Human life has been likened to a number of things; from a stage upon which all humans are actors, to a marketplace where every individual is only here to trade and will be off when it is time. Former Group MD of the now-defunct Intercontinental Bank, Erastus Akingbola, has been on this stage and marketplace for 71 years now. While he has been besieged by the occasional twists and turns, the man is doing rather well.
There are a few business people and bankers that have managed to imprint their names on the history books as partly responsible for any banking by revolution in Nigeria. Akingbola happens to be one of these individuals.
Dominating the industry as the face of Intercontinental Bank back then, analysts believed that he was going to be on the front lines of any other transformation that the banking industry might undergo with the advancements in modern technology. That prediction nearly came true.
While his time at the top shelves of the banking industry came to an abrupt end due to the muddled waters that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is still trying to clear up, Akingbola did not remain idle as some of his peers were. The man has remained relevant, influencing lives through social entrepreneurship, a radio broadcast project and the Amazing Inspiration Foundation that has ensured that the future of Nigeria remains something to look forward to.
At 71, Akingbola has faced enough storms to be considered a water walker. Even so, his focus is still on the improvement of lives through inspiration and encouragement. Many families have emerged from the depths of despair because of Akingbola’s work on Inspiration 92.3FM, Nigeria’s first and only family radio. For all of these reasons, Akingbola is the subject of prayers at the moment.
The case that the EFCC has against Akingbola could land him in jail. Even though he has been involved with them for over 12 years, the court case has reached a frightening crescendo that could go either way.
At 71, Akingbola sits between the honour of lives uplifted and the horror of burst bank accounts. Truly, a new life is in view. (The Capita NG)
