In a ceremony held at the Siksika Room, McDougall Centre, Canada, the Premier of Alberta, Honourable Danielle Smith has awarded Nigerian born Wale Gbalajobi, the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for his outstanding volunteer work and leadership in the community. The award ceremony, organized by the Office of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions, took place on April 28, 2023 in Canada.
The occasion was attended by esteemed guests, community leaders, and representatives from various organizations. The event like no other aimed to acknowledge and celebrate the charismatic Gbalajobi’s
remarkable contributions in making the community a better place to live, work, raise families, and establish businesses.
Wale Gbalajobi, deeply humbled by the recognition, expressed his gratitude and stated, “I am truly honored to receive this award. It has been a privilege to serve my community, and I am grateful for this recognition.”
The Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal Award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and commitment to improving their communities. Gbalajobi’s remarkable volunteer work and leadership have made a significant impact on the lives of many, uplifting the community and fostering positive change.
The Office of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions commended the amiable man for his outstanding contributions and extended their congratulations on his well-deserved achievement.
They expressed gratitude for his continued dedication and emphasized the importance of individuals like Wale Gbalajobi in building stronger and more vibrant communities.
This Award ceremony served as a reminder of the power of volunteerism and community engagement. Gbalajobi’s recognition will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in his footsteps, contributing to the betterment of society and leaving a lasting legacy.
For your information, Wale Gbalajobi is a highly accomplished Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur, financial consultant, and business leader. With degrees in Economics and Political Science from the University of Calgary, he has made significant contributions to the business and financial sectors in both Canada and Nigeria.
As the President of Aquafinancial Consulting Inc., Wale provides wealth management and financial advice to clients, utilizing his vast business experience and entrepreneurial mindset.
His company helped coordinate the business meetings the round table with the Calgary Economic Development Council during the Olu of Warris trip to Calgary in 2022.
Wale’s entrepreneurial endeavors extend beyond Canada’s borders, as he has helped facilitate the entry of Nigerian businesses into the Canadian market. Notably, he played a crucial role in introducing Oando to the business Exchange communities in Calgary and Toronto during its listing on the Toronto Stock, fostering cross-border collaborations and growth.
His professional qualifications includes the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) and the Partners, Directors and Senior Officers Certificate, Wale has earned esteemed designations such as the Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (FICB) and the Professional Financial Planner (PFP). These credentials highlights his expertise in providing comprehensive financial planning services.
Wale’s career began at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), where he served in various capacities, including Branch Manager. He became the first black person in Calgary to hold such a position at a major bank. Later, he served as the Country General Manager in St. Lucia, overseeing a portfolio exceeding USD 500 million.
Throughout his career, Wale has been recognized for his achievements, receiving multiple CIBC Chairman’s awards and CIBC Achievers Awards for his exceptional performance within the global CIBC network.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Wale is actively involved in community initiatives. He has chaired fundraising efforts for the United Way in Calgary, raising significant funds for local charities. He has also served on the board of Families Matter, a Calgary-based nonprofit focused on strengthening families.
Furthermore, Wale has held leadership positions in organizations such as the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary and the Igbobi College Old Boys Association of North America. He also advises various nonprofits in Calgary and the surrounding areas.
He is happily married to Bernie, a CPA and they have two children.
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