revenue while expanding the formal digital economy.

More importantly, regulatory certainty reduces business uncertainty, making Nigeria increasingly attractive to global venture capital and technology investors seeking predictable governance. Trust is becoming one of the country’s most valuable digital assets.

A friend asked me, what’s in this for the ordinary Nigerians? Here is my take. One of the greatest beneficiaries of this ruling are ordinary Nigerians.

Every day, millions surrender personal information while opening bank accounts, using PoS terminals, shopping online, accessing healthcare, applying for loans or downloading mobile applications.

Too often, that data has travelled through weak governance systems, enabling identity theft, unauthorized disclosures, fraudulent transactions and predatory digital lending practices.

By affirming NDPC oversight across both formal institutions and informal agent networks, the court strengthens accountability throughout the entire data ecosystem.

It also gives regulators stronger legal footing to collaborate with other agencies in tackling rogue loan apps that harvest contact lists, misuse personal information and publicly shame borrowers.

Privacy is no longer merely a compliance issue; it is becoming a practical consumer protection tool and a cornerstone of digital trust.

Nigeria’s digital future will ultimately depend not only on innovation but on confidence. This landmark judgment establishes that confidence cannot exist without accountability.

For corporate boards, the message is unmistakable: compliance is now a strategic imperative.

For young professionals, a vibrant knowledge economy is emerging. For regulators, the ruling provides the legal certainty needed to enforce higher standards.

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And for global investors, it signals that Africa’s largest digital economy is evolving from regulatory ambiguity toward international best practice. The court has spoken. Smart organizations will not merely comply, they will compete by building trust.

By Ehi Braimah

Amid the diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, another Nigerian named Ibeh Chika Simon, 42, died during a South Africa Police Service (SAPS) operation in Bellville, Cape Town, in Western Cape Province on July 23.

Also read: Nigeria Demands Action as Xenophobic Attacks Hit Businesses, Churches in South Africa

Witnesses and community groups alleged he was tortured, beaten and suffocated with a plastic bag during the raid. Another Nigerian, Patrick Chuks Egwabor, was reportedly shot and injured during the same operation.

Nigerian Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, strongly condemned the death, and demanded a transparent, independent probe into recurring extrajudicial deaths involving security personnel.

Nigerians and other African migrants are being killed and forced to leave South Africa arising from the resurgence of xenophobic violence which, clearly, is one of the greatest moral contradictions confronting post-apartheid Africa.

Three decades after the dismantling of institutional racism, the country that inspired the world with Nelson Mandela’s message of reconciliation is witnessing repeated attacks against fellow Africans whose only “crime” is seeking opportunities to work, trade and build better lives.

Sentiment analysis indicates that the hostility directed at African migrants in South Africa is driven by a complex mix of extreme socio-economic frustrations, political scapegoating, inequalities, historical isolation, hunger, laziness, unemployment, and viral anti-immigrant activism.

The local elections are due in November, and as South Africa prepares for the vote, political analysts and rival parties have heavily criticised Jacob Zumah’s MK Party of fueling anti-immigrant sentiments.

MK Party has been accused of weaponising public frustration over extreme unemployment, poverty and state failures to gain electoral advantage.

Recent campaigns by the March and March Movement and Operation Dudula, which demanded that foreign African nationals leave South Africa ahead of the June 30 deadline, represents not merely an attack on migrants but a direct assault on the ideals upon which modern Africa was built.

While inflammatory rhetoric often targets Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Malawians, Mozambicans, Zambians, Ethiopians, Ghanaians, Somalis and other African nationals, it is striking that white immigrants and foreign investors rarely become the focus of such organised hostility.

This selective outrage exposes the uncomfortable reality that the problem is not immigration alone; it is Afrophobia directed against fellow Africans.

South Africans who embrace xenophobic violence have become poor students of history. They appear to have forgotten the enormous sacrifices made by African countries during the long struggle against apartheid. Nigeria, in particular, stood firmly with South Africa when much of the world hesitated.

Successive Nigerian governments contributed financially to the liberation struggle, imposed sanctions against the apartheid regime, offered scholarships to South African students in exile and mobilised international opinion against racial oppression.

Millions of ordinary Nigerians voluntarily contributed through the Southern African Relief Fund, believing that the freedom of South Africa was the responsibility of all Africans.

Nigeria was not alone. Zambia provided sanctuary for liberation fighters. Tanzania hosted the headquarters of liberation movements.

Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe, Botswana and many other African nations paid heavy economic and security costs because they stood on the side of justice.

Across the continent, African governments accepted refugees, financed resistance movements and defended South Africa’s right to freedom in international forums.

The vision that inspired these sacrifices was much bigger than the liberation of one country. Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, dreamed of a politically and economically united Africa capable of determining its own destiny.

Nelson Mandela similarly believed that South Africa’s freedom would remain incomplete unless the entire continent prospered in peace and solidarity.

The African Union, which succeeded the Organisation of African Unity, inherited this vision of continental integration, cooperation and free movement.

Today, that noble dream is under serious threat.

When African migrants are hunted in townships, their businesses looted, their homes burnt and their families terrorised, Africa loses a part of its collective soul.

The victims are not statistics. They are fathers, mothers, students, traders, artisans, professionals and entrepreneurs who have invested years of hard work in building livelihoods.

Many possess valid immigration documents; work permits or permanent residence status. Yet, legality often provides little protection when mobs take the law into their own hands.

The humanitarian consequences are heartbreaking. Families are uprooted overnight; children abandon their education, and businesses painstakingly built over many years are destroyed within hours. Savings accumulated over decades disappear in acts of arson and looting.

Many migrants return home traumatised, carrying nothing except painful memories of violence and rejection. Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and several other African countries have repeatedly received distressed returnees who must begin life all over again.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly expressed concern over the deaths of Nigerian nationals in violent attacks over the years, underscoring the urgent need for stronger protection and accountability.

Regardless of the precise number, every life lost represents a profound tragedy and a reminder that no African should die simply because he or she chose to live or work in another African country.

The economic argument often advanced by xenophobic groups is equally flawed. Foreign African entrepreneurs frequently establish businesses in communities underserved by formal retail chains, create employment for local residents, pay taxes, rent commercial property and contribute to economic activity.

Rather than causing unemployment, many become job creators. South Africa’s unemployment crisis stems from deep structural economic challenges that cannot be solved by intimidating vulnerable migrants.

Equally troubling is the rise of hate speech that portrays African migrants as criminals responsible for every social ill. Such dangerous generalisations inflame public anger and legitimise violence.

Criminal behaviour should always be addressed through law enforcement against individuals, not through collective punishment based on nationality. The rule of law cannot coexist with mob justice.

As African leaders prepare for the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Angola from August 29 – 30, xenophobia and Afrophobia deserve urgent attention.

The African Union cannot remain silent while one of its founding principles is systematically undermined.

The AU’s Agenda 2063 envisions “An Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa.” That aspiration cannot coexist with violent campaigns demanding that fellow Africans leave another African country.

Moreover, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantees dignity, equality before the law and protection from discrimination.

The Protocol relating to the African Economic Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area equally seek to deepen regional integration by facilitating the movement of people, goods, services and investment.

Continental economic integration cannot flourish where fear and violence replace trust and cooperation.

South Africa’s government bears the primary responsibility for protecting everyone living within its borders, irrespective of nationality.

Peaceful protests may be protected under democratic principles, but intimidation, incitement, destruction of property and mob violence are criminal acts that demand firm prosecution. Failure to hold perpetrators accountable only emboldens future attacks.

Although President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa sent a delegation led by Ronald Lamola, the country’s minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Abuja for diplomatic engagements over the attack on Nigerians, Ramaphosa should be told in clear terms that his government is not going far enough to solve the problem.

There’s no way South Africa can stand alone as an island, separated from the rest of Africa and an interconnected world.

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should be commended for showing restraint over the provocations from South Africa that undermine decades of cordial relations between both countries.

How can a South African Minister be saying on national television that Nigeria should show them where the drug dens are?

Governments across Africa must strengthen cooperation on migration management, documentation, intelligence sharing and employment policies. Migration is a global phenomenon that requires coordinated solutions, not xenophobia.

Political leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, schools and the media must actively promote tolerance and remind younger generations of the shared history that united Africa against colonialism and apartheid.

Africa’s destiny lies not in division but in unity. Kwame Nkrumah’s dream of continental integration and Nelson Mandela’s vision of reconciliation remain as relevant today as ever.

To betray fellow Africans through xenophobia is to betray the very struggle that delivered South Africa from apartheid.

The answer to unemployment is economic reform, not hatred, and effective policing, not ethnic profiling, will address criminality.

Cyril Ramaphosa must understand that accountable governance, not scapegoating and criminalising vulnerable migrants, will reduce frustration among jobless South Africans.

Africa cannot build a single market while destroying our common humanity.

The African Union must speak with one voice against xenophobia and Afrophobia, demand accountability for perpetrators of violence and reaffirm that every African deserves dignity, security and equal protection under the law wherever they lawfully reside on the continent.

History will judge Africa not only by how it defeated apartheid, but also by whether it refused to replace one form of intolerance with another.

Also read: FG Intensifies Nigeria Evacuation Over Rising Xenophobia Fears in South Africa

Africa must unite, not divide. That is the only path to fulfilling the dreams of Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela and the founding fathers of African unity.