Media personality, Funmi Iyanda, is on a roll. Aside from her plan to return to TV soon, the brilliant media personality has been appointed by the UN as one of the champions of gender equality. The appointed men and women have made gender equality and women’s empowerment their cause and mission in life.
Funmi is an award winning broadcaster, journalist, columnist and blogger whose rise to the top began with her talk show, New Dawn with Funmi, which was aired on the NTA for almost eight years.
Funmi was honoured in 2011 as a Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum and she was recently named one of Forbes 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa.
If Scott Tommey’s wife is asked to describe her husband, she would say he treats the women in his life like queens. Even in death, the mother of the billionaire businessman and henchman of Seina Marine and Osmoserve Group, Madam Oluwamodupe Tommey, retains a special place in his heart.
The Teflon Don, as he is fondly called, would not forget his mother in a hurry. Madam Olwuwamodupe was regarded as a disciplinarian and virtuous woman who diligently moulded Scott into the man he is today. Although Scott loved his dad, he was particularly fond of his mother.
Although he commands more wealth than most men his age, the tenacious man has managed to retain his humility, making significant contributions to humanity through various philanthropic acts.
Two weeks ago, Biola Olatunji flew into town from Abuja where she has been based for a while. She was in Lagos to attend the breakfast party of Mr Seye Kehinde, a soft sell magazine publisher. Prior to this time, Biola Olatunji, the famous widow of Late Alhaji Lukman Olatunji Alade, also known in Lagos social scene as Toto Abuga, had been off the society scene, more so after she lost one of her husband’s properties, a nine-storey building to her mother-in-law few years ago. She remained quiet and had even gone abroad where she took solace in studying Theology in a university in the UK. She was the cynosure of all eyes as she was driven into the party venue in a glittering black painted SUV. Few days later, she was off to the UK where she is also based. She spoke to PAUL UKPABIO about life without her husband and the challenges of being a rich widow.
Years after the death of your multi-millionaire businessman husband, you have kept the home-front flag flying, how have you been coping?
As far as I am concerned, he is not gone; I always have my husband on my mind. That is why every year, I ensure that I hold a remembrance prayer for him. Significantly, it is to show that he is here with us, he is here with me. And to me, having a remembrance for him is to show that someone cares about him.
I remember a lot of things about my late husband. I miss him every day, every minute and every second. So I will continue to have remembrance sessions for him. It is the Quran that says that, the best way to remember someone who is dead is to offer prayers and sacrifices for him. And that is my belief. So since he died about seven years ago, we have been having a remembrance for him. I have to thank God, to pray for him wherever he is.
One of the challenges that you must have as a widow who is still young and beautiful with a lot of material resources and a stylish lifestyle, must be how to handle men. How have you been able to ward off men’s advances?
It is true that there is no way that men would not come and make advances at me. But the truth is that I handle men’s advances maturely and diplomatically. This is because I have male friends but nothing more than that. I wouldn’t know if men are intimidated by the wealth I control and I wouldn’t know if some of the people I know are just attracted to me because of the wealth around me but, I know I scare men too. At the same time, I know that if a man is genuine, he will stay but I have my own way of dealing with such male advances.
That is actually why I miss my husband so much because I think he is the only one that could handle me. I know I am a very tough woman too. So, anybody that thinks he can put on the shoe that my husband left behind must certainly be strong and tough and be Abuga’s replica, which I know is not possible. No man can be like my husband, Toto Abuga.
What has been the challenge of co-ordinating and taking charge of all that your husband left behind?
I give glory to God Almighty because when someone dies and whatever he left around is blossoming, it is a good sign that the person was a good soul when he was alive. If he wasn’t a good person, my husband’s legacy would have died. But he was so good that I had to determine to stay and make sure that I started multiplying what he left behind. There were things he left undone, he was like someone who did a foundation but did not complete the works. So to God be the glory, everything has taken shape. God is helping us to forge ahead.
Can you give us an insight into the kind of business he left behind?
He was a good minded business person who was into construction, estate development, importing and exporting of fabrics, house wear, house utensils and cars. He left no stone unturned. So, with that, he achieved a lot.
But right now, what businesses do you run in Nigeria?
I have a couple a businesses I do in Nigeria right now. I have a hotel business running in Ajao Estate and I have an estate management outfit. I build and sell properties I develop properties for people. That was the business I was doing with my husband before he died. The hotel business is a new thing, I was building it when he died and today I have raised it up. I have interests in tourism, estate development and general business.
Mrs Olatunji with Seye Kehinde
I’m also presently into all my husband’s businesses. I’m into construction and I’m going to train my children to come into the business as well and also let them run my hotel business; hospitality business is a good one. And everything is progressing.
What is your fashion sense like?
I wear what is comfortable and what my designer offers me. I am a designer myself and I love fashion a lot. I am good when in skirt and blouse. I love traditional attires too.
What would you say interests you these days?
Apart from the businesses that I oversee, I am interested in Christian things. If you recall, I went abroad to study Christian Counselling and Theology a few years ago. I was an interesting experience for me. I was taking lectures from Redeemers College, Cambridge. The school is affiliated with Middlesex University.
Would you say that your problem with your husband’s family led you into studying Theology?
Yes, partly so because it occurred to me that if I study this, I would be able to assist women like me who have fallen into my kind of situation. Theology has to do with God’s word and that is why I went into studying it. Today, I can counsel widows like me. We were taught leadership there as well, so I was grooming myself to become a good leader, which by the grace of God, I am today. No knowledge is lost. When my husband was alive, I was just a nominal Christian. Though I go to church, I read my Bible but not to this extent. You know, it is something that pushes you into certain things in life. I think God used that challenge to bring me out of my comfort zone. It is not that I wasn’t spiritual or deep when my husband was alive but you know, I was a socialite, and my husband was a socialite too, and I always wanted to tag along with him. I always wanted to be on the same lane with him. But when God decides to pull you off that track, there is little you can do to stop Him.
You lost the legal battle over the possession of one of your late husband’s properties to your mother in law
I don’t want to even talk about that right now, what I am saying is that I am not even bothered about what the judgment stated. The judgment raised a lot of issues about our legal system but I guess I have moved on from that point and also the family has moved on from that point. However, I still pray for the ordinary man to get justice in Nigeria through the legal system. The judgment was a bit embarrassing. I never liked the portion that said I was asked to move out of the property I was never living there in the first place. The last time I was there was after my husband’s death. I was really angry about that aspect. I was never sent out of any property by any court of law. I moved out of the property a year after my husband died (2009) because we were both living in a flat in that property. We had nine flats in that property (The Versace House) and rented out eight flats and lived in just one. It was after his demise that I finished the whole of our house at Magodo and then moved in, because it was our plan to move in there before his death. So, I was never thrown out, nobody can throw me out of where I live. I was never thrown out.
Have you forgiven your mother in law?
Of course, I have a heart of forgiveness. I have long forgiven her. You know, I love my husband and I can do anything for his sake. Apart from that, I have lovely children for the family, and we are such a big family. We are still one family; so, forgiveness is an understatement. I have forgiven her as a Christian. Like I said earlier, we have moved on from that point. I believe that I did not bring anything to this world and neither would I take anything away with me. I personally have more than what they are fighting for. If anything happens today, we are not taking anything away. This life is very simple and at the same time transient. All we waited for then was for reason to overtake emotion but if the case is the reverse, we should equally thank God because He might have done it for a bigger reason than we know. He says there is a season for everything.
So have you finally relocated to the UK? If no, where do you live more these days?
I did not relocate to the UK permanently. I went there for studies. But then, I live over there too. So, I am partly there and partly here. I have my businesses right here in Nigeria and I have my children’s education going on there. I have been in the United Kingdom in the past 27 years; so, UK is more or less like my home. Not just a second home. In my whole life, the time I have spent in the United Kingdom is more than what I have spent in Nigeria. So, London is my home, Nigeria is my home. So, there is no reason for relocation in the first place.
You have survived as a widow for some years now, what advice do you have for widows like you?
That is a good one (smiles). I have said it and I will keep saying it. You know what? Number one, a widow never lacks. That is what people don’t know. Secondly, you don’t trouble a widow. It is stated in Exodus 22:22. Just go and check it, the word of God says if the widows cry unto me, I will answer them. That is just the key point; you understand what I am saying? Anything I want, God will do it for me. He will always do it for me. Let me give you an example, if I need N20 million by tomorrow, all I need to do is to cry unto Him and I will get it. That is the power of the covenant He had with us widows. That is how perfect the God I worship is, that is how perfect my God is. If I cry unto Him, He will answer me. Anybody that troubles me, I pray and give them Psalm 91; I give them Exodus 22:22 and The Lord God of Host will respond. That one alone keeps me going.
God is always by the side of widows. He is always with us. He is always guiding us widows. It is a covenant that God has already made with widows. I am not talking about wicked widows or widows who killed their husbands to earn the status of a widow. Such widows will see evil. You can’t be a wicked widow and then expect God to intercede on your behalf. And I thank God, though I am not a perfect person, there are still lots of people who can say good things about me.
How do you cope being a businesswoman and mother?
I’m a very busy person and that is why I don’t have time for men. I occupy myself with my business, children and education. My children come first, and then my business. I don’t have anything that bothers me. And when I do, I go into my room, pray and sometimes put my wine beside the bed, drink it and sleep.
What does success mean to you?
Well, I wouldn’t say I’m wealthy because that comes with lots of responsibility and commitment. I’m comfortable; I know I am a successful woman because I work hard.
How about re-marriage?
I am married to my children. I have a long way to go with those children. Do you know my first boy (Mazeed) was two when his father passed away and the first year birthday of the second boy (Mazourq) was the second day of his demise? I wanted him to wait till June 9th but he said the call was very urgent from Lagos and that was how he left us and never returned. So, what marriage would I do again? I am passionately close to my children. I have four children, four happy children, two boys, two girls (Mojadesola and Jolaoluwa from an earlier relationship in England). So, what do I need more than happiness? I am contented with what God has given unto me. I am not ready for any marriage again.
You sound so philosophical and mature about life, is that the new you?
No, I have always been like this. If you are very close to me, you will know that I have always been like this. You know, a lot of people that didn’t know me, once they come closer to me, they do say I am really different from the Biola they often hear about. They tell me that I am nice, that I am generous, spiritual and all that. I counsel young couples now.
Do you see yourself going into politics soon or in the near future?
Ha, I am a business woman, it is better for me to stay where I understand very well and keep to my businesses, but that doesn’t mean that I do not support politics. We have to support politics because we need good leadership. I have a role model in politics; he is Senator Gbenga Ashafa. He is a very credible leader and my role model. He is a leader to watch out for. He has been able to bring democratic practices to his constituency and has showed progressive leadership, a good ambassador of Lagos in Abuja.
In like manner, I support the movement of change that has taken over in the country. It is a good thing. I believe that this change is going to bring positive goodness to the country. With General Muhammadu Buhari, I am sure that his good sense of policy making will be good for the country. I have lived in Britain for decades and I know the importance of good policies for a nation. The General’s coming into government will help in pricing policy. We need a change in the business atmosphere of the country and regulation of pricing policy. It is also my prayer that the in-coming Ambode administration in Lagos will look into the issue of multiple taxation to encourage businesses grow.
True human kindness, they say, is not measured by acts of calculated chivalry but by outright benevolence through the selfless act of ensuring that casualties of calamities and unfair circumstances receive succour. Globacom boss, Dr. Mike Adenuga, is no doubt a humanitarian and an open-handed billionaire. The Apesin of Ijebuland always stands out in terms of reaching out to the less privileged.
The businessman, who recently turned 62, has continued to dazzle the less-privileged, reaching out to Globacom subscribers a mobile health insurance scheme aimed at boosting Nigerians’ access to quality health care.
The mobile health insurance product was formally unveiled in Abuja on Monday by top Globacom officials and senior officials of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Nigerians who subscribe to this scheme will be able to use their mobile phones for pre-defined medical treatment for which affordable premiums are remitted through the subscribers’ mobile phones.
In catering for the health plan of millions of Glo subscribers, Adenuga ensured that the platform also guarantees Globacom customers and other Nigerians free medical consultation and medication in over 8,000 hospitals around the country. The package was developed in partnership with the NHIS to take health care of millions of Nigerians through their mobile phones.
Adenuga’s gift comes with supply of drugs free of charge from NHIS accredited operators across the country for subscribers who are consistent in the payment of their premiums. Adenuga hopes that the product will go a long way in realising the national objective of extending health insurance to Nigerians regardless of their financial status or social class.
Hon. Oji Ngofa is the Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He served two terms as the Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, between 2007 and 2014. In the April 11 governorship election in the state, which he described as “a fight of blood and fire”, he delivered his LGA to the APC. In this interview with PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA, he offers an insight into what transpired during the election and why Governor Rotimi Amaechi fell out with President Jonathan and his wife, Patience, among other issues.
How would you assess the last general election in Rivers State?
To be very candid with you, there was no election in the proper sense of the word. We have seen the trend of elections in Nigeria, especially in Rivers State, but I can say with all honesty that the elections of March 28 and April 11 were severely compromised.
This time, it was not just the usual situation that we see and call irregularities; we had elections during which the institutions charged with the responsibility of conducting elections, I mean the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security forces were involved in obvious cases of collaboration with a political party, the PDP, to rig the elections in Rivers State. The Resident Electoral Commissioner was specifically posted to Rivers State to perfect the rigging modalities that PDP embarked upon. And that is the reason why the result has turned out the way it is, strongly criticised by both local and international observers. And so there was no election. What happened in Rivers State was a total sham.
Is it not an irony that your party, which is governing the state, is the one crying over alleged rigging during the elections?
That is what I am saying; that the institutions charged with the responsibility to make the votes count are all federal institutions. INEC is a federal institution. The security forces are also controlled by the Federal Government. So they apparently acted in a way to show bias in favour of those calling the shots at the federal level.
And, of course, if you have been following the political trend in Rivers State since 2013, it makes sense to say that the government of Goodluck Jonathan, through the instrumentality of his wife, Patient Jonathan, arranged the whole sham of elections in Rivers State since 2013. This they did by taking over the security forces of the state from the governor through the posting of Joseph Mbu as Police Commissioner. It is the consistent pattern of the Federal Government, which employed its weight in the politics of Rivers State just to deal with Governor Chibuike Amaechi who disagreed with Jonathan at some point.
That disagreement went on, manifesting in the process of election. And I think the President and his wife, in a bid to prove that they are in control at the federal level, instigated the sham that happened in the elections of Rivers State. And they can specifically be held responsible for the desecration of the election process that happened in the state.
What have you to say about the politically motivated killings during and after the elections in Rivers State?
The politically motivated killings in Rivers State were part of the entire script. It was a deliberate arrangement. When you look at the killings that took place, you will know that the whole idea is to intimidate voters and violate the electoral process, to attack APC members who opposed the President retuning for a second term. It was an attack on APC members who supported Governor Amaechi as one who has the mandate of Rivers State and the issues Rivers people stand for.
So they knew that majority of Rivers people are with Amaechi, and they believe that the only way they could forcefully have their way is to violently attack people. And the pattern has been consistent; they think that when they intimidate and kill people, it will stop them from supporting Amaechi’s cause in Rivers State. And that was what created the kind of violence we have suffered in the state.
Don’t forget that when this crisis started in 2013, when they procured judgment against the PDP led by G. U Ake (former PDP chairman in River State). They posted Mbu to Rivers State as the Commissioner of Police. The whole idea was to muffle any opposition to the President in the state. And at that point, for the first time in the state, militants were out on the streets of Rivers State protesting against the governor of the state and protected by the police.
Don’t forget that those that have been identified as known criminals and had been curtailed by the security in Rivers State were, for the first time, let loose on the streets of Port Harcourt and they started feeling that they had the power to go back to their old ways. Of course, most of them were deployed by the PDP to carry out their electoral enchantment. Unfortunately that has led to the killing of several people and the electoral sham that took place in Rivers State.
You were part of the movement that brought change at the national level. What made it possible?
Of course, most Nigerians were disenchanted with the PDP. After 16 years of governance and the disaster of President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerians were yearning for change. And those who believed in change and those who think Nigeria was not properly governed galvanised their forces together. APC just took the opportunity that Nigerians were yearning for change.
The PDP was in its comfort zone, thinking that having governed this country for too long, they had tormented the people to stupor and the people would have no choice but to accept whatever they would bring. Of course, for the first time, the people said no. Don’t forget that the PDP itself has actually imploded with bad governance and lack of internal democracy. This is a party that allowed five governors to leave the party in one day.
They couldn’t even govern themselves; they couldn’t govern the PDP family and the entire process imploded. They were changing their national chairman as if they were changing gear in the car. So Nigerians were tired of this, but they thought they could take Nigerians for granted. Sixteen years of PDP have not brought significant change in this country and we think that we have the expertise in this country. We have the resources and if properly applied, Nigeria will be much better than it is today.
And of course, the impunity of Jonathan’s administration; they thought they could go away with that. The interference of the wife of the President in the governance of this country was intended to bluff people off. So when the APC came together through the merger of different political parties, people saw that this could possibly be a way out.
I tell you, if Nigerians did not do what they did in the last general elections, Nigerians would not have hope anymore. The ouster of Jonathan during the election represents the desire of Nigerians to improve and to get better. I can tell you that this improvement has just started. My party will learn from PDP’s mistakes because if we fail, we will also be voted out.
The significance of what has happened on 28 March is that political power has shifted to where it should be. No matter how big the party or the country, power belongs to the people. The people have demonstrated that on the platform of APC. Any political party that takes Nigerian people for granted will be treated the way PDP was treated at the national level. I think that is good and positive for the democratic growth of this country.
A lot of people have accused Governor Chibuike Amaechi of plotting against the Niger Delta people by joining forces with the North and the South West to abort Jonathan’s quest for a second term…
You know that when people fail, they tend to look for other people to blame rather than blaming themselves. Now, in what ways did Amaechi connive with the North to undercharge the Niger Delta people? First, we have a Niger Delta President who allowed his wife to interfere in the governance of a state. As President, he did not see the need to call his wife to order. And the President didn’t realise that governor Amaechi got his mandate through the electoral process. The President’s wife has no mandate; she has no constitutional role to play in the country.
Before our very eyes in this state, the wife of the President snatched the microphone from a sitting governor. The President from Niger Delta did not care to come home to resolve whatever the issue was. Rather, he took sides with his wife and decided to punish Rivers people.
The President from Niger Delta was against Governor Amaechi when he contested as the chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum. The President from Niger Delta did not see the need to protect the Niger Delta governor who was contesting to lead the governors’ forum. We all are aware that Governor Amaechi scored 19 votes and a Niger Delta President who sponsored Jonah Jang (Plateau State governor) didn’t see the need to protect his Niger Delta governor. He took sides with the Northern governor to be the chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Nobody saw anything bad in that.
In the process, the governor from Niger Delta won the election by 19 to 16. But President Jonathan interpreted 16 to mean 19 and therefore supported the Northern governor who got 16 votes. The President also allowed the festering crisis in Rivers State, which led to the defection of Amaechi and his supporters. They attended several meetings to see how that could be resolved but the President of the country could not resolve that. So Amaechi was forced out of PDP, and he is a governor, a politician.
In Nigeria, you must play politics on the basis of a political party. Since they didn’t want him, they procured a judgment in Abuja and foisted Obuah who never contested as the chairman of the PDP in Rivers State in 2012. I was privileged to be at that congress as a local government chairman then. Felix Obuah was not anywhere near the venue of the congress in March 2012. But one year later, they forced him in as party chairman. So what do you expect the governor to do? Who would have been subjected to what governor Amaechi was subjected to and would not find an alternative to protect his mandate as governor of the state?
The same President from Niger Delta didn’t know that Rivers State was part of the Niger Delta and ceded oil wells meant for Rivers State to other states. Oil wells meant for Etche were given to Abia. The oil wells at Souku in Kalabari were ceded to Bayelsa, and the oil wells meant for Andoni were ceded to Akwa-Ibom State. And Governor Amaechi has the mandate of Rivers people to protect their common wealth; he has the mandate of Rivers people to protect their property. But the President didn’t see any need to protect what belongs to the Niger Delta, particularly Rivers State.
The same President grounded the plane of his Niger Delta governor, which was meant to make his transportation easier. The NLNG, which was to be built in Bonny, the President stopped it against the interest of Rivers people. What did the President do for Rivers people? The answer is nothing. We have never had it this bad in our history.
Let me take you back a bit: every federal investment you see in Rivers State was built by Northerners: from the petrochemicals, the two refineries, old fertiliser company, Federal Ocean Terminal; they were all built by the Federal Government under the administrations of people from other regions, not from the Niger Delta.
Of course, you are aware that the President himself admitted when he came to campaign in Rivers State, that he had not done anything for Niger Delta people, particularly in Rivers State. And we are saying you cannot continue with this level of impunity. Look at the level of insecurity in Rivers State. I am telling you that a Wike-led government cannot manage the security of the state because it is the same people he has used to secure sham electoral victory. So this state will be in big trouble under Wike.
Some people said that the governorship candidate of your party could have played the sportsman’s part by congratulating Wike, who was declared winner in the last governorship election in Rivers State…
There is no basis to congratulate him, because election did not hold in Rivers State, Wike did not win an election in Rivers State. What they did in Rivers State was that a top INEC official gave them the result sheets, they wrote and returned it. But in Eleme Local Government Area where we took charge, they did not succeed and we got that through fire and blood. That was why APC won in Eleme LGA. People deliberately go to war in the name of election. The luck we had is that the soldiers that came were not biased. They didn’t chase us away like they did in other LGAs. That was what made it different in Eleme.
Your party rejected the outcome of the election in Rivers State. What is your expectation at the ongoing tribunal? And if the tribunal nullifies the election, do you think APC can contend with PDP in another election?
The method will change because we don’t see how the sham that happened in Rivers State will stand. The mandate of the people that has been violated and stolen must be restored. The people of Rivers State cannot be in the government that is not their own. This incoming government will suffer illegitimacy until it is restored by the tribunal’s decision. We wouldn’t have issues in the next election if the tribunal nullifies the election because the dynamics would have changed. The next government would have come and it is a government that would not deploy police on partisan basis, and that was what we saw in Jonathan.
Everything about Jonathan was how he would return as President for a second term. And what has happened has proved the futility of human thinking. The crisis we saw in this state was that Jonathan thinks that Amaechi’s position was in contrast with his political career and Wike being an opportunist just saw an opening and took it.
If Wike and those running around were interested in solving the problem between Amaechi and the President, it would have been resolved. But they were interested in taking the opportunity provided. They came in and divided them the more. But who is laughing last? Amaechi and APC will laugh last in this state.
How sure are you that the incoming government of APC will deliver?
The crisis that led us to leave PDP has shown that it was a separation between those who desire the good of this country and those who chose to perpetuate themselves in old ways without any sound principle or morals underpinning their politics. Even in Rivers State, the separation is between those in the evil kind of politics and those who desire the good of this country. Of course, the progressives are in APC and those who want to continue with evil ways are in PDP. I can tell you that we have very smart, intelligent people who love this country as APC members. With the resources available, I can assure you that you will see a government deliberately working for the growth and development of Nigeria and working for the happiness of Nigerians.
It promises to be a convergence of eminent Nigerians as veteran socialite, Prince Bode Oshinusi, marks his 80th birthday on May 24. The Ijebu -Ode born high chief is pulling all the stops to make sure his entry into the league of octogenarians is memorable.
As part of the celebration, his wife, Princess Hafusat, and his children will be holding a special prayer and thanksgiving session at Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos. Scheduled to be on the band stand is juju music maestro, King Sunny Ade. Prince Oshinusi has bestridden the social scene for close to five decades. Hence he plans to seize the opportunity offered by his 80th birthday to show the world how thankful he really is to have remained relevant on the social space for so long.
You used to be in entertainment, and then you stopped. But tell us, did you start with entertainment or did you start out with other things.
I started out as a professional printer, a graphics person. I studied printing. I am also an artist. I believe in art works. I still produce all sorts of things that have to do with offset printing. I started the first Nigerian company that started the production of colour separation in Nigeria. We made colour achievable for the entire printing system. It is a legacy.
What was the name of the company?
I started with Poatson Graphics Arts Trade. What that company was doing in the Nigerian civil war period was the production of shoulder-flashes for the Nigerian Army. It was what separated the Nigerian soldiers from the Biafran soldiers. Its usage cut across battalions and divisions of the Nigerian Army formations. I was working with the army in this regard. Since 1955, I started doing one work or another for the Nigerian Army. So, I was familiar with most high ranking officials of the Nigerian Army then. We were all friends, we grew up together. They were familiar with me just as I was familiar with them.
How did you get into the entertainment business?
It was General Muhammadu Buhari that pushed me into doing that. When Gen. Buhari took over government in the 80s, Nigeria was tensed up. There was uneasy quiet in the social scene.
Entertainment somehow was at its lowest point. The unusual quietness was felt all over the country as most people were filled with the fear of the military. Majority of people didn’t want to be seen out in the society lavishing money. It was a time for discipline. I studied the environment and found it to be too dull and quiet.
It was at that point that God gave me an inspiration. I realised that Tafawa Balewa Square was usually empty. There was nothing going on there unlike before. God gave me the idea of how to resuscitate entertainment in the city with the little money that I had then. I came up with an idea of putting together the Nigerian musicians in a grand show, to create a music entertainment jamboree for people to dance and have fun. The idea I had was that of a family outing, a show for everybody because different music and musicians appeal to different people and in a situation where a lot of musicians would be playing, a lot of people would have a choice of music that will appeal to them. So, the concept was to gather all favourite Nigerian musicians in a concert at TBS for three days.
And that was exactly what I did. Though I was also worried too about the mood of the country, I was worried that it might not align with the mood of the military that was ruling the country then. But all the same, I went ahead with the project. And the first one was a big success. The military was not opposed to it, and people came all out to enjoy themselves. Musicians and fun lovers actually came all the way from around the country for the three days Poatson Musical Jamboree and fun fiesta.
Who sponsored it?
It was solely sponsored by me. I gathered musicians together and paid them and they were at the Tafawa Balewa Square. However, people paid very small piece of money to be part of the jamboree at the venue. People came out in thousands and they were so happy. I started this in 1984 and I was doing it regularly for about five years every Easter period.
Can you mention some of the musicians that performed at your shows?
All Nigeria musicians, both the late ones, and those that are still alive today. Some that are still alive. They include Chief Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Wasiu, and some of the late ones were Oliver de Coque, Chief Osadebe and the others. Before this, not any of the musicians could boast of gathering and playing in front of a thousand people. The Easter jamboree made it possible and I also started some other smaller shows.
So I opened that channel for them to face thousands of people and they played so beautifully. I helped to give them exposure. Prior to that time, some Nigerians had not even seen these musicians in real life, they had only seen their records and bought them because at that time too, I was the one working for recording companies producing cassettes and records slips. So, that again helped my own business because I reasoned that if they were accepted by the public, their record would sell and that would afford me to make more money from the recording of records. And that was exactly what happened.
Were you making money from those entertainment shows?
No, I was just doing it the way God actually directed me.
What made you to stop it?
I had to stop. I stopped because things changed; the industry was not supporting me. I went around the industry but none could even support me with the least of bills, not even payment of advertisements that I was doling out money to do. So, many companies around me were not ready to support me and suddenly, the artistes that I normally paid N10,000 were asking for hundreds of thousands per show and during that time, they would stay with me even be struggling to be part of the show. So, in this situation I was the only one and there was no way I can get that kind of money.
Why are you coming back?
I have developed an idea, I have seen loopholes within the time I withdrew and now and I have seen what the public are suffering entertainment-wise. I can see that entertainment is not being promoted enough.
What you intend to come back to do, is it going to compete and surpass what is being done now?
Don’t let me talk too much because I know where I dropped off and I have given them the room for over 10 to 15 years, I have seen nothing to compared to what I was doing then.
You enjoyed your life so much, when you look back now, how do you look at life?
Yes I did. When you talk of enjoying life I was living well; I made sure I didn’t damage my reputation. I didn’t soil my hand in a rough life. I never smoked, I never went into drugs, I have never got involved in any wrong activities. I am a gentle man and I know when to stop.
Most people who were within the music industry then, who made money out of it, have more than one wife, how have you been able to stick to just one wife?
Maybe I haven’t met another woman that can give me what Biola, my wife, has been giving me (laughs). The question of having affairs with other women is the way one thinks, you can never have peace when you crowd your life with so many problems. Women are more problems in a man’s life when they are more than one; even the one that you have still gives you problem. So, why should I get married to more? Though some people think it is a way of popularity or way of showing their glamour, but I don’t believe that. A simple life is a quiet life; you cannot have more than one wife and tell me you are a happy man. It is not a fair deal because you will not be happy, your wife will not be happy, your children will not be happy. But when you have only one wife, you know you have only one problem to face.
Do any of your children have passion for music?
None of them. I have not found any musician yet in my home.
At at time you were travelling a lot, do you still travel?
Some people take joy in flying up and down in a plane even when they do not have the means. I travel abroad when I have something to do over there that has to do with my life. I do not disturb myself flying up and down to London or America or anywhere else. I have been to all those places; they remain the same places that I used to know.
Now that you have grandchildren, when you look back do you feel fulfilled?
I am very well fulfilled. I thank God for what he has done for me. My children did not abuse my position. I do not have children that partake in drugs, or any negative thing. I do not think any of my children gets drunk. Some don’t even drink alcohol. I have a pastor, a medical doctor, an engineer; I have children in hotel management presently consulting for big hotels. I am happy they have given me grandchildren. Right now, I have 23 grandchildren. They are always around me. If I want to see them, I call them and they come down here, that is for those that are in Nigeria because some of them are abroad and doing well over there.
Most people happen to know Pero more than your other children
Yes, that is because Pero is a popular socialite. Pero is more like me, wants to live my lifestyle but unfortunately, she is a lady. She is, however, popular; everyone seems to know her. When I was doing the musical jamborees, she was the one that used to raise the flags for the musicians to perform. She also used to be part of the road shows and parades that we used to do prior to the shows.
So, that means she has been involved in entertainment industry long before she met Tuface Idibia.
Yes, she was eight years old when she came into the entertainment business with me. Whatever I was doing at that time in entertainment, she was involved. My house was a sort of music palace. Top musicians were always around. They came visiting regularly and some of them came to find out how they could be slotted into my shows. I still remember when Charly Boy and his mother used to come around. I still remember his first album. They came around one day with N400 that I should use it to make and promote his music. Well, it was big money then, but it was not much money for what was to be done. But I did it.
But since Pero had that background, you couldn’t have been surprised when she got involved with Tuface Idibia?
I am a simple man by nature. I believe that you should do whatever makes you happy. Personal relationships are not my business. My position is that I send my children to school, when you are through, whatever you want to do, I stay behind you to support you. But if I do not find what you are doing as reasonable, I tell you my position on the matter. When she brought Tuface into this house, I saw a young boy, an upcoming artiste, one album man; I realised that if I say no to the relationship, they would still continue. So, how do I say no? But I knew that a Nigerian musician will always remain a Nigerian musician. No single woman can satisfy a Nigerian musician. The more he begins to enjoy popularity, the more women he will garner to himself.
So what do you do presently?
Right now, I am involved with the government. I have veered into security with the police; at a time I got involved with foreign partners, brought in APC (Combat) vehicles for Nigeria Police. I also bring in patrol vehicles for the police. We are trying to change the face of Nigerian Police, to give them good vehicles. We hope the new administration will continue in the task to change the face of the Nigerian Police and general security. I do have hope that General Buhari will do that. It takes the head to determine what will happen.
Seems like you have also tilted more to religion these days?
Yes, I am a Christian. I go to church and I hold a Christian fellowship in my house. I have time for that.
Has your style change?
I love hats. I love looking good. I am a modern man when it comes to style. The event I am attending determines what I wear. I love casual dressing too.
Tell us about one or two best moments in your life?
(Paused to think) Let me tell you something, God loves me. He made me to be happy all the time. I have not been in any situation to be sad. I have had cause to celebrate and celebrate. My children have been great joy to me. They make me happy.
Do you still dance?
(Laughs whole-heartedly) I dance very well. I love to dance. Oh, I love music.
What attracted you to your wife?
I married the woman I love. Everything about my wife is simple and loving to me. We met when she was 22. I was 32. We met in Nigeria before she travelled to Moscow in Russia to study Pharmacy. I left for England to do an advance course in printing. We met again in England and we got married on February 21st 1970 and May of that same year, we returned to Nigeria. I was already established in Nigeria before I went to England.
Yemisi Wada, a frontline business woman and queen of high society, is a trained lawyer from Buckingham University. His most prominent feature is his usually gorgeous appearance. Wada runs a non-governmental organisation she founded in 2008 to rehabilitate street kids.
She was once married to the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, for whom she had three daughters before their marriage hit the rocks. Currently married to Dahiru Wada, Yemisi has carved a niche for herself on the Nigeria social scene as a philanthropist and social worker.
At the moment, she is warming up for a graceful entry into the league of golden age as she is set to clock 50 June 8.
The crème of Nigeria’s high society can hardly wait to celebrate with this embodiment of intellect and class.
Although his plan was to have a low-key celebration, the dignitaries that turned out for Sifax boss, Taiwo Afolabi’s 54th birthday anniversary could not but transform a seemingly small gathering into an otherwise small gathering into a convergence of the elites and the notables. Afolabi is no doubt a gold fish that has no hiding place.
The shrewd business man has done well for himself in the business world, placing himself among the movers and shakers of shipping business in Nigeria. It was therefore a moment of jollity and conviviality in his London home on May 5 when Afolabi hosted prominent guests to an exclusive birthday party. The low-key celebration witnessed an influx of close friends and associates. Top of the range drinks and assorted meals were served in their sumptuous best and the SAHCOL boss brimmed with excitement as friends and family members exhibited their enormous affection.
A comeback is always imminent no matter how long an elite stays away from the spotlight. After he got married to one of the daughters of popular Lagos socialite, Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya, Olamiju Akala withdrew into an anonymous cocoon, choosing to savour marital bliss away from the limelight. The dude, who once savoured the nocturnal and the boisterous nightlife of Lagos and Ibadan, took a break from his whirling lifestyle and was no longer visible on the social radar.
He later made an appearance in the build up to the just concluded governorship election, as he was sighted campaigning for his father. But now, Olamiju is back on the social radar. On Tuesday last week, the son of former governor of Oyo State was sighted at D’Place, Lekki,Lagos in company of two friends.
