Category: Society

Very reserved and highly cerebral Ibrahim Adejuwon Odumboni, head honcho of Lagos Waste Management Authority LAWMA has carved a niche for himself as a seasoned banker, technocrat and boardroom guru of high repute.

 On his appointment as MD LAWMA, it became clearer that the ability to visualize and conceptualize ideas plays an integral part in quality performance. More reason he has remained highflying in managing the waste management affairs in Lagos with much gusto.

 Despite some elements across Lagos trying hard to undermine his efforts to ensure a cleaner Lagos, Odumboni has never relented. He has been working round the clock to bring innovative ideas to ensure Lagos becomes a clean heaven in order to meet the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

 As part of his quest for a cleaner Lagos, he took his campaigns not only to schools, and private and public entities, but also engaged stakeholders where he plans to reduce if not stop totally indiscriminately dropping of refuse at public places, roadsides and drainages most especially during the raining season which might cause flooding.

 Over the past few weeks, regardless of his over 18 years of work experience in private and retail banking, analytical skills, wealth and asset management, strategic planning and change management, commercial lending, banking and credit analysis, the Bristol Business School UK alumnus, has set a new standard for himself using his good office to enhance synergy between private sectors which will strengthen a Godliness environment where waste can be recycled and waste can be turned to wealth.

 Taking a cue from the advanced countries, he and his team have worked to adopt a series of ideas where the waste collection can become seamless and also sorting of plastic waste can be controlled to stop it from taking over the coastal area of Lagos. He has also embarked on a series of enforcement in areas where they don’t comply with waste laws in Lagos which have helped curb indiscipline in the aspect of waste management in society. The generous philanthropist is getting accolades for his innovative ideas and his team playing spirit where he has embraced modern ways of making Lagos cleaner to meet best global practices.

 To crown his efforts, LAWMA was recently nominated as one of the four African partners in the GreenVET Africa project; a project funded by the European Commission seeking to integrate unemployed youths and vulnerable groups into the labour market by offering technical and entrepreneurial green waste management to meet the goal of empowering youth with skills to manage solid waste, promote the circular economy and reduce the negative effect of waste on our environment.

Despite the Nigerian Policing profession being one of the most underrated with lots of backlash from the populace, there are some men in the Nigerian Police force who have carved a niche for themselves as fine police officers that stick to the rudiments of the job.

 One of such officers is AIG Frank Mba. Since he was commissioned into the police in 1993 coming out as the best-graduating cadet his path to greatness became clearer that he was going to be a poster boy for the police force.

 His quest for more knowledge stands him out such that when many of his colleagues were busy with frivolities, Frank returned to the classroom where he studied at the University of Lagos to become a lawyer. He didn’t stop at that but went further to the University of Dundee, Scotland where he obtained an LLM in Law among other degrees.

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 With his intimidating resume and background as a fine police officer that possesses high cerebral prowess, he gained more prominence when he was appointed the Lagos police Public Relations officer. He was fearless, timely with information, truthful and he was accessible and his name spread like wildfire.

 He became popular among the newsmakers that anytime there are any issues he is willing to assist this further placed him above his peers and it prepared him for a bigger role in 2014 when former IGP M.D Abubakar appointed him as the Force PRO.

 When many thought he was going to change, he did maintain his persona and became more accessible as he became the go-to guy in the Police. He is very witty with his oratory strength second to none.  This further helped his glorious career as nobody had anything bad to say about him until he was redeployed years ago as the Force PRO by IGP Usman Alkali Baba.

 He went off the scene for a while until he was appointed as the Commissioner of Police for Ogun State. He was proactive as men of the Ogun State police command were happy that they have a boss who is a good listener. Within a short while, he recorded unprecedented success as the crime in Ogun state reduced to the barest minimum. His tenure is currently a nightmare to criminals in Ogun as the new Sheriff in town has been a thorn in their flesh. His recent promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police is an indication that his years of hard work paid off. His police career and astronomic rise in the police have positioned him for greater challenges and commitment.

In the nature of miracle-working banker and head honcho of Zenith bank, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, settling for mediocrity has never been his style. Those who have worked with him at close range will testify that he is a near-perfectionist. More reason he has succeeded and thrived tremendously reaching the crescendo of his career as a banker with over three decades of experience in the sector as a seasoned and time-tested guru, who has weathered the storm during heavy turbulence and has remained afloat.

 Since Onyeagwu’s appointment in 2019 as the M.D., he has mentored and groomed several leaders within and outside the bank giving his staff wings to fly. An avid team player, he believes in the collective effort to meet set goals, more reason he has had impeccable results ever since he took over. Within a short while in charge of the bank, he has broken records winning several laurels locally and internationally. Despite the global pandemic in 2020, the Accounting graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, helped Zenith stay afloat, towering high above its competitors, recording massive Return on Investment (ROI) for its investors, maintaining its workforce and providing updated technological banking experience for customers.

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 For his contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s financial sector, corporate governance, ethical leadership, and overall outstanding performance, he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration at the 50th Convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Sources said his selection and nomination didn’t come on a platter. It took several vetting, screening and meticulous selection processes and also for his contribution to the sector. It was said that the Chairman of the Body of Banks, Chief Executive Officers, was more than worthy of the honour, especially with his solid educational background and his record as a banker. Other recipients of Doctorate Degrees at the convocation ceremony include Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Dr. Obiora Fubara, and Justice Mary Odili.

If you carefully read the biopic of the Deputy Speaker Lagos House of Assembly and Lagos Central Senatorial District Senator-Elect Rt. Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni on his sojourn politically, you would be moved by the intrigues that make up the story.

 If well scripted and allotted to veteran actors, it will make a good box office movie because the theme teaches a lot of values which include patience, long-suffering, loyalty, consistency and doggedness.

 If you think he got to his current position by sheer luck, you are wrong because he worked assiduously to attain his status and providence rewarded him accordingly. Today he is reaping what he sowed for his investment in people and the friendship he has created since his foray into politics.

 The lawmaker representing Lagos Island Constituency 1 was a former Local Government Chairman of the same constituency, where he got good leverage with the grassroots and also handed him his executive experience. While he was chairman, he carried out some people-oriented projects which today are still being sustained by him. Owing to his wide popularity among his colleagues, he was elected Deputy Speaker in 2019.

 On March 24, the father of three celebrated his birthday as his friends, family, and political associates celebrated him to the high heavens. When many thought he was going to throw a massive soiree in celebration mood where he would invite praise singers to sing his praise to the high heavens, he opted to use the occasion to thank his creator as he converged at his GRA home with his friends and family where Islamic cleric gathered to have a prayer session for him. After the prayer session, he also moved to Lagos Island Local Government office where he had the 11th series of his annual scholarship programme and awarded scholarships to 65 indigent students from his constituency. As part of his promise to market men and women before the Lagos governorship election to empower them, he also presented a cheque of 25,000 Naira to 40 market men and women.

Politics and public service for Jagunmolu Jamiu Omoniyi FCA, the Ogun state commissioner for housing, is a call to service and not a do-or-die affair. That’s why on several occasions, he has tried to represent the people of Yewa North/Imeko-Afon federal constituency at the lower National Assembly because of internal politics, he was asked to forgo his political ambition which he did to ensure party supremacy prevails. Little did he know that his sacrifice for the party in Ogun State will pay off in the long run. When Governor Dapo Abiodun emerged in 2019, the trained chartered accountant was top on the list of those he wanted to work with but in what capacity was not revealed. Owing to his background in finance and economics, many thought he was going to be a nip in the bud as a Commissioner for Finance. He was later assigned to the ministry of Housing as commissioner. Having little or no idea about housing, the Yewa-born politician was willing to learn. As we gathered that he carried all critical stakeholders in the ministry along and ensured team play spirit where everyone’s idea will be taken and debated and adopted. This we gathered worked for his success in the ministry.

 At a point, detractors started raising eyebrows praying he does not succeed but to the chagrin of naysayers, he was able to apply his knowledge in finance to run the ministry smoothly. As the first tenure of Governor Dapo Abiodun winds up, The Ministry of Housing performed excellently well in putting the Dapo Abiodun-led administration on the map with numerous housing projects ongoing and completed. Jamiu ensured public and private partnerships in delivering affordable housing in Ogun with a seamless allocation procedure and pocket-friendly payment plan. With the housing Project in Ibara GRA, Kobape Phase 1-3, and Otta Housing project in the pipeline, he can successfully make bold to say he has delivered over 3,000 tastefully built housing units in Ogun state with the very best quality materials. Sources say he is one man Governor Dapo does not joke with because of his ability to bring fortune out of any misfortune that stands him out.

Lanre Omoleye Oladebo has been playing politics at the grassroots for years but little did he know that all his hard labour in politics and for the PDP was going to pay off pretty soon.

He shone into political limelight after the demise of Otunba Olusola Arabambi, who was the candidate of Irewole, Isokan, Ayedaade Federal Constituency.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and in line with the electoral act, the deceased candidate should be replaced. Hence, a by-election was conducted and Oladebo emerged as the candidate.

After several hard works, he emerged as the Representative Member elected for the constituency at the just concluded election.

In line with his promise for his people within the federal constituency, to give them quality representation at all levels, he facilitated the dividend of democracy to them. While addressing the Islamic faithful, who just started the ramadan, Oladebo urged his followers to be kind and pray for Nigeria to remain peaceful. He also unveiled plans to fete Islam faithful while they break their fast and also donate to the less privileged via Zakat.

Business and real estate mogul Hajia Tai Elemosho Okesanjo aka Montai on the social scene has been dear to all high and mighty in Lagos state. She is very influential, lovable and stylish that any soiree she saunters into changes its pace. She radiates with an uncommon aura and she is also a philanthropist of high repute.

She made her name as an entrepreneur in 1999 when she opened her flagship shoe store Montai on Toyin street Ikeja where she sold quality shoes and the biggest designers in town. She had a long list of clientele who patronized her and Motai remained a rendezvous for those who wanted to get Italian shoes and designer shoes. It didn’t take long for her to register her name and also build a formidable brand that shook the whole of Ikeja.

The politician and coordinator for Sanwo-Olu ambassadors later metamorphose by delving into the real estate terrain where she is into construction and interior decoration. She has been able to replicate her magic wand with the Montai shoe brand also in the real estate business as she enjoys patronage from all sundry.

Penultimate Tuesday, the socialite was bereaved as she lost her mother Alhaja Sifawu Atoke Elemesho to death at age 77.

According to Islamic rite, the matriarch was buried the same day but on March 22, the Island Club, Lagos, witnessed all the glitz and glamour as the Montai boss and her siblings gathered friends and family to celebrate the 8-days fridaus prayers.

Trust Hajia Tai, she made sure top guests such as Governor Sanwo-Olu and his Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde attended the occasion.

Meanwhile, those who should know attested to Hajia Montai and her siblings’s plans to host a mega soiree next year in March 2024.

The Chairman, Shoreline Energy Group, Orikolade Karim does not like the media frenzy, hence, he loves to do his things quietly devoid of media attention.

However, this billionaire businessman’s laudable and resounding performance in the nation’s business sector and uncommon service to humanity have made him a newsmaker, not only in Nigeria but also outside the shores of Africa.

The Agbaoye of Ibadanland continued his top blistering form while he was honoured among 100 top worthy dignitaries at  The Peak Performer (TPP).

Other honourees are Faustin Byishimo, Mbulelo Clive Khoza, Ameyaw Debrah, Mohammed Alhaji Samoura, Mohammed Gillen, and Keli Gadzekpo.

The honourees are considered exceptional leaders on the African continent who are celebrated for their performance as industry leaders, culture shapers, and game changers in transformational leadership in their respective spheres as peak performers. The awards, covering fourteen (14) categories, range from TPP Elite, TPP Hall of Fame, and TPP Legacy to Excellence, across multiple professions and sectors in the African continent.

The event, which took place on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the Muson Centre in Lagos, had eminent personalities in the country in attendance. These includeGovernor Babajide Sanwoolu,  Chief Nduka Obaigbena, Lady Maiden Ibru, Kunle Elebute, Atedo Peterside and Ifueko Omoigui Okauru.

Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola is exceptionally in a league of her own and no thanks to the guidance of parents Femi and Nana Otedola who ensured despite whatever career path a child chooses, education should always be taken seriously. DJ Cuppy, as she is fondly known, has carved a niche for herself in Nigeria’s entertainment scene as a consistent Mcee, Disc Jockey, singer, songwriter, producer, influencer, philanthropist, and role model among others. Her story has shown that you can pursue your dreams without leaving your set goals out.

While growing up, Florence showed great traits of a child destined for greatness and her billionaire dad and Chairman Geregu Power Limited Femi Otedola helped nurture those traits.

The master’s degree holder in Music Business from New York University believes education is continuous, she opted to seek more knowledge that she enrolled at the prestigious Oxford university in 2021 to chase her long-term dreams of earning a master’s degree in African studies. At first, it was a herculean task as she had to joggle between school and her DJ gigs. She held on and had to let go of her DJ and music career to earn her degree. Last week, her effort was crowned as she graduated with flying colours. We gathered that she is currently working on some new project musically and also maybe in the future proceed to enroll for her Ph.D.

The graduate of Business and Economics from King’s College London has remained exceptional and distinct in all she does.

Senator Florence Ita-Giwa is a woman, who has over the years sacrificed a lot for her people. She is indeed an epitome of motherhood which protects and nurtures.

The woman of substance has remained a shining light and a reference to women who are looking to chase a dream in politics.

At the moment, Senator Florence is in a gay mood that if you ride a horse in her tummy it will not shake. Her reason for being so fulfilled and happy is that she delivered and fulfilled her promise to Governor Ben Ayade, a godson that brought her out of retirement to support the aspiration of Hon Bassey Otu.

Before now, the cosmopolitan yet culturally inclined woman has been involved in philanthropic activities while running her upscale restaurant Echos of Calabar in the heart of Lagos.

However, it took Governor Ayade so much to convince her to return into the political field for Otu and together they broke a jinx of almost 25 years in Cross River.

When Senator Florence returned it was as if she never left. Upon her return to Calabar, she galvanized all stakeholders in Cross Rivers state to work for Otu. In fact, she had to temporarily relocate to Calabar, where, despite her age, she campaigned vigorously like a 30-year-old.

In crowning her efforts, the candidate of the APC Bassey Otu, was declared the governor-elect having scored the highest number of votes. The Governor-elect who is currently a former federal lawmaker made history as the first governor of Cross River to be elected on the platform of a different party outside PDP.