Tiamiyu Jimoh Fancy was born into the family of Late Mr and Mrs Tiamiyu Billiaminu Laje, owners of the famous Leadway Hotels and Restaurant in Lokoja in the Late 1970s at the then General Hospital, now Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja in the present day Kogi State Capital.
He attended Unity Primary School in Lokoja from 1981/1982 to 1987 where obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He then proceeded to Crowther Memorial College also in Lokoja between 1988 and 1993/1994.
In 1995, he gained admission into Kogi State Polytechnic, Osara Campus where he studied Mineral Resources Engineering for his National Diploma.
In 1999, he proceeded to the Federal Polytechnic, Ado – Ekiti in Ekiti State for his Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mineral Resources Engineering (Mining Option) in 2000.
In 1996 did his four months Industrial Training with the then Bendel Cement Company Okpella, Edo State. In 1998 did one year compulsory Industrial Training with NNPC/PPMC kabba junction, Lokoja.
His mandatory one year National Youth Service took him to Presidency where he served in the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Late Dr Stanley Macebuh between 2001 and 2002.
Not satisfied with his educational attainment, Jimoh Fancy put in for his Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Kogi State University, Anyigba, to study Management Sciences. He completed the programme in 2004/2005 with high ratings.
He is currently on the verge of acquiring his Law Degree from the prestigious Salem University, Lokoja.
Though a shy and easy going gentle man, Jimoh’s leadership qualities shone through from a very young age. It was therefore no surprise that his primary school made him the Mail Prefect in view of his attention to details and excellent ability to sort things out.
He tactically avoided being in the limelight during his Secondary School days, but his lanky figure and brilliance could not hide him away from the spotlight. Friends and close associates saw his capacity to lead even as a teenager because of his compassion and preparedness to make sacrifices for his peers. He was a leader within his rights among them and commanded high respect and influence.
Being born into a family whose knack for business and entrepreneurship made him understand what money was and how to handle it and also keep good financial records, hence he was made his department’s Financial Secretary, a position that earned him accolades at the end of his academic pursuit at HND level.
Even though he decided to go into private business venture, he has been someone that could deliver when given the opportunity. Little wonder therefore that he has made a huge success of chains of telecommunication, Real Estate and farming businesses which he started from nothing.
For instance, one of the busiest areas in the Kogi State Capital , Lokoja,today, is the famous Lugard Road popularly known as NUJ Area where chains of businesses are springing up and booming with night life. In fact, the NUJ has become a reference point for fun seekers who want to unwind after a hard days job.
One of these businesses in this location was started by this young man and two other entrepreneurs in the early 1990s. He had what can now be referred to as a “joint” located in the area where people used to converge for relaxation.
It was from there he divested his business interests to the telecommunication sector in the year 2005 with the coming of the General System of Mobile (GSM) into the country.
He was among the first persons to embrace the new line of business which has brought him to public reckoning even till today. In fact, he is a recipient of several annual awards from the headquarters of Nigerias first and still the only indigenous telecom company, Globacom, which is also one of the leading global giants in the sector.
As an entrepreneur with eyes for the market and seeking new opportunities and expansion in investment, he is responsible for taking telecom facilities to many rural areas of Kogi State and rates among the top best distributors Glo products in the country today, it was therefore no surprise that he kept scooping awards after awards on annual basis from the company.
His company, which has staff strength of over 200 on monthly salaries running into millions also deals with other multinational companies in the telecom sector aside Globacom. He has Airtel, 9mobile as other companies of interest.
Furthermore, His business interests, as we have mentioned earlier also include Real Estate, Farming among others.
Politically, even though Hon Fancy is not a core politician, he has shown himself worthy as he demonstrated in the last general election and the by-elections in Kogi State last year. He, no doubt, had a personal good showing as both APC stalwart and good party man. He was one of those that were instrumental to the victories recorded by the party in those elections.
He served as the Director General of the Campaign Council which culminated in the election and return of the incumbent Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Smart Adeyemi. In that capacity, he did not leave any stones unturned as he combed every part of the seven Local Government Areas of the zone to ensure victory for the party.
He travelled through difficult terrains – on both land and water to solicit for votes for the APC during the campaign period.
Before then, he was the Director General for Lokoja LGA for the BELLONOJA Campaign Council. In that capacity, Hon Fancy Jimoh dedicated his personal resources to the party’s success. For example, he converted one of his offices to the Campaign Secretariat for that purpose. With that, he was able to provide members of the Campaign Council with a befitting place for proper planning.
Hon Jimoh Fancy has served as Task Force Secretary on Produce Committee to Kogi State. He was also the Secretary to the Reconciliation Committee for Lokoja/Kogi (Kotonkarfe) Federal Constituency in 2019.
Even though he is an individual with access to government with friends in corridors of power, he has continued to manage his businesses effectively without totally relying on those in position of authority. He has relied solely on his investments to draw resources with which he renders his usual philanthropic services to the needy and those whose paths crossed his.
Hon Jimoh Fancy is responsible for the welfare of many, most of whom he has no personal connection with. He pays the school fees of many in various levels of education, foots the medical bills of many, gives to many on regular basis and is also a cheerful donor to many worthy causes for the benefit of makind.
He is married and blessed with children.
