- Source: Ibidapo Lawal
Ibidapo Lawal Idris (born 1 October 1984) is a Nigerian businessman and entrepreneur, the founder of Neveah Limited. His company was named the Best Sectoral Exporters of Solid Minerals by Nigeria Export Promotion Council in 2022 and was ranked 18th fastest growing company in Africa by Financial Times in 2023.
Early life and education
Lawal attended Police Children's School, Ibadan, Oyo State for his primary education. He had his secondary education at Government College also in Ibadan, Oyo State. Lawal did his bachelor's degree at Lead City University, Ibadan. He left Nigeria in 2012 for his master's degree in Business Administration at Drexel University, Pennsylvania. Lawal has undergone training in Executive Management and Finance at Wharton School of Business.
Career
Before founding Neveah Limited, Lawal started IAL Resources his first venture and later established Activo Global Investments in 2007, a startup that provided training and consulting services on exportation in Nigeria.
Neveah Limited
Lawal founded Neveah Limited since 2014 and currently has around 70 employees. The Punch Newspapers describes the company as a commodities export and trading company, dealing in agricultural commodities, base metals and minor metals. The company exports to countries in Europe, Asia and North America.
Neveah Limited was named the Best Sectoral Exporters of Solid Minerals by Nigeria Export Promotion Council in 2022 and was ranked 18th fastest growing company in Africa by Financial Times in 2023. The company developed an aluminum recycling plant in Ogun State to recycle aluminum and copper waste for export to markets globally.
In 2021, the company started accessing working capital from the capital market in form of commercial papers and started with N10 billion programme. As of September 2024, the company has raised a cumulative total of N25.51 billion through its Series 1-15 Commercial Paper issuances to address working capital needs and have repaid them.
Philanthropy
The Ibidapo Lawal Foundation has empowered more than 8,000 persons and has donated to the less privileged. The foundation donates academic materials, including books and food items, to aid the education of the children.
Personal life
Lawal was born in Ibadan, Oyo State. He is married to Modupeoluwa Omotosho and they have two children together.