The Nation Newspaper

Category: Social Circuit

  • Olubadan: CCII, Ibadan Mogajis, Senators, others attend Ladoja’s coronation jumat thanksgiving in Ibadan

    Olubadan: CCII, Ibadan Mogajis, Senators, others attend Ladoja’s coronation jumat thanksgiving in Ibadan

    Members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Mogajis in Ibadanland, Senators, politicians, were among those who attended the coronation jumat thanksgiving service of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

    The event, held on Friday at Central Mosque, Oja’ba, Ibadan, was part of the weeklong activities for the coronation of Oba Ladoja.

    Recall that Oba Ladoja, a former Senator and former governor of Oyo State, was given Staff and Instrument of Office as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, by Governor Seyi Makinde last Friday at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

    In his remark at the coronation jumat thanksgiving, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere, urged residents and indigenes of Ibadanland to support the new monarch to have a successful reign as Olubadan.

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    The cleric said people should not distract the monarch so that he can focus on the progress and development of the ancient city.

    He described Oba Ladoja as a leader, well respected man, whose pedigree and antecedent speak volumes in and outside Ibadanland.

    He said, “Individuals must see themselves as a leader, a leader starts from the family, a leader should be accountable for the way he or she leads.”

    Highlights of the event include a prayer for the successful reign of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland and the presentation of gifts to Oba Ladoja.

    Dignitaries at the event include the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole, President of Ibadan Mogaji’s, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and Senator Sharafadeen Ali.

    Others are: Senator Fatai Buhari; Former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; former lawmaker, Soji Akanbi; former Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade; and the Coordinator of Ibadan Compound Peace Initiatives (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, among others.

  • Late Arase interred in Benin

    Late Arase interred in Benin

    A former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has been interred in Benin City.

    Arase was interred at a private ceremony witnessed by family members and close associates.

    He was interred after a funeral mass, held at St. Paul Catholic Church.

    In his homily, Reverend Father Andrew Obiyan urged the congregation to work towards making heaven after death.

    Obiyan said people would want to go everywhere on earth, but refused to go to the House of God.

    He expressed disappointment at the attitude of some humans towards donating to the work of God.

    According to him, “Our own life is in heaven. We must never be distracted. We now see old age creeping into our lives daily, powerfully. It crept in to remind us of immortality. We study so hard to receive so many titles. At death, those titles mean nothing to God. The only title that means so much is a grace of battle.

    “We have the assurance that Arase will reap the fruit of baptism in the presence of the eternal King.

    “Sometimes we go everywhere, but we don’t want to go to the House of God except when we want to please people. We do not want to come to the House of God.

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    “Late Arase feared and loved God. Policing is a profession with risk. We see a soaring crime rate; yet, many police officers are exemplary.

    “We give glory to God for Arase’s getting to the peak of his career. The Lord does not take from you what he cannot give.”

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, said the late Arase was of great service to the nation.

    “Moments like this are for us to know that one day we will lie down like this. We should be humble to serve our state and country to the best of our ability. All about him are great and good testament. From his professionalism and service to the country, his relationship with the rest of society marked his humility and spread love everywhere he went.”

    Dignitaries at the event were Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa; Oba Ewuare II, represented by Chief Oseni Elamah; and Chief Uso Osaretin, the Usoh of Benin Kingdom; former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; FRSC Zone 5 Commander, Stella Orakwe; Secretary to the Police Service Commission, Onyeabuchi Nnamani; IGP Kayode Egbetokun; Senator Neda Imasuen, amongst others.

  • Family, friends, colleagues hold service of Songs for late Evelyn Osagie

    Family, friends, colleagues hold service of Songs for late Evelyn Osagie

    Preparatory to Late Evelyn Osagie’s final journey home, family, friends and colleagues Friday held a Service of Songs and Night of Tributes.

    The event, held at the Meeting Hall, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos, had juggernauts in journalism, art and advocacy circles as well as celebrities in attendance.

    The Nation newspaper family was well represented with Deputy Editor (Daily) Dr Emmanuel Oladesu, Chief Sub-Editor Sunday Omoniyi as well as Osagie’s immediate boss on the Art Desk, Ozolua Uhakheme leading the pack Executive Director International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade, frontline advocate and Founder CEE-HOPE, Betty Abah,  Lekan Otufodunrin of Media Career Development Network and former Managing Editor (Online) at The Nation, journalist Anote Ajeluorou, NUJ The Nation chairman Gboyega Alaka, Ibrahim Akpekhade, Busola Odugbesan all gave moving tributes.

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    Performance poet and journalist AKeem Lasisi delivered a thought-provoking honour of a colleague of the spoken words.

    A high point of the night was, however, the poetry performance by Late Evelyn’s sister, Patience Osagie, bringing back beautiful memories of her sister and reassuring the audience that indeed Evelyn d’Poet lives on.

    Evelyn will be interred tomorrow Saturday at Atan Cemetery, Yaba.

  • Forbes names Damilola Ogunbiyi among 2025 Sustainability Global Leaders

    Forbes names Damilola Ogunbiyi among 2025 Sustainability Global Leaders

    Sustainable energy and development trailblazer receives yet another prestigious award when on Friday September 19th, 2025, Forbes Magazine named the Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi in its 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders list recognizing 50 global leaders who are working to combat the climate crisis.

    Now in its second year, the Forbes Sustainability Leaders list honours 50 people setting the pace for a just, sustainable economy and defining what climate leadership looks like today. Damilola was recognized for her efforts to advance an equitable energy transition that benefits underprivileged communities in the Global South. Her leadership in championing the UN-led Energy Compacts as well as the World Bank and African Development Bank’s Mission 300, the ambitious public-private-philanthropic partnership to provide electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030, was also recognized.

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    Reacting to this latest recognition, Damilola said, “This recognition is a reflection not only of my work, but also of the incredible partners, colleagues, and communities who share the vision of building a more sustainable future, and accelerating a just and equitable energy transition.”

    This Forbes Sustainability Leaders recognition is one among many other awards that Damilola has received in the last three years – a reflection of the transformative work she has done as the UN Special Representative to the Secretary-General, and the CEO of Sustainable Energy for All. In September 2024, she was recognized in the 2024 TIME100 Climate list as one of the 20 titans in climate. In the same month, she received the First-Class Order of Zayed II from the UAE President in recognition of her contribution to the success of the climate conference, COP28; and the Global Female Leadership Impact (GFLI) Award. In March 2024, she was recognized as a trailblazer in her field by the Reuters’ Trailblazing Women in Climate and the Reuters’ Trailblazing Women in Energy. In 2023, she received the Energy Institute President’s Award, in recognition of her continued role in solving critical global issues.

    Damilola has been at the helm of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and as the UN Special Representative to the Secretary-General since January 2020. Under her leadership, major strides to enable just, equitable and sustainable energy transitions that ensure better quality of life and opportunities for people living in developing regions have been achieved.

    During this period, SEforALL has supported over 100 countries globally, and secured commitments of more than $1.6 trillion in energy finance. SeforALL has a global mandate to accelerate progress on the energy transition in emerging and developing countries. Hosted by UNOPS, it works at the intersection of energy, climate and development, partnering with governments and organizations worldwide to end energy poverty, double energy efficiency, significantly expand renewable energy and combat climate change.

  • Tinubu celebrates 2Baba at 50, hails music icon’s global impact

    Tinubu celebrates 2Baba at 50, hails music icon’s global impact

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond in celebrating music legend, Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Face or 2Baba, as he clocks 50.

    In a congratulatory message, made available to the media by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, the President described the award-winning singer as a creative force whose artistry and resilience embody the indomitable Nigerian spirit.

    “For more than 20 years, 2Baba serenaded us with soulful melodies, inspired generations, and carried the Nigerian flag with pride worldwide. His legendary song, African Queen, remains an evergreen classic that introduced the beauty of African music to the world, placing Nigeria at the heart of the global entertainment map,” Tinubu said.

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    The President lauded the veteran musician, not only for his contributions to the entertainment industry, but also for his patriotism and deployment of his platform to champion peace, unity, and good governance.

    As the iconic singer marks his golden jubilee, President Tinubu prayed for “greater joy, fulfilment, and good health” in the years ahead.

    2Baba, who rose to prominence as a member of the Plantashun Boiz group before launching a successful solo career, is regarded as one of Africa’s most influential artists, with a career spanning over two decades and numerous awards to his credit.

  • Femi Sanni shares secrets to business survival

    Femi Sanni shares secrets to business survival

    In a candid interview conducted in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, Nigerian entrepreneur Femi Sanni reflected on his decades-long business journey in Nigeria, emphasizing innovation, niche creation, and adaptability as keys to thriving amid economic challenges.

    Sanni, who returned to Nigeria, building a successful phone business before pivoting into a slew of other businesses, highlighted how he pivoted from mobile phone warranties to fabricating mobile clinics and launching Kwara State’s first English-only radio station, Flow FM 92.7.

    Sanni, a civil engineer by training, credited his success to “thinking outside the box” and avoiding crowded markets.

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    Recounting his early ventures, he described launching Africa’s first third-party mobile phone repair assurance in 2003, a concept that provided warranties on phones regardless of purchase source. “We were the first or third company in Africa to do that. Google it,” Sanni said.

     “We created that niche. It was more like insurance,” he stated further.

    However, as major brands like Samsung introduced their own warranties, Sanni adapted by extending coverage, only to pivot again when competition intensified. “The mistake businesses do in Nigeria is this: They get emotionally attached to something,” he explained, likening it to treating property as an investment rather than a sentimental asset. This led him to large-format printing and eventually mobile clinics, which he now fabricates locally in Ilorin after initial partnerships in the U.S. and Kenya.

  • Araba Femi Sanni glows at 63

    Araba Femi Sanni glows at 63

    For seasoned engineer, businessman, and media entrepreneur Araba-Femi Sanni, birthdays serve as key milestones that invite deep reflection on past experiences and a thorough evaluation of the year gone by.

    Sanni, who holds the position of chairman of Flow 92.7 FM, is neither new to festivities nor birthday celebrations, but his 63rd birthday was another opportunity to extol the virtues of his creator.

    Known for his passion for youth empowerment, Sanni’s birthday on September 4, 2025, began with praises and powerful words of admiration from eminent Nigerians, family, and associates.

    The philanthropist, who was one of the early Nigerians to put the country on the world map in faraway Canada with his business acumen, was celebrated for his professional excellence, cultural values, and contributions to the development of Kwara State and Nigeria at large.

    In a congratulatory message, retired Lieutenant Colonel Abdulwahab Ademola Lawal, PhD, described Sanni as a visionary leader whose innovations have touched many lives.

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    He recalled how the Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers (NICE) honoured Sanni with a fellowship award in 2024 for his technological ingenuity and commitment to advancing affordable solutions for low- and middle-income earners through his company, Stefolga Group.

    Lawal also highlighted Sanni’s role in establishing Flow FM 92.7, a radio station that has become a hub of enlightenment and joy for the people, as well as his cultural contributions, evidenced by his many chieftaincy titles.

    In the same vein, Prophet Dr. Kolawole Adebisi of Zion Hill Church of All Nations, hailed Sanni as a paragon of benevolence and wisdom whose generosity, spiritual devotion, and political engagements have positively shaped lives and communities.

    While many have speculated about his age, questioning the secrets behind his youthful looks, the boyishly handsome philanthropist attributes his vitality to his pure heart, peace of mind, easy-going demeanour, and disciplined approach to life. To celebrate his birthday, Sanni, who is known to have always done things without attracting public attention, was spotted with his beloved wife and close associates celebrating his special day.

  • Olubunmi Bello gets chieftaincy title in Osi-Ekiti

    Olubunmi Bello gets chieftaincy title in Osi-Ekiti

    Hon. Olubunmi Comfort Bello is not a small fry on the Nigerian business, political and social scene.

    The Osi- Ekiti indigene, who is a skilled and accomplished manager of resources with over 28 years of entrepreneurial achievements, has distinguished herself in the business and political landscape and earning accolades from near and far.

    Recognising her contributions to mankind, Bello will be honoured with the title of Yeye Oge of Osi-Ekiti Kingdom by his Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adegboyega Alabi, Arubiojo II, Olosi of Osi Ekiti. 

    Born into the family of Mr and Mrs Joseph Alabi from Osi-Ekiti, Bello has built successful enterprises and grown a large grassroots base as an entrepreneur and a progressive politician from Lagos to Ekiti and Abuja.

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    Those close to Bello would readily tell you that her dedication to progress and passion for excellence have reflected in her successful career and life.

    With a zeal to serve the public and make a positive impact in the realm of politics and community development, Bello is armed with an impressive curriculum to lead at any given time.

    In her early years, Bello attended Federal Government Girls College New Bussa, Niger State, and left in 1986 before having her A levels from International school Ibadan in 1987. She earned a B.Sc. in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State, in 1995 and completed her National  Service at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters Abuja in 1996.

    Her public and private life has seen her working at various organisations including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Ekiti State Government, Comstel Nig. Ltd, Titsto Entity Ltd, Refreshlinks Bellda Ltd, and has executed projects for TETFUND, FERMA,  Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Environment and many private entities.

    In the political arena, Bello is the founder and National Coordinator of Tinubu Titans and a member of the Women Wing  the APC National Campaign Council of  Tinubu/Shettima 2023.

    Bello’s contribution to the growth and development of the country through her involvement in public and private practices has been noticed at different times with various laurels to show for it.

  • Nigeria’s Babalola wears big shoes at Rotary

    Nigeria’s Babalola wears big shoes at Rotary

    One Nigerian flying the flag of Nigeria very high in his own corner is Olayinka Hakeem Babalola. The astute personality has created history after emerging as the second African to become the president of the 110-year Rotary International in the 2026-2027 Rotary year.

    Rotary Public Image Coordinator, Africa Zone 22, Region 27, Ibim Semenitari, who announced the feat, said Babalola has also become the second Nigerian to lead the global humanitarian organisation. The first was the late Jonathan Babatunde Majiyagbe ( 2003 to 2004).

    A member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria,  Babalola was selected by the Rotary International Board of Directors, following the resignation of SangKoo Yun over health issues. Babalola will assume office on July 1 2026.

    Babalola joined Rotary in 1994, after being a Rotaractor. He was District Governor (2011-2012), Vice President of Rotary International (2019-2020), and a member of the RI Board (2018-2020). He has also played major roles on high-profile committees, such as the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign and Nigeria National PolioPlus, where he is an adviser.

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    Babalola is an engineer and lawyer with more than 25 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector, having held senior positions with Shell PLC across four continents.

    He is founder of Riviera Services Limited, oil and gas infrastructure company, and Lead and Change Consulting, an executive coaching and advisory firm.

    Babalola is a member of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Institute of Safety Professionals, and Association of Change Management Practitioners.

    He belongs to the Jericho Business Club in his home city of Port Harcourt, where he and his wife, Preba, reside.

    A passionate Rotarian and philanthropist, Babalola supports The Rotary Foundation through a named endowment and as a member of the Arch Klumph Society. His humanitarian footprint extends to service as a trustee of ShelterBox UK and as director of Safe Blood Africa project. His service has earned him several honours, including the Africa Centennial Heroes Award, the RI Service Above Self Award, and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service.

  • Fatima Salau shines at 40

    Fatima Salau shines at 40

    Fabulously created personality, Fatima Salau is in a celebrating mood having attained a milestone age.

    This momentous occasion, for Salau, not only marks her birthday but also serves as a testament to her incredible journey through life. Over the past four decades, Fatima has captivated the hearts of many with her dazzling personality and unwavering determination.

    As an entrepreneur, she has built an impressive empire that showcases her versatility and creativity. From the thriving S n F Meatshop, where quality meets taste, to the stylish Teemas Fashion Place, which has become a go-to destination for fashion enthusiasts, Salau has consistently demonstrated her ability to innovate and inspire. Additionally, her venture into the world of beauty with Authentic Hairy Teemas has further solidified her reputation as a trendsetter in Lagos.

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    As she attains the age of 40, Salau is set to celebrate her milestone age in her own style. This serial entrepreneur and dazzling queen of the business world is a force to be reckoned with – especially for her entrepreneurial spirit and stunning looks.

    The Kogi State-born Salau will be celebrating her milestone age with an event that promises to be filled with excitement and will see friends, family, and associates gather to honour her today, September 6.

    The event will be held at the High Point Event Centre in Lagos today.