The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Kunle Alonge’s impressive start

    Kunle Alonge’s impressive start

    The Chairman of Willows Project Limited, Esv. Victor Adekunle Alonge, a seasoned chartered surveyor, Estate valuer, and transformative entrepreneur is a man of action with few words. The generous money-bag philanthropist is a very refined man with a cosmopolitan outlook. He is a well-read man who has crossed the T’s and Dotted the I’s when it comes to real estate and surveying. 

    He has made a name and carved a niche for himself through sheer dint of hard work and belief in himself. Today the former non-executive director of Penman Pensions Limited now AXA Mansard Pension has remained a shining star in Nigeria’s business and property terrain with wide experience.

    Read Also: Mark emerges NIESV’s 2nd vice president

    After he was inducted as the 26th President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) at their annual general meeting in Benin City, Edo State in April, he has hit the ground running in repositioning the regulatory body to meet teeming demands. On Monday the 8th of July, Alonge host key industry players at his inaugural lecture and ceremony as chairman at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

    He had in attendance the presence of the President of the Senate; Senator Gogswil Akpabio, also the guest Speaker was Majority Leader of the House; Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele. During the lectures, solutions were proffered to get rid of quackery affecting the profession among other things that were said to move the activities of the body forward to meet national development.

  • Kuta celebrates 60th birthday

    Kuta celebrates 60th birthday

    His Royal Majesty, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude, the Olowu of Owu Kuta, Osun State is indeed one of the most forward-thinking monarchs we have in Nigeria. His education, exposure, connection and commitment to Nigeria have seen him invest so much in ensuring Nigeria continues to soar higher. He is a student of history and knows Nigerian Politics like the back of his hand.

    He has continued to put his kingdom on the map with his development strides and attracting opportunities to better the lives of his people. He is also well-grounded in arts, culture, sciences and world politics he is always ready to share his knowledge without prejudice and bias.

    The Upward mobile monarch celebrated his n60th birthday on the 14th of July 2024 with a lineup of activities to mark his big day.

    Read Also: 60th birthday: Olowu Kuta, a detrabilised Nigerian, says Buratai

    He started the celebration on the 11th of July by hosting people from his community to a feast where they wine and dined with the king amidst fanfare. On the 12th He doled out chieftaincy titles to worthy individuals who have exemplified themselves and have shown great commitment to the throne and humanity at large. On the 13th he hosted National Youth Corp Members and youth of his community to a marathon race where the winners were rewarded with goodies.

    On the 14th which is the grand finale day; Olowu Kuta never failed to show his strength as he attracted over 100 monarchs from different regions of the country alongside Retired Army generals and current serving generals. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was also in attendance to celebrate with the flamboyant and king monarch.

    Olowu Kuta never failed to give himself a birthday treat as he made everything available extravagantly so those who attended would not forget in a hurry. Fuji Musician Adewale Ayuba was also on the bandstand to serenade guests at the Palace field.

  • When Shagaya locked down Lagos, Abuja

    When Shagaya locked down Lagos, Abuja

    For Hajia Bola Shagaya, this month of July has been a rollercoaster of events and activities marking the wedding of her son, Mukhtar Tola Shagaya, who tied the nuptial knot with his heartthrob Ayobola Odebuyi.

    The Ilorin-born business magnate, once again, showed the world  she has a mastery of hosting soirees. She exhibited her hospitable side andspared no cost for her son’s wedding.

    Dignataries from all walks of life attended the wedding party in Lagos, the Mother’s Night in her Maitama mansion in Abuja and the wedding reception at Transcrop Hotel Abuja.

    Hajia Shagaya does not celebrate often; but when she does, it’s a total shutdown. She never fails to show her high-wired connections also as a socialite and fashion connoisseur.

    Read Also: Obi, Onyema, Shagaya, others celebrate MAN boss Lady Ada

    The wedding of Tolani gave people the opportunity to pay her back with their presence adorned with the chosen Aso-Ebi, Gele and caps.

    The Habour Point, Victoria Island corridor was shut down last week Saturday as the mammoth crowd of guests and dignataries tried to gain access into the venue of talk-of-the-town wedding.

    Guests were treated to choice dishes, pricey wines and champagnes. were also in circulation as those who attended could not forget in a hurry.

    Also, Hajia Shagaya last week Friday in Abuja also showed why she is called a ‘connected woman’.

    She pulled former first ladies, monarchs, governors, senators and representatives serving and high-ranking officials, among others, to the well-decorated Marquee Hall at the Transcorp,

    Wasiu Ayinde thrilled the audience with his performance.

    It was a parade of fashion with spectacles as Hajia Shagaya and Tolani  had the mother and son dance. It got emotional for her as she bid her son farewell from bachelorhood.

  • Clement Buari bags award

    Clement Buari bags award

    Clement Oluranti Buari OON embodies knowledge and grace.

     Buari has never failed to display his astuteness and highly cerebral nature since joining the Central Bank over three decades ago.

    His suave nature has helped him grow through the ranks to becoming the Director Strategy Management Department at the Central Bank of Nigeria before he retired a few months ago after spending his statutory 35 years in service.

    Read Also: Fed Govt, states, private sector sign accord for economic, financial inclusion

    While he was still in active service at the CBN, he ensured all strategies were in full glare to enhance the running of policies that helped sustain the nation in its economic growth. This was more evident when he led a series of strategies that sustained the Naira and strengthened the economy of the country.

    In celebration of his meritorious career at the CBN, on Friday June 29, 2024, the trained lawyer was bestowed with an award by Forbes Best of Africa with the Best of Africa Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 in Diplomacy at Lisbon in Portugal.

    The well-attended award witnessed the presence of captains of industries and other top businessmen.

  • Why Pastor Odukoya keeps signature look

    Why Pastor Odukoya keeps signature look

    Oluwajimi Odukoya is the son of late Pastor Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya who took over the mantle of leadership of the Fountain of Life Church after the death of his father two years ago.

     PJ, as he is fondly called, used to be an actor whose passion for the art is second to none. He has featured in several films.

     Despite his active role in the acting world, he was doing the Lord’s work through evangelism with the youth demographic, so when his father died it didn’t take long for him to fit into the lacuna left by his late father. He fit into it with ease but also infused his own youthful experience and changed the pattern of service to a more engaging one based on humanity also philanthropy taking the church to a giving place, not the one that would always take.

    Read Also: Tears, tight security as Pastor Odukoya’s funeral rites begin

     His sermons were relatable and also touchy as he carried out philanthropic gestures during service where he would galvanise members to provide for the needs of a congregation in need. From his pocket, he has put smiles on people’s faces which has made him gather the love of many within the congregation.

     When he was announced as the lead pastor of the church last year, he came under sheer criticism for his lifestyle which includes his tattoos, wearing of earrings, having long beards and also having long dreadlocks.

     Unbothered about the hues and cries on social media, Odukoya said anything he is doing is scripturally backed and he has not done anything outside his faith. He also told those who care to listen that he is not a hypocrite and God has called him and no matter his physical appearance, God watches his heart and sees that he has a pure heart.

  • KWAM 1 throws jab at Titi Marshal

    KWAM 1 throws jab at Titi Marshal

    For the self-acclaimed King of Fuji Music, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, music is a tool for him to express himself, hence, his music reflects his emotional side and also mirrors the society.

     The Fuji musician is a very controversial person and his bag of controversy never runs dry.

     As much as he tries to stay away from controversy, he is always enmeshed in one or the other. He has become a trending topic in the media in recent times, most especially for his love for stunning women.

     At 66, he is a man who loves to live life to the fullest regardless of what anyone says.

     Bobo, as he is fondly called by some of his close friends, loves his wine vintage and loves his women light-skinned and flashy. He is a man of high taste and loves luxury in its totality.

     Weeks ago, his ex-wife, Titi Marshal was spotted at a public event when a musician was seen singing her praise and linking her to KWAM 1.

    Read Also: Aseyin wades into KWAM 1, former drummer’s feud

     In the video, Titi was seen spraying the artist some cash while the artist tagged her K1’s wife and in quick succession with a smile on her face and a hand gesture, she vehemently opposed it and corrected the artist with a wave of hand that she was no longer K1’s wife.

     The video went viral and generated mixed reactions.

     While some said Titi remains K1’s wife because they had kids together, others said she only stated the obvious with KWAM 1 marrying another wife after their union hit the rocks.

     Not long after the video, Titi Marshal in response to the public outrage immediately posted on her social media page a video of her and a strange man all loved up displaying public affection. The video went viral as it was the first time Titi had unveiled another man since her union with KWAM 1 ended. The video went viral and some even asked why she was not bold enough to unveil her new heartthrob’s face.

  • Aisha Achimugu gives back

    Aisha Achimugu gives back

    Most wealthy people across the world have a fetish they love to spend their God-given wealth on. Some choose to invest it in business while others choose acquisition of luxurious cars, and highbrow homes among other fantasies.

    For Aisha Achimugu, rather than invest her wealth in frivolities, she opt to spend it to care for humanity leaving lasting legacies cresting her name in gold.

    Despite being a stylish and alluring businesswoman with hands in many pies of business, many who can’t stand the sight of her rising profile attribute her growing influence and wealth to the handwork of a man.

    Those close to the classy woman of substance informed that she didn’t attain her current status by fluke but by sheer dint of hard work riddled with years of sowing in tears. Those who see her reaping bountifully today think everything she owns came by luck, not knowing that she has remained resilient and focused.

    Read Also: Aisha Achimugu extends Ramadan relief to 500 Kogi indigenes

    Over the years, negative criticism has made her develop a thick skin and catalyse her to perform excellently well in her endeavours.

    The mother of three could pass, arguably, as Nigeria’s most charitable billionaire as her flame of philanthropy appears inextinguishable. She has been so unrelenting in her drive and determination to bring succour to the suffering masses without fear or favour across the nation for many years.

    Aisha recently displayed her fellow feeling when she doled out several millions of naira at an event organised by Global Initiative For Peace Love and Care for Julius Rone’s 50th birthday in Abuja.

  • Dauda Lawal taking giant strides

    Dauda Lawal taking giant strides

    Governor Dauda Dare Lawal is a man who does not care what anyone thinks about him; what he cares about is doing the right thing in line with his religious teachings and personal convictions.

     Embracing this theory has made him excel in all his endeavours as a private individual before venturing into politics.

    The seasoned investment banker and billionaire businessman is not in politics for any personal gain, in fact, politics has taken more from him and denied him access to things he loves. He is spending his funds to ensure the mineral-rich Zamfara State witnesses the transformation it has lacked for years under previous leadership.

    When he came into power, he had immense plans for the state, to move it from its current status to an enviable one with a robust plan and pragmatic actualisation. He highlighted his primary focus as security, education, agriculture, trade, mining, infrastructural development, vocational training and job creation and health.

    Lawal knew that to put the state back on track, it required to first put an end to unending banditry and insecurity in the state. He is aware that no investor or international donor would pick Zamfara as a preferred investment destination because lives and property are not secured. He inaugurated Zamfara Security Trust Fund chaired by former Inspector-General of Police MD Abubakar, and The Community Protection Guard security outfit which aims at ending insecurity through flushing state of actors fueling insecurity and banditry.

    To achieve this, he read the riot act to emirs and district heads who aided banditry in their domains to desist or face a stiff sanction.

    Currently, the insecurity has been reduced to the barest minimum and the state is witnessing a turnaround in fortune. With just a year in office, Lawal has reconstructed schools, and roads like Freedom Square to Nasiha Chemist and from Freedom Square to the Government House to Lalan-Gada Biyu with street lights.

    Read Also: Timeline of Governor Dauda Lawal’s Efforts in Combating Banditry

    Lawal also empowered farmers with seedlings, fertilisers, andmechanised equipment, among others. He has begun the remodelling of the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and upgrading of primary healthcare centres. 

    The latest is the flag off of the building of Gusau International Airport with the Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, which will improve commercial and passenger activities in and out of the state. Passengers would no longer land in Sokoto or Katsina.

    While many criticised Lawal’s idea of an airport, he has disclosed that the airport would enhance trade, development and economic prosperity of the state and also unlock potential in other critical sectors.

  • Ben Ayade lying low

    Ben Ayade lying low

    Former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Professor Benedict Benguioshuye Ayade, is one of the brightest brains in the country.

    He has shown it as he excelled in the academics sector, rising to his peak as a professor, with a distinct career before venturing into the murky waters of politics. His first foray was a senator of Cross Rivers North before he was elected governor, serving two-term.

    As governor, he was controversial, especially for the christening of his budgets. If a soothsayer had told him that politics and its intricacies were not for the lily-livered and at some point it would soil one’s good name and possibly dent the image and perception, maybe Ayade would have remained in the academics and not ventured into politics.

    Little did he know that joining politics would reveal his weaknesses and make him vulnerable to the point that after his eight-year as governor; he is allegedly no longer as popular to as he used to be to his people.

    The once-revered leader and senator of the state did not fare in the last election. has recently fallen off in the sight of his people.

    Read Also: Let’s garland Ben Ayade, by Femi Adesina

    To show their displeasure, they massively voted him out when he wanted to contest to move back to the Senate which is a clear indication that he has been rejected by his people.

    Close sources alleged that Ayade no longer goes to his local government or his hometown because the constituents feel aggrieved that his reign didn’t attract development to his hometown.

    Some alleged the Obudu Cattle Ranch was a tourist attraction that generated revenue for the people of Obudu yet the governor left it to rot away. It was also alleged that some others feel aggrieved that his performance as governor was abysmal and that he ran the state to a state of comatose; more reason he was denied the opportunity to represent them at the senate which ruined his chances of becoming the senate president.

    However, sources said in a bid to stay afloat politically, after almost a year of staying out of the cynosure of all eyes, the ex-governor has been holding reconciliation meetings with stakeholders. He was seen at the Ramadan party of Senator Bashir Lado last week, with other top politicians. We also gathered that the relationship between him and his successor is not that smooth as His successor is facing lots of pressure to fix all the rot he met on the ground.

  • Between Shettima and Tony Elumelu

    Between Shettima and Tony Elumelu

    In the history of Nigeria’s banking trajectory, the name Tony Onyemachi Elumelu will continue to resonate for his giant strides in building a formidable banking powerhouse that is wrestling and taking over the rest of Africa and the world, with tentacles spread over 24 countries.

    Elumelu is not just an entrepreneur, he is interested in investing in the next generation. He has given a lifeline of opportunities he never had to African youths to enable them to thrive excellently in their chosen field, using The Tony Elumelu Foundation as  thplatform.

    As a philanthropic capacity, he has raised giants, empowering 20,000 young entrepreneurs across Africa with $5,000 non-refundable startup funds for economic stability.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Tony Elumelu at 61

    While mentoring and nurturing the future generations of African leaders, Elumelu ensured the concept of ‘Africapitalism’ is instilled in them.

    Recently, the Heirs Holdings Annual Group Directors Summit Dinner was held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and Vice President Kashim Shettima was a guest speaker.

    Shettima didn’t fail to hold Elumelu spellbound with his oratory prowess, describing him and his wife as a progressive duo who are children of the world. Shettima dug deep, recounting redolent memories of the past and the genesis of his friendship. He reminded Elumelus of how he attended his wedding over three decades ago.

    Addressing Elumelu as his mentor in the banking sector, Shettimma noted his giant strides in believing in the Nigerian dream through growth and massive investment in the critical economic sectors also through Government and Private partnerships.