The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Bianca Ojukwu’s next political move

    Bianca Ojukwu’s next political move

    Oladapo Sofowora

    Bianca Ojukwu’s beautiful attributes and good mien has oftentimes been mistaken for cowardice, hence, she’s been underrated by those who aren’t close to her.

    Unknown to many, the ex-Nigerian Ambassador to Spain is as bold and courageous as her late husband. She says it the way it is without minding whose ox is gored.

    She has fought many battles politically, most especially with her late husband’s children. Years ago, she jostled to occupy the upper national assembly by clinching the Anambra state ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, Anambra South Senatorial Ticket. During the electioneering process, she fought a tough battle but eventually lost to Governor Willie Obiano’s anointed candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu.

    Ever since losing out at the senatorial primaries, the former beauty queen has since recoiled into her shell to strategise on her next political moves. All activities around her have been put to a halt.

    However, the widow of late Dim Emeka Ojukwu is up to something politically.

    A source disclosed that “Bianca is still angry at Governor Willie and she is waiting for the next Gubernatorial election in Anambra when Governor Willie would pick his anointed candidate before she bares her venomous fang to pay him back in his coin. She is still an active politician. Bianca is not ready to sheath her sword until she pays Obiano measure for measure. Truthfully, I can’t say maybe she will be contesting but she might also back a candidate to contest. It’s a matter of time, consultations are ongoing, events will begin to unfold.”

    Another source claimed to prove that she had been planning and waiting for the perfect time to strike, she threw her influence behind Ifeanyi Uba of Young Progressive Party, YPP, who eventually won the seat.

  • Who will unite erstwhile friends Chief Michael Ade-Ojo and Sir Willie Anumudu

    Who will unite erstwhile friends Chief Michael Ade-Ojo and Sir Willie Anumudu

    Oladapo Sofowora

    If a soothsayer had predicted years back that Chief Michael Ade-Ojo and Sir Willie Anumudu, two of the biggest names in Nigeria’s automobile business were going to transit from being best of friends to sworn enemies, many admirers of the two automobile dealers would never believe. Their once sweet relationship had allegedly gone sour and both billionaires are allegedly locked in a cold war.

    The wealthy men’s fallout reached a crescendo when Toyota Nigeria published an advertorial in national dailies, stating it had revoked its dealership and partnership deal with Anumudu’s Globe Motors, thus cutting him off dealing on behalf of Toyota. “Toyota (Nigeria) Limited will not be liable for any business transaction with Globe Motors Holdings Nigeria Limited,” the editorial stated.

    A source divulged that the reason for the cold war between the two automobile moguls is not unconnected to the allegation that Globe Motors was infringing on the dealership agreement with Toyota Nigeria, being the sole representative of Toyota Motors Corporation of Japan, by importing vehicles unilaterally without recourse to its agreement with Toyota Nigeria.

    Another source averred that Anumudu claimed that Ade-Ojo and his companies are afraid of his giant strides and competition his company is giving. Hence, revoking his importing and distribution license.

    Society Rendezvous gathered that several attempts were made by their mutual friends to resolve the crisis have proved abortive.

    “Only God can reconcile both of them as none of their mutual friends wants to be affected in the lingering feud,” a source said.

    Before the bad blood between automobile moguls, Ade-Ojo through his company, Toyota Nigeria Limited, had a dealership agreement with Anumudu’s Globe Motors. Business went on smoothly as Globe Motors, alongside several other accredited dealers, sold thousands of units of Toyota vehicles to make the Japanese-made automobile among the leading brands in the country, accounting for almost half of vehicles imported into the shores of Nigeria.

  • Pascal Dozie’s quiet plan

    Pascal Dozie’s quiet plan

    Oladapo Sofowora

    Pascal Dozie’s influence cuts across the corporate world with remarkable investments in the telecommunications and banking sector. He has become a mentor for several upcoming entrepreneurs, who look up to his business career as a model to learn from. Chief Pascal Gabriel Dozie not only commands much respect from the high and mighty across the country but also earned himself a national award, a member of the ‘Order Of Niger’ OON.

    Last year April, the Chairman of Pan-Atlantic University, turned 80 and a glamourous soiree was held in his honour at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Notable Nigerians like the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Christopher Kolade, Okechukwu Enelamah, among others attended the shindig.

    Next Tuesday the 6th of April, the former President Nigeria Stock Exchange, will glide into 81 years of age. Unlike his 80th birthday shindig, which attracted everyone in the country, the children and grandchildren of the billionaire businessman are planning to celebrate a lowkey birthday in the confines of his living room. He will be offering thanks and praises to his creator for marking another glorious year despite the pandemic rocking the world.

    According to sources; “The initial plan was to throw a surprise birthday for the octogenarian but due to the recent outbreak of the global pandemic, the family has resorted to celebrating him indoors and thank God for the gift of life.”

  • Olumide Aderinokun’s Giant Strides

    Olumide Aderinokun’s Giant Strides

    Oladapo Sofowora

    Stylish Olumide Aderinokun is not new to the property business. He is the brain behind some of the upscale real estate investments littered across the city of Lagos with a jaw-dropping architectural masterpiece. An undoubted master who knows the construction business like the back of his hand, Olumide’s company can proudly rub shoulders with top construction companies in Nigeria and Africa.

    Known for his brilliance and business foresight, the cosmopolitan man has continued to call the shots in the real estate industry, with years of strong reputation, cemented with honesty and integrity. Little wonder he quickly climbed the ladder to become one of the most sought-after property merchants in the country.

    His construction imprint Davade properties is reputed for luxury affordable housing investments. Olumide, who is better known for his philanthropic initiatives, most especially in Ogun state has brought his compassionate nature into his business structure style. He is not desperate for profits, rather, he is interested in fixing the housing deficit crisis the country is currently witnessing, through building quality housing projects that would combine luxury and affordability.

    The well-traveled Business Studies graduate of the University of East London is currently working on a lot of projects on the Lekki metropolis. As always, the drive behind the project is the need to uplift humanity through the provision of decent housing schemes.

    Aside from his impressive business profile, Aderinokun ventured into the murky waters of politics in 2011. He lost his bid to represent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Nigerian House of Representatives. Not giving up on his dreams to serve his people, he tried again and won the Primaries to represent Abeokuta North Federal Constituency on October 3, 2018, but lost to his opponent.

  • Halima Buba’s uncommon aura

    Halima Buba’s uncommon aura

    Oladapo Sofowora

    Blessed with God-given beauty, brain, and charming aura, Halima Buba has registered herself as a woman with a Midas touch. She has also scored many firsts in her career while rising from height to height in all her endeavors.

    The highly cerebral Halima sits on the board of many blue-chip companies including Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), where she is a non-executive director.  Interestingly, she is also a co-founder of TAJ Consortium, a group consisting of egghead technocrats. In two decades, Halima had demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities in capacity building, team spirit, business development, market expansion, while holding sway as Deputy General Manager in Ecobank Nigeria at some point.

    Recently, Halima added another feather to her cap when she was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SunTrust Bank – a big boost for her career that has spanned over two decades.

    The Adamawa state born new CEO of SunTrust Bank rose to the rank of deputy general manager in Ecobank Nigeria, in charge of FCT and Northern Nigeria, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities in building cross-functional teams and focused on business development and market expansion.

    A close source divulged that “Ever since her appointment, her approach to work has been quite tremendous. She has made work so easier with her experience and team spirit. She is a leader and a servant. Working with her has been a blessing. Above all, she respects even the least of those working for her. She is willing to teach and ready to give listening ears. In due time, with her approach and diligence to work, under her watch, the Bank will rise above its current status to an enviable height”.

  • About Olusegun Osoba’s wide influence

    About Olusegun Osoba’s wide influence

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Ex-Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba has reinstated his wide influence after a battle with ex-Governor Ibikunle Amosun that lasted eight years.

    Osoba’s wide influence cannot be overlooked most especially, in the Ogun State political terrain. Recently, the Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Oludare Sunday, made a disparaging comment about the legacy of the top journalist and political gladiator. Dr. Oludare was quickly reprimanded by the current Ogun State governor, Governor Dapo Abiodun for the statement.

    A few years ago, Osoba had warned that he would have the last laugh during his political battle with Senator Amosun.

    Since Amosun lost out in the political game plan in Ogun, with the defeat suffered by his preferred candidate, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, many have been recalling his humble beginning as a political neophyte.

    Circa 2011, despite internal wranglings, Osoba was persuaded by some political heavyweight in the party to support Amosun over Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, who was the preferred candidate of the then incumbent Governor, Gbenga Daniel and even former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s candidate, Olurin.

    Read Also: A grandstanding ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo

     

    But not long after Amosun took over the reins of power in the state, he called everybody’s bluff. It was as if he was on a revenge mission and Osoba was left in the cold. As if that was not enough, the Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun, who was nominated by Osoba, was sidelined in the government.

    This crisis snowballed to the extent that the former Daily Times Managing Director moved to another party, Social Democactic Party towards the 2015 general election.

    It was clear to all that Osoba was not in his comfort zone while he was in the SDP. He suffered political persecution until he was persuaded to return to his former fold, this time, All Progressives Congress, APC.

    After intervention from different quarters, there was a semblance of peace between both politicians. But critics maintained that the relationship could be likened to that of a cat and mouse.

    Towards the last general election, it was literally a war in the state as Amosun vowed that Osoba and his people would never stop his anointed candidate, Akinlade from being his successor.

    But Osoba and some powerful forces in the state including Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo threw their weight behind Adedapo Abiodun. The fight was fierce but in the end, Abiodun won. Today, Osoba is having the last laugh after eight years of political persecution, while Amosun is yet to get over the defeat.

     

  • Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s conquering spirit

    Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s conquering spirit

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah is in high spirit and this is not unconnected with his recent victory at the Court of Appeal.

    And those close to the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District have been spreading the news of his ever conquering spirit. Ubah, the candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in the February 23 senatorial elections, had in January 2020, approached the Court of Appeal to upturn the judgment of Justice Kawu, which ordered his removal from the Senate over an alleged act of forgery.

    And without recourse to exaggeration, the politician and businessman is fast proving to the world that he is, indeed, a cat with nine lives. For every attempt to crush him, he sprouts like a seed in a well fertile land.

    The billionaire, who sits atop many businesses across the country in the past, has faced many challenges that would ordinarily consume a lily-livered.

    Read Also: Anambra South: Appeal Court nullifies Ubah’s sack

     

    But the Nnewi born senator has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he is indeed a warrior and a master at his own game.

    Even though he is a lone fighter, many of his enemies have failed to find their match in him. He’s always a step ahead.

    Since he was declared the winner in the senatorial district, the billionaire has fought so many legal battles within the state and outside and emerged victorious in all.

    The Uba brothers would not forget Senator Ubah in a hurry after he demystified their political dynasty and crumbled it before their very eyes.

     

  • Oil Magnate Kenneth Yellowe smiles again

    Oil Magnate Kenneth Yellowe smiles again

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    In the oil and gas industry, Kenneth Yellowe’s name evokes a mixture of admiration, envy, and respect.

    He sits atop the affairs of Global Energy Incorporated, a thriving energy firm in the United States, and is among the most dynamic businessmen currently operating on the African continent.

    In 2005, he ventured into a highly capital-intensive venture, set up a local subsidiary of his firm in Nigeria and leased a multi-million dollar Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) known as the Berge Okoloba Toru from a foreign firm, Bergesen.

    Yellowe as a part-owner of the Akepo marginal gas field (OML 90) in the Niger Delta, was setting up a multimillion Naira facility in the country, his sole aim was the create jobs and improve Nigeria’s oil and gas sector with such a tremendous capacity to advance the regional and national economic growth of the nation.

    To show his seriousness and determination for the business, he secured $400m from international financial institutions and individual investors, while Global Gas and Oil Refining Global Gas Refining Limited (GGRL) became the first indigenous private company to successfully embark on a multi-million-dollar gas processing and refining facility in the country, with operations and assets situated in the Niger Delta creeks at Cawthorne Channel, Rivers State.

    When the FPSO commenced production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in commercial quantity from the Cawthorne channel in the Bonny, Rivers state, Yellowe became the toast of the oil and gas industry.

    Read Also: Ogun 2019: Oil magnate, Abiodun declares for governorship

     

    Immediately, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)  promptly signed a contract with Global Gas to extract liquids and heavy deposits from the associated gas and re-inject the lean gas through SPDC for onward delivery to Nigeria LNG Limited, in Bonny.

    However, the multi-million dollar contract, which started as a huge money-spinner for both firms, fell apart.

    Society Rendezvous gathered that; Yellowe is currently heaving a sigh of relief and singing a victory song.

    The reason for his joy, a source noted, is the outcome of his recent legal battle with Shell petroleum. “Justice Taofiquat Oyekan-Abdullahi of the Lagos High Court recently set aside the arbitral tribunal judgement given by Prof. Oba Nsugbe, QC, SAN led panel, in which the majority of the Arbitral Tribunal upheld the claims of the claimant by dismissing Global Gas and Refining Limited’s claim for a breach of contract for the supply of gas by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria,” the source hinted.

    The source further added that after several years of legal battle, seeking legal redress in court; even to the point of point losing hope in the judiciary as the last hope for the common man, Yellowe remained dogged and persistent till he got what he wanted.

  • Tony Elumelu remains a goldfish at 57

    Tony Elumelu remains a goldfish at 57

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Without a doubt, if there is any human being who is currently experiencing the proverbial Seventh Heaven, it is no other than Tony Elumelu, the quintessential economist, banker, and business magnate.

    According to information, the ‘Afri-Capitalist’ originator had shown traces of precocity during his formative years. Though he might not be clairvoyant, his childhood betrayed him as a potentially great person in life. As a child, his dream was to become one of the greatest economists and bankers in the world.

    And at 57, the Heirs Holding boss has gotten all he wanted not on a platter of gold but with dint of hard work, consistency, persistence, and doggedness.

    At 34, he made the most audacious move in banking history when he led a small group of investors to acquire the defunct Standard Trust Bank, a small struggling commercial bank in Lagos and gave it life within few years.

    Read Also: Tony Elumelu is my mentor, says Wizkid

     

    As if that was not enough, he also got global recognition in 2005, when he led one of the greatest mergers in the history of the African banking sector- the merger of Standard Trust Bank (STB) and the United Bank of Africa (UBA). Within the space of five years, he transformed the bank to be one of the best financial institutions in the world.

    Interestingly, the Delta State-born financial guru is powerful. Through his Tony Elumelu Foundation, a premier pan-African-focused not-for-profit institution, dedicated to the promotion and celebration of youth entrepreneurs and excellence in business leadership across the continent, he was able to raise giants by teaching aspiring entrepreneurs the rudiments of setting up a business and sustaining it despite the dwindling economy of most African country.

     

  • Where is Iyabo Obasanjo?

    Where is Iyabo Obasanjo?

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Senator Iyabo Obasanjo was one of the women who shattered the stereotype in the male-dominated Nigerian politics. Her foray into politics seemed to have a divine seal.

    Apart from being the favourite daughter of ex-President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, many won’t forget in a hurry that she was one of the most sought-after women on the floor of the red chamber.

    In the beginning, her political sojourn was laced with roses and her astronomic rise was applauded by the womenfolk. This is because she shot into the spotlight not too long after she delved into partisan politics.

    As the senator representing Ogun Central, she was appointed chairman of Senate health committee and member of the committees on security and intelligence, land transport, science and technology, education, national planning and inter-parliamentary.

    Lots of admirers wished they were in her shoes during her reign. She kicked off as a commissioner for Health under Otunba Gbenga Daniel before rising to become a senator.

    To put it mildly, life was sweet and good; she surely looked the part of a veteran politician headed for greatness.

    Read Also: Family accuses Obasanjo’s brother of intimidation

     

    However, her reign and political clout began to shake and eventually faded off shortly after the expiration of her father’s tenure in office.

    Her political reign finally came to a halt in 2015 when she was ‘crushed’ by Senator Gbenga Obadara who snatched the Ogun Central Senatorial district from her.

    Since her exit from the red chambers, her whereabouts has remained a mystery to her followers and admirers. Some said she has recoiled back into her cocoon bidding active politics farewell.

    According to close sources who told Society Rendezvous that; “Since she could not return back to the Senate, she has left the shores of Nigeria to the U.S shuttling Newyork and New Jersey.

    She is there with her kids playing her motherly role. We are not expecting her to return back into politics any time soon.”