Category: Society

In the area of finance and economics, Dr. Alex Otti ranks high.

With his well of knowledge, he has been able to lead several investment banks both in Nigeria and outside the country where he rose to be the Managing director and chief executive officer of the now-defunct Diamond Bank.

He has given politics several shots. In the 2015 election, Otti threw his hat in the ring to contest as Governor of Abia State under the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA.

The election was won by the incumbent Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP but Otti approached the court to retrieve his mandate which the court of Appeal in Owerri returned to him in December 2015. But the PDP took the case to the supreme court where the judgment of the appeal court was reversed and Okezie was declared the winner in 2016.

After the journey, Otti took the back seat and focused on philanthropy and continued his campaign, albeit, under the All Progressive Congress APC.

The economics graduate from the University of Port Harcourt chased his dreams with much gusto as he never backed down. On April 17, 2022, Otti, under the APC, threw his hat into the ring again for the state’s top job.

Otti had always reiterated that his quest to change the political trajectory of the state informed his decision to abandon his flourishing banking career as a managing director to join politics in 2013.

To the chagrin of many, on May 2022, the economist withdrew from the APC governorship primary election in the state, claiming that the election outcome had already been predetermined by vested interests via a leaked memo from the National Legal Adviser of the party to the state chairman dated May 18, 2022, who had imposed a  sharing formula on the APC aspirants in Abia.

Seventy-two hours after withdrawing from the APC governorship primary, Otti defected to the Labour Party alongside his close ally, Chief Acho Obioma and subsequently won the LP governorship ticket.

After his years of trying, finally, providence has granted him his heart desires by ensuring all forces against his emergence as Governor were quashed. The Independent National Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Prof Nnenna Oti, declared Otti winner of the Abia State governorship election after she announced the controversial Obingwa Local Government Area results.

• Visits Parliament to Inaugurate Isese Day

As part of his unending quest to harness and promote Yoruba culture beyond the shores of Africa through religion, cultural values and Heritage tourism exchange, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi CFR is currently on a 5-day working visit to Brazil in continuation of his global tour for African People’s Peace and Progress Agenda also while in the country unveiled some initiatives for the reunification of the over 100 million Afro-Brazilians via his program tagged “Back To Home”, visiting states of Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, Salvador Bahia and Brasilia.

On the Invitation of the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva and the Brazilian National Assembly Parliament; the two arms of government teamed up to give Ooni and his royal entourage a resounding welcome as they also further reiterated their continuous commitment, recognition and support for Yoruba Culture and National Orisa Day backed by the Brazilian constitutional law signed by the President which gives freedom of religion to Brazilian and Terreiro People and the open practice of Isese by Brazilians.

The Parliament’s Deputy Speaker, Hon. Deputado Vicentinho Requerente, who led other lawmakers to receive the foremost African monarch in the parliament, described the Ooni as a caring father whom the Afro-Brazilian community holds in very high esteem. The lawmaker who expressed his heartfelt joy in Portuguese, said, “Your presence here today has added to the dignity of people of African origin in Brazil and this day will remain a history-making day for life.”

Ooni Ogunwusi via his speech, called for the unity of African descendants across the world, urging the legislative arm of the Brazilian government to support President Lula with necessary pro-Afro-Brazilian legislation.

“We cannot afford to be divided again. We are one, irrespective of colour and race. President Lula is our pride, he remains determined to do well for Africa, and you must support him with legislation helpful to his mission for Africa. That’s all I beg of you if truly we are one big family. What we need now is to unite for the growth of all persons regardless of religious and cultural differences.

“Look at the good-looking Afro-Brazilians in this chamber who have stormed here to honour me. They all look like my first cousins back home in Nigeria and in other African countries, we are one people and the earlier we recognize the strength in our unity the better for us all.

“I am sitting on an ancient throne of over hundreds of centuries, a sacred throne of the Kingdom where most of you all migrated from. Beyond here in Brazil, I am delighted to inform you that you all have a home in my Kingdom and there are free lands for you to come and build your homes across Africa.

“I vow never to forget you, you are a major part of us in my Kingdom of Ile-Ife and we hope to receive you home soon as possible, in fact, I have deliberately mapped out free land for you all to come and live, invest and reside.”

Ooni further highlighted the need for a robust relationship between Nigeria and Brazil to promote diplomatic relations which will include the exchange of commodities and ideas; bringing foreign direct investment into play. “I am elated that this is becoming a reality, a day where National Orisa Day will be publicly recognized by the Brazilian parliament and Yoruba heritage will also gain global recognition. It shows the commitment of the President in granting freedom of religious association and also the preservation of cultural heritage that existed centuries ago. Oduduwa is notable for peace, this step will quench the tussle against racial discrimination, it will also unite the whole of Brazil through religious integration and enhance racial equality and equity.”

After the parliamentary session, the Arole Oduduwa was hosted at the Nigeria House in Brasil by the Nigerian Ambassador to the country, Amb. Ahmad Muhammed Makarfi who led over 25 African Diplomats to receive the Spiritual Leader of the Yoruba people and the Oduduwa race worldwide.

In other to make case for an African-Brazilian robust relationship, Ooni Adeyeye privately engaged President Lula Da Silva where they both discussed how Africa can benefit from Brazil’s Human and capital resources. At the private meeting held in Brasilia, Brazil’s Federal Capital Territory, Ooni decorated President Lula and His wife Rosangela Lula Da Silva as Omo Oduduwa. Ooni highlighted the need to strengthen cultural and trade ties between Brazil and Africa. He also advocated for direct link and access to Brazil from Nigeria which will promote trade and commerce and also cultural exchange between the two great countries. In his response, President Lula da Silva thanked Ooni for his love for him and his wife who he referred to as “Ooni’s daughter” lauded the king for his mission towards reunification of not just the Afro-Brazilians but also Africans worldwide which he believes means well for the global peace.

President Lula told Ooni Ogunwusi that the efforts of the 100 million Afro-Brazilians towards nation-building in Brazil cannot be over-emphasized, adding that his government is committed to strengthening the ties between Brazil and Africa which is the home continent of his people.

“My wife is here, She calls you “My father” Your love for us and for our country is indeed well appreciated and I promise you of my continued love for Africa. I have visited 44 countries in Africa and opened 19 embassies. Brazil of my administration has a historic pact with Africa. My wife and I are extremely fulfilled as your presence here today assures that this ISESE DAY has come to stay” President Lula Added.

Since his ascension to the throne of his forbearers over 7 years ago, the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, CFR has made clear his intention of not only bring an all-inclusive reign to Oodua race but also pledged to bring unprecedented development in all facet of life including the area of human empowerment, business development, youth empowerment, agricultural development, infrastructural development and promoting made-in-Nigeria product with the recent launch of his multi-million naira retail outlet Ojaja More in Ile-Ife and Osogbo, Osun State with other outlets across South-West currently under construction. For his unending passion for education and entrepreneurship, Ooni on Tuesday revealed plans for the official commissioning of his citadel of learning, the Ojaja University, Eyenkorin Ilorin, Kwara State formerly Crown-Hill University.

This great news was shared by the monarch in Abuja via a post on his verified social media handles after securing full accreditation for the take-off courses of the institution from the National Universities Commission, NUC aided by its substantial Vice Chancellor, Professor Jeleel Ojuade.

After a thorough accreditation exercise recently conducted by the nation’s University regulatory body, Ooni avered that it has always been his dream to own a citadel of learning where scholars can be moulded not in only learning but character and entrepreneurship to enable them to stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers outside the shores of Africa. Ooni has consistently challenged the status quo in Nigeria’s educational system where graduates are churned out yearly but with little or no knowledge of entrepreneurship and basic skills to help them stay afloat as they move to the other face of life. Ooni disclosed that; Our students just do the normal routine every four years write their projects and they graduate. What solution are they creating to the many issues we have in the country? most especially in health, technology, housing, and agriculture among others.  “Nigerian Universities just churn out millions of graduates yearly but don’t arm them with the necessary skills and support they need. In China and the united states of America, students build most of the applications we use today. Facebook, Instagram, and the likes were built by students but today they are making billions of dollars from them. Our education curriculum should teach how to analyze situations and bring pragmatic solutions via proper research.”

Ooni further added that; imagine a university where student graduates and there is a business grant waiting for those who are willing to delve into entrepreneurship. “The grants are made readily available to help establish what they have learnt in school. We can’t keep churning out graduates without providing how they should be utilized. If not we would continue to witness the current brain drain and the massive exodus of our best hand to foreign countries. Ojaja university will be structured in a way whereby students will be given a free hand to explore and settle for what they wish to become with our solid support. They will be trained to be problem solvers and critical thinkers with a burning entrepreneurial mindset. Ojaja university is driven strictly by innovation and ideas. We will celebrate more innovative minds than academic excellence.”

Ooni also disclosed that admission into various degree programs would soon commence with an easy payment plan for students. “What we are bringing on board in terms of academic reform is different from what is out there. Our graduates and products will not be half-baked. They will be well-trained to meet the teeming demands of a modern technological-driven society like Nigeria. They will be the change-makers who are ready to proffer solutions to all issues they might encounter in and outside their workspace.”

Since his formative years, Toni Onyemachi Elumelu has shown the traits of a man whose future will shine bright without going bleak so what everyone is currently witnessing today is not by fluke its an ordainment from his creator through the fervent prayers from his parents. If you see him doing things of high note and you believe it just started today then you should be sure he started building from the scratch and what he is enjoying today providence granted him that’s why he is one of the biggest investors to have come out of Nigeria with his wide chain of business, philanthropic gestures, Afri-capitalist school of thought and his mentorship programme.

Without a doubt, Tony was born under the proverbial lucky star but he never relented on his sheer luck; he also added hard work, tenacity, doggedness, brilliance and intelligence to become a global brand celebrated across Africa and the world today. At a young age when many of his peers are still struggling to find their feet in the entrepreneurial and business world; an unknown banker called TOE was shining in top blistering form shattering the banking stereotype. At age 34, the Heirs Holding boss set forth on the path to greatness when he led a small group of investors to acquire the defunct Standard Trust Bank, a small struggling commercial bank in Lagos and restored it to profitability within a few years. Again, his fairytale became a point of reference around the globe in 2005 when he led one of the greatest mergers in the history of African banking led the merger of Standard Trust Bank (STB) and United Bank of Africa (UBA). Within five years in business, he transformed the bank to be one of the best financial institutions in the world. Little wonder, he was rated one of the most influential in Africa as well as one of the 2014 Forbes richest men in Africa with a net worth of $1 billion.

 Despite his wealth, he is using it for the upliftment of Humanity most especially the youth demography with his catch-them-young tactics; using his Tony Elumelu Foundation as bait; he has continued to raise giants in different facets of life via mentorship and raising grants for startups. Today he has proudly raised hundreds of upcoming billionaires who will take over from him in years to come. As he glides into the leagues of Sexagenerian on the 22nd of March; for him, birthdays avail him the opportunity to reflect on redolent memories of the past and also a time to evaluate the future on things he heeds to intensify his effort. When many of his billionaire peers would call praise singers to sing their praise to the high heaven or organize the biggest soiree dishing out the very best of limited champagnes, Whisky and cognacs like it’s going out of fashion, Elumelu would rather have a modest celebration with his wife and children where they would pray and have a very reserved celebration. Instead, he would use the funds meant for the mega soiree to put smiles on the faces of the needy to do meaningful things devoid of frivolities. At his level,  he is not proving anything to anyone rather he is getting better like a fine wine over time. For his birthday we gathered that friends and family are planning to give him a big surprise but TOE is ready to celebrate God’s faithfulness in his life at 60.  

 Despite his entry into the murky waters of Politics; Air Marshall Sadique Baba Abubakar (RTD) has remained a force to reckon with in the Bauch State political landscape. After his meritorious years as a military general and reaching the pinnacle of his career as the chief of air staff, he decided to heed the numerous calls of his people to delve into politics so they can enjoy the dividend of democracy. After months of consultation with stakeholders and top politicians within the state, he finally decided to throw his hat in the ring and contest for the Guber ticket of the All Progressives Congress APC in Bauch state which he eventually won to become the party’s flag bearer. What originally started as a play started to metamorphose like a movement as the acceptance grew like wildfire. The demand for good governance became loud that even the deaf can hear.

 Based on his antecedent as a fine officer with all the required experience with his highly cerebral prowess and his technical ability wanted to do things differently. He ran his campaign based on issues and went around the nooks and crannies of Bauchi state to feel the pain of the masses. During his consultation and political campaigns, he felt the pain of the people, especially in the area of education, health care delivery, infrastructural development, affordable housing, and agricultural improvement among other things. During his tenure in the military, Sadique supervised the construction of the biggest military hospitals across the country with the world’s best facilities that can render medical assistance to anybody. He also supervised the smooth running of military schools and other so governance will be like a smooth ride for him with his wealth of knowledge in the military. In the cause of the consultation; he vowed to bring succour to his people and his people in turn pledged their unflinching support to unseat the incumbent Governor Bala Mohammed.

 Despite several allegations raised by the opposition to discredit Abubakar and his campaign team, the love his people have for him began to spread like wildfire as the quest to bring Sadique into power became more intense. Like a man destined for greatness; Sadique in his campaign has crossed the T and dotted the I’s by giving his word in bringing the much-needed change in running an all-inclusive government driven by technology and accountability. He is looking to repeat his magic want in the military to politics as the election beckons tomorrow. With the current political permutations and the recent support of other opposition parties, Sadique we gathered is more than confident that he can uproot the incumbent as he is set to make history politically.  

If you climb a horse in the tummy of serial entrepreneur and billionaire businessman Jimoh Ibrahim; one won’t stumble as he is currently in a gay mood over his resurgence into political relevance from political oblivion after years of trying to serve the people of Ondo state as Governor but was unable to as he was on different occasion given baptismal of fire at the election.

The Global Fleet Group is known to be a dogged fighter who is not known on giving up on his dreams. As a businessman, he has ventured into several businesses that didn’t turn out well but that does not stop him from trying this has placed him as a proverbial cat with nine lives as his tenacity and his ability not to give up has finally paid off thanks to the good people of Ondo South who came out en mass and voted him as their senator. At a time when Ibrahim almost quit active politics for academics when he went on a brief hiatus to study for his doctorate in business at Cambridge university but due to his long-time will to serve his people he contested and won the election as Senator who would be representing his district at the 10th assembly.

 Sources say even though this is his first political office he would be holding; he will be bringing into play his vast knowledge in business and also as an administrator to bear in delivering the dividend of democracy to his people. Another source averred that he is also scheming to succeed governor Rotimi Akeredolu when his tenure as Governor elapses as he is getting set to put himself up for service in that capacity a seat he has been eyeing since 2003 under the All Nigerian Peoples Party ANPP. 

Chief Obi Iyiegbu known as Obi Cubana is a cosmopolitan business with his hands in many pies of business. It’s been a long time coming for him but his shot to fame came after his mother’s burial years ago. Today, he has remained one of the most celebrated business and philanthropists in the country. The Nightlife connoisseur has redefined the nightlife business in Lagos and Abuja with his upscale Cubana Club littered across the country. With lofty ideas and his ability to turn things into Gold have held his audience spellbound dishing out scintillating attraction that has brought about consistency in patronage. Today, his club has remained a mecca of sorts for fun seekers in Lagos and that mammoth crowd trooped in and out to catch a glimpse of the magnificent wonderment laced with a welcoming ambience.

 The businessman is known to be a liquor influencer and an investor as he invested in the production of a wine brand that sold out after it was launched, Last year, he alongside his partner launched the popular Odogwu bitters and it became a household name for premium liquor at a minimal price. The bitters took over the market all thanks to his strong online presence and the number of advertisements and influencers that promoted the brand. It began to sell like a matchbox as he and his investor recorded massive Returns on Investment. Okpataezuora as he is fondly called is not known to do things in half measure as he loves to make a loud noise about his brands. As the bitters is clocking a year on Wednesday the 22nd of March at a highbrow Location on the island Obi and his crew will be celebrating a year of dishing out premium bitters to their numerous customers. To further increase their brand capacity with another newly launched product; Obi will also launch a Premium Energy Drink and a Vodka Mix for their teeming customers who love the Cubana brand. Sources say the anniversary will be grand as they would be celebrating their distributors, customers, influencers and those that contributed to the success of the brand over the year.   

Two-term Governor of Abia State and now Senate Chief Whip; Uzor Kalu is a man known to have always believed in the peace and stability of the entity called Nigeria. When many of his kingsmen are agitating for secession he is of the opinion that with dialogue and engagement in political activities, things can change in favour of the eastern part of the country a pace he represents wholeheartedly and has committed his resources to the upliftment. He is a politician of High note who knows the power of negotiating power.

 Despite fighting many battles in which he has come out victorious, his name is synonymous with peace. Having lived part of his formative years as a student at the University of Maiduguri; where he was actively involved in student politics, he has never lost his connection hence why he has constantly done everything humanly possible for Nigeria to remain one entity. He is one of the few politicians devoid of religious or ethnic bigotry. He mixes freely with all sundry regardless of their state of origin or the language they speak. The KIBIYAN KABI of Kebbi Arugungu Emirates despite all odds won his reelection into the 10th senate a few weeks ago. Despite the political tsunami that swept many of his colleagues within off within his region. OUK displayed his political goodwill as a grass root person as he was voted massively for.

 On receiving his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC; OUK began to chase his long-time ambition of being the senate president of the red chambers. As the 9th senate is currently winding up, OUK who is the current senate whip has stayed as a top contender likely to be compensated with the highly coveted position as the number 3 man in the country. All odds are working in his favour as he is a Christian, he is a top member of the ruling party All Progressives Congress APC from the South East region and in other to pacify the region that is constantly seeking to leave Nigeria and float Biafra, the administration is looking to pacify the region with the senate presidency which will give them a sense of belonging and also ensure they have a high stake in governance in the country. OUK is a top contender with his political experience in the executive and as a legislator will come to play.

In other to achieve his ambition; the astute businessman has been on the move rallying around politicians from his region and his friends from other regions to support his bid to become senate president. From the recent permutation, he seems the most likely the pendulum swings in his favour. Sources disclosed that he is currently meeting top influential senators, governors and political influencers to seek their support in achieving his long ambition. “His close relationship with the president-elect is also a strong indication that he might likely get the position of Senate President. He is not relying on that only he is going all out to ensure he tidies his own homework so the rest could be a walkover.”

Despite the dwindling business climate in Nigeria, there are some people who strongly believe in the country bouncing back, and shaking off its shackles. One of the few people who have never made a disparaging comment about Nigeria is Barrister Allen Onyema, head honcho of Air Peace. Anytime he is given the opportunity to speak, he is ready to pitch Nigeria as an investment hub. Despite the prices of Aviation tickets affecting airlines operation, Onyema believes it’s temporary and things will soon move back to what they used to be. In a nutshell, he is a very proud Nigerian ambassador who believes strongly in the virtues that Nigeria and represents it well at any point in time. He is a man passionate about growing the Nigerian economy through aviation and there is no way you can grow the Naira other than giving local airlines to ferry passengers to foreign destinations. This will cut travel time, save stress and also save funds. This was the reason for his unhappiness as some countries are not reciprocating the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement BASA agreement it signed with Nigeria.

 The trained lawyer from the University of Ibadan is a man of few words but many actions. He has shown his capacity as a man who is giving Nigeria that ray of hope that Nigeria will soar higher. When many foreign airlines were grounding their operations due to funds hanging in Nigeria, Air Peace was silently positioning itself and expanding its routes to become fill the lacuna created. When many were looking for excuses, Onyema saw opportunities to be explored and with his wizardry in business, he is currently winning as his airline is fast becoming the delight of many travelers. The airline has cut travel time by flying straight to foreign destinations across  Africa, Europe and the Asian continent. Despite recently launching its inaugural flight to China which runs once a week, the airline has also launched more African route which includes; The Gambia, Senegal and Liberia. The airline will also launch its route to Brazil, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and other countries. In a bid to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Israel, the Airline will commence its inaugural flight to Israel which will enable smooth pilgrimage travel for Nigerian Christian. Sources also added that Onyema and Airpeace are working fervently to ensure they win a bid to airlift passengers traveling to Saudi Arabia on the Holy pilgrimage.

 While many are still celebrating this news Airpeace also recently hosted players in the hospitality and tourism sector as it’s set to launch its inaugural flight to Mumbai in India at the end of March. The flight will boost tourism and medical tourism with India and it will also boost the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and India.

Prince Ned Munir Nwoko has been a very key player in the country’s business space with his hands in many pies of business like education, sports, tourism, and legal consultation among others. Apart from business, he is a cheerful giver who sees giving as a must and loves to positively impact his immediate environment. He is also a time-tested politician who found himself in the murky waters of politics when he represented Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency between 1999 and 2003. Since that moment he has crested his name in the political landscape of Delta state.

 The Delta-born trained lawyer is known as a man of peace, hence, he has intensified his fight against malaria through his Ned Nwoko Malaria Eradication foundation where he has invested heavily to drastically reduce the tropical disease killing millions of Africans. He has invested millions of Naira to curb the tropical disease and raised awareness and campaigns against malaria in Africa. In his campaign, in 2020, he broke a record to remain the first black African to visit the South Pole of Antarctica where he hoisted a flag to campaign against malaria.

  After he left the House of Reps in 2003, he tried severally to govern Delta state but all odds didn’t favour him. He laid down his plans and put himself up for service but he was not considered. This made him invest more time in business and philanthropy. After years of hard work and service to humanity, providence granted him his heart’s desire by crowning his effort when he won his election as senator-elect of Delta North Senatorial district under the Peoples Democratic Party PDP. Despite the PDP having a catastrophic outing at the just concluded election, people went all out to vote for Prince Ned as Senator owing to his background as they believe in his capacity to attract development and represent them well at the hallowed red chambers. For Prince Ned, his consistency and persistence over the years paid off as he is looking to ensure his people reap the fruit of their labour by ensuring they get the very best in the 10th senate.