Alhaji Ing. Mohamed Babatunde Cole, one of Sierra Leone's most successful business magnates, has long been recognized as the country's most generous philanthropist, making major economic contributions to Sierra Leone and offering magnanimous gestures toward nation-building. Executive Chairman, Alhaji Dr. Ing. Babatunde Cole, explained that the creation of NP Liberia and the independent conversion of NP Gas from a department into a company, followed by the formation of NP Guinea, NP Gambia, and NP Ivory Coast, respectively, led to the establishment of the NP Group.

In an interview, he shared his experience as EC of NP Group, emphasising the enormous financial investment required to establish subsidiaries and recruit seasoned, experienced managers to oversee their management. Engineer Cole pointed to the subsidiaries’ performances, which have been excellent, particularly NP Sierra Leone.

He revealed that the Group was formed as a result of NP’s determination to move beyond national borders and position the Company as a transnational petroleum giant with the sole objective of transporting petroleum products across the West African sub-region.

Ing. Cole has served as Executive Chairman of NP Group for more than five years, overseeing the smooth operations of the Group and its subsidiaries. As Executive Director of NP Group, Ing. Cole bears considerable roles and responsibilities, including ensuring that all subsidiaries are fully operational and profits are maximised.

Alhaji Ing. Cole expressed his support for the Group’s subsidiaries, highlighting the significant assistance the Group provides them. This support includes financial aid, management backing, and facilitating mutually beneficial contacts, especially for subsidiaries within the sub-region. Furthermore, EC Cole emphasised the Group’s positive market outlook, citing the growth and remarkable performance of its subsidiaries.

EC Cole expressed the Group’s desire to establish more subsidiaries in West Africa and beyond, thereby expanding NP Group’s market presence into other countries.

As a successful entrepreneur, Mr. Cole draws inspiration from the vision of succeeding in whatever he undertakes, no matter how difficult it may appear. And as a philanthropist, he believes in giving back to society through God’s grace and provision to develop human capital and positively impact lives.

EC Cole encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on what they want to achieve right from the conception stage of their business ideas. He noted that most business ideas fail to materialise due to a lack of confidence and determination to work hard to attain such heights and remain consistent with industry trends.

Alhaji Ing. Mohamed Babatunde Cole is a member of the Sierra Leone Institute of Engineers and a Fellow of the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers. He also serves as a director of numerous institutions in Sierra Leone.