The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Young Executive Forum celebrates Ayodele Ogunsan at 47

    Young Executive Forum celebrates Ayodele Ogunsan at 47

    In a world where inspiration often arises from the most unexpected corners, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan stands as a testament to the extraordinary heights that determination, hard work, and unwavering commitment can achieve.

    The Young Executives Forum is thrilled to join hands in celebrating the remarkable life and boundless achievements of Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan as he marks another year of a journey that has inspired countless individuals.

    Dr. Ogunsan’s journey started in the heart of modest beginnings, in 1976. Faced with challenging circumstances, he demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit from an early age. Organizing tutorials to generate income and support his education, he set in motion a trajectory that would later see him rise to astounding heights.

    His entry into the world of sales and marketing was marked by a swift ascent.

    Dr. Ogunsan’s journey led him to become a regional sales manager for Peugeot Nigeria, where his expertise and dedication played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the company’s sales performance. His remarkable journey continued as he assumed the prestigious position of National Sales Consultant of Peugeot Automobile, Nigeria.

    In 2005, Dr. Ogunsan ventured into entrepreneurship with the establishment of Executive Motors, a thriving automobile sales and services company. His vision knew no bounds as he diversified into education consultancy and travel agency services. The conglomerate he founded, the Executive Group, has since thrived and made a significant impact across multiple sectors.

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    Dr. Ogunsan’s influence extends far beyond the corporate world. His membership in esteemed organizations such as the Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IoD) and active engagement with international associations have fostered collaboration and partnership, not only between Nigeria and other nations but also across industries and communities.

    As a security expert, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan has contributed his expertise to enhance security initiatives in Nigeria, serving on the board of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). His commitment to creating a safer environment for all reflects his dedication to social responsibility.

    Philanthropy lies at the core of his values. Through his Foundation, he has provided scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and emerged as a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment, actively speaking out against gender inequality.

    In addition to his remarkable achievements, Dr. Ogunsan’s strong faith is a guiding light in his life. He has consistently exemplified the values of faith, compassion, and service, inspiring those around him to do the same.

    Furthermore, Dr. Ogunsan has initiated an annual gospel hymns and songs concert on his birthday, a unique celebration that brings together spiritual, business, political, and security leaders. This year marked the third edition of the concert, where attendees experienced not only uplifting music and hymns but also spiritual growth, networking, and inspiration.

    Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan’s journey is more than just a story of personal success; it’s a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders everywhere. His life showcases the immense potential within every individual to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

    The Young Executives Forum is honoured to celebrate Dr. Ayo Ogunsan and is proud to have him as a source of inspiration and a mentor. As he marks another year, we extend our heartfelt wishes to him and look forward to witnessing his continued contributions to business, education, security, and philanthropy in the years to come.

    Happy Birthday, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan! Your legacy shines brightly, and your impact is immeasurable.

  • Double celebration for Olusegun Awolowo

    Double celebration for Olusegun Awolowo

    Segun Awolowo Jnr. is one of the luckiest men on earth whose providence has been fair to all his life. Since he was born two months after his father’s shocking demise, it was evident that he was a man whose path in life was clear. But despite being the grandson of the late sage and former Premier of the Western Region; Pa. Obafemi Awolowo, he chose not to live on the name of his grandfather rather he has carved a niche for himself in life through hard work and resilience on his way to the top. Today, he is celebrated not only as a seasoned lawyer, and technocrat, but also as a skilled negotiator with his current role as President of the  National Trade Promotion Organisation from ECOWAS countries.

    Over the years, he has distinguished himself as a brilliant man working for former President Olusegun Obasanjo before cutting his teeth in the public sector having held various positions to date. If there is one thing the law graduate from the Olabisi Onabanjo University formerly (Ogun State University) is thankful for is the ability to celebrate his 60th birthday on Mother Earth in good health and wealth.

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    The politician and socialite, who turned 60, on September 27, was celebrated by friends and associates. They took to the media to celebrate him for being a trusted friend and a selfless person. Despite having a modest celebration with his close friends and family he disclosed he would be publishing a memoir, a compendium that will consist of ‘Stories from the Heart’, which is almost ready for release for public consumption.

    Last week Saturday, the Secretary of the National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gave his daughter’s hand in marriage at Habour Point on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island.

    The wedding, between his daughter, Oluwayimika Awolowo and Dotun Oluwadipe, was attended by the high and mighty. It was an avenue for his friends and other guests to celebrate his 60th birthday — a 2-in-1 celebration.

    As much as the father of three didn’t want to steal the show so his daughter can enjoy her big day, many people still wished him a happy birthday and used the opportunity to praise him for being a fantastic person.

  • Hafsat Lamido Sanusi finds love again

    Hafsat Lamido Sanusi finds love again

    Fulani Hafsat Siddika Lamido Sanusi, a lawyer, has remained a beautiful and calm lady; she is every man’s dream wife because of her aura, elegance and brilliance. While she was still a spinster, within the Abuja, Kano and London metropolis, she remained a goldfish that had no hiding place as men struggled to catch her attention not because she is the daughter of the former Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, but because she had qualities of a well-trained woman in-line with the teachings of the Quran.

    The law graduate was said to be the apple of her father when she got married on December 20, 2016, to her former husband Abubakar Umaru Kurfi in Kano at a ceremony that had many movers and shakers of Nigeria in attendance. The seven-day event included Kamu (Kamun Amariya) – catch the bride at the emir’s house; Kunshi, a henna party; bridal shower, dinner, horse ride from Kano to Katsina and Walimat Nikkai.

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    Years after, the union produced a baby girl but things got out of hand as the duo fell apart and went their separate ways. Since then, Fulani Hafsat has channelled her energy into taking care of her daughter and also returning to bag a Master’s Degree in Law from the Soas University in London. She lived happily and got behind her failed marriage with her family and friends who stood behind her and helped her regain confidence. After years of being separated from her ex-husband, Hafsat has given love a chance again with the announcement of her wedding with Peace Ambassador Othman Sani El-Kudan. It will take place on Friday at the Emir of Zazzau’s Palace in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    It was gathered that the groom, Othman was previously married to Kannywood Actress Rahman Hassan. .

    The low-key wedding will see the joining of Hafsat and Othman, who was a former political adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan and also a People’s Democratic Party chieftain with friends, family, royalty and respected clergymen in attendance.

    Former Vice President Nnamadi Sambo will stand as the father of the groom while the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bammali, will stand as the father of the bride.

  • Another laurel for Fifi Ejindu

    Another laurel for Fifi Ejindu

    Just like Aglaia, the Ancient Greek Goddess of beauty, splendour and adornment, Princess Fifi Ejindu is, indeed, an epitome of the aforementioned. Her grace and positive energy radiate like the ray of the sun. She is a woman of high taste; this is evident in the medieval, renaissance and modern architectural designs she has done over the years.

    She is never caught with her guard down as she is always fitted in expensive designer outfits anytime she steps out to attend an A-list function. Her style and fashion sense always stands out. She is the cynosure of all eyes at any event, and she causes stirs whenever she steps out with the paparazzi stiving to catch a glimpse of her outfit and fashion statement.

     The Cross-River State-born architect and businesswoman is in a league of her own. She has her hands in many pies in and outside the country. This has made her stay afloat with growing influence and affluence; living and thriving excellently well in a male-dominated world.

    The achiever has transformed to an enviable status with accomplishments which have earned her many laurels and awards in and out of the country.

    To date, she has remained a formidable force in Nigeria’s business sector as her entrepreneurial exploits qualify her as one of the most audacious women Nigeria can be proud of. She graduated top of her class and was the only black African woman to be awarded a Bachelor in Architecture from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York; United States of America.

    We gathered that the beautiful woman, again, was rewarded for her ingenuity with an award as an Iconic Female Entrepreneur of the Year.

    The award was organised by the founder of Democracy Heroes Award Africa 2023, after she was voted for in a keenly-contested open voting system with other industry heavyweights.

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    She gathered the highest votes and won in the category.

    It was further revealed that the award-giving ceremony would be held on Wednesday, October 18, at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, where she would be bestowed with the award by the organisers.

      The billionaire-investor has, over the years, silently doled out largess to the less-privileged and stretched her hand of generosity to those in need.

    For her love for Nigeria, the real estate mogul has facilitated and will also be hosting an Angolan Business and Investment delegation in Nigeria with other private business investors.

    This will seal transnational business and trade ties with Angola and also rejig the Nigerian-Angolan Trade relations.

    The Business forum will also allow the two countries to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on positive symbiotic relationship and also enhance free movement without restriction within the two countries.

  • Segun Dawodu surprised 

    Segun Dawodu surprised 

    Hon Olusegun Ganiyu Dawodu is a man blessed by his Creator. He climbed the ladder of success early in life. 

    He started as a legal expert before cutting his teeth in public service and politics. He was a member   of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet  from 1999-2003 as Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Social Development where he performed well, ensuring the development and peaceful cohesion of youths. 

    After his tenure elapsed, he went into private practice as a lawyer and a solicitor. He has Law degree from University of Buckingham, England.

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    For his 60th birthday on September 20, Dawodu wanted to stay with his family to thank his Creator for his life, good health and wealth. Little did he know that his friends, mentees, political associates and family members had something else in store for him.

    They planned a surprise birthday dinner for him at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos on Friday, September 22. He was invited for a meeting but met many of his people who sang birthday songs for him and extolled his virtues and affable nature. His successor as Commissioner for Youths, Ogunlende Mobolaji made positive remarks about Dawodu.

  • Siju Iluyomade celebrates mum at 90 

    Siju Iluyomade celebrates mum at 90 

    Women advocate, pastor and lawyer Dr. Siju Iluyomade, convener of Arise Women, drew the high and mighty in Nigeria and beyond to celebrate her mother, Mrs. Henrietta Bamidele Adejumo.

    On October 2, she will celebrate her mum who will turn 90 with pomp.

    According to sources, the celebrant has been a source of inspiration to many as she was said to be a prayerful and kind woman who does not joke with people around her.

    The British- trained health expert, Mrs Adejumo provided healthcare centres and exceptional services in factories during her active days. 

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    Siju has sent invites to family members, friends, clergymen, business and government officials, it was learnt.

    The reception to be held at Eko Hotel will be preceded by a church service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.

    Mrs.Adejumo’s love for creating accessible healthcare for the less privileged was passionate.

  • Akinwunmi Adesina’s bow tie hero

    Akinwunmi Adesina’s bow tie hero

    You may never see African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwunmi Adesina without his ubiquitous bow tie.

    He is synonymous with his dress code of well-tailored suit with the bow tie – in different colours and shades.

    But many did not know how he developed his dress sense.

    The handsome public servant, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, brought that cat out of the bag at a recent public event where he was a keynote speaker.

    The smooth-talking Ijebu-Ode-born but Ibadan brought up international banker told his high-profile audience via a video message that Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi is his bow tie hero.

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    Prof. Akinyemi, an international affairs scholar and one-time minister of External Affairs, popularised the bow tie during his days as head of the country’s relations with the world.

    Till date, Prof. Akinyemi, who is now an octogenarian, remains consistent with his bow tie.

    Other prominent Nigerians who spot the bow tie include Alhaji Femi Okunu, an eminent Lagosian and a lawyer, who was Minister of Works then called Federal Commissioner for Works.

    There is also one of the most influential Nigerians, who made the cut as one of the 100 prominent people in the world, according to Time Magazine, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.

    Pastor Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), does not wear the regular tie.

    His own style is to wear the tie with his trademark short-sleeve suit.

  • Lamido Sanusi’s love for education 

    Lamido Sanusi’s love for education 

    Royalty is indeed sweet, the respect, allure and opulence that come with it soothe the heart, but royalty is innate.

    Former Governor of Kano State Dr. Abdulahai Ganduje might have relieved Lamido Sanusi Lamido of his Emirship but blue blood flows  in his veins.

    Sanusi still commands much respect. His influence, despite not being the emir of ancient Kano Emirate, keeps growing like a wildfire.

    To some, his dethronement was politically motivated while some are indifferent. But, in all, he was a crusader for good governance and also spoke against the ills militating against the attainment of a just society.

    When he was dethroned in March 2020, it didn’t come as a shock to many as he had been facing battles with the governor of the state. The story went round the nooks and crannies of the state and beyond when he was asked to leave the state to allow the enthronement of a new emir.

    The former Governor of Central Bank was unperturbed and unruffled as he calmed his supporters. He told them to desist from any form of violence and shun destruction, and pleaded with them to accept it as a wish from the almighty. He left immediately and relocated to Nasarawa State.

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    Years after his dethronement, his popularity has transcended the shores of Nigeria and more Nigerians are according him respect like the Emir. Any functions he graces, his entrance is always grande with a display of royal opulence.

    The royalty in him shows at every point. His royal entourage and presence hardly go unnoticed. Since his removal, he has been having good outings. Apart from being involved in the political stability of Nigeria and Africa; there is one thing he loves so much — education. He has openly advocated for it. He is of the opinion that education is the bedrock of development in any country that’s why he has criticised the government on the need to educate children in Northern Nigeria. Aside that, he made his family an example with the mandate that all of them must get a university degree and also must pass in flying colours.

    Almost all of his children have graduated with a minimum of Master’s degree in their various fields.

    Challenging his children, he said  education was a continuous process. He has also enrolled for a PhD in Economics at a University in the United Kingdom.

    Sources say he is using his part-time teaching job to earn a doctorate. He has always been a teacher so bagging a PhD is a motivation for his children and it will also see him share his repertoire of knowledge in his chosen field.

  • Julius Rone bags award

    Julius Rone bags award

    Group Managing Director of UTM FLNG Julius Rone is the darling of many leaders and top executives across the globe with his flair for business, especially his investment in the three arms of oil and gas sector — upper, mid and lower streams — have endeared him to  many decision-makers in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

    Those in the know disclosed that the Delta State-born Rone who is fondly called ‘King of Gas’ is an asset to Nigeria.

    Apart from his smart business acumen, he is regarded as one of the most brilliant in the sector. Therefore, his association with those who matter around the world should not be a surprise to anyone. The ebullient and witty businessman will catch your attention anytime he speaks. His attention to detail and nature of getting things done stand him out.

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    A few weeks back, the billionaire businessman was among other notable and influential Nigeria business magnates who received a presidential invitation. They were invited by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to New Delhi, India for India-Nigeria Business Roundtable.

    The event was organised by the Nigerian High Commission in India in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Nigeria-India Business Council (NIBC).

    He is among top Nigerian businessmen currently attending the 78th United Nations General Assembly this week.

    Last Sunday, he was honoured by Business Day as he won The Next Bulls Awards 2023 in recognition of his market leadership and pacesetting innovation in the oil and gas sector and also for his ingenuity.

  • Sam Larry stirs the hornet’s nest

    Sam Larry stirs the hornet’s nest

    Enmeshed in lots of controversy lately over the death of singer Mohbad, Lagos socialite and show promoter Erinfolami Balogun-Eletu known by the sobriquet Sam Larry ‘King of Settlement’ has, indeed, bitten more than he can chew.

     Today, he is running from pillar to post as many said he has fled Nigeria to a neighbouring African country in search of protection.

    Sam Larry shot into stardom when he started off at Elegushi Beach as a tax collector for beachgoers, fun lovers and club patrons. It was from these activities that he cut his teeth in the music promotion business and also had close contact with many artistes.

    He wields lots of power as he is known to be highly wired among the police force, using them to his advantage. He further went global when popular music star Naira Marley mentioned his name in one of his hit tracks.

     Since then, he has been basking in the limelight, living a larger-than-life life, rolling with the big boys. He is known for resolving issues, and meddling in matters that do not concern him.

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    Currently, he seems to have stirred the hornet’s nest as he was allegedly fingered as the leading cause of the demise of 27-year-old artiste Mohbad when several videos surfaced where he was said to have been intimidating the deceased.

     While denying the claim with a video, stating that he had love for the deceased, many are not convinced owing to the fact that the videos circulating with damning facts say otherwise.

     As many have disassociated themselves from him, he seems to have been left in the cold as those in the corridors of power, who he was banking on have left him to his fate. Many have called on the police to arrest, question and investigate him for the role he played in the alleged assault which might have led to the death of Mohbad.

     The once-celebrated socialite has disabled his social media handles to avert backlash from the masses.

    Sources say many are excited that he has met his waterloo with his current predicament as he had been warned in the past to stay off issues that would slide him into trouble but he turned deaf ears.