A Nigerian-born chemical engineer and entrepreneur based in the United States, Dadiowei Kingsley Akpeti, has emphasized on the vital role private business can play in advancing healthcare, education, and social development in Nigeria.
Akpeti, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Spotless In Minutes, a Texas-based construction and facility management company, said his journey from chemical engineering into entrepreneurship has enabled him to give back meaningfully to his country of origin through direct interventions.
He made this known during an interview with newsmen, where he explained that his success in business has empowered him to fund a range of weekly healthcare intervention programmes and scholarship schemes targeting vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
According to him, his philanthropic focus is on improving access to healthcare and education, which he believes are the foundation of any progressive society.
“I started my career as a chemical engineer, but I found my true passion in construction and facility management.”
“Today, I lead the largest Nigerian-owned remodelling and facility management company in Texas, with branches in several cities and a workforce made up of Nigerians, Americans, and people of Hispanic origin,” he said.
Born on September 18, 1977, Akpeti who is now 47 years old and a United States citizen, migrated to the US in 2019 and has, within a few years, built Spotless In Minutes into a household name in Houston.
He attributed his company’s rise to the principles of hard work and integrity, noting, “One thing I say to my staff on a daily basis during our morning briefings is this, the only thing a blind man can see is integrity.”
“Integrity has propelled us to become one of the leading facilities management companies in Houston. Nextdoor twice rated us ‘Neighbourhood Favourites,’ a rare achievement and the first of its kind.”
He explained that his family life is equally fulfilling. Married to a Haitian woman, the couple is blessed with four children, one daughter and three sons.
Akpeti said his experiences with his diverse family and staff have deepened his understanding of the value of inclusiveness, adding that diversity remains a strong force for development.
“The issue of North, South, East and West remains one of the key challenges to Nigeria’s progress. My team comprises mainly Nigerians, Haitians and Hispanics, and I’ve seen first-hand the development potential in diversity,” he added.
Akpeti said he used his company’s resources to support weekly medical outreach programmes and pay for medical treatment for over 70 individuals.
His efforts, he stated, have particularly benefitted medical institutions such as the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa and the BMH in Port Harcourt.
He has also launched the Feed the Hungry Project in Bayelsa State, which has provided food and relief items for over 800 displaced persons in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
According to him, his scholarship schemes have supported both children and adults who otherwise may not have had access to formal education.
“Healthcare is a critical issue in Nigeria, and I believe it is my responsibility to contribute to positive change.”
“Through my scholarship schemes, I aim to give hope and opportunity to those who might otherwise be denied,” he said.
Speaking further, he revealed ongoing plans to return home and contribute more directly to development through skill acquisition.
He disclosed that he is finalising arrangements with the government of a South-South state in Nigeria to provide free technical training in building technology to 3,000 youths.
“We’ll be training them in plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC technologies. This initiative is designed to give them a fair chance to compete with their peers from other regions, especially the more industrialised western parts of Nigeria,” Akpeti explained.
He noted that Spotless In Minutes will also donate power tools, educational materials, and offer financial management training to the most outstanding participants, particularly those who show strong commitment to entrepreneurship and self-development.
While acknowledging the opportunities available in the West, Akpeti also expressed deep concern about the challenges that hinder business growth in Nigeria.
He cited the lack of infrastructure, weak judicial systems, poor policing, and irregular power supply as major obstacles.
“Nigeria must restore investor confidence through policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and improved security.”
“With proper road networks, stable electricity, and legal protection for investments, Nigeria has the potential to compete with Western economies,” he said.
On the subject of resource control, Akpeti urged caution, noting that regional governments demanding greater control over resources have not demonstrated effective management of the assets already within their purview.
“Resource control may have been a good idea in an ideal society. However, governments in areas where there has been agitation for resource control haven’t shown faithfulness in managing the current resources they have. It would be a disaster to allow them full control at this point. A gradual approach should be adopted.”
He also spoke on the need for traditional and socio-cultural groups to be legally recognised and financially independent so they can serve as a check on government.
Referring to the Ijaw National Congress (INC) as an example, he noted that such organisations should play a more active role in governance and policymaking.
“The INC has come a long way, but it still has a long way to go. It needs to have a purse devoid of government influence and a seat at the table of decision-making. That way, it can serve as a fourth force alongside the executive, legislature and judiciary.”
Reflecting on the broader issue of governance and development, Akpeti said corruption remains a major impediment to progress.
“I really do not want to sound like an activist, but I daily see the process of doing business in the West as opposed to Africa. It is terribly heartbreaking. Corruption is a killer,” he said.
Akpeti, however, gave credit to God for his achievements to divine providence, describing himself as a devout Christian whose faith is the foundation of his success.
“All that I have achieved has been through the grace of God and hard, hard work. My faith is the foundation of everything I do, it compels me to serve others and strive for excellence.
