Chief Tony Chinyere top, and he, passing instructions to his oil refinery workers.

Abubakar Hashim

Nigerians in the diaspora are true ambassadors in their respective countries of operations. They demonstrate passion and devotion in all entrepreneurial engagements. Most Nigerian TV stations, national dailies and magazines, devote special airtime and slots for these vibrant Nigerians.

Among these proud nationals is Chief Tony Chinyere, who is CEO of multilayered businesses, spanning oil and gas, fishing, air and sea transportation and logistics.

Chief Tony Chinyere with former Nigerian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Amb Polycap, his First Secretary and ECOMOG Soldiers.

Chief Tony, as he is popularly known, became a household name in the West African region during the wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Chief Tony Chinyere with Vice President of Liberia, Hon Jeremiah Koung.

In Liberia and Sierra Leone, he was immensely nationalistic. He provided his services to execute the war, to bring back peace in the two countries. He made his helicopters available to negotiate peace with the rebels in the bush. His hovercraft was also provided to ferry refugees away from war-torn Sierra Leone, during the peak period of the war in the 90s. Today, though his businesses were grounded after the war in Sierra Leone, he is upbeat to retake his oil refinery at Kissy, his fishing harbour at Jui and other businesses illegally terminated.

In Liberia, he is far bigger. He has West Africa Refinery in the making at Buchanan close to the seaport, with stakes in other lucrative businesses.

Chief Tony Chinyere at his oil refiner in Liberia.

Nigeria in Diaspora Commission NIDCOM Chair, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, recently noted him to be among the top three Nigerians in the region to watch and acknowledge.

His magnanimity and nationalistic instincts that distinguish him from others.

Chief Tony Chinyere with foreign investors in Liberia.