GBCHealth Co-Chair and former Access Bank CEO, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, recently launched his book, Leaving the Tarmac: Buying a Bank in Africa. 

The book tells the story of how Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede and Mr. Herbert Wigwe took a leap of faith in taking over Access Bank, a move which had a profound and long-lasting impact on the Nigerian banking and financial sector.

“My intention in penning the book was to motivate others to take up the challenge and unlock the power of our national economy and our people… I want to show that nothing is impossible when you are part of a passionate, committed, hard-working team and when faith is the bedrock on which you build your life and your enterprises,” said Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede.

The virtual book launch event on March 29, 2021 was hosted by IK Osakioduwa. It included an exclusive Q&A session with Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede and Uzodinma Iweala, author and Chief Executive Officer of The Africa Center. Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede described how he learned from a formative experience during his youth which led to the title of the book; he was literally left on the airport tarmac when a plane for which he had bought tickets left without him, after others took his seat. This experience ignited his desire to build a more just and equitable society for others. 

During the event, Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede also announced the launch of his family philanthropic foundation, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation. “My story is not the end of the journey for me and those close to me both personally and professionally. We are moving on to other things and to being the change we want to see in Africa.”

The Foundation will help develop Nigeria’s next generation of government leaders, support transformation of public sector effectiveness, and improve access to quality primary healthcare. To this end, profits from the sale of Leaving the Tarmac will be channeled to The Adopt-A-Health Facility Program (ADHFP) in Nigeria.

Check out where you can buy the book at this link.