The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • K1 Ultimate’s reward for patience

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    The popular axiom: “Patience is a strong virtue” aptly describes the state-of-mind of Fuji czar King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, who was conferred with a title as the first Mayegun of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, in the ancient town of Oyo on Monday.

    Kwam 1, as he is fondly called, is an epitome of grace. He is an enigma blessed by his creator. Love or loath him, he has achieved tremendous success in his field and regarded as an icon when it comes to the redefinition and promotion of Fuji music.

    If you follow his story with keen interest, you would be aware there was never a time in his life he struggled to get things. Like a child born under the proverbial lucky star, everything comes easy for him.

    When the Alaafin announced he will confer the Oluomo of Lagos with the Maiyegun of Yorubaland title, ignorant tongues raged; there were mixed reactions from people. Some went as far to claim he is not worth of the highly coveted title.

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    The Alaafin, blessed with a repertoire of knowledge and native intelligence, shed more light on his choice to settle for the Fuji King. Alaafin said he should have conferred him with the title years ago but after consulting, many disapproved and denied Kwam 1 the title back then.

    A disappointed K1 remained unperturbed and unruffled but still showed his unflinching support and allegiance to the Oyo Kingdom. Alaafin further claimed his decision has no personal or political undertone. K1 is a patient person, so he is reaping the fruit of his reserved patience.

    On installation day, Kwam 1 fitted in a long flowing gown-like robe with a stylish walking stick, and a sliver shoe. A white-littered black patterned cap displayed his wealth of affluence and influence.

    He ‘sauntered’ into the city of Oyo in grand style, with a convoy of over 200 exotic cars forming his motorcade from the city of Ibadan to the sprawling Oyo palace, venue of the installation. K1 drove in his newly acquired Rollce Royce Ghost followed by his Bentley and other exotic automobiles.

    K1 pledged his commitment to the Yoruba nation, ensuring there will be peace, unity and tranquility among the Yoruba race.

    The epoch-making event was graced by Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed; Special Adviser to the Vice President Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Asiwaju Odo Oodua Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku; and a host of other top personalities.

  • Ex-EFCC chief Farida Waziri’s new revelation

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Penning down the story of anti-graft war in Nigeria, the name Farida Mzamber Waziri will definitely keep recurring. As a technocrat and law enforcement officer, Dr. Waziri knew her onions. Only a few will forget her feat when she was a commissioner in the Special Fraud Unit years back.

    She was a nightmare to drug peddlers, kingpins and fraudsters. For her zero-tolerance on corruption and other unlawful vices, she was elevated to become the first and only female chairperson of the Nigerian anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    For over three years Farida ran the affairs of EFCC, her tenure was momentous, meritorious and memories of her will continue to linger on in the good book of Nigerians.

    Years after keeping sealed lips about her tenure as chairman of EFCC, Farida may have finally chosen to open up on some top classified secrets about her constraints in the fight against corruption in the country.

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    Sources close to the Benue State-born retired assistant inspector general of Police (AIG) said the smoking gun revelations coming from the charming septuagenarian woman may have been detailed in a book she has taken time to write.

    It was gathered the public presentation of the tell-it-all book may be coming as early as second week in February, and at a top notch venue in Abuja, the federal capital territory.

    Attendance by highly placed Nigerians, including former heads of state, first class monarchs, captains of industry and top government functionaries have been confirmed for the event on a date sources refused to say.

    Society Rendezvous learnt that to avoid piracy and viral leak, she took the book overseas for publishing and printing.

    Since her retirement and glorious exit as EFCC chief, Farida has been busy as founder and principal partner of Brookfield Chambers, a firm of lawyers based in Abuja. She has also been spending her extra time on philanthropy and social work.

  • Friends, family remember Deji Tinubu

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Two years ago, the Tinubu family in Lagos lost one of their dear sons, Deji, to the cold hands of death. But for his younger sibling, Oando boss, Wale Tinubu, and other relations, the deceased literally lives on in their minds.

    Therefore, in celebration of his life and times, the City of David parish of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG),  Lekki, where he worshipped, has continued to remember him.

    Also, the family will be organising a remembrance at the family house in Lagos this month.

    Deji Tinubu slumped and died on January 25, 2018, playing football during a retreat by Lagos State government officials at Jubilee Chalets in Epe.

    Read Also: Tears, tributes as Deji Tinubu is buried

     

    The trained engineer- turned football analyst gained recognition as a radio and television sports analyst with Sports Vision, which he set up with his business partners, Deji Omotoyinbo and Bode Oguntuyi.

    He was chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, and was elected member of the NFF executive committee.  He became special adviser on Sports, and Commerce and Industry in the state.

     

  • Wale Saranda’s midas touch

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Adewale Adesina, with the sobriquet, Wale Saranda, needs no introduction in the business and society terrain. The well known astute businessman sit atop the affairs of Western Group as its head honcho.

    Saranda has dominated the business terrain in the south western part of Nigeria like a veteran in the game. Most expecially, with his philanthropic gestures, he has alleviated those around him from poverty and empowered them for self sufficiency.

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    Although he has remained silent about his latest accomplishment, sources close to the dandy businessman said 2019 was indeed a good year for Saranda.

    “His Western Group company, with vast interest mainly mining and construction, was able to stay afloat despite the harsh economic turbulence it faced over the years.

    He introduced tremendous innovation into the running of his business, to help position the company in the right position for business opportunities across board.”

    The well-travelled businessman has injected new organisational policy focus and targets for his various business interests.

    The move is aimed at ensuring efficiency and accountability in the operation of his company. In a bid to give back some substantial amount back to charity, Wale has been quite active in his philanthropic gestures. He is quietly assisting many with empowerment schemes, particularly in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

  • Omodele Adesola Arowolo: Laurels for an intellectual

    In contemporary times, when there is clamour for emancipation and equality of representation of women in social, political and economic spheres, she has chosen to be a leader in her career. Omolara Akintoye writes about the profile of a female engineer, Omodele Adesola Arowolo, who was recently conferred with fellowship of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and currently works with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority as the Deputy General Manager Aero-telecommunications, the apex regulatory authority in Nigeria.

    For an erudite scholar and engineer, Omodele Adesola Arowolo, it is a time of double celebrations as she was recently conferred with fellowship of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. Born in Kwara State 55 years ago, she holds a double master’s degree in Electrical engineering (M. Eng) and Business Administration (MBA) in 1992 and 2005. Earlier, she obtained a B.Sc. (Hons) in Electronics in 1989 and a Post Graduate Diploma (PGDEE-Elect/Elect) with distinction.

    Getting distinctions, it must be said, has become a habit for this distinguished engineer, apart from the PGDEE-Distinction in her master’s degree in electrical engineering.

    Arowolo eventually chose to pursue a cart in aviation. She got a Diploma in Aviation Security/Aerodrome Operations with distinction in 1996.

    Another distinction followed in 2005 in Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel Licence (ATSPEP).

    Currently, Arowolo works with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the apex aviation regulatory authority in Nigeria. She started her aviation career during her National Youth Service Corps-year as a trainee engineer from April 1989 – Mar 1990 and was elevated to the position of a Maintenance Engineer which she left in 1992 to join the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA). She was an Operation/Aviation Security Officer from Mar 1994 – April 1996.

    In 1995, a federal government reorganisation led to the creation of the Directorate of Safety Regulation and Monitoring (DSRAM). FCAA became defunct and Arowolo joined DSRAM and continued from where she left as an Operations/Aviation Security Officer.

    The zeal to make a meaningful contribution to the economic development of Nigeria is clearly her focus. While doing this, she wishes above all that her contributions and roles be recognised and appreciated.

    At another metamorphosis, DSRAM was collapsed again to give birth to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in 1992. She joined NCAA at the commencement of operations in 2002 as Regional Manager.

    By December 2002, she was deployed as an Assistant Chief Communication Navigation and Surveillance. But by 2004, she was back as the substantive Regional Manager in Kano. After excelling as a Regional Manager, the authority wanted more professional responsibilities for her. Wherefore in 2006, she was recalled and made Air Navigation Safety Inspector, from where she rose to the post of a Deputy General Manager (Aero-telecommunications); a position she is holding currently.

    Mrs. Arowolo Adesola has acquired vast experience in the field of Aviation. She has attended a lot of seminars and workshops within and outside Nigeria. She is a member of several professional bodies, member Nigerian Society of Engineers, Associate Member, Nigerian Institute of Management, Member, Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineer (IEEE) America. Member, Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and Member, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria.

    Arowolo has hobbies; reading, playing lawn tennis, cooking, watching movies and sewing. She is married with children.

  • Sijibomi Ogundele’s uncommon grace

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    For Sijibomi Ogundele, the Chief Executive Officer of Sijimoto Construction Company to have bounced back like the proverbial cat with nine lives, despite the harsh business storm directed at him in year 2016/17, it’s a clear indication that; who God has blessed, no man can curse.

    To flourish in Nigeria’s business firmament, most expecially in the real estate terrain, you must have the heart of Hercules and fearlessness of Achilles.

    Sujimoto as he is fondly called, surely has the above qualities in him to have remained unruffled despite the hard typhoon directed to sink his business empire.

    Despite learning the ABC of doing busines from his mother during his formative years in the city of Kaduna, the ‘Motomatics’ originator was reported to have lost over $90m in his quest to build the tallest residential building in Sub-Saharan Africa called “Lorenzo By Sujimoto’ situated on Bourdilon, Ikoyi, Lagos due to dwindling economy and harsh government policies.

    As if that was not enough, he lost several investors and also refunded hundreds of millions of naira to ‘offtakers’, who deposited for the much talked about palatial edifice.

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    But like the biblical story of the ‘Children of Zion’ when God turned their captives around, the Agege born shrewd businessman now has a reason to smile again.

    With his wealth of experience in the real estate business laced with his wondrous luxurious taste, the serial entrepreneur is hell bent on redefining the skylines of Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Ikeja with his ultra modern architectural masterpiece designs.

    Apart from celebrating Sujimoto’s 5th anniversary amidst pump last year at the highbrow Banana Island, Lagos, with a well attended dinner culinary party, featuring the very best of musical, comedy and dance experience, a source told Society Rendezvous that; “Siji is reaping in bounty from his sheer dint of hard work.

    His latest soon-to-be completed project named ‘Giuliano by Sujimoto’, an heaven on earth bespoke condominium apartments, is already sold out.

    To satisfy his teeming customers, he has embarked on building the tallest residential building in Banana Island named ‘Lucrezia By Sujimoto’. The young man is reaping from his sweat, he is happy he never gave up when crisis brewed”.  

  • Nkechi Ikpeazu’s generosity

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Apart from being the wife of the Executive Governor of Abia state, Nkechi Ikpeazu is a compassionate philanthropist to the core. Those close to her can attest to the fact that, she loathes publicity, most especially, when it comes to giving or donating.

    She does not like it when her praise is sang to high heavens over her kind gestures. She is a believer of the popular saying that; “We rise by lifting others”.

    As part of her new year donation to the downtrodden and homeless in Abia state, the woman of high repute donated and handed over three Bungalow houses to 3 indigent Abia State indigenes.

    In line with her quest to make shelter a necessity across the state, she is planning to do more by making sure her impact is felt across the 17 Local government of the state.

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    The Abia First Lady since the inception of her husband’s administration, has built, furnished and handed out over 70 houses followed with cash to the less privilege using her Vicar Hope Foundation as a point of contact.

    She is also a front champion for the Widows through her Widows Indigent Shelter Scheme (WISS), which has catered for the needs of widows across the state most expecially in the area of shelter, empowerment and quality welfare.

  • Jimoh Ibrahim’s new obsession

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    The tale of Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim can belikened to that of a sweet-bitter experience. His journey has witnessed several turbulent times, which almost weighed him down emotionally and mentally. Losing his parent concurrently is a heart break that will forever linger on in his heart.

    The cosmopolitan businessman has his hands tied to many business, which includes oil & gas distribution, hotels, resorts, aviation, banking, real estate, insurance, publishing and investments, among others.

    It is no longer news that billionaire businessman, has faded off the social radar since he lost his bid to govern Ondo State over three years ago. Following his huge loss at the primary election, the trained lawyer cum businessman jetted to Dubai, abandoning Nigeria for so long.

    During his stay in the United Arab Emirates, different tongue wagged over his whereabout. As the Ondo governorship election draws nearer, the supporters of the Energy Group Boss are waiting for him to throw his hat in the ring and declear his ambition to contest the governorship once more.

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    A close source avered that; Barrister Jimoh is not out for politics, he is still mourning the shocking demise of his parents.

    Amidst the lingering rumour making the round about his new lifestyle, the billionaire, we gathered is currently in search for more knowledge.

    The source further added that; “For those pondering about his whereabout, waiting for him to launch his Gubernatorial ambition, Barrister Jimoh has found love in education and research. He is currently studying for a postgraduate degree at the Oxford and Cambridge Universities, respectively.

    He is also a Ph.D student in Management Science at the Cambridge, a programme which is billed to end in the year 2024. He is also studying at the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, hoping to earn a Doctorate degree with specialty in War Studies.

    With all the academic engagements, he has less time for active politics. Maybe when he has completed his degrees, he might give a shot at politics again.”

  • Senator Omisore’s kind gesture

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Exagenarian engineer cum politician, Senator Iyiola Omisore, represented Osun East Senatorial district between 2003 and 2009 and contested for Governor under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) at the just concluded Osun State Gubernatorial election.

    He is the grandson of Lowa Omisore and his father is Oba David Olajide Omisore of Ayepe, Olode, Ile-Ife. He is also the grandson of the reverend Late Olufewara, Kabiyesi Oba Titus Adetoba of the Oseganderuku ruling house in Ifewara where his mother, Princess Emila Adejola ruled as Regent until her death in 2006.

    With his travails with the Econonic and Finanical Crimes Commission (EFCC) and his loss at the Osun gubernatorial pools, many of his teeming supporters thought he has finally recoiled into his cocoon.

    To the chagrin of his detractors, the trained structural engineer surfaced with a grand return to public domain on the 1st January to touch lives like he has always done.

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    We gathered that; through his Senator Iyiola Omisore Foundation, he converged a mammoth crowd at the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) in Ile-ife, Osun State for the 16th edition of his Annual Community Giving Outreach.

    He also used the medium to visit the hospital to clear medical bills of patients who can’t afford their medical bills. He also donated edible items, cash gifts and other valuables to the downtrodden.

    Interestingly, in his quest to alleviate poverty within his environment and also promote education among youths; “over thousands of students are under his scholarship scheme while many widows and orphans are under his monthly pay rolls.” A source confirmed.

  • Bella Adenuga-Disu’s Melodious Tune

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    If French President, Emmanuel Macron had the opportunity, Belinda Adenuga-Disu would have been converted to a French citizen. He won’t blink an eye to carry out such gestures owning to her contributions to humanity and the promotion of a smooth French-African relationship.

    Last December, she was honoured for her contributions to philanthropy and business excellence, when France President, conferred her with the French National honour of the ‘Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et de lettres’, making her one of the youngest recipient.

    Bella as she is fondly called by close associate, is remarkably different from her peers. Despite being born with a sliver spoon in her mouth, she has never looked down on the downtrodden.

    The director of Julius Berger Nigeria has displayed her wizardry in business management with resounding success across board earning her managerial post at different multi-national companies

    The Vice Chairman of Nigeria’s indigenous service provider, Globacom, is fast stepping into the shoes of her father. Over the years, she has risen meteorically to the apex of her beautiful career with unprecedented sterling achievements since she arrived back to Nigeria after her studies in the United States  years ago.

    With her commendable level of managerial skills and prowess, she rose in rank at her dad’s communications brand Globacom over the years, learning from experience, starting from the bottom, where like an acorn she grew from being a “Sales Executive” to finally becoming an “Executive Director” and now the Vice Chairman of the brand.

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    Bella’s resume is quite an intimidating one. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA with a first degree in Political Science and International Relations in 2004, she’s currently pursuing her second degree a Master’s also in Boston but at the Northeastern University with focus on Leadership Concentration.

    Despite her tight work schedule and clumsy travel itinerary, the Chief Executive Officer of Cobblestones Properties finds solace in music. According to sources, her father ignited her love for music most expecially, highlife music genre.

    During her formative years, she grew up listening to varieties of music from her dad’s collection. “Bella grew up in a music loving family. Her father is a lover of music most expecially the highlife genre. Bella caught her interest in music from listening to a wide genre of music. If she was not a boardroom guru, she might probably make a career in music.

    Intrestingly, during Christmas celebration, she never ceased to amaze her numerous supporters. The chairperson of the Bella Disu Foundation, displayed her dexterity with the saxophone by performing her favourite Christmans song titled; ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ along side her sister Sade Adenuga, while her dad was seated, listening to her tunes.

    After the electrifying musical performance, Bella was applauded by her father. She wasted no time in showing the world that; despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to rehearse, sing and play the saxophone very well.