As Amb. Saheed Olatokunbo Akanmu celebrates his 40th birthday, the milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the journey of a man who has consistently combined entrepreneurship, leadership, media, youth development and nation-building.

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Akanmu is a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader, and the Chief Executive Officer of Ashmark Global Resources Limited, where he has built a growing enterprise with interests spanning construction, engineering, infrastructure and energy-related projects.

But his story extends far beyond the corporate world.

A LEADER WITH A VISION FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Amb. Akanmu is the Founder of The Progressive Intellects (TPI), an initiative created around leadership, mobilisation, ideas and civic engagement. Through the platform, he has continued to encourage young people and emerging leaders to become active participants in shaping the future of Nigeria.

He is also the Founder of Next Gen Patriots, a platform focused on young Nigerians, leadership development, patriotism and building a generation prepared to take responsibility for the country’s future.

BUILDING THROUGH MEDIA

His passion for communication and storytelling has also taken shape through Waves Multimedia, where he serves as Co-Founder.

Waves Multimedia represents his belief in the power of media to create, capture and connect—providing a professional platform for podcasts, interviews, conversations, creative storytelling and digital content.

The venture brings together his interests in media, business and community engagement, creating an ecosystem where ideas and people can connect.

AREWA ELITES: CONNECTING EXCELLENCE

As Co-Founder of Arewa Elites, Akanmu is also contributing to a platform dedicated to celebrating excellence, influence, culture and achievement while connecting accomplished individuals and emerging talents across Northern Nigeria and beyond.

The platform reflects one of his strongest philosophies: proximity creates possibilities.

A JOURNEY OF PURPOSE

At 40, Amb. Saheed Akanmu’s story is no longer simply about personal achievement. It is increasingly about building institutions, creating platforms, empowering people and leaving something meaningful behind.

From business to leadership, from youth mobilisation to media and from entrepreneurship to community development, his journey demonstrates a willingness to think beyond himself.

As he begins his fifth decade, the expectation is not merely to celebrate what has been achieved, but to anticipate what lies ahead.