STEPHEN LAZI BAGS PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL ECONOMY, AND
WHY THE GOVERNMENT OF TODAY NEEDS HIM.
By Genesis ogiri, Abuja.
Glamour, glitz endued with grace flowed as the seasoned administrator and Business Management
Expert, Stephen Lazi Akhere bagged, Professor of Political Economy, from Castle Park University
State of Missouri, USA.
The story of professor Stephen Lazi is indeed an interesting one and one laced with adventures
right from an early age. The take away from his trajectory is that of sheer determination, dedication
and patriotism. For those that knew the vibrant professor indeed constantly testify to his
unflinching love for education.
Looking at his academic trajectory, his ability to foster collaboration, encourage innovative
dialogue and finding common ground will be instrumental in shaping thoughtful and impactful
policies for the betterment of Nigeria’s political and economic sector.
Looking at the antecedent of professor Stephen, he is not just a leader; he is a guiding ligh t,
illuminating the path of countless individuals who have had the privilege to cross his path. His
wisdom, depth, and finesse have cultivated a community that thrives on the principles of humility,
hardwork and self-discovery.
Why Nigeria needs leaders w ho understand economics? Nigeria of today needs leaders like
Professor STEPHEN LAZI who understands economics and how economies work to double
output in production. Unemployment and poverty, among others, need leaders who have an
understanding of economics to tackle.
We live in the age of knowledge capital and knowledge is more valuable than any mineral
resources. The struggle over these resources is distracting Nigeria from focusing on what matters
with production.
No country has become wealthy from rev enues, countries become wealthy from production.
Nigeria needs leaders with a clear strategy on how to get the country to begin to function in
productivity, and this could be done by focusing development on the endowment available.
Newsway Media gathered that professor Stephen believes in the power of ideas, innovation,
change and transformation; the values of hard -work, merit, achievement, quality and results; the
virtues of openness, transparency, accountability, honour and integrity; the leadership styl e of
team-work and inclusiveness; and the provision of opportunities, spaces and avenues for younger
colleagues to excel and deliver on results, while providing guidance, inspiration and motivation.
Stephen is an accomplished Operations and Administrative Director with two decades of extensive
experience in the international political economy and the oil and gas industry. His career is marked
by a consistent track record of reducing costs and improving return on investment (ROI) through
strategic operations improvements. He has highly developed conflict resolution and mediation
skills, adeptly working with both public and private officials across various functions to meet and
exceed organizational goals.
Stephen is a multicultural team leader with proven abilities to interface smoothly with people from
diverse backgrounds. His communication and research capabilities are well -established,
complemented by a robust academic background. Highlights of Expertise: Oil & Gas Industry;
Political Economy; Public Ad ministration; Human Resources Information System; Office
Management; Data Management; Regulatory Compliance; Process Improvements; Staff
Supervision and Training; and Leadership Career Experience.
Prof. Stephen began his public service career with Voice of Nigeria (VON) as an Administrative
Officer from 2000 to 2004. He then transitioned to the then Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory
Agency (PPPRA), now known as Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory
Authority (NMDPRA), where he has wor ked from 2004 to present. His tenure at
PPPRA/NMDPRA has involved progressively responsible leadership roles, culminating in
managing zonal offices with an oversight of 80 jetties, refineries, and depots across Six states
within the South-South geopolitical zone.
In his current role as Senior Manager (Corporate Communication & Stakeholders Management),
he leads the Protocol and Stakeholder Division and the Publications, Document & Library
Division. Stephen’s responsibilities include overseeing the NMDPRA public affairs, stakeholder
relations, and protocol matters, etc.
His previous roles include Manager (Gas & Renewable Energy) and Manager (Lagos Field
Operations), where he managed logistical operations and human resources, ensuring target results
were achieved efficiently. Educational background, Stephen holds a PhD in Political Economy
from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria, MSc in Oil and Gas Management from the
University of Management and Technology (ESGT University Republic of Benin).
He also earned an MSc in Political Economy and Development Studies from the University of
Abuja, Nigeria, MBA Business Administration (Human Resources) Kensington Business School
Delaware, USA; Ph.D. Oil and Gas Management IIC University of Technology, Cambodi a, BSc
Business Administration from the University of Benin, Nigeria. In addition, he holds Post –
Doctorate Degree in Management from Atlantic International University, Honolulu, Hawaii,
USA.
Furthermore, Stephen holds numerous Professional Certifications , including: Professional
Doctorate in Administration from Chartered Institute of Business Managers and Administrators,
USA; American Chartered Oil & Gas Manager from Chartered Institute of Management and
Leadership USA; Fellow Chartered Institute of Manag ement USA, Professional Fellowship
Doctorate in Economists from Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria; Doctorate Economists
from Institute of Professional Economists and Policy Management; Fellow Environmentalists
from Environmental Management and Risk Disaster Reduction Institute of Nigeria.
Also, Fellow Chartered Corporate Administrator Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria;
Fellow Chartered Administrator from Chartered Institute of Administration of Nigeria; Doctorate
Fellow Financial Managers from Institute of Professional Financial Managers London; Fellow
Chartered Fraud Examiner from Chartered Institute of Fraud Examiners of Nigeria; Fellow
Economists from Chartered Institute of Economists of Nigeria; Fellow Manager, Microfinance
Management Institute of Nigeria; Fellow Public Administrator, Public Administrator of England
& Wales Ghana; Political Science Association of Nigeria, International Association for Energy
Economics, Chartered Institute of Management, and Nigerian Association of Petroleum
Explorationists.
Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Training (AIET)USA; a Diploma in Professional
Leadership from African Leadership Development Centre, Covenant University, Nigeria; and
Professor of Political Economy, Castle Park University, USA.
His leadership qualities and pragmatic spirit have garnered widespread recognition, earning him
prestigious Awards. These awards are a testament to his profound influence and efficacy in
promoting leadership and innovation in both business and public service sectors. Furthermore, as
an active participant in various professional organizations in Nigeria.
He has received honorary awards such as Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from America Trinity
University, California, USA, and the title of Emine nt Peace Ambassador by the International
Association of World Peace Advocates, United Nation Peace Volunteers.
Stephen is also a prolific author with numerous publications to his name. His works include
“Darkness Amidst Light in Africa,” “An Overview of Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry,” and
“Managing the Activities of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.” His research work has been
featured in various reputable journals, further solidifying his status as a thought leader in his field.
Ambassador Stephen’s career is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and leadership in the fields
of political economy and the oil and gas industry. His multifaceted role in regulatory compliance,
human resources, and public administration, combined with his academic achieve ments and
professional certifications, underscores his significant contributions to his field.
This comprehensive narrative not only showcases Stephen’s professional milestones and
innovations but also his personal dedication to advancing his field through thought leadership and
inter- personal relation. As a leader, he has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of visionary
strategy and practical execution, establishing himself as a role model in the Nigeria economic
development
Through detailed public services, he ensures that every program he oversees is flawlessly
executed, from initial concept to final realization. His ability to deliver projects and motivate teams
is evident in the seamless operation and stunning outcomes of his career. His approach combines
academic elements with modern flair, ensuring that each opportunity is both memorable and
impactful.
This professorial feather will further reinforce his commitment to excellence and his role as a
thought leader in shaping the future of Nigeria political economy.
https://newswayafrica.blogspot.com/2024/09/stephen-bags.html
https://www.thegreenlandnews.com.ng/2024/09/28/stephen-lazi-bags-professor-of-political-
economy-and-why-the-government-of-today-needs-him/
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the-government-of-today-needs-him/
