Chairman of BUA, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and the true meaning of wealth, by Dr Umar Baba
Inasmuch as he appreciates and uplifts those who work with him. His recent action stands not only as an act of generosity, but as a powerful statement about leadership, gratitude, and the value of human capital.
From afar, those of us Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly in the United States where I have lived for over 40 years, observe developments at home with hope and pride. Few actions in recent times have resonated as strongly as the decision by Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, to reward his employees in an unprecedented manner.
The allocation of ₦30 billion (approximately $20.7 million) to long-serving employees is more than a financial reward; it is a morale booster of historic proportions. It is a clear message to staff that their years of dedication, loyalty, and sacrifice are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.
By rewarding employees across different levels—five receiving ₦1 billion each, others hundreds of millions, and many more meaningful sums—Abdul Samad Rabiu demonstrated that every role matters and every contribution counts.
READ ALSO: BUA awards staff ₦30bn in one of Nigeria’s largest corporate reward schemes
This act has lifted spirits, renewed commitment, and strengthened trust between management and staff. In today’s challenging economic climate, such recognition is priceless.
This gesture is one of a kind in any corporation. It raises the bar for how business leaders should relate to their workforce and sets a new benchmark for employee appreciation. It sends a strong signal that wealth and success carry responsibility not just to shareholders, but also to the people whose daily efforts make success possible.
For Nigerians in the diaspora, this action struck a deep chord. It shows that businesses can lead with humanity and that corporate leadership can step up and help beyond the normal payment of salaries.
More importantly, it should serve as an example for other billionaires and corporate leaders to emulate. Abdul Samad Rabiu has shown that appreciating workers is not a weakness; it is a strength that builds loyalty, productivity, and long-term sustainability.
What makes this even more commendable is that it is not an isolated event. During one of Nigeria’s most difficult economic periods, Abdul Samad Rabiu approved a 50 per cent salary increase for BUA employees in 2024, even as many companies were downsizing. He extended this appreciation to both permanent and contract staff, easing the burden on countless families and reinforcing a culture of care and inclusion.
READ ALSO: BUA Chairman Rabiu Warns Hoarders: ‘We’ll keep driving down rice prices’
We also recall the 2021 share bonus, when he allocated ₦2 billion worth of BUA Cement shares from his personal holdings to employees who stood by the company during the COVID-19 pandemic.
That action strengthened employee morale and reinforced a sense of shared destiny, making workers feel like true partners rather than mere employees.
From our perspective in the diaspora, these actions have ripple effects that extend far beyond the BUA Group. They inspire young Nigerians at home and abroad to believe that hard work, loyalty, and excellence are still rewarded.
They also challenge other wealthy individuals to rethink how they measure success and legacy. Abdul Samad Rabiu’s approach affirms a timeless truth: wealth is a trust meant to uplift people and reduce hardship. His consistent appreciation of staff shows that prosperity can and should be shared.
READ ALSO: BUA chairman moves to redeem $500,000 bonus promise to Super Eagles
Among today’s business leaders, Abdul Samad Rabiu stands out for leading by example rather than by rhetoric. He boosts morale, rewards excellence, and demonstrates that compassion and profitability can coexist.
I say with conviction that the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, represents the Nigeria we are proud of. His actions reassure all of us across the globe that kindness is a great morale booster. Indeed, Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu’s action is extraordinary and a classic example of progressive and forward-looking corporate leadership.
May Almighty God continue to bless him, grant him wisdom, protect his endeavours, and increase his capacity to uplift others. May his example inspire other billionaires and African business leaders to follow his path and recognise that the true meaning of wealth lies not only in what is earned, but in what is shared.
Congratulations, Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu. The appreciation of your staff has boosted morale, raised the bar, and set a standard that will be remembered for generations to come.
Beyond the corporate sphere,
Abdul Samad Rabiu’s generosity also extends to national pride and sportsmanship. His remarkable reward of $500,000 to the Super Eagles, despite their loss to host Morocco, speaks volumes about his values. By honouring the team for their discipline, resilience, and hard work, he reaffirmed that excellence is not defined only by victory, but by character and effort.
This gesture sent a powerful message to Nigerian athletes and youths alike: that commitment and honourable representation of the nation will always be recognised and rewarded.
Dr Umar Baba writes from California, USA.
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