The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Emefiele left in the cold?

    Emefiele left in the cold?

    For the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, he is learning the hard way. He has come face to face with reality and the popular adage that says ‘when the tree is empty, the birds flee’.

    On Emefiele’s tree, the birds have all fled as his phones that used to ring every second have suddenly gone mute. Those who allegedly benefited from his largesse while he was in office all seem to have deserted him. Those he allegedly used his office to influence one juicy deal for in the past are nowhere to be found.

    His retinues of aides, lobbyists, friends, power brokers, and favour seekers are nowhere to be found. And he is experiencing loneliness, typical of a man who has been left to his own fate.

    In the past, Emefiele was always in the news for one thing or the other, captains of industries were lurking around him with security details attached to him but at the moment, in the Directorate of State Security (DSS) custody, he is alone with his thoughts.

    Read Also: Toyin Kolade buries elder brother

    Those close to him claimed that before now, he was a man who could make it rain in split seconds because of the access he had owing to his office. He was generous to his friends as he was ready to help.

    At the last presidential primary, where he allegedly tried to vie for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential party’s ticket, those who were in charge were said to have benefited massively from his milk of kindness but today the praise singers seem to have left him in the cold.

    As things stand, it is not yet Uhuru for him as those who he felt had his back have seeming gone into oblivion leaving him alone to carry his cross.

    Today, Emiefele has become powerless and helpless and only the court can decide his fate.

    Since his recent ordeal began, his abode has been disconcertingly quiet while friends and high society crowd that milled around him seeking one favour or the other are nowhere to be found.

    The last time he spoke publicly, it wasn’t to a patronising media crew or a band of fawning bank chiefs, rather it was to his team of lawyers led by Joseph Dauda.

    Dauda consoled him as he yielded to his emotions with a Bible in his hand to spark public sympathy and also broke down in court as his trial stalled due to the absence of one of his co-defendants in the new legal suit filed against him by the Federal Government.

  • Adebola Williams hosts ‘African power girls’

    Adebola Williams hosts ‘African power girls’

    Chairman of AW Networks and author of African Power Girls, Adebola Wiliams recently hosted Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ahunna Eziakonwa, Lagos Commissioner designate, Solape Hammond, President of Transcorp PLC, Owen Omogiafo, beauty entrepreneur and lawyer, Tara Fela-Durotoye, and other notable personalities to an African Power Girls event tagged ‘Power Table for Twelve Power Brunch.’

    The event was organised to bring together women of influence to discuss and chart a course for the advancement of women in all sectors and promote investment in girl’s empowerment and education.

    Eziakonwa, who was a special guest at the exclusive brunch, spoke about the importance of women in politics, and why representation matters from the boardroom to the parliament. She presented data evidence on how women’s inclusion at the highest levels of engagement accelerates growth in nations and encouraged everyone to do all they can to commit to empowering girls and women within their spheres of influence.

    Read Also: Babawande Afolabi’s grand entry 

    Williams averred that the media has a massive role to play in changing societal stereotypes and narratives, and showing young girls that they are capable and free to be the best version of themselves.

    Other notable personalities at the event were co-founder and partner at AACE Foods, Ndidi Nwuneli, actress and advocate Kate Henshaw, CNN Digital Chief for Africa Stephanie Busari, Executive Director of African Philanthropy Forum Mosun Layode, Director at Promasidor Debola Williams, Director of Sustainability, Nigerian Bottling Company, Soromidayo George, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility at Airtel, Chioma Okolie, and CEO of Roots2Market and Aspen Fellow Nwando Ajene.

  • Suleiman: the grassroots mobiliser

    Suleiman: the grassroots mobiliser

    Founder and National Coordinator of Tinubu Support Organisation, TSO, Aminu Suleiman, means different things to different people.

    To some, he is a man with a charming character, while some see him as a leader with an uncommon leadership quality and a detribalised Nigerian with a circle of friends across various tribes.

    Some also see him as an optimist and hardworking man who would move mountains with his sanguine view. To him, no mountain is high enough.

    The Jagaban Gwandu and Atona Awe of Akure Kingdom came into the political arena with a garland of experience in corporate and public service, coupled with years of political maturity that is second to none. His rare feats in private and public endeavour in the last three decades are seen as a formidable asset needed by any government that appreciates experience to drive its affairs to fruition and build a new and prosperous nation.

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    The businessman has occupied various roles as a reputable quantity surveyor, a seasoned administrator, a successful entrepreneur, core technocrat, oil and shipping magnate, grassroots politician,  skilled negotiator, dedicated democrat, man of honour and dignity, respected community leader and traditional title holder with vast reservoir of knowledge.

    But if you think the outspoken man loves to make a noise about this, then you got everything wrong. He loves and enjoys operating behind the scenes while his numerous achievements speak for him.

    His experience and leadership quality earned him many followers in far-flung corners of the country. Little wonder there is a cry in some corners calling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider Suleiman for a position in his administration.

  • Oloyede’s large heart

    Oloyede’s large heart

    The Chairman of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, Otunba Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede, has shown that governance is not rocket science, especially when you have the fear of God and the commitment to bring good and quality governance to the people.

    His actions since he assumed office have shown that he is a man of his word as he has been dishing out the dividend of democracy in tandem with his campaign promise.To cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government among indigenes of Oshodi, in his magnanimous nature doled out over 10,000 customieed packs of food items to indigenes of the local government who benefited from the palliative scheme.

    Read Also: Jibrin Barau is a proud father

    It is evident that the chairman has the welfare of his people at heart. Hence, little surprise when a crowd gathered at the LGA secretariat to receive the edible items which consist of rice, garri, vegetable oil, yam, plantain, spaghetti, and noodles among others. While he personally monitored the process, he gave special preference to persons of special abilities.

    Otunba Oloyede said the palliatives were aimed at bringing succour to the people, especially the very low-income earners. He further said that more palliatives would be provided as more drastic measures would be taken to cushion the effect of the hardship as his administration is working with all relevant stakeholders to bring relief also with the sharing of 400 free GCE forms to students with less privileged parents to enable them forge ahead in their educational sojourn.

  • Eyimofe Atake bags title

    Eyimofe Atake bags title

    If you begin to scribble the story of Dr. Eyimofe Doyle Atake, who begun to display his brilliance and intelligence and leadership quality right from childhood, it would take donkey years to finish as he is a colossus in the legal profession with much finesse and sartorial elegance.

    At a relatively young age, the legal expert and cosmopolitan ladies man was elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank after 12 years of being called to bar at 41, the equivalent of an English King’s Counsel.

    Today, he is a shining star in the nation’s legal firmament. He is not a pushover when it comes to legal matters. He knows his onions. He is a brilliant mind and even a delight in courtrooms. When you watch him in action, you will be enthralled by his articulation and aplomb.

    Undoubtedly, he sits atop one of the most extensive law chambers in Nigeria. Besides, he is one of the few businessmen in Nigeria who can rub shoulders with other top businessmen around the globe.

    Read Also: Jibrin Barau is a proud father

    Many years after he floated his business, he resolved to pursue his dream on a global stage. Though it looked impossible at the time, he was determined to pursue his ambition of ruling the world with doggedness. Luckily, he has succeeded in engraving his name in the hearts of his peoples.

    Last week, the super-stylish legal juggernaut was bestowed with a traditional chieftaincy title by the Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III as the ‘Tolugbowa of Warri Kingdom’ at a colourful ceremony in Aghofen  Ajamimogha Warri. The ‘Ojoye Iwere’ (Chief of Warri), is the equivalent of a Lord or Earl in the English aristocracy compendium.

    His new title as the ‘Tolugbowa’ refers to the person the Olu always puts forward first. It is believed that the distinguished lawyer is actually following in the illustrious steps of his late dad, Justice Franklin Oritse-Mueyiwa Atake, who was the ‘Aboludero of Warri Kingdom’ between 1983 and 2003 before his demise.

  • Ajibola enters race for council chairman

    Ajibola enters race for council chairman

    For the youth demography in Nigeria and Africa, Oloye Ajibola Titilopemi Ademola, with the sobriquet ‘Demola Morklue’ is well known, especially, for his yearly ‘Moreklue All Youth Awards’ (MAYA).

    It is one of the biggest gatherings of youths, who have made their marks in various strata of life, under one roof, with the aim of rewarding them for excellence.

    Apart from his social media engagements online and offline, his Moreklue Foundation has aimed at sponsoring the education of vulnerable kids while Morklue master classes and vocational training has aimed at equipping youths to discover their innate potential. Those who have had close contact with the Oyo state-born entrepreneur will attest to the fact that he is a social and enterprising chap. Part of his hobbies are meeting people and building contacts.

    At the just-concluded general election, Demola threw his hat in the ring to contest for a seat at the Oyo House of Assembly to represent the Ibadan Southwest state constituency II but was made to shelve his ambition by withdrawing his candidature for Idris Ajimobi, son of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo, who got the tickets and later lost at the general election.

    Read Also: Babawande Afolabi’s grand entry 

    After the election, he delved into the hospitality business, and launched his upscale lounge ‘Escargot By Maya’ in the heart of Ring Road in Ibadan.

    While many thought he had given politics a break, it seems the Economics graduate from Osun State University is not relenting in his quest to get an opportunity to serve his people.

    He was said to have picked an expression of interest form to contest for the chairman of the Ibadan South West Local Government.

    It was gathered that he is banking on his closeness to the grassroots and filial relationship with Hon. Shina Peller, Kola Kareem and other seasoned politicians to make a difference. He is hoping to get the tickets and win the election to better the lives of his people and also represent the interest of the youth.

  • Toyin Kolade buries elder brother

    Toyin Kolade buries elder brother

    For over four months, business woman Iyalaje Oodua Princess Toyin Kolade has not been in the best of moods after her elder brother Prince  Adesoji Aderopo Adejuyigbe (SOJ) died on April 7, at age 71.

    On August 17, a service of song was held for the late SOJ, who was an ex-vice chairman of Ilesha West LGA  and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain.

    At the service of songs, eulogies were poured on the deceased for a life well spent and for impacting many lives positively

     On Friday April 18, the deceased was laid to rest in his home.

    Read Also: Davido, Burna Boy get four nominations each for Trace Awards 2023

    A reception was held after the interment of SOJ remains where Princess Toyin ensured the best of vendors were employed to treat those who attended funeral to the best cuisines.

    There was an array of sumptuous meals for those who converged at the Tadash Event Centre, Ilesha, where the grand burial happened.

    Faith Band didn’t fail to serenade guests with sonorous songs.  She made provisions for costly meals, finger foods and high-cost drinks that were in circulation.

  • Babawande Afolabi’s grand entry 

    Babawande Afolabi’s grand entry 

    One of the lofty dreams of Babawande Afolabi while growing up was to own an airline company that would compete favourably with many across the shore of Africa, some of his friends sneered at him believing his tall dreams can’t make heads way, but with sheer dint of hard work, tenacity, doggedness and sheer passion he was able to bring his dream to reality.

     Initially, many were stunned by the idea of a young man in his 30’s delving into the murky waters of the airline business. The self-effacing business mogul has showcased that he is here for serious business having dreamt and worked on this project for a decade. Those that know him attest to the fact that once he sets his mind on a project, he pursues it with gusto and will never look back until it’s achieved.

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     Today, while some of his mates are wallowing in frivolities, looking for excuses for their lack of ingenuity and gnashing teeth about the many issues with Nigeria, the Osun State-born investment strategist has registered his name among the top high-flying businessmen in the country with his Green Africa Airline.

     A source disclosed that Green Africa Airlines is currently playing on the lips of aviation experts and analysts for its world-class innovation. He is being described as the new champ disrupting the Nigerian aviation space. At the moment, the young and vibrant young man is putting to good use his international investment financing background to pull resources with  Green Africa Airlines that flies popular local destinations, including Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Port-Harcourt, Akure, Enugu, and Ilorin.

  • Jibrin Barau is a proud father

    Jibrin Barau is a proud father

    One of the joys of every parent is to witness their children do good things in their lifetime and when a child does things of pride to the delight of his or her parents, it’s essential to give such a child the necessary support and as the parent, the child will be an object of pride to you.

     If you ride a horse in the heart of the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, the horse will not stumble as he is currently witnessing the proverbial seventh heaven. He is very happy that his joy knows no bound because his son Abdulai tied nuptial with his beautiful bride last week Friday, August 18, 2023 amidst pomp and pageantry in the ancient city of Kano state.

    Read Also: Davido, Burna Boy get four nominations each for Trace Awards 2023

    The event had top political bigwigs, and businessmen converged to share in the distinguished Senator’s pot full of joy. Abdullahi Barau married Bilikisu Madaki, daughter of Aliyu Madaki, the House of Representative member representing Dala Federal Constituency, Kano State.

    It was gathered that Abdulai and Bilikisu started their love story in their secondary school days and kept in contact till they got married last week despite their parents being on different sides politically.

     Other dignitaries spotted at the event includes the senate president, Godswill Akpabio, presidential candidate of the Labour Party; Peter Obi, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Aliko Dangote, Aminu Dantata; Governor of Jigawa, Umar Namadi, Deputy governor of Kano, Aminu Abdulsalam; senators, traditional rulers, clerics, among others.

  • Sabi’u Mahuta’s staying power

    Sabi’u Mahuta’s staying power

    While many will wonder how A.A Rano Group was able to sustain its rise and maintain its lead in business to date, it is essential to know that some passionate people are behind the sustainability of the company and also running activities smoothly to ensure the company remains in business.

     One man, who loves to pull the string from behind the scene is Alh. Sabi’u Sa’idu Mahuta, the Executive Director, Business Development of the company.

     He loathes media attention but his consistency and ability to solidify business deals for the company has kept him in the cynosure of all eyes. His multifaceted expertise in banking systems, economy, human resources, and leadership has positioned him as an exceptional manager with unwavering qualities that have kept him on top.

     Blessed with a heart of gold his philanthropic gesture is unrivaled as many say he can give his eyes out to anyone in dire need of it. He is generous to a fault. He has generously sponsored hundreds of youth to pursue their education endeavours and has also contributed to the development of youths, children and women within his immediate environment.

    Read Also: Super Falcons’ Star Alozie presents Davido jersey, set tongues wagging

     His relentless commitment to helping others, combined with his humble and down-to-earth nature, is a testament to his character. His consistent support, motivation, and inspiration have empowered countless individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

     Many wonder how he was able to sustain his legacy to stay relevant in the scheme of things but his remarkable knowledge of Islamic education, coupled with his talents as a strategist has enabled him to excel in various fields.

     Notably, in his experience as the Regional Manager at Unity Bank, he was able to navigate the intricate workings of the banking system which further attests to his financial acumen and business management skills. All these availed him the needed expertise in the gas and oil industry which has fortified his reputation as a formidable entrepreneur, armed with the foresight to make informed decisions that drive success.