Profiles - Company Directors
Dr. 'Lekan Are
A renowned Agronomist and Agricultural Consultant of National and International repute.
He holds a B. Sc. (Agric) London, M.S., and Ph.D. (Crop Science), Michigan State University, USA. He is Executive Chairman of Kakanfo Enterprises, Ltd. and Lekan Are Farms, as well as the Chairman of University Press Plc.
He is also a Director of Solid Trust Insurance Brokers Ltd and Punch Nigeria Ltd.
Dr. Are was formerly Deputy Director, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Professor of Agronomy, Njala University of Sierra Leone, Deputy Executive Secretary, West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA) and Founding CEO of Ogun Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA). He was also Director Wema Bank, PLC (1989-2004) , Wema Securities, Plc and Independent Securities, Ltd. (1989-2006)
He has been associated with the management of Kakanfo Inn since inception in October 1988.
Mr. Ajay Singh Bawa
Obtained a B.A. from Delhi University, India in 1970.
He entered the hotel industry in November 1970 with an Outdoor Catering Company. He became Assistant Manager Rama International Hotel in 1976 and rose to Food and Beverage (F&B) Manager by 1982 and Front Office Manager by 1985.
In September 1986, he joined Deribe Hotel Maiduguri, Nigeria where he became Resident Manager in 1987. He is the pioneer General Manager of Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan from October 1988.
He became the Director of Operations of Kakanfo Inn since August 1991. And is currently the Executive Director, Managing.
Mrs. Funke Are-Igun
Earned both a B.B.A and M.B.A from the University of Michigan, USA, and specialized in Finance & Marketing.
She has over sixteen years experience consulting with startups to existing small business enterprises. She advises her clients on what they need to startup their business as well as provides on-going assistance and consultation to them.
Her offerings to her clients include but are not limited to loan packages, market feasibility studies, business and marketing plans. Additionally, she conducts small business seminars on an on-going basis.
She is the Principal Partner, Strategic Thinktank, Inc. and Chief Executive Officer of TraveLink Vacation Rental Co, Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA. She is also a Managing Partner of African Dolls and Collectibles LLC.
Mr. Ayo Are
Earned a Baccalaureate degree in Political Science as well as a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan.
Mr. Are is the President and Managing Executive of Money Managers International. As a seasoned Financial Advisor with over 21 years experience in the Private Banking Insurance and Financial Services industry and a Masters in Public Administration with an emphasis on Finance from the University of Michigan he is focused on providing the necessary guidance and direction to his clientele in order to define and achieve their financial goals and objectives.
His financial practice is well defined and focused on private banking asset management asset protection charitable gifting in addition to estate and retirement investment strategies.
In calendar year 2008 his dedication to his clients and community won him membership in the 2009 edition of Marquis Who’s Who In America and Who’s Who in the World..
Mr. 'Damola Are
Mr. Are is currently the Regional Vice President for MasterCorp, Inc. The company provides the turnkey housekeeping services for several of the worlds exclusive resort companies. Among them are Bluegreen Resort, Hyatt Vacation Club, Marriott Vacation Club International and Wyndam Resorts.
Prior to this, Damola was the Vice President of Operations for the Chicago based Navnish Development. An owner and operator of a diverse portfolio of hotels.
Damola also served as an executive with Hilton Grand Vacations, Marriott Vacation Club and four brands within the Marriott family of hotels.
He has a degree in Public Administration from Michigan State University and one in Hotel Administration from University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Company Directors
- Dr. 'Lekan Are
- Mr. Ajay Singh Bawa
- Mrs. Funke Are-Igun
- Mr. Ayo Are
- Mr. 'Damola Are