President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has every reason to smile and thank God for his mercies considering his achievements in the past three weeks.
A few weeks back, Dangote was recognised and given the ‘Founder of the Year 2023’ award by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) at an award ceremony held by the bank in Accra, Ghana.
According to the bank, the award was given to Dangote because of his newly opened $19bn petrochemicals plant, which is now Africa’s largest refinery.
In the same vein, Bloomberg recently confirmed Dangote as the richest man in Africa, despite the volatility of Nigerian currency against the dollar in 2023.
Bloomberg in its daily top billionaire lists revealed that Dangote with a wealth of $15.6 billion topped other Africans in the index.
Dangote, who remains the richest man in Africa for the 12th year running, was the only Nigerian on the list of the top 500 billionaires, as released by Bloomberg.
Other Africans listed in the latest top 500 world billionaires list for the year 2023 include Johann Rupert and family of South Africa, now worth $13.3 billion, while Nicky Oppenheimer of South Africa, Nassef Sawiris of Egypt, Natie Kirsh of South Africa, and Naguib Sawiris are also worth $9.0 billion, $7.47 billion, $7.37billion and $5.93 billion respectively. These are the only five other Africans that made the list.
ASIDE from politics, Prince Tonye Princewill is a well-accomplished man, who has dedicated many parts of his life to hard work and charity.
A very dedicated man and a prince of the Kalabari Kingdom, Princewill is a man of culture that radiates an uncommon aura.
The cerebral Petroleum Engineer from the University of Port Harcourt has worked in several oil and gas firms such as Shell and ENI Saipem. Those who know him well disclosed that since his formative years, he has shown signs of greatness, hence his success in business and other endeavours today comes as no surprise.
The upwardly mobile dude, who loves the good things of life, has portrayed the lifestyle of a pundit and an entertainment lover with interests in films, comedy, music, and photography.
Despite all these, he loathes the sight of people in distress that’s why he constantly engages in charity programs like Help the Hard Worker, Help the Smart Worker, giving relief packages to flood victims, youth development and empowerment.
The former River State governorship aspirant and very bubbling money bag is not in the best of mood since he announced the death of his father, His Royal Majesty, King TJT Princewill, the Amanyanbo of Kalabari Kingdom and the Amachree Dynasty in River State Nigeria.
The late monarch was loved by his people because of his uncommon wisdom and his ability to unite everyone. He was a professor of medical microbiology before being crowned as King. While he was alive, he shared a great father-and-son bond with Tonye. Family and friends have since sent their condolences and prayers for him to remain strong for the family but we gathered that the loss has created a lacuna in him because his father was his biggest cheerleader and adviser.
Sources say arrangements for the deceased burial will be announced in the coming days but Tonye has vowed to give him a befitting burial that everybody in Rivers will not forget in a hurry.
AS June 30 draws near, certified nightlife genius Frank Okamigbo aka Frank Papas continues to put finishing touches to his yet to be opened nightclub, The Place by Papas.
Okamigbo has been teasing friends, associates and fans with the luxurious outlook of the nightclub situated in the Ikota area of Lekki-Epe expressway by Mega Chicken.
Unknown to many, Okamigbo has remained close to many of his clients and customers despite the hiatus and has gotten more clients and paying customers since he delved into real estate, oil and gas.
Okamigbo is one man with a large heart and he became the talk of the town for his deep involvement in Lagos nightlife, where he ran several nightclubs before taking the backseat and disappearing from the social arena.
However, quite a number of those who knew of his influence among the wealthy folks of Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, and Magodo have been asking after him.
SCORES of friends, families, relatives and well-wishers gathered together in Ibadan, the ancient capital of Oyo State, in honour of a special, amiable personality, a renowned legal icon and one of the pillars of the law profession in Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Adenipekun SAN who gave her daughter, Oluwatemilorun in marriage last weekend.
It was a memorable event, many will not like to forget in a jiffy. There was a sea of heads at the venue of the programme , including creame de la creme in the society.
Eminent personalities both from home and abroad from all walks of life poured into the ancient city of Ibadan to witness the wedding ceremony between two ‘love birds’, Stephen and Oluwatemilorun as the new couple walked down the podium to exchange marital vows.
Many in attendance at Idi-Ishin, Jericho , Kingdom of Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, were amazed to witness for the first time, the application of bible principles by Jehovah’s Witnesses regarding the sacredness of marriage as ordained by God.
The well-attended reception programme held at the expansive International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan was preceded by a 45-minute marriage discourse held at the Jericho Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses where the new couple and the large audience received bible based instructions on what it takes to have a happy family life.
The celebrators, Stephen Arasinojo and Dr Oluwatemilorun Adenipekun were full of excitement, glowing in spirit to see the success of the ceremony.
The groom’s parents were the cynosure of all eyes at the event.
Eminent judges and advocates were in attendance to honour a cherished member of their constituency, a man with repository of knowledge , wisdom , humility , an accomplished arbitrator of international repute, and Managing Partner, Afe Babalola & Co, Mr Adebayo Adenipekun SAN for his modesty and exemplary mien.
Among the dignitaries at the epoch ceremony are the wife of the founder, Afe Babalola, University, Yeye Aare Afe Babalola, Justice Akintola , Justice M.O Ishola , Justice E. A Taiwo, Justice Abdulfatai Lawal of Lagos High Court, Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi of Ogun State High Court, and Justice Akintayo Aluko, Federal High Court.
Others in attendance include the Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice , Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Otunba Kunle Kalejaye SAN, Mr Charles Edosomwan SAN, Mr Dipo Olasope (SAN), Mr Tunde Aiku (SAN), Mr Seun Abimbola (SAN), Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN), Mr Isiaka Olagunju (SAN), Chief Duro Adeyele (SAN), Prince Bioye Oloyede (SAN), Otunba Ojo Adebayo (SAN), Mr. Kazeem Gbadamosi (SAN), Prince Bioye Asanike (SAN), Mr Niyi Agbola (SAN), Processor Adeniyi Olatunbosun (SAN), Mr N.O.O. Oke (SAN), Mr Olu Daramola (SAN), Mr Tunde Babalola (SAN0, and Mr Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN.
Also in attendance are the Founder, Lead City University, Prof Jide Owoeye; Vice- Chancellor, Lead City University, Prof Kabiru Adeyemo; Vice Chancellor, Kola Daisi University, Prof Adeniyi Olatunbosun (SAN); the Chairman, CHAMS PLC , Otunba Demola Aladekomo; the Chairman, Sunshine Group of Companies , Bashorun Rotimi Obeisun; Professor Bola Osifo; Mr and Mrs S. Dawene ; Head of Chambers, Afe Babalola & Co , Mr Chukwudi Maduka; Deputy Head of Chambers, Afe Babalola & Co, Mr Kingsley Ogbe; Engr and Mrs Rotimi Adebona; and Mr and Mrs F. Erinle.
Other dignitaries include a former Director, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Titus Fatokun; the Chairman, Sun Trust Bank, Mr Lanre Shitu; the Managing Director, Nigerian Life and Provident Company, Mr Samuel Abolarin; and the Chief Medical Director ( CMD), Baptist Hospital, Saki, Dr Wole Adekanye amongst others.
At the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses where a bible based marriage talk was delivered, the speaker, Professor Gill Adekanmbi , a lecturer at the Department of Classics , University of Ibadan said, it was a great privilege for him to be a speaker in such auspicious event.
Analysing some key points of the bible based marriage discourse, Professor Adekanmbi stated when God originated marriage, he intended it to be a permanent one that will bring lasting benefit and happiness to his earthly children.
At the venue of the reception programme, guests were seen seated in the beautifully decorated hall in their tasteful glowing, and colourful attires exchanging pleasantries as the ceremony progressed. The ceremony provided a real opportunity for old friends to meet again, and have an interchange of encouragement.
The groom, Stephen Arasinojo, an Accountant could not hide his joy, immense gratitude to God and all those who contributed to the success of the wedding.
The ecstatic groom narrated how he met his heartthrob nine months ago, Oluwatemilorun Adepeju Adenipekun, a legal practitioner before the fledgeling relationship blossomed from courtship to marriage.
Also, the bride’s father Mr Adebayo Adenipekun SAN expressed boundless joy for witnessing the wedding of his beloved daughter and wished the couple a successful marriage.
KINGSLEY James is a man that has been wearing many hats for over two decades both in the corporate and social sectors.
Not many know the history of the trained lawyer and accountant, who dumped the banking job to secure a position in Paul Usoro & Co before joining Digiprint, an advertising and branding firm after which he left in 2015 before starting his own printing and branding firm.
For some, Kingsley James wears the hat of the Chief Executive Officer of Indoor Design and Concept Limited (IDCLng), and at other times, the producer of the continental film awards ceremony, African Movie Academy Awards, AMAA.
Also, not many know that he’s the son-in-law of beautiful and veteran broadcaster Bimbo Oloyede.
The amiable and youthful-looking dude is the toast of many in town at the moment for his new achievement.
KJV, as he’s fondly called, was recently elected the captain of the socio-economic group January 9 Collective (J9C) earlier in the month.
Saddled with the new responsibility to lead a group of upwardly mobile Nigerians leading in various spheres of the economy, KJV is determined to make his reign count.
KJV is expected to serve alongside Abiodun Oshinibosi, Ichie Azuh Arinze, Olanrewaju Akintilo, Adebayo Abolarin, Olumide Iyanda, Adeyemi Aseperi, and Debo Alexander.
Those close to KJV noted that his focus is to impact government policies while promoting ideas that will benefit members and the community’s collective interest. KJV joins the growing list of J9C Captains that include his predecessors Percy Ademokun, Oluwaseunfunmi Soyinka, Wole Olagundoye, Akin Adeoya, and Loye Amzat.
OANDO Head honcho, Jubril Adewale Tinubu (CON) evokes different wonderful images in the minds of many people.
He epitomises success, wealth, ambition, power, philanthropy, and fellow-feeling among other traits.
For the astute businessman and investor, being good to people at all times is akin to how the holy Quran describes a good man – someone who is ever benevolent to others without batting an eyelid.
Just as his name, Jubril, connotes, he has remained an angel to many whose paths have crossed with him on many occasions. He has lent support and been a shoulder to lean on for numerous less-privileged and the poor. He is indeed a bellwether in the acts of generosity to others. He sees sharing love with them as a sacred devotion. His modesty and implicit goodness to fellow humans, a rarity among the Nigerian elite, are what many find confounding and appealing about the Lagos State-born magnate.
Tinubu is usually driven by an abiding quest to change the lives of his compatriots for the better.
On Monday, June 26, 2023, JAT as he is fondly called will turn 56 years. As gathered by Social Circuit, in his characteristic manner, the birthday boy would be celebrating the new age touching lives with his usual goodness and munificence devoid of fanfare. He will use the opportunity of his birthday to reflect on the year gone by and also set new goals for the upcoming year.
On Monday, the King of African oil is expected to stand at the mountaintop to shout Alhamdulillah for Allah’s mercy on him and his household. Expectedly, a flood of greetings and goodwill would pour in from his friends, fans, business associates as well as admirers.
CEO Rowland Okorie of Equity Concepts is tapping his mentor Clark Swanson to be the World Project Leader of Project NWAFOR Igbo. A project focused at bringing massive development in the Eastern part of Nigeria mainly comprising five major states, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.
Mr. Swanson is an American entrepreneur and investor focused on disruptive technologies with large addressable markets. He is former Co-Founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Flavocure Biotech, Inc., a drug discovery and research company focused on advancing treatment for oncology with research and trials based at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Johns Hopkins. Most recently, Mr. Swanson served as start-up President, CEO, and Vice Chairman for Blockcap, Inc, a blockchain digital asset company acquired in June, 2021 as part of a $4.3 billion merger with Nasdaq listed Power & Digital Infrastructure (Nasdaq: XPDI) backed by Blackrock Private Investments Fund. Swanson also is Co-Founder of Vilotos Pharmaceuticals, a virology company with research and development focused on Covid-19, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and other viruses for which Mr. Swanson is a patent author and co-inventor. Mr. Swanson has served as Co-Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer and Director of Blackline Safety Corp., a preeminent (Deloitte Fastest 500, TSX 50, Profit 500 & IDC Top 10 to Watch) technology company publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
His most recent philanthropic efforts have been focused on the local Nevada community. As Founder of the Nevada Educational Enrichment Directive (“NEED”), Mr. Swanson has taken a hands-on approach to improving public educational attainment and school quality in Nevada through recommended directives established by bipartisan government, educational scholars, civil and business leaders. Mr. Swanson holds a degree in Economics from Pepperdine University and a Masters in Business Administration from Graziadio School of Business & Management where he graduated with distinction. He has been a guest lecturer at UCLA Anderson School of Management and Pepperdine’s Graziadio School of Business & Management.
Project NWAFOR Igbo is focused on bringing in companies that will create massive jobs for our youth, we will parade a team of high-profile managerial skills backed by credible, young, seasoned, vibrant and dedicated professionals with a reputation for excellence, who have acquired quality professional training and first-class industry experiences.
Due to many years of actions and inactions from wrong leadership, there has been a lot of mismanagement and lack of development. Recently and for the first time in many years insecurity has spread across the land making it more difficult for development to thrive. This is why Project NWAFOR Igbo has come as a catalyst of growth, development and economic empowerment. This can be achieved through our blueprint called the SYITE Agenda (SECURITY, YOUTH, INFRASTRUCTURE, TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT).
NWAFOR is born out of the need to strategically harness the sectional strength of the Igbo population in the Southeastern part of Nigeria states namely Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. They are known for their spirit of enterprise, hardworking, peaceful and controlling the nation’s trade and commerce.
The respected and passionate monarch of Ikate Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi has continued to get more honours.
The past two months have been celebrations upon celebrations in the palace of the first-class traditional rule r, who joined other traditional rulers in a recent visit to President Bola Tinubu at Aso Villa.
From his coronation anniversary to his wedding anniversary to his birthday, and accolades from the people of Ikate Kingdom, Oba Elegushi has continued to thank God for grace and joy.
Now, the monarch is set for another honour in Lagos State and this time, it’s coming from one of the state-owned Universities, the Lagos State University.
As part of the activities of LASU’s 26th convocation ceremony, the university will confer an Honorary Doctorate on Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi. The Vice Chancellor of the varsity, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello stated that Oba Elegushi, amongst other eminent Nigerians, are being honoured for their contributions to the development of the university and humanity in general, through various initiatives and interventions.
Other honorees slated for the June 22 event include ex-Lagos Governor and Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Adejoke Orelope; and Dr. Kayode Olukoya.
Aisha Babangida is one woman who has continued to win more hearts with her unfailing love for humanity, her passion for growth, and her uncommon devotion to development in all strata. Her decision to consistently contribute towards human capacity building and more has continued to endear many to her personality.
Highly influenced by her parents, retired General Ibrahim Badamosi and the late Maryam Babangida, Aisha is currently in high spirits.
The reason for her joy and happiness is not unconnected with the establishment of the El-Amin University in Minna, Niger State. She’s mostly elated because, after a journey of 10 years, the university has gotten the licence to run as a full-fledged institution in Nigeria.
Ascribing the achievement to one of her late mother’s visions and dreams, Aisha is happy with the current development.
She has since been singing her father’s praises to no end as well as her brother Dr. Muhammed Babangida.
Recently, she told close friends and associates how her mum influenced her. She went further to say this event influenced and inspired the founding of her Wena Initiative, which has great emphasis on what Nigeria currently needs – agriculture and technology.
It was gathered that Aisha and her team designed a farming training and workshop for farmers tagged: ‘WenaPreneurers,’ under the Wena Initiative. The workshop trained 1000 entrepreneurs serving the agricultural sector. 50 entrepreneurs were trained in October 2022, in nursery farming, greenhouse farming, hydroponics, and irrigation farming for two weeks. The graduated participants were supported with seed funding while training continued with new intakes.
Uwem Afanide is one man who stays in his lane at all times. He’s not one who courts media attention and is always quick to shy away from attracting media attention until recently.
Afanide, who is the Managing Director, All Seasons Zenith, was spotted in the midst of top executives at the exclusive launch of The Macallan M Collection at The Art Hotel in Lagos.
Afanide couldn’t help but exchange pleasantries, wined and dined with other top executives that include Abuja big boy, Adeyinka Adepetun; Drinks.ng boss Lanre Akinlagun; The Edrington Portfolio (NBC) big shots, Tsolaye Everett-Eleoramo; and Hammed Adebiyi.
Others also spotted at the event are Kelechi Amdi-Obi, Olajumoke Oladimeji, and popular Nollywood practitioner, Ramsey Nouah.
Afanide was all smiles until he left the event without attracting attention.
