The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Rainoil’s Gabriel Ogbechie debunks arrest tale

    Rainoil’s Gabriel Ogbechie debunks arrest tale

    Olushola Victor

     

    MD/CEO of Rainoil, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, still can’t comprehend why anyone would concoct lies about his person and spread same all over social media, other than ‘to embarrass and tarnish his reputation’.

    Last week, social media was awash with news of the alleged arrest of the businessman who is one of the biggest players in the downstream oil sector over an issue with Prince Ned Nwoko. Both men hail from Idumuje-Ugboko in Delta State.

    According to the story circulated all over social media, Ogbechie was allegedly arrested over a plot to assassinate Nwoko.

    The story was said to have emanated from a serving prison inmate. And narrowing it down to Ogbechie, they reported to the police who extended an invitation to him, which he duly honoured as a responsible citizen.

    But rather than state it as it is, talebearers claimed Ogbechie was arrested and detained, even after he had responded to the police invitation and returned home, all under one hour.

    A source familiar with all that transpired narrated it thus:

    ‘In the petition, Ned Nwoko alleged the following:

    1) He is from Idumuje Ugboko and he was allocated land to build on which he wants to build a University. The King, whom he referred to as Prince Nonso Nwoko, is not in support of the land allocation

    2) Due to some fracas in Idumuje Ugboko, two Idumuje Ugboko indigenes are in detention at the Kuje Prisons in Abuja

    3) A completely different prisoner whom Ned Nwoko mentioned by name, who was also in Kuje Prison, alleged that he overheard the two prisoners who are from Idumuje Ugboko saying that they plan to assassinate Ned Nwoko. The third prisoner known to Ned also stated that he overheard them saying that they are sponsored by an oil magnate

    4) According to Nwoko, this third prisoner contacted Regina Daniels, one of his wives and reported what he heard in prison

    5) Nwoko stated in his petition that the only oil magnate he knows is ‘Chief Gabriel Ogbechie who owns petrol stations’

    6) The petition also alleged that there is a plan to compromise his own lawyer, not to plead his own case properly in court

    7) A printout of the WhatsApp chats between the prisoner in Kuje Prisons and Regina Daniels was attached to the petition.

    Our sources said the petition raised many questions begging for answers. ‘The first one is how the said prisoner got the phone number of Ned’s wife, Regina? Two, are prisoners now allowed to use phones? Three, is where was Ogbechie’s name mentioned? Four is where and when did the meeting hold and who attended?’

    Commenting on the issue, Ogbechie said: “I pointed out to the police that I have absolutely no idea of what Ned Nwoko was alleging”.

    “Ned Nwoko and Regina Daniels are in the best position to explain the relationship between Regina Daniels and a prisoner in Kuje Prisons. I wonder what relationship Regina Daniels has with a supposedly random prisoner to the extent of exchanging phone calls and WhatsApp messages.

    ‘Besides, the random prisoner only alleged that he heard them mention an oil magnate. Therefore the assertion that the oil magnate is ‘Chief Gabriel Ogbechie’ is entirely that of Ned Nwoko. I left the police station within an hour of my arrival.

    ‘I had barely arrived my house in Abuja when the WhatsApp message went out that I had been arrested.

    ‘It was obviously prepared even before my decision to honor the police invitation, all in a bid to embarrass and tarnish my reputation.’

  • No post-funeral reception for Harry Akande

    No post-funeral reception for Harry Akande

    Olushola Victor

     

    FOR a man like late Chief Harry Akande, the Agbaoye of Ibadanland and Chairman, AIC Holdings, his burial ceremony is a big deal for the people of Ibadan and Nigeria due to his contributions to the society.

    But Social Circuit has gathered from family members that there will not be a post-funeral party for guests at the burial ceremony on December 22 due to the desire to observe COVID-19 protocols.

    Inasmuch as the billionaire’s death on December 5 sent shock waves to close associates, family members have already commenced preparations to give him a befitting burial.

    While on Monday, December 21, there will be a commendation service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, the wake-keep and night of tributes comes up next day at Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan.

    After the funeral service at St. David’s Anglican Church Cathedral, Kudeti on Wednesday, December 23, interment follows immediately.

    Akande, who died at age 77, made a fortune in the United States and was one-time presidential aspirant on the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) platform.

  • Between Bianca Ojukwu and Emeka Ojukwu

    Between Bianca Ojukwu and Emeka Ojukwu

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    Ever since the demise of her husband, former Biafra warlord and Ikemba Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu in 2012, Bianca Ojukwu has been engaged in a prolonged power tussle with her stepchildren, most especially the eldest, Emeka Ojukwu Jr. Bianca and Ojukwu Jr have never had a smooth relationship.

    They fought over properties and even the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) structure in Anambra State. Years back, Ojukwu junior kicked against the emergence of Bianca as the factional leader of the party.

    At a time when many thought they would team up to form a formidable political dynasty, the bad blood between them took a new twist at the heat to the 2019 Anambra South Senatorial elections. Bianca was scheming to obtain the party’s ticket along-side other titans of the party like Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Ikenna Mbazuluike-Amaechi.

    After the primary and legal tussle, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu emerged the flagbearer.

    As the Anambra state 2021 governorship election draws nearer, the Ojukwu family might once again lose out in the political setting of the state over their yet-to-be resolved differences. Sources maintained that Bianca and his stepson Chukuwuemeka Ojukwu Jr would have a clash of interest. ‘Bianca’s most cherished ambition is to be the first female Governor in the state. To achieve this, she has secured the support of several billionaires in Anambra. They promised to pull all resources in her favor only if she gets the ticket to the contest.

    The only constraint she might face in securing the ticket is her stepson Chukuwuemeka Ojukwu Jr, who has also shown interest to run for the highly coveted gubernatorial seat.

    The former Ambassador to Spain has refused to be subdued.

  • Harry Akande’s unfulfilled dream

    Harry Akande’s unfulfilled dream

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    When the news of the demise of billionaire business mogul, Chief Harry Akande, broke, it spread like wildfire across the country and beyond. It left many shocked to their marrows. But, for the family of the deceased, it won’t be an easy task getting over the loss of their patriarch any time soon. While he was alive, he lived like a king.

    The Agbaoye of Ibadan set out to chase his dreams quite early in life. He founded Akande International Corporation (AIC), with a business interest in healthcare, engineering, building construction, and power, among others. He also served as a business advisor and consultant to many businessmen, including governments of many nations.

    When South African retail store, Shoprite, was looking to invest in Nigeria and West Africa, Harry Akande and his AIC company were consulted. His company was later sidelined by Shoprite , which engaged another company to work with. Akande who felt cheated promised to battle the South African to a standstill with all his resources. He dragged Shoprite alongside Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited before the Federal High court. In 2018, AIC won the prolonged legal tussle before Shoprite later went to appeal the judgment in a bid to seek redress at the higher court. In May 2020, the Ibadan born high chief won against Shoprite at the appeal court to secure a whopping sum of $10 million as damages. The billionaire, through his company, got an ex-parte application of Mareva Injunction restraining the South African retail giant, its privies, officers, nominees, successors-in-title, subsidiaries, or anyone acting through it or by it from transferring, assigning, charging, disposing of its trademark, franchise, and intellectual property in a manner that will alter, dissipate or remove this non-cash.

    Also in 2013, Akande battled the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over a large expanse of land ceded to his company to build a franchise five-star hotel. The matter is still pending in court to date.

    Sources further averred that while he was alive, one of his greatest dreams was to serve Nigeria in the capacity of President. He would have loved to replicate his midas touch of gold in business into governance. He was optimistic of becoming Nigeria’s president in 2023.

     

  • About Oludare Akande’s 40th birthday plan

    About Oludare Akande’s 40th birthday plan

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Oludare Akande loves to live a low-profile lifestyle devoid of media attention.

    The news of his gift of an electric standup wheelchair broke the internet.

    The youthful Chicago, United States-based financial expert is not relenting in his quest to drive investment in education to Nigeria.

    With his vast experience as a renowned scholar per excellence, he recently unveiled his multi-million Naira, American Polytechnic of Nigeria (APN), The tertiary institution has its temporary site located at the famous Adegoke Motors complex in Ibadan while its permanent campus is undergoing construction on 200 acres of land at Wasinmi Community in Araromi LCDA of Oyo State.

    The Oke-Ogun, Oyo State-born achiever recently ambled into the age of 40 on Tuesday, December 8 with no fanfare. The debonair philanthropist fondly called ‘Obama’ marked the day with special prayers and thanksgiving with close family members and select associates in attendance.

    He shifted what had been planned to be a double celebration till Saturday, December 19, when his American Polytechnic of Nigeria would be having her first public event in the form of Christmas Carol. On the day, popular gospel artiste, Tope Alabi, will headline the activities alongside, 10 other top gospel artistes to minister to scores of eminent personalities including royal fathers, top public office holders, celebrities, and socialites expected at the event scheduled to hold on the institution’s temporary site.

    Akande will later throw a formal lavish 40th birthday shindig on Saturday, December 26, at the posh Mauve 21 Event Center, Ring Road, Ibadan with Dr. Yinka Ayefele on the bandstand. Many of his friends and associates are billed to attend the event.

  • Glamour, glitz as dignitaries extol Ogunsan’s wife on 40th birthday

    Glamour, glitz as dignitaries extol Ogunsan’s wife on 40th birthday

    Our Reporter

    In what can be described as an ambience of special thanksgiving, it was celebration galore as friends, family and dignitaries drawn from different walks of like gathered to shower encomium on the wife of ace entrepreneur and Board Member, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayo Ogunsan.

    Politicians, business associates, elites and allies, yesterday, all thronged Intercontinental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, for the celebrant, Dr(Mrs) Ajoke Ogunsan.

    With each taking their turns to comment on the attributes of the celebrant and her husband, dignitaries all admitted that the celebration was worth their time.

    Among the milieu of dignitaries that graced the occasion was Professor Peter Okebukola. In his remarks, Okebukola who is Chairman Governing Council of the National Open University and Crawford University and former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), said: “I belong to the university community. Ajoke and Ayo have largely contributed to the growth of university education in Nigeria as they have continued to train academics, locally and internationally, through one of their companies, Executive Trainers. Many who belong to the university consistency will tell how they have benefited from them.”

    Adorned in a decent apparel, the celebrant expressed her sincere gratitude to all present, while giving special accolades to her husband who she described as “father, friend and lord”.

    In her vote of thanks, the celebrant, who is also a singer, sang, “You are God from beginning to the end”. Perhaps one of the high points of the event was seeing her feature her husband in a duet as they sang along and came in with another song — “I’m Pressing on the Upward Way.”

    “I want to specially thank my husband for being there for me, all these years. I like to call him my father, my friend and my lord. God will bless you very much.

    Dr(Mrs) Ajoke Ogunsan at 40th birthday

    “My in-laws have been so great people too. I call them my fathers and mothers. To my family, the Alabis, thanks and God bless you too.

    “My kids — Mercy, Joy and Oluwaseun — God will keep you and make you the best in all you do, even as wives and mothers,” Ajoke Ogunsan said.

    Recalling how he met his wife, 24 years ago, Ogunsan said, “I remember begging her people to allow me marry her but they said they wanted her to have her first degree, Masters and even PhD first. I assured them that she can always bag all that in my house. This is a very amazing lady and I can’t just wait to have our kids grow and become independent so I can have more time with this woman. I really need more time with her.”

    Representing the governor of Lagos State was the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State government, Mr Tayo Ayinde.

    READ ALSO: Elites, business associates, others to hit Lagos for Ogunsan’s wife at 40

    Commissioner for Environment LASG, Tunji Bello and Commissioner, Waterfronts, Architect Kabiru Abdullahi; Member, House of Representatives for Somolu Federal Constituency, Hon. Ademorin; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Hon Abdulrasak Balogun, were also in attendance.

    As a key stakeholder in the security apparatus of the state, Ogunsan (husband) was also honoured by the presence of officers and men drawn from the Nigerian Police Force.

    They include Assistant Inspector General of Police (Zone 2), Ahmed Iliyasu; the Lagos Commissoner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations Lagos State, Muhammed Ali, Deputy Commissioner of Police Administration Lagos state – Mr Oqua Etim, Deputy Commissioner of Police State CID Panti. -Mrs Yetunde Longe, RRS Commander Lagos State, Tunji Disu; Chairman, Task Force Lagos State, CSP Saheed Egbeyemi.

    Other dignitaries present include Founder, Greensprings Schools, Mrs Lai Koiki; Senior Pastor Deeper Christian Life Ministry and Former MD of Concord Newspapers, Pastor Segun Babatope and his wife; Senior Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Femi Obayewa.

    Others were prince of the Onikoyi of Ikoyi, Prince Ibikunle Onikoyi; Chairman, Odoogun Castle Estate Ltd, Mr King Aping; former Managing Director, Guardian Newspapers, Mr Emeka Izeze and CEO, Premier Lotto, Mr Ajibola Adebutu.

  • Elites, business associates, others to hit Lagos for Ogunsan’s wife at 40

    Elites, business associates, others to hit Lagos for Ogunsan’s wife at 40

    Our Reporter

    All is set for the 40th birthday celebration of the wife of the Chairman of Executive Group and Board Member, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan.

    Clocking 40 in grand style today, the birthday celebrant, Ajoke Ogunsan, will be hosted by friends, family, business associates and well wishers at an event scheduled for today at Intercontinental Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Speaking with newsmen recently, the host and husband of the celebrant, Dr Ayo Ogunsan, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God over the 40th birthday of his wife who he said “means the world to me”.

    His words: “It is with pure bliss and ecstatic thrills that I wish to celebrate my dear wife who clocks 40 on December 6.

    “If I must say it the way it is, my wife deserves all the accolades for this landmark birthday celebration.
    She actually means the world to me.

    “First of, I am filled with glory to God for sparing her life for me till this present hour. May all thanks and praises forever be ascribed to God alone.

    “The wife of my youth is a woman of value and virtue; a special breed God intentionally sent my way to make me a better person and to bless me too.

    “She is a lover of God, a highflier, a well bred woman in home and family matters as well as a thorough professional in her career path. Just say she is an all-rounder.

    “For a lady who proficiently combines career with wifely duties and has continued to strive to be the best that she can be, I think it is only natural to celebrate her this way.

    “When born on December 6, 1980, little did the world know that a shining star had just been gifted to humanity.
    “The trajectory of her life, over the past 40 years, has been that of a genius par excellence, not leaving out the fact that her life has had its twists and turns too.”

    Sitting atop the business empire of her husband, Ajoke Ogunsan may have had a lot in common with her husband as she combines entrepreneurship with philanthropy.

    Profiling her, Ajoke Oluwafunmilola Ogunsan, who was recently decorated with a PhD honours alongside her husband, has core competencies in training consulting, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Her area of specialisation traverses leadership and mentorship for managerial and administrative roles at workplaces.

    Although a graduate of Biochemistry from the prestigious Lagos State University (LASU), she has, the most part of her life, holistically explored the tenets of Business Administration and Leadership pedagogy. Earlier on, she had attended Araromi Primary School and Jubril Martins High School for her primary and secondary education, respectively.

    Ajoke Ogunsan celebrates 40th birthday
    Ajoke Ogunsan

    Her working experience includes: Executive Director, Executive Motors Limited (2007-2008); Treasury Officer, Cadbury Nigeria Limited (2006-2007); Purchasing Officer, Rhoda Nigeria Limited.

    At the moment, she is the Managing Director/CEO of Executive Trainers Limited, a role she assumed since 2008.

    Relentlessly pursuing her career, she has a couple of professional certifications. She is a Member of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria; Fellow, Institute of Direct Marketing of Nigeria; Member, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce; Member, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce.

    As a testament to her love for erudition and scholarship, she has had to bag a handful of certifications from international citadels of learning. They include: Lagos Business School, 2008 (Company Director Course); Oxford Brookes University, UK, 2008 (Advanced Leadership Programme); Brunel University, London, 2009 (Leadership Programme); George Town University, Washington DC, 2010; (Leadership Development Course); Management Development Institute, Singapore, 2011 (Leadership Development Course); University of Stellenbosch Business School, South Africa, 2012 (Leadership Development Course); Harvard Business School, UK, 2013 (Leadership Development Course); University of Wolverhampton, UK, 2014 (Advanced Leadership Programme); University of Houston, Houston-Texas, US, 2015 (International Top Executive Programme); Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Ghana, 2016 (International Top Executive Programme).

    Born on December 6, 1980, Dr. (Mrs) Ogunsan is happily married to Dr Ayo Ogunsan, a serial entrepreneur of global repute, and the union is blessed with children. Her hobbies include singing. Ajoke is a professional gospel singer, being a devoted Christian who loves God and takes pleasure in serving Him wholeheartedly. She also loves reading, travelling and jogging.

    Ajoke Ogunsan celebrates 40th birthday
    Mrs Ajoke Ogunsan

     

  • Segun Awolowo’s tribute to mother-like figure

    Segun Awolowo’s tribute to mother-like figure

    By Olushola Victor

    It is a time for grieving for Executive Director of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Segun Awolowo, who recently lost his big aunty, Omotola Oyediran, aka Mummy Ibadan.

    Mama Oyediran was buried in Ibadan yesterday after a church service at All Saints Church, Jericho. Lying-in-state was held at her residence, Ring Road, Ibadan, on Thursday.

    Remembering Oyediran, Awolowo said he grew up with two adorable mothers, Abah Folawiyo – the one who bore him – and Omotola – the one who nurtured him.

    He stated: “I am reminded of the deep love she had for my late father, her brother whom she never stopped loving and never stopped talking about – indeed it was always “if brother Segun were alive …”

    “I am reminded of this unquenchable love for her late brother which now arrogated to me the status of a young “sacred cow” that must be held guiltless’ no matter the gravity of infraction because I am Segun Jnr. Thank God, Daddy and Papa kept me within the boundaries of discipline.”

    He also described her as a businesswoman, a homemaker extraordinaire and a prayer warrior.

  • Omotola gushes over husband, kids

    Omotola gushes over husband, kids

    By Olushola Victor

    For a woman, there is nothing as satisfying as having a happy family and home. Star actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has this and it is priceless to her.

    Omotola recently brought celebrities together for this year’s edition of Teffest, an annual festival and fair aimed at promoting the possibilities in the business of entertaining through training and trade. The two-day event which attracted top celebrities like Ebuka, Rita Dominic, comedian Bovi, Audu Maikori, Asa Asika, Bizzle Osikoya, among others was held in Lagos.

    Days after the event, the actress shared pictures to appreciate people who honoured and supported her. She reserved special thanks for her husband and kids.

    She wrote: “This is an appreciation post! Thank you to the grand man always by my side! My Ride or Die Dude! – #TheCaptain. I remember me taking a pic and wondering why my tummy decided to come out to play despite not eating well for weeks and you said … “it’s sexy! Don’t you dare do Photoshop or what’s it you guys do? You should be an example that no one is less beautiful even when not perfect!” I Love it! I love you! I own me!

    “I have to have the ‘dopest’ kids in Africa! What? The life of the party! Humble, kind, Considerate, Respectful, Calm… I’m so proud to be yours and you, mine! Thanks.”

  • Gbenga Daniel, wife, have wedding to plan

    Gbenga Daniel, wife, have wedding to plan

    Olushola Victor

     

    IF you are looking for one of the most eligible bachelors in Lagos, co-founder, Red For Africa, Adebola Williams’ name should be mentioned. Through sheer hard work and networking, he has written his name in the history of Nigerian media. But despite his apparent success, something has been missing in his life – a wife, and this became a source of concern for family and close friends.

    A day many friends of Williams have been waiting for finally came few days ago when he proposed to his girlfriend, Kehinde Daniel, daughter of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel.

    When the proposal photos surfaced online, people first wondered who the mystery lady could be. Kehinde, who works with KPMG as an analyst, lives a quiet life despite being a top politician’s daughter.

    Singer, Omawumi, was the first to announce the good news on her timeline by sharing visuals of Debola, who went on one knee on a boat to pop the question to Kehinde with a placard that read “Marry me.”

    Now that Williams has the taken the bold step to spend rest of his life with Kehinde, all eyes will shift to Chude Jideonwo to follow suit. The two are long-time friends and business partners.