Leaving The Tarmac

The book is a compelling narrative of vision, persistence, faith, hard work, and diligence. It unfolds the journey of two friends Aigboje Aig-imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe who took on the ambitious task of acquiring a bank in Nigeria in 2002, driven by a vision to revolutionize the financial landscape in Africa. The narrative delves into the hurdles they faced, the risks they undertook, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of their goal.

The author vividly details the transformation of a bank with a mere 17 branches and a capital of 1.9 billion in 2002 into a financial powerhouse boasting 345 branches and a capital of 250 billion by 2012, all within a decade of a change in governance.

Aigboje emphasizes his commitment to doing things differently from other banks, eschewing reliance on godfathers and opting for a clean and legitimate business model. He recognized that such an approach was crucial for realizing their vision.

A poignant aspect of the book is the revelation of how Aigboje and his friend Herbert left successful careers, abandoning top-tier positions in different banks where they were pivotal decision-makers.

The author shares his strategies to ensure their venture never lagged behind, drawing from personal experiences, like being left on the tarmac as a child due to the flaws in the airline system. This traumatic incident fueled his determination to be prepared for uncertainties, shaping the ethos of the company.

Chapter seven provides insights into Aigboje’s approach to finding and developing top-notch talent. Establishing an academy, he aimed to set a new standard in the banking sector, recognizing the need for smart and talented individuals.

Towards the book’s conclusion, Aigboje discusses the company’s commitment to building a sustainable business with the aim of becoming the world’s most respected bank in Africa. Sustainability, for him, transcends corporate social responsibility, citizenship, or philanthropy; it’s about giving back to society as a responsible and righteous endeavor.

As Aigboje hands over the reins to Herbert, he expresses relief and happiness, confident that Herbert shares the same values and vision, making him the ideal person to carry forward the Access Bank legacy.

“Leaving the Tarmac” stands out as my first exploration into African entrepreneurship. Having completed the book, I am eager to delve further into the remarkable endeavors of entrepreneurs on the continent.

In conclusion, “Leaving the Tarmac - Buying a Bank in Africa” is a riveting exploration of entrepreneurial spirit and determination. The narrative is a testament to the transformative journey undertaken by two friends, Aigboje and Herbert, as they ventured into the financial landscape of Nigeria.

As the book concludes, I find myself inspired and intrigued by Mr. Aigboje’s journey. “Leaving the Tarmac” has ignited my curiosity, and I eagerly look forward to exploring more of the fascinating work undertaken by entrepreneurs across the continent.