Henry Boyo: The Unsilenced Legacy
Though I couldn’t make the trip, I’m honored to share that two of the four volumes on monetary frameworks and policies — a comprehensive compilation of my late father’s life’s work, which I had the privilege of compiling — were officially launched in Lagos on Easter Monday, 21 April, 2025, with Senator Daisy Danjuma as Chief Launcher. The event, graced by dignitaries, marked a powerful and deeply meaningful milestone in honoring my father’s enduring legacy.
Chief Sir Henry Olujimi Boyo (1948–2019), who was known as a philanthropist, industrialist, and economist, dedicated much of his career to promoting reforms within Nigeria’s financial framework. He advocated strongly for maintaining low levels of inflation below ten percent and supported letting the markets dictate currency values. In addition, he established the initiative called "Save the Naira, Save Nigeria." A significant body of work attributed to him includes more than 686 scholarly papers that have been released publicly. www.betternaijanow . com.
Even though his concepts were exceptionally insightful, those in authority positions rejected them—because these truths were inconvenient—a frequent occurrence in flawed systems marred by corruption. Nevertheless, repeatedly, his economic forecasts turned out to be precise, highlighting the thoroughness and prescience of his examination.
In 2012, he reached out to the chambers of Femi Falana SAN, a distinguished lawyer and prominent human rights advocate, with the intention to initiate legal action against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). His lawsuit contested the CBN's decision to convert the country’s dollar-based revenues into Naira using an arbitrarily set exchange rate prior to distributing funds among the federal government’s three levels. This practice undermined the value of the Nigerian currency relative to the US dollar—given how most goods are imported into the nation. Despite facing numerous delays, this case remains evidence of his dedication towards financial restructuring efforts.
In 2021, the League of Nigerian Columnists awarded him posthumously for his significant contributions to Nigerian economic theory. As a frequent commentator on radio and television, he frequently discussed how effective monetary policies could drive national development. In 2012, he was recognized with the Nigeria Media Merit Award as the Best Columnist.
Personally speaking, I seldom share details about my accomplishments since I usually understate even what I achieve. Putting together these volumes—each exceeding 500 pages—has proven both fulfilling and humbling for me. This process enabled me to delve deep into my father’s legacy and meet exceptional people such as Dr. Anthony A Ani, formerly our Finance Minister under General Sani Abacha’s rule, whose introduction graces Volume 4 (still forthcoming); Mr. Soyombo Opeyemi, a distinguished journalist, who contributed his thoughts to Volume 2; and Jimi Disu, a well-known figure in the media industry, who authored the preface for Volume 3 (also not released yet).
An important aspect of these volumes involved the visual elements I conceived for certain articles, inspired by my father’s habit of using cartoons to underscore the ridiculousness of governmental policies. To make this vision come true, I collaborated with an illustrator to ensure these visuals were seamlessly integrated throughout the books.
Thanks to all those who helped make this achievement happen.
Nemi Boyo, the youngest daughter of the esteemed Nigerian economist Sir Henry Olujimi Boyo, pens this piece from her location in Canada. .
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).