The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Aba businessman Nwafor’s EFCC hassle

    Aba businessman Nwafor’s EFCC hassle

    OLUSHOLA VICTOR

     

    WHEN the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pays you a visit, it doesn’t always end well. The anti-graft agency during the week visited Tunnel End and Rock Waters Integrated Service Ltd, construction companies owned by Enyinnaya Nwafor.

    Enyinnaya, who is son of late former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Dr. Chima Nwafor, is said to be a subject of investigation over alleged failed contracts.

    Some roads topping the list include the Unuaro/Ekwereazu road in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia state. It was also gathered that some buildings in the company’s premises were marked by the EFCC officials during the operation.

    Sources from the company have insisted, however, that there was no need to panic.

    It would be recalled that state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, had recently ordered the contractor back to site after some portions of the road failed. The road only lasted for about six months – December 2018 to June 2019.

    Ikpeazu expressed anger as the road is currently the only route in and out of Aba from Akwa Ibom and Cross River, due to complete failure of all federal roads linking the states.

  • Aremo Oseni takes charge

    Aremo Oseni takes charge

    OLUSHOLA VICTOR

     

    NATURE abhors vacuum, so the saying goes. That must have informed the choice of Aremo Kazeem Oseni, first son of the late Oba Goriola Oseni, as regent to administer the sprawling Awori town, pending when a substantial Oba would be elected for the throne.

    Acknowledging that his choice was a privilege, Aremo Kazeem admitted that he was not selected because he was the best of the princes but because of his proximity to his late father and knowledge of affairs of the town.

    The 48-year-old prince said: “I was very close to my late father and I know virtually everything about him. Besides, I was not foisted on the people; the three ruling houses: Shonibare, Oseni and Oronto, unanimously endorsed and installed me, and I pray that God in his infinite mercy would guide me and enrich my wisdom, so that I am not misled.”

    Kazeem is a Political Science graduate of the Lagos State University, Ojo. As regent, he is saddled with the responsibilities of a king. He represents the kingdom anywhere. He fixes things and makes sure peace reigns.

  • Nudist, Maheeda, now born-again

    Nudist, Maheeda, now born-again

    OLUSHOLA VICTOR

     

    CONTROVERSIAL nudist, Caroline Sam, popularly known as Maheeda, has shocked many with revelation that she’s now born-again.

    She also warned Nigerians about a vision she saw. According to her, she saw a vision that a popular Nigerian celebrity lost her husband.

    She, however noted that it is unclear if the loss was caused by death or a divorce.

    Maheeda, who revealed that she has given her life to Christ and let go of her old ways, asked Nigerians to pray for the unnamed female celebrity, saying, “you all know her”

    “Which kind of Wahala is now? My gift can never be my curse in Jesus name! Amen. So be it! I rebuke the Devil! He shall not succeed in Jesus Name! Amen. Pls pray for her and be part of this restoration!!

  • On Kayode Ajulo’s commitment to humanity

    On Kayode Ajulo’s commitment to humanity

    Oladapo Sofowora

     

    WITH his status and the influence he wields in the society, only cynics would make attempt to underrate the personality of an upwardly mobile and cerebral lawyer, Dr. Olukayode Abraham Ajulo who is better known as Kayode Ajulo, because his towering image readily dwarfs any untoward mischief anyone might want to play with it.

    The former Board Chairman of Ondo State Radio vision Corporation, OSRC, Ajulo boasts of a profile that is no doubt intimidating. As a partisan politician, Ajulo also sure can hold his own any day, even as a former Senatorial candidate and one time National Secretary of Labour Party.

    For his impressive run in the legal profession, the Abuja based graduate of the University of Jos was years back decorated as B’amofin of Akure land while his contributions to the development of Yoruba race fetched him the title of Mayegun Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, among other honors in his kitty.

    While many wonder what the secret of his success is, Ajulo’s ability to be adamantly undistracted has been discovered to be a factor among his strengths. As the next governorship election in Ondo State brews, based on the influence he wields as a notable and popular politician whose image is not tainted but eminently qualified, Kayode has had to cope with calls, political visits and all from various quarters to lure him into the contest.

    In as many times as he’s been touted to be gunning for elective office or the other, he’s not failed to echo it that he’s committed to making his footprint on the sand of time, as far as the legal profession is concerned, and by extension make a greater impact as a humanitarian.

     

  • Awele Elumelu’s golden celebration

    Awele Elumelu’s golden celebration

    Oladapo Sofowora

     

    DR. Vivian Awele Elumelu does not like to blow her trumpets herself, yet lots of people keep giving positive testimony of her good deeds. The stylish medical practitioner and mother of seven, is currently witnessing the 7th heaven, typical of a woman who just gave birth to a bouncing baby. Her heart is filled with joy and her mouth with praise to her creator for making her witness her golden age on mother earth on June 23.

    The Chairperson of Avon Medical Practice and Avon HMO is not typically a party or social person, silently off the radar, her impact can be felt by all sundry, most especially, those that have had contact with her. She is generous to a faulty, blessed with a soft and compassionate heart for humanity. She has always lived her life for people, little wonder why she has astronomically risen to her peak as a seasoned lifesaver and medical entrepreneur. A partnership with her heartthrob, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs holdings further threw her in the public face. She likes to run her stuff backstage with her impact felt across the board.

    She and her hubby would have loved to throw a mega 50th soiree but due to the current global pandemic and embargo places on large gatherings, she was hosted to a parlour celebration by her children, husband and close relatives, who extolled her virtues as a supportive wife and mother by showering her with eulogies through poetic renditions. They all merried and cheered for many more years for the celebrant.

  • Wale Tinubu adds another year

     Oladapo Sofowora

     

    JUBRIL Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc belongs to that rare breed of men who possess the ability to consistently do more than they say. If he promises you a hill, better be sure you’re getting a mountain. For years, he’s sailed untroubled in the entrepreneurial ocean, navigating numerous business boats with grace and nouse of veteran captain.

    A man of no mean repute whose achievements can be composed into a platinum album, Tinubu beams with the glow of perpetual investors’ confidence in a clime notorious for its herculean business climate. He perches atop oil and gas giant Oando like a majestic eagle. Vigilant-eyed and sharp-nosed, Tinubu stands tall among the few Nigeria’s businessmen that can rub shoulders with other top businessmen around the globe as he commands respect in the world business sector. He has succeeded in engraving his name in the hearts of the generality of his compatriots.

    No wonder, when a man with such phenomenal achievements celebrates his birthday, not a few but all would want to share in his joy.

    As this oil and gas whizkid clocks 53 today, June 26, many are expected to share in his joy. The reason is the “birthday boy” means so many things to so many people in and outside the country. Just as Diamonds are uncommon stones, same as Tinubu who is also a rare gem and a great man, who sees wealth as divine from the creator. Like some of his peers, he found a befitting seat on the Forbes list as one of the most industrious, influential, and wealthy men in Africa. His fans, friends, and associates are expected to celebrate him to high heavens today.

    If you think the birthday was all about merriment, you are wrong! Instead of throwing money around for celebration, the businessman prefers spending on philanthropy, our source disclosed. The shrewd businessman would not be rolling out the drum for the birthday. Apart from COVID-19 that prevents parties, the GCEO does not really believe in birthday celebration instead he is dedicating today for what he knows how to do best; the act of giving, as we gathered, he is dedicating it to the less privileged. As he has so much belief in the deathless quote of Andrew Carnegie ‘Wealth is not to feed our egos but to feed the hungry and to help people help themselves’.

  • On Senator Orji Kalu’s songs of victory

    On Senator Orji Kalu’s songs of victory

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    Politician and businessman, Senator Orji Uzoh Kalu, representing Abia North is probably born under the lucky star. Series of events unfolding around him lately shows that he is indeed a child of uncommon grace.

    For close to 12 years, he had been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alongside his company, Slok Nigeria Limited and Udeh Udeogu, his Director of Finance and Accounts at the Abia State Government House, over an amended 39-count charge bordering on conspiring and diverting the sum of N7.65bn from the coffers of the state when he was Governor from 1999-2007.

    After years of tussle with legal proceedings, Justice Muhammed Idris, on December 5, 2019, pronounced 12-year imprisonment on him and also ordered that Kalu’s company, Slok Nigeria Limited, be wound up and all assets forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    The former Abia Governor through his counsel approached the Appeal Court and later Supreme Court to set aside the judgment of the lower court.

    While he awaited his fate in the apex court, many of his critics had written him off on regaining his freedom. The worst happened when he turned age 60, not much was said about the Senate Chief Whip.

    No birthday soiree occurred in his honour. Back in his constituency, some even petitioned the Senate President to declare his seat vacant to allow a re-run election for a new occupant.

    At this point, Kalu knew he was alone to himself. With his self-belief, he kept on pressing through his lawyer to regain freedom and shame his detractors.

    After fervent prayer and fasting from his supporters, family, and friends, providence smiled on him. He was able to secure his freedom with ‘legal technicality’ and the apex court, on May 8, 2020, voided his earlier 12-years conviction and ordered his release from the correctional facility.

    This, however, didn’t go accordingly as there were hitches until June 2, when Justice M. Liman, gave a judgment that ordered his release from Kuje correctional facility.

    As he left the correctional facility, the feeling of excitement enveloped the Slok airline boss, who sauntered out majestically fitted in an all-white native, flanked by his daughter and confidant Neya, who ushered him to his vehicle to return home to their Aso-Villa home in Abuja.

    If Senator Kalu was not a determined fighter, with the mindset of a victor, by now he would have been washed away by the tsunami directed at him.

  • Otunba Oloyede’s next move

    Otunba Oloyede’s next move

    By: Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Till date, cosmopolitan businessman, Otunba Kehinde Adeola Musiliudeen Oloyede-Almaroof with the sobriquet ‘Kendoo’ is a delight among the Lagos social radar.

    Any event he attends sees praise singers singing about his benevolence to high heavens. He has been quietly handling his businesses not until he gave politics a shot several years back which further threw him to public cynosure.

    Apart from his foray into the murky waters of politics, his resume is quite an intimidating one. He is also a thriving property developer within the Lagos metropolis.

    Under his supervision, he has tremendously created magic within the Lagos skyline with a jaw-dropping architectural masterpiece littered across Lagos.

    To prove his popularity within the political terrain, most especially, within the Oshodi/Isolo axis, his name has remained on the lips of all sundry.

    The man who has worked vehemently in building a strong political grassroots and occultic followership also enjoys the goodwill and popularity of his mother, Alhaja T.A Almaroof, a former Iyaoloja, activist, politician, and women influencer.

    After years of hiatus, Kendo has returned to throw his hat in the ring to contest as Chairman of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government in the forthcoming election under the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

    Political pundits and sources divulged that following his unrelenting spirit of contributing to human lives, some youths and elders within his political party have endorsed him as the next chairman of Oshodi/Isolo local government.

  • Maurice Emeka Akueme’s large heart

    Maurice Emeka Akueme’s large heart

    By: Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Maurice Emeka Akueme, a UK based accountant and tax consultant, is gradually leaving his remarkable footprints, cresting his name in gold in the heart of many as a man who gives hope and succour to the needy, most especially, youths demography within Enugu, Benue, and Cross River State.

    Little wonder thousands of youngsters from his state and other parts of Nigeria speak glowingly about his large-heartedness and cheerful giving.

    Through his Non-Governmental Organisation, The Maurice Akueme Foundation (MAF), created in 2016, the former banker has given back to society generously.

    The generous philanthropist has touched many lives sponsoring the education of several youths, while others have been trained at the MAF ICT Centre as well as, the foundation’s tailoring school, imbibing in them the entrepreneurial spirit to thrive for self-sustainability.

    Those who graduated from his empowerment schemes are supported with start-up token to further support them as capital for business expansion.

    The stylish philanthropist often describes his interventions among the less privileged aimed at alleviating youths out of poverty and restoring hope among the downtrodden, especially, the aged in the rural areas and Internally Displaced Persons managing to survive.

    His Foundation also hosts an annual Football tourney in Udi LGA with prize money totaling N500,000.00, even as it has also carried out interventions for physically challenged persons.

    Recently, he reached out to the 17 LGAs in Enugu state through his COVID-19 interventions scheme, where he doled out palliative to the needy.

    Aside from sending stipends to hundreds of youths across his state, the UK based big giver, through, MAF sent food items, drugs, and toiletries worth millions of naira to his Udi hometown and three other LGAs in Enugu State.

    The most inspiring aspect of Akueme’s generosity is that he goes about it quietly without seeking little recognition.

     

     

  • Bisi Fayemi’s grateful heart at 57

    Bisi Fayemi’s grateful heart at 57

    By: Oladapo Sofowora

     

    For Bisi Fayemi nèe Adeleye, giving gratitude to her creator is a thing she does daily. She is a woman who doesn’t joke with giving thanks for the good gift of life.

    Remarkably, June 11 is a significant day in her life. It’s the day she was born, it’s a day she came to the world to flourish and bloom, becoming a role model to millions of women across the continent.

    June 11, 2020, happens to be the apple of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s eye’s 57th birthday, and her mouth, as well as heart, is filled with unlimited joy.

    The first lady of Ekiti State is in a league of her own, she does her things differently with style, paying attention to every single detail.

    More reason she was able to carve a niche for herself as a female advocate, mother, author, and champion for change.

    Despite being born British, she has never toyed with her roots and her landmark achievements are not but resoundingly applauding.

    In 2001, she co-founded the first Pan African grant-making organization with a special interest in women empowerment; The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF).

    Her 50th birthday in 2013, would never be forgotten in a hurry. One of the highlights of the event was the touching speech cum lecture titled; ‘Leading The Chance: The Journey of an African woman’ delivered by 2011, Nobel Peace Prize winner; Leymah Gbowee of Liberia.

    It was indeed a touching moment when Leymah disclosed that Bisi was one of those who believed and trusted in her capability, she further claimed that Bisi’s support for her foundational works in Liberia positioned her to win the highly coveted price for Peace.

    Her 57th birthday will not be celebrated amidst fanfare, she would have loved to throw a big Soiree inviting top dignitaries to grace her birthday shindig but with the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world by extension Nigeria and Ekiti state, she has to stay in line with the stipulated guideline of no social gathering as she spent time online launching her ‘Wrapper Network Initiative’ via Facebook and Instagram live session, where she attended to series of questions from her fans.