Nigerians living abroad serve as true ambassadors in their host countries, showcasing passion and dedication in various entrepreneurial endeavors. Many Nigerian TV stations, national newspapers, and magazines regularly highlight the achievements of these dynamic individuals.
Among them is Chief Tony Chinyere, a prominent figure and CEO of diverse businesses spanning the oil and gas industry, fishing, and air and sea transportation and logistics.
Popularly known as Chief Tony, he became a household name in West Africa during the conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone. His deep sense of nationalism was evident as he played a crucial role in the efforts to restore peace in both nations.
Chief Tony provided helicopters to negotiate with rebels in the bush and made his hovercraft available to evacuate refugees from war-torn Sierra Leone at the height of the conflict in the 1990s.
Although his businesses were grounded after the war in Sierra Leone, Chief Tony remains determined to reclaim his oil refinery in Kissy, his fishing harbor in Jui, and other enterprises that were unlawfully shut down.
In Liberia, his influence is even more significant. He is in the process of establishing the West Africa Refinery in Buchanan, near the seaport, and has stakes in other lucrative ventures.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chair of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), recently recognized Chief Tony as one of the top three Nigerians in the region to watch and commend.
