Elkins Udo
| Elkins Udo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Elkins Udo |
| 🏳️ Nationality | Nigerian |
| 🎓 Alma mater | |
| 💼 Occupation |
|
| 🏢 Organization | Richforth Group, Richforth Superstores Enterprises, Gelks Inc., Xfiat.app |
| Known for | Permanent Envoy of the ECOWAS Youth Mission; founder of Gelks Inc.; co-founder of Xfiat.app |
| 🏅 Awards | AI Volunteer Excellence Award (Amazon Web Services) |
Elkins Udo is a Nigerian entrepreneur, technology specialist, and youth representative. He serves as the Permanent Envoy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Youth Mission.[1] Udo is the Director of Richforth Group (formerly Elkins Richforth Ltd), Chief Executive Officer of Richforth Superstores Enterprises, Founder of Gelks Inc., and Co-founder of Xfiat.app. He is also recognised for his background in the Nigerian Army and his efforts in youth diplomacy and digital innovation.
Early life and education
Elkins Udo obtained a Higher National Diploma from the Nigerian Army School of Environmental Science and Technology. He later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (PGDCS) at the University of Abuja,[2] and earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).[3]
He has received several professional certifications, including the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) designation from the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS),[4] a Google Developer Certificate (GDC) from Google,[5] and the Professional Specialisation Certification Programme (PSCP) from the Nigerian Association of Computing Students (NACOS). He is further certified under the ICITP Programme by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS)[6] and has been presented with the AI Volunteer Excellence Award from Amazon Web Services (AWS).[7]
Military career
Elkins Udo began his professional life in the Nigerian Army, where he served in several commands and operations.[8] His postings included Headquarters 1 Brigade in Sokoto and participation in Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State under Headquarters 7 Brigade, Baga.[9] He later joined Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole – 119 Special Forces, and went on to serve with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N'Djamena, Chad.[10]
While with the MNJTF, he took part in regional counter-insurgency operations involving joint efforts between Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin, operating under Headquarters Sector 3, Monguno.[11] His years in service contributed to his later involvement in peace-building and youth development programmes within the ECOWAS region.
Business and leadership
After completing his military service, Udo moved into private enterprise, establishing and directing several companies. He is the Director of Richforth Group, a corporate entity engaged in multiple sectors including retail and technology. As CEO of Richforth Superstores Enterprises, he oversees operations in the consumer goods and distribution industry.
He founded Gelks Inc., a company focused on technological and business innovation, and co-founded Xfiat.app, a financial technology (fintech) platform. His ventures emphasise digital transformation, economic participation, and youth enterprise development within West Africa.[12]
Diplomatic and youth engagement
As a Permanent Envoy of the ECOWAS Youth Mission, Udo is involved in initiatives relating to youth empowerment, regional cooperation, and technological skills development.[13] His role includes facilitating youth inclusion in governance, supporting innovation programmes, and representing ECOWAS youth interests at regional forums.
Through his position, he has contributed to policy dialogues and development strategies that promote digital capacity building and entrepreneurship among young people in ECOWAS member states.[14]
Awards and recognition
Elkins Udo has been recognised for his professional and leadership achievements through a number of international and national certifications and awards:
| Award / Certification | Awarding Body | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) | Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) | [15] |
| Google Developer Certificate (GDC) | [16] | |
| Professional Specialisation Certification Programme (PSCP) | Nigerian Association of Computing Students (NACOS) | |
| ICITP Certification Programme | Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) | [17] |
| AI Volunteer Excellence Award | Amazon Web Services (AWS) | [18] |
References
- ↑ "ECOWAS Youth and Sports". Economic Community of West African States. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "Postgraduate Programmes". University of Abuja. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "Undergraduate Programmes". National Open University of Nigeria. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "CAMS Certification". Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "Google Developer Certification". Google. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "ICITP – IT Professionals Certification Programme". Nigeria Computer Society. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "AWS Hero & Community Programs". Amazon Web Services. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "Nigerian Army Official Website". Nigerian Army. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "Operation Lafiya Dole Troops Neutralise Boko Haram Insurgents". This Day Live. 14 January 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "Multinational Joint Task Force". MNJTF. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "About MNJTF – Mandate and Structure". Multinational Joint Task Force. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "ECOWAS Economic Development Initiatives". ECOWAS. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "Youth Empowerment – ECOWAS". Economic Community of West African States. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "Education, Science and Technology – ECOWAS Commission". ECOWAS. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "CAMS Certification". ACAMS. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "Google Developer Certification". Google. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "ICITP Programme". Nigeria Computer Society. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "AWS Community Programs". Amazon Web Services. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
External links
- ECOWAS Official Website
- National Open University of Nigeria
- University of Abuja
- Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists
- Nigeria Computer Society
- Multinational Joint Task Force
Category:Living people
Category:Nigerian entrepreneurs
Category:Nigerian military personnel
Category:Nigerian Army personnel
Category:Nigerian diplomats
Category:Nigerian businesspeople
Category:Youth activists
Category:Businesspeople from Nigeria
Category:National Open University of Nigeria alumni
Category:University of Abuja alumni
Category:West African entrepreneurs
Category:Financial technology
Category:People associated with ECOWAS
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