The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Dolapo Badmos in happy mood

    Dolapo Badmos in happy mood

    Years ago, ACP Dolapo Badmos held sway while she was named the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), where she served in the office for a few months before she was elevated to zone 2 command covering Lagos and Ogun states as Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO).

    While in office, she was admired by many as she did her job with much finesse. She made the headlines several times as some faulted her while some praised her but she has remained unperturbed doing her job diligently.

    At a point in her career, she was summoned by the Police authority over an alleged case of brutality. This made her recoil back into her cocoon as her detractors disclosed that she was demoted but on the contrary, she was allegedly reprimanded and redeployed to another assignment space where she kept mute for years.

    Dolapo, who is a known fashion buff and socialite, retraced her steps and went off the public cynosure.

    Read Also: Men used to miss their steps looking at me during parade –Zone Two Police PRO Dolapo Badmos

    After several years of being due for promotion in the police force, last week, the Police Service Commission officially promoted her from her former rank as a CSP administration Provost Marshal Force Headquarters to the Commissioner cader as an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

    In a joyful mood, she took to her social media handle to celebrate the development as she noted that her new level was uploaded.

    Sources say her friends and associates are planning to host her at an event to celebrate the milestone because it should have happened a long time ago but it is better late than never for the light-skinned former DPO Isokoko Agege Police Station.

  • Emeka Offor dazzles

    Emeka Offor dazzles

    For Chief Emeka Offor, it takes more than wealth to survive for years in Nigeria’s business terrain.

    It takes strong will, resilience, doggedness and calculated moves to remain outstanding and also to ensure wealth is sustained. For him to have remained on top of his game still shining bright despite the hard times showed he is indeed a fighter.

    The Chairman of Chrome Group, an oil and gas conglomerate, has indeed maintained a very cordial relationship by building bridges in and out of Nigeria which has been a huge factor that helped him stay afloat.

    His flare for cheerful giving and philanthropy, through scholarships, health care, capacity building, building infrastructure in his community and also empowering women made him found the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation which has continued to touch the lives of many investing millions of dollars in charitable projects.

    With his investment in business success and his trajectory as a successful businessman he was elected the President of the Nigerian India Business Council NIBC under his watch, NIBC has driven economic diplomacy and strengthened trade ties with India.

    Read Also: Emeka Offor Foundation donates 3000 bags of rice to flood victims in Kebbi

    At the just-concluded Nigeria India Business Council meeting last week at the Transcrop Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Offor displayed his oratory prowess as he stated how his administration has strengthened trade ties with India and also called for more investment to the tune of over $11.8 billion.

    Offor also disclosed that he is not relenting until he sees more Indian companies relocate to Nigeria to create more industry which will further create jobs and also turn Nigeria into a producing nation to save forex scarcity.

    Mr. Gangadharan Balasubramanian, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria disclosed at the 75th Republic Day celebrations on Friday night that India will inject a $7 billion investment deal in Nigeria.

  • Bamanga Jada’s giant strides

    Bamanga Jada’s giant strides

    Bamanga Usman Jada is ahead of his peers, no doubt. When many of his age grade were busy investing their time on frivolities and depending on the deep pocket of their fathers, he set out his sojourn to prosperity which providence granted him through sheer dint of hard work.

    The Jada Adamawa State-born economist has his life stayed glued to excellence, more reason he was able to rise early in his career maintaining an enviable height.

    His exposure, highly cerebral nature and ability to create fortune out of every misfortune have been a strong point for him as he has reaped the fruit of his labour with his appointment as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Trade zone area.

    Starting as a banker with EcoBank, Usman displayed his magic wand which made him rise through the ranks putting his skill in corporate financial management skills into full display which caught the attention of his bosses.

    After his short stay in the banking sector, he moved to the Energy Commission of Nigeria where he served in the Finance and Projects Departments respectively from 2010 to last year. As a result of his dedication to service, meticulous nature, problem-solving ability and versatility, he was sought after to take on another role as the Personal Assistant to the Director-General/CEO of the Commission.

    He has also served as Personal Assistant to the Chairman, Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO); roles that further equipped him with hands-on administrative know-how and leadership experience.

    When he was appointed in October 2023 as MD, CEO of Oil and Gas Free Zone Area, those close to him never doubted his prowess as they said he is a round peg in a round hole.

    Those who should know also noted that he will bring his passion and dedication to ensure a more robust level playing ground for the export of Oil and Gas in other to generate huge funds as an economist and also ensure the ease of sound business to drive more foreign direct investment into the country and also attract more forex through sales of Oil and Gas product.

    He has also vowed to ensure efficiency and trust, infrastructure excellence, regulatory, and modernization, local content empowerment, sustainability & resilience, investor focus, welfare: and prioritising the welfare of all staff.

    Read Also: Tinubu eulogises Bamanga Tukur at 85

    Within a short while he has not reneged on his promise as he is actualizing his dream to remodel the Oil and Gas Free Zone Area.
    In a quest to strengthen the agency to meet its true potential, Last weekend in Lagos, Jada and his team converged with critical stakeholders and investors, at the Special Economic Zones annual meeting on the 24th of January with the theme: Unlocking Opportunities: Harnessing the power of Nigeria’s Special economic Zones.

    The 2-day event is aimed at highlighting the importance of economic zones to the prosperity of Nigeria and how more investors can take advantage of lesser tariffs and charges the Government is offering investors.

    The event was also a strong indicator that Ajasa is committed to hitting his agenda to position Nigeria as an investment hub.

  • Fubara’s love for peace

    Fubara’s love for peace

    If humility and gentlemanliness were an art, the Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, would have a mastery of it.

    All his life, he is known to always ignore many things even in the face of provocation. Those close to him said it is one gift that they are happy he has as he always has a forgiving spirit regardless of the wrongdoing anyone does to him.

    At the state Civil Service, he rose through the ranks meritoriously, as permanent secretary, director of Finance and Accounts at the state Government House in 2015 before he was appointed as the Accountant-General. Those who worked with him averred that he is a man who is at peace with himself, so when things happen he just follows the teaching of the holy Bible which says forgive and forget.

    As governor, despite many taking his gentility for cowardice, Fubara has stayed underground, not wagging his venomous fangs.

    Many have condemned him after his fallout with his political benefactor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
    Nyesom Wike, the Amaopu-Senibo of Opobo Kingdom has maintained a filial relationship with his boss and has warned many not to meddle in their issues because it’s a father and son matter that will be resolved at the right time.

    Despite the political tides in Rivers swinging heavily, he has remained peaceful, most especially after President Bola Tinubu waded into the issues and told all sundry to cease fire to ensure peace and stability in the state. He has since honoured the agreement and is doing all things possible to ensure that love and peace reign regardless of the political turbulence caused by party affiliation and structure.

    While many see his silence as cowardice, Fubara sees it as the price to pay for peace, which is not too costly and he is willing to go the extra mile just to protect and ensure the state is not thrown into political pandemonium.

    While celebrating his victory at the Supreme Court, he told his supporters to ensure that they remain calm while thanking him the FCT minister and president Tinubu for their fatherly role.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis draining me, family, says Gov Fubara

    While many political pundits in the state disclosed that Sim is walking on a thin line of rope that might cut soon with the way things are panning out after the House of Assembly stripped him of the power to appoint caretaker chairmen, Governor Sim has called for calm that the Executive and the legislative arm of Rivers state are brother and partners for development and any issues between them will be resolved amicably.

    In celebration of his 49th birthday anniversary, on Sunday January 28, while attending the Holy Ghost Rally organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Igwurutali in Ikwerre local government area, Sir Sim thanked his creator for making him stand firm, in good health and also prayed for continued peace in the state as he also told his supporters to be prayerful as he has vowed to continue to thank his creator for all the good works he has done and yet to do.

    He also proceeded to Opobo, his hometown, where he was celebrated to the high heavens with a double celebration of his victory at the Supreme Court and his birthday celebration.

  • Temitope Adebutu quits

    Temitope Adebutu quits

    Temitope Adebutu is indeed blessed to have been born with a silver spoon.

     She was born into wealth and  opulence as her father never spared any cost in ensuring she enjoyed the goodies of life with an expensive education and choices of travel destinations.

     As a lawyer, she knows her onions, which is marked with a career as a magistrate in Ogun State.

     While growing up, her dad’s deep pocket was more than enough to get her going as she never lacked at any point.  She further came into the limelight years ago when she tied the nuptial knot with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s son, Jonwo.

     However, the marriage didn’t stand the test of time and since the  breakup, Temitope has recoiled into her shell by facing her career as a lawyer with much gusto.

     Just as the dust of her divorce was clearing, she lost her mother Madam Rosemary Dacosta Adebutu to the cold hands of death. This, we gathered, shook her to the root as her mother was one of her strong pillars in life.

    Read Also: Fire guts two-storey building in Anambra

     However, she seem not be enjoying her role as a magistrate in the Ogun State Ministry of Justice.

     It was alleged that she had lamented her posting to remote areas and seeming deliberate delay of her promotion which was due years ago.

    It was also alleged that she’s facing hurdles in the ministry because of her older brother, who is bent on taking over the reins of power from Governor Dapo Abiodun.

     She allegedly complained to those who should know about her  deployment, delay in promotion and payment of her statutory entitlements.

     According to sources, it was also alleged that after much consultation with people on a way to resolve the issue which proved abortive, she finally resigned from her appointment with the ministry.

  • Who is afraid of Ifeanyi Ubah?

    Who is afraid of Ifeanyi Ubah?

    Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah has indeed paid his dues in the political space. Many still wonder how he was able to break the Chris and Andy Uba’s political dynasty which reigned supreme in Anambra South Senatorial district for years.

    While some averred that working well for his people earned him such goodwill, his deep pocket has been felt across board as his developmental strides even before holding an elective position were more than that of those elected before him.

     He is a grassroots politician who knows where the shoe pinches and his constituents, in turn, continue to show him love and support.

     Today in Anambra state, Ubah has recorded his name on the political sand of time. Despite trying to govern Anambra State for years without success, Ubah, through his platform as a senator, has remained a formidable political force in the state that is shaking it to its very foundation.

    As Senator representing Anambra South, he prioritised road rehabilitation, health care provision, security, empowerment of youths and women, educational scholarship and others amenities that has made his people express their vote of confidence in him.

    Despite the good works, there was an attempt on his life years ago, which saw many of his aides killed. This further drew public sympathy and increased his support base.

     In fact, attempts to ensure he backs down on his massive investment in security and end the Monday sit-at-home order in Anambra, has continued to make Ubah wax stronger and achieve what many cannot achieve. Recently, he installed surveillance cameras around Nnewi and other parts to further checkmate  insecurity.

     He further made a loud statement when he announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Young Progressives Party YPP.

    Read Also: Soludo reconciles with Obi of Onitsha, reinstates suspended monarch

    Ubah’s defection, it was alleged, became worrisome for some political heavyweights in Anambra state, most especially Governor Chukwuma Soluda, who is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA.

     A source claimed that Ubah’s defection opens his chances to clinch the APC ticket to contest as Governor of the state which is looking to end the reign of APGA in the state cutting short Soludo’s re-election plan.

     This, sources alleged, has been causing lots of issues in the state which has led to a seeming cold war between the two politicians.

     Recently, Governor Soludo through Tony Collins-Nawbunwanne, his Commissioner of Local government, Chieftaincy and community affairs, suspended Igwe Damian Ezeani of Neni in Anaocha Local Government for conferring a traditional title on Senator Ubah as the Igwe didn’t seek clearance from the ministry before issuing such traditional title. This development has also caused Igwe Ebelendu of Aguluezechukwu in Aguata Local Government Area and Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu of Ojoto in the Idemili South Local Government Area to withdraw the traditional title they conferred on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

     In a response to the issue on a radio program, Senator Ubah faulted Soludo’s suspension of the Igwe claiming that the suspension was issued in a bid to spite him as a political rival. He also averred that his contribution to his community as a sitting senator is more than enough reason for him to be given such a title.

  • Adenuga-Disu’s managerial acumen

    Adenuga-Disu’s managerial acumen

    Belida Adenuga-Disu is an answered prayer for Otunba Mike Adenuga Jr.

     Many will ask why so? Every parent’s dream is to have a child that will key into their dreams and uphold their legacies.

     Belinda, who is populaly known as Bella, is living in a man’s world and excelling with positive results to show for it. Her father can confidently go to sleep knowing he has a daughter who will manage the affairs of his company to high-flying feats without blinking an eye.

     She is, indeed, a daughter in a million and has remained proud of her father who has confidence in her recommendations and also her highly cerebral nature.

    Apart from that, Bela is a team player who believes to achieve greatness, you need to be able to manage everyone regardless of their class strata. She has a mastery of that, hence, she has been able to sustain her father’s legacy to a high standard.

     As Executive Vice chairman of Globacom Communications, Bela has infused some resounding game-changing ideas that have placed the network provider company on a strong pedestal.

     Despite the little issues hovering around the telecommunication business, her negotiating skills and her ability to see above the lines have ensured speedy attention which has taken the Globacom to an enviable height in business.

    Read Also: Fire guts two-storey building in Anambra

    The telecoms giant, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, celebrated Glo Twenty and Unlimited: Mother of All Groove Celebration at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on January 20, and the company rewarded ingenuity and appreciated those who have been part of the growth of the company since inception.

     There were music, comedy, dance, food, fashion, and awards all rolled into one.

    At the event, Glo doled out largesse to some models who contested for the Mr. and Miss Glo pageant, and singing contest.

    Also, artistes such as Chike, Wande Coal and Kizz Daniel entertained the audience.

     Bellida, at the event, decked in her green flowing gown with a ravishing aura made sure everyone who attended had the very best and spoke glowingly of everyone who had contributed one way or the other to the growth of Globacom.

  • Onigbanjo unveils plans for awards

    Onigbanjo unveils plans for awards

    The city of London in the United Kingdom is set to come alive from May 10 to May 11, 2024  when high-profile women, top female CEOs, high-ranking female politicians and entrepreneurs wll storm the Natwest Bank head office for Women4Africa Awards.

    Tagged one of the biggest global women’s events, the Women4Africa Awards ceremony is recognised for promoting women’s empowerment and advancement in a male-dominated world.

    Over the last 10 years, organisers of the Women4Africa Awards, Sam and Tola Onigbanjo, have shown commitment to women’s empowerment via initiatives, including the empowerment of women through talk shows and seminars.

    Read Also: Soludo reconciles with Obi of Onitsha, reinstates suspended monarch

    Sam and Tola Onigbanjo have concluded plans to host many women for two days of empowerment and celebration.

    The first day of the award would feature  international speakers who will share their revolutionary insights in key economic areas like technology, real estate, capital markets, leadership, education, philanthropy and motherhood.

     The summit cum awards, according to the organisers, is more than just talks but networking opportunity and a huge platform for groundbreaking global partnerships.

  •  ‘How Buhari related with the media’

     ‘How Buhari related with the media’

    In Femi Adesina’s Working with Buhari. Reflections of a Special Adviser Media and Publicity (2015 to 2023), Chapter Eight of the 30-chapter book is dedicated to the relationship between the media and President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year administration. 

    Entitled: You always defend them, because you are one of them, the chapter dwells on the fears of media if Buhari will relate with the media same way he did as a military Head of State, particularly the Decree Four.

    The author recalls that when Muhammadu Buhari returned as an elected president 30 years later, the spectre of Decree Four still loomed large around him. He states: “Would he come again, and abuse the freedom of Press? As a military head of state, Buhari had in one interview with the National Concord then missed no words that he was going to tamper with the unfiltered freedom the press enjoyed. And he did. Will lightning, then, strike twice?

    “In the build up to the 2015 presidential election, the candidate had promised that since he was now a democrat, the media would be free within the bounds of the law, and professional ethics under him. He kept that promise to the letter, for the eight years that the administration lasted. But the scars of the past remained indelible. The president only dinned with the media with a long spoon. It is significant that on his very first day in the Presidential Villa, we asked him to visit the Press Gallery, and interact with journalists. He did. It foretold a promising relationship.

    “Buhari was the first President to appoint two senior journalists to run his media department. I was Special Adviser, and head of the team, while my old friend and colleague, Garba Shehu was designated Senior Special Assistant. I had followed and supported Buhari since 2003.

    Read Also: Soludo reconciles with Obi of Onitsha, reinstates suspended monarch

    Shehu was an aide to Atiku Abubakar, the then VP. Both men ran for the ticket of the APC in 2014, and Buhair won. All the aspirants then agreed to collapse their structures into one, to support Buhari. That was how Shehu ran the media machine through the campaign, and into victory. I must say he did an impressive job.

    “The new president came with that two-man structure, which I considered quite fair. He is a man who never forgets any good turn, I do not envisage any problem. The two of us had been friends, and we had similar career trajectory. Shehu was Editor of Triumph Newspapers. I was Editor of National Concord, and later, Daily Sun. He was President-in-chief, I also held the same position.”

    Adesina also recalls how he encouraged the president to have some media engagements, but the president responded thus: “You know your profession. How troublesome they are. They will not stop harassing me. I parted ways with them long ago, but you are always supporting them, because you are one of them.”

    But, the chapter also provides some details on the withdrawal of two Punch correspondents from the Presidential Villa over perceived mischievous stories. 

  • Agency to unveil top trends in marketing communications

    Agency to unveil top trends in marketing communications

    MediaReach OMD is collaborating with Lagos Business School (LBS) and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) are holding an webinar on marketing communications tomorrow.

     It is themed the “Top Trends in 2024: Media, Consumer & Markets.”

    The event will feature distinguished panelists. They include Uchenna Uzo, Professor of Marketing, Lagos Business School; Idy Enang, NIMN President; Opeyemi Filani, General Manager, Showmax; Ronan Redmond, Director and Chief Revenue Officer, VC Communication; and Titilope Akanmu, a consumer insights professional.

     Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, the Director-General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), will deliver the keynote address.

    Read Also: Fire guts two-storey building in Anambra

    Managing Director, mediaReach OMD, Mr Stephen Oluwatoyin Onaivi, said the panelists would delve into pivotal issues across diverse business verticals and discuss how organisations can innovatively harness their resources to boost productivity.

    “The panelists will dissect changes in consumer habits, newly emerging market segments, budgeting strategies, marketing planning metrics, and the evolving media landscape,” he said.

    Uzo said: “Collaboration is the oil that powers the engine of growth in any market, and this collaboration between Lagos Business School, NIMN, and mediaReach OMD is a bold step in the right direction.’’