By Olushola Ricketts

It is popularly believed that the Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, always runs from anything that brings attention to him. But his unassuming personality has earned him respect among his friends on the social scene and people who have come in contact with him always have one or good thing to say about the top businessman.

In his usual low-key style, Afolabi is set to launch a new 250 room, 5-star Marriott Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos. It was gathered that the hotel will be officially opened on May 19 by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

A visit to Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja will make you doubt the general belief that there is no money in Nigeria. While Afolabi’s lifestyle represents simplicity, he has made a big statement of luxury with the hotel.

Social Circuit gathered that it took Afolabi seven years to put the hotel together. The reason it took him long can only be better explained with the magnificent building and world-class facilities of the hotel situated near Oba Akinjobi and Joel Ogunnaike. It will be hard to miss the sight of the sprawling 7-floor gigantic edifice, standing on over 7,000sqm of land.

Afolabi began his professional career with a shipping company, Nigerian Express Agencies Limited, where he rose to become the Head of Operations. With the zeal of entrepreneurship burning in him, he left the company in 1988 to establish SIFAX Group that cut across businesses in Maritime, Aviation, Haulage, Logistics, Oil & Gas and Hospitality.

By Oladapo Sofowora

Tomorrow April 3, the ancient city of Ibadan will come alive as those who matter in the business, political and societal terrain will troop in their large numbers to honour billionaire, Orikolade Karim on his installation by the Olubadan of Ibadan Land Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji as the Agbaoye of Ibadan Land, a title formerly occupied by late business mogul, Harry Akande.

For many weeks, Kola Karim has put necessary plans in place for the installation ceremony. He has doled out millions of Naira to make sure those who are privileged to attend will not forget in a hurry. He is keen on creating a long-lasting statement in Ibadan Land with his installation soiree. The wealthy businessman who is also an ally to former Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi will be installed in a ceremony at the Popo Yemoja Beere-Ooje; Olubadan’s Palace before invited dignitaries will move to the popular Jogor Centre, Liberty Road, Ibadan for the installation soiree where there would be an array of lavish sumptuous meals and circulation of high-cost champagnes and drinks to the delight of guests. Trust Kola when it comes to hosting parties, the tales of what went down at the party will linger on for a very long time.

By Oladapo Sofowora

Herbert Wigwe commands respect when it comes to the issues of finance and economics-related issues. At this point in his banking career, he needs not to prove critics and cynics wrong. The massive result recorded under him as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access bank is enough receipt for detractors to take home. After taking over Access Bank in 2014, the bank witnessed astronomic growth. Those who doubted his competence to succeed have now commended his effort in redefining and repositioning the bank to one of the strongest financial institutions in Nigeria and by extension Africa. They now fully agree that he is indeed a master in the banking business.

To further show his dexterity as a boardroom guru and a skilled business negotiator, he led one of the biggest acquisitions and bank mergers in history. Under his watch, he acquired and merged Access Bank with now-defunct Diamond Bank. Access Bank also agreed to buy Zambia’s loss-making Cavmont Bank. In January 2020, it also acquired Kenya’s Transnational Bank with its commitment to pursue more acquisitions across the continent. This, therefore, placed Access bank as one of the top 5 biggest banks in Nigeria with numerous branches littered across the country, boasting of branches in Cameroon, Zambia, and Kenya.

Starting the year 2021 on a good note, the Accounting graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, remained outstanding in his dealings as he again led Access bank to another acquisition history becoming Nigeria’s biggest lender with a controlling stake in South Africa’s Grobank for around $60 million. With the acquisition, Access Bank has become the first Nigerian lender to venture in to South Africa. Access bank took on both equity and debt in the South African bank, part of a regional expansion to tap into correspondent and trade banking deals on the continent. The latest deal brings its African presence to nine countries. With more than $16 billion of assets and a focus on corporate and retail banking, Wigwe is restructuring its Nigerian business into a holding company.

By Oladapo Sofowora

The name Toyin Adebayo popularly known as Toyin Lawani is synonymous with controversy. The society lady loves to make a lasting statement in everything she does, thereby courting massive attention from admirers and critics. For the designer, stylist, and CEO of Tiannah’s Place Empire and Elegante by Tiannah, she seems unperturbed about public outcry on some of her moves. She has continued to live her life while enjoying all the attention.

The stylish celeb recently got several tongues wagging over her nun-like outfit to a celestial-themed movie premiere. According to her, the outfit depicts her as “a prophetess ready to bless all her children with the anointing.” She was fitted in the attire with a gold cross on her neck while exposing her thigh and other salacious parts of her curvaceous frame. On storming the red carpet, paparazzi cameras fought hard to catch a glimpse of her fashion statement.

Read Also: I won’t apologise over nun outfit – Toyin Lawani

When the picture hit the internet, there were missed reactions from her followers as some commended her fashion acumen while others got angry over her decision to mortify the Christian denomination known as Catholics. The fearless Toyin Lawani seems not to be apologetic after facing hard criticism from several Christian believers.

An industry watcher believed that those getting angry over Lawani’s outfit are forgetting that the controversial outfit is a way of drawing attention and making a fashion statement. It’s more like an advert that she is supposed to pay for. As a fashion designer, you will start with advertising with yourself. “It’s just a costume. What if she wore it on the set of a movie would they all still come for her jugular? She is a showbiz person things like that would happen. If it was a Hollywood star that rocked the outfit, it won’t be a problem but it’s Toyin, we would all talk her down.”

By Oladapo Sofowora

of the biggest oil and gas retail brands in the country with numerous outlets dotted across the country is one of the many plans he has nurtured in his head. With his wealth of knowledge, Jibola infused impeccable ideas and uncommon finesse that helped reposition Fatgbems Limited.

Ever since the former CEO of Spirsal Oil and Gas, took over the affairs of the company in 2013, alongside his two siblings – Hassan and Bayo Gbemisola – the company has witnessed tremendous changes. From its logo, mission statement, and core values, Jibola has driven the conglomerate with lofty ideals to attract global attention. Despite the dwindling price of world oil, the company is conveniently competing as a top player in the oil and gas sector.

However, despite his status and achievements, weeks ago, Fatgbems’ integrity was put to test with a crisis that nearly rubbed the reputable oil and gas arm in the mud. The graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, responded swiftly, handling the crisis with civility, cautiousness, and professionalism.

A source in Fatgbems informed that Jibola swung into action almost immediately.

Despite the media statement to address the lingering issue; his detractors saw it as an avenue to drag his name into the mud and also paint a bad picture of his persona. With his positive approach and swift response to salvage the situation, it shows how committed Jibola is to find a lasting solution. The parties involved have been pacified as they promised to keep patronising the Fatgbems brand and Jibola ordered the total closure of the outlet to enable a total overhaul of the underground tank facility to curb future recurrence.