A one-of-a-kind event to recognize and celebrate the charismatic Gbalajobi’s extraordinary contributions to making the community a better place to live, work, raise a family, and start a business was held.
Wale Gbalajobi, deeply humbled by the recognition, expressed his gratitude and stated;
I am truly honoured to receive this award. It has been a privilege to serve my community, and I am grateful for this recognition.
The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal Award is given to people who have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to improving their communities. Gbalajobi’s extraordinary volunteerism and leadership have had a significant impact on many people’s lives, uplifting the community and fostering positive change.
The Deputy Premier’s Office and the Ministry of Skilled Trades and Professions praised the affable man for his outstanding contributions and congratulated him on his well-deserved achievement. They thanked him for his continued commitment and emphasized the importance of people like Wale Gbalajobi in building stronger and more vibrant communities.
This Award ceremony served as a reminder of the importance of volunteering and community involvement. Gbalajobi’s honor will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in his footsteps, improving society and leaving a lasting legacy.
Wale Gbalajobi is a highly successful 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 Canadian and Nigerian business and financial sectors.
Wale, as President of Aquafinancial Consulting Inc., offers clients wealth management and financial advice based on his extensive business experience and entrepreneurial mindset.
During the Olu of Warris trip to Calgary in 2022, his company assisted in the coordination of business meetings and a round table discussion with the Calgary Economic Development Council.
Wale’s entrepreneurial endeavors extend beyond Canadian borders, as he has assisted Nigerian businesses in entering the Canadian market. Notably, he was instrumental in introducing Oando to the Calgary and Toronto business exchange communities during its listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange, fostering cross-border collaborations and growth.
Wale’s professional credentials include the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) and the Partners, Directors, and Senior Officers Certificate; he also holds prestigious designations such as Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (FICB) and Professional Financial Planner (PFP). These credentials demonstrate his ability to provide comprehensive financial planning services.
Wale began his career at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), where he held various positions, including Branch Manager. He became Calgary’s first black person to hold such a position at a major bank. Later, he was the Country General Manager in St. Lucia, where he was in charge of a portfolio worth more than USD 500 million.
Wale has been recognized for his accomplishments throughout his career, receiving multiple CIBC Chairman’s awards and CIBC Achievers Awards for his exceptional performance within the global CIBC network.
Wale is actively involved in community initiatives in addition to his professional pursuits. He has chaired United Way fundraising efforts in Calgary, raising significant funds for local charities. He has also served on the board of Families Matter, a Calgary-based nonprofit dedicated to family strengthening.
Wale has also held positions of leadership in organizations such as the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary and the Igbobi College Old Boys Association of North America. He also provides advice to a number of non-profit organizations in Calgary and the surrounding areas.
He is happily married to CPA Bernie, with whom he has two children.
