When Gabriel Eshiague was assigned to Sierra Leone in 2013 as Finance Manager of LAPO Microfinance Co. (SL) Ltd, little did he know that he was going to become a game-changer in an emerging industry. And ever since he has set an unprecedented record in the microfinance industry in Sierra Leone, not just winning multiple awards in the industry and corporate sector, but inspiring and motivating hundreds of staff and creating a remarkable impact in the lives of poor Sierra Leoneans and entrepreneurs of small and medium businesses (SMEs) across the country.
So much has been written about Gabriel Eshiague in recent years but what hasn’t been in print is that he is a man of honour, integrity and respect. He possesses leadership skills and abilities that make him stand out among many others in his profession both at home and abroad. He joined the company in 2009 in Nigeria, and has risen through the rank and file. He was seconded to Sierra Leone in 2013 as Finance Manager, and in 2014, he was promoted to the role of Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company.
Mr. Eshiague possesses over twenty three years working experience in various capacities. He is a graduate from the University of Benin in 2006, and holds a Master’s degree in Financial Accounting (MFA) as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). In addition, he holds membership is numerous professional bodies such as Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management (FCIM), the Chartered Public Diplomacy and Management (CIPDM), among others.
He has attended several training programmes such as Credit Administration in Microfinance, CEO training courses, Board and Leadership Development seminars in Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Europe. He is an inspiring leader and one of the sort-after leaders in the microfinance sector in Africa. His leadership abilities truly demonstrate how far he has come both personally and professionally.
Through the numerous recognitions and honours that have been bestowed on him in the past years, one has no doubt that Mr. Eshiague is someone who delivers results and means business. Heading a company that is adding value to the national economy and improving the lives of thousands of especially poor women in Sierra Leone, Mr. Eshiague heads a team of over 350 vibrant men and women across 37 LAPO microfinance offices across the country.
In addition to leading LAPO SL to win multiple awards over the past years, and despite tough economic conditions and the effects of the current global Corona pandemic, Mr. Eshiague has been honoured by several organisations for his leadership and audacity. On December 10, 2021, at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Freetown, he was honoured by the African Consulting Group with a Leadership Award in honour of his outstanding leadership role in promoting the socioeconomic livelihoods of Sierra Leoneans. Again, on May 28, 2022, at an annual awards ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown, he was honoured by the Sierra Ovation Media with ‘Outstanding Leadership Award’ recognition. This is in addition to many industry and corporate awards and recognitions received over the years, such as the African Achiever Awards in the UK, and “Best Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Year 2019/2020” at a well-attended awards ceremony held on 10th December, 2020 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown.
Not only is Mr. Eshiague winning multiple awards, his company LAPO Micro Finance Company has also won the “Best Micro Finance Company of the Year” at several awards ceremonies across the country and abroad. Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO in short) was launched in Sierra Leone in 2008. Its mission is to provide micro-loans to women in disadvantaged areas in local communities across the country. About 95% of the borrowers are women, and 48% live in rural areas, with average disbursed loans of about one hundred and five billion Leones per year. The company supports thousands of clients across thirty seven branches all over the country.
To crown it all, the soft-spoken, yet tough CEO is a senior business executive and a leader, he is also a father, husband, mentor, a learner and a devoted Christian. His staff refer to him as a true leader, a caring and responsible personality, while the senior executive members of his team look to up him as an inspiration, a corporate diplomat and a coach many people rely on for results.
Mr. Eshiague is a man of few words. And whenever he talks, others listen. This truly demonstrates his character traits and leadership qualities and abilities. He loves smiling. He is a “go-getter” and doesn’t take “No” for an answer. He is well respected both in society; among his stakeholders, clients and wherever he goes.