Category: Society

If you are very conversant with Hajia Bola Shagaya, you would deduce that she is a stickler for success, hence, anything she sets out to do turns out successful. All her life, she has never ventured into a project that ended in futility. All thanks to God who has always made her an accomplished person as an astute businesswoman, a mother and a wife. Those close to Hajia averred that one thing she never took with levity apart from business is the upbringing of her children.

She is a doting mother who ensured she imbibed and instilled discipline, respect, patience and all the necessary features that make a man stand out in society including solid education and cultural growth. She ensured all her four boys are well trained in line with the teachings of the holy book and also as perfect gentlemen whose demeanour is the delight of many. Today like a mother hen, she is protective and has ensured the success of her children remains paramount to her at any time. Hajia Bola is currently in a gay mood.

If you ride a horse in her tummy, it won’t miss a step as her last son Tolani Muktar Shagaya who contested for a seat at House of Reps to represent Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency won his election with a landslide margin. This, we gathered, is currently putting a smile on the face of the billionaire philanthropist and businesswoman. Tolani, a youthful politician, a man of action with few words showed bravery and tenacity during the campaigning period not leveraging on his mother’s influence politically as he went all out to campaign vigorously in order to win his election with little or no effort from her mother.

Those within the federal constituency disclosed that his respectful nature, cerebral prowess, pedigree, oratory skills and exposure are qualities that attracted him to the electorates who promised to elect him as their representative.

They are more than confident that the Shagayas are noble people who love development so his emergence as their representative will bring about rapid development. We also gathered that Hajia has advised him to ensure all the promises he made during his campaign period he must fulfil.

Those who voted for him must enjoy the dividend of democracy via sponsoring life-changing bills and attracting projects and infrastructural development that will affect the lives of those within his constituency.

Ask Titilayo Ajidagba, a Lagos-based fashion designer, about what she is passionate about, and she won’t think twice before saying fashion. The beautiful woman is well-known for her innovative combination of patterns, colours and fabrics. She grew up living in Nigeria and London while immersing herself in multiple cultures. Her love for fashion began at a very tender age. The love has remained steady and grown to give birth to TFFNIEZ COUTURE, a fashion outfit through which she carved a niche for herself among fashion buffs. The boss of TFFNIEZ COUTURE embarked on the journey as a fashion entrepreneur in 2009. Since then, she has continued to shine like a glittering star and has grown into a reputable empire of sorts, an achievement many have agreed is a result of her age-long passion for the profession. The label, based in Magodo, Lagos, has become a global fashion brand with clients beyond the shores of Africa particularly UK, US and  Dubai. She keeps expanding her clientele, which includes the high and mighty, private and public sectors, government officials, politicians as well as top diplomatic corps. Even in the face of stiff competition in the industry, she is still a leading outfit in the industry, thanks to her ingenuity.

 She has swiftly climbed the ladder to become one of Nigeria’s favourite fashion labels. Her unique sense of creativity has earned her accolades from far and near, especially in the comity of fashionistas. A chip off the old bloc, her mother was a reputable fabric and accessories mogul, and her older sister was also a gifted designer. Expectedly, her fashion background rubbed off on her, and while she was studying in London, her love for fashion further grew when she served as her sister’s model and retailer, where she helped put her designs in the global spotlight.

Armed with a humane demeanour and uncommon poise, one would wonder how a man of valour, poise and aura like Kogi State Deputy Governor, Edward David Onoja is looking for in politics presumed to be a ‘dirty game.’ Questions that often arise will be what is this man looking for in politics owing to his background as a boardroom guru, successful banker and technocrat? On several occasions, he has said playing active politics is divine coupled with his love for humanity. Yes, humanity comes first before other things for him. Those close to him have often confirmed that one thing the Igala man loathes is the sight of those around him in dire need of anything, as he is always ready to give his all to put smiles on people’s faces. This and many more, we gathered, pushed him into full fledged politics after his union days at the University of Jos.

Onoja’s name will go down in history as a man who is all about progress, loyalty, support, sincerity, love and passion. During the first tenure of Gov Yahaya Bello, Onoja as the Chief of Staff was regarded as the proverbial swiss knife and support system of the regime. He ensured that no lapses occurred, and with his vast knowledge of boardroom politics, he ensured projects were supervised with an eye for quality. He also ensured that appointees key into the vision and mission of the governor to remodel Kogi, unifying everybody with the common goal of making Kogi State great.

 No wonder his principal can go to sleep and the government will function smoothly. He is a workaholic blessed with native intelligence, hence, his appointment to run with Yahaya Bello as Deputy Governor for his second term in office. When they won the election, it was a smooth ride for Onoja who stayed afloat and managed the government adequately especially when his principal was away on official assignment. Governance was up and running as Kogi State witnessed an unprecedented rise in all facets. He did not only gather the trust of his boss but he was also able to show his capacity in governance and also his flair for service to his people.

As the second tenure of Governor Yahaya Bello is winding up, Onoja in his usual nature has put himself up for service to his people in a bid to succeed his boss as the next Governor of Kogi State. While many are still struggling to have a blueprint to run the state, Onoja who has learned with years of experience is ready to hit the ground running  in the affairs of the state by taking it to the next level. He has officially thrown his hat in the ring to contest for the seat of the Governor of  Kogi in the guber election come 2024. Sources say he already made his intention known to his boss who has given him his blessings and both are working in hand to ensure Kogi remains APC and Onoja succeeds him as governor.

Ooni of Ife Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has always made his plan known to all since he ascended the throne in 2015, which is to do things differently and remain distinct in his ways.

No surprise he has achieved success since his seven years reign on the throne of his forefathers. Arole Oduduwa’s way of relating and understanding the youth demography has availed him the opportunity to mentor the best youthful brains who share their ideology and plans with him as he guides them accordingly. In order to reward and recognize youth doing well in their chosen field, he founded the Royal African Youth Awards where youth are rewarded for their hard work and inducted into the royal court.

He is currently investing much in retail shopping outlets with his Ojaja Mall in Ile-Ife, Akure, Lagos, Ekiti, Abeokuta and a host of others under construction and handed over to youths who are doing great by managing them thereby creating demand and supply; direct and indirect employment. Apart from all this, he has been investing in women empowerment, child education and also fights against human trafficking, modern-day slavery and a host of others. In his quest to ensure women assume roles of nation builders, he has constantly placed girls on educational scholarships and also empowered victims of human trafficking by repatriating them to the country and setting them up to make ends meet. Most recently, Arole Oduduwa put smiles on the face of a lady named Oluwaseun whose arm was amputated in Egypt while she was there in search of greener pasture. Oluwaseun while in Egypt fell on her hand while trying to make peace and was denied medical attention this caused the hand to rupture.

While she eventually got medical attention, doctors said the only way out is for the hand to be cut off to avoid further damage. After the operation, her video went viral and the Ooni took a special interest. Through MakeMee Elegant foundation and some other relevant government agencies, she was repatriated to Nigeria to unite with her family.

In his usual generous nature, Ooni vowed to take up the welfare of the lady and immediately called a doctor from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to make an arrangement for a prosthetic arm for her. This, we gathered, further put smiles on the lady’s face as she was given a new ray of hope. 

Mr Bashir Yusuf Jamoh, the Director General, NIMASA has crossed the T’s and dotted the I’s when it comes to running the maritime sector. With over 29 years of public service experience, Jamoh has done so much and garnered experiences in different areas including the Kaduna State Government and the National Maritime Authority (NMA). While he was at the NMA, he was known for excellence. He performed excellently well discharging his duties with passion. He was able to rise astronomically through the ranks to his current position. For his contribution to National development, the PhD holder in Logistics and Transport Management from the University of PortHarcourt was installed as Baatona of Akure by The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II. At the installation party, the Honourable Minister of State Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye extolled the virtues of Jamoh as a detribalized Nigerian genuinely committed to the development of the nation through the maritime sector who truly deserves the honour as the pathfinder. The Deji also disclosed that Dr Jamoh contributed directly and indirectly to the development of Akure Kingdom using his personal resources in contribution to the growth of the Kingdom.

 Also present on the occasion are Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Deputy Governor, Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa amongst other dignitaries.

Speaking of consistent businessmen in Nigeria, Femi Otedola stands firm as an astute businessman with a midas touch of gold in the country and his story of resilience, hard work and sheer luck should teach anyone who is planning to set out in Nigeria’s business terrain a positive lesson. His ability to weather the heavy storm when it became evident the storm set out to sink him should also be a reference point to budding entrepreneurs on survival. Not many are always lucky to have a second chance but Femi had a second chance when many things seemed to crumble but he was able to restrategize and redirect his energy. Today, he has not only remained high-flying, but he has also built a more formidable business conglomerate, learning from his past experience which has helped move him back to winning ways. In business, he has seen it all so he deserves all the accolades and recognition he is getting.

 The father of four is indeed a master strategist and a warrior who knows when to strike and cease-fire. As a huge investor in the oil and gas sector, many thought his decision to sell off his stake in Forte oil to invest heavily in Geregu Power which was commissioned on February 16, 2007 by the federal government to supply the national grid was a bad move. But for Otedola, it was a wise decision as the world is transiting to clean energy, and the demand for Oil and Gas will reduce drastically. The world is moving away from fossil fuel to renewable energy using solar-powered cars and the like coupled with the decline in global oil prices among other reasons.  So investing in the energy sector was the new oil and gas. Without blinking an eye, he invested a substantial amount in Geregu through his Amperion Power Distribution Company owning an 80% Stake while the Federal government retains a 20% stake. That singular move further revealed him as a man who thinks outside the box and a disruptor. Today his audacity, intelligence and brilliance have made him stand out in business. The worth of his energy company is three times higher than the value he acquired years ago. His audacious move and investment in the sector are yielding massive profits to the chagrin of detractors who faulted his decision. This also opened doors for more investment as the Funds for Export Development in Africa a unit of the African Export-Import Bank approved the acquisition of a minority stake in Geregu becoming the pioneer power company to submit itself to the stringent listing requirement of the Nigerian Exchange limited giving it more value, market liquidity and allowing transparency.

 Apart from his magic wand as a businessman, he is also a generous money bag who loves to give without blinking an eye. His generosity has touched many lives in and outside of the country. At the Independent Award on Saturday, February 18 at the highbrow Eko Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos, Otedola was honoured and awarded as Business Mogul of the Decade for his outstanding contribution to business success in Nigeria over the years. Also, his Geregu Power PLC also won Power company of the Year at the awards for its continuous growth and quest  to light up  Nigeria.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Content creator and brand strategist, Bosah Francis Nonso also known as Bosa Lee, has stated that he has always known BBNaija’s 2022 edition winner, Phyna, to be a star.

In an interview where he made this known, Bosa Lee described Phyna as a humble-talented person, whose drive for excellence is unmatched.

Revealing how their paths crossed, the renowned publicist said he met Phyna through one of his industry friends, who recommended him to her.

“A friend of mine, sometime last year (2022), called me and said he would love me to handle the page of someone going for the BBNaija show. The person happened to be Phyna. I agreed to work with her because I was convinced of how far her brand could go.

“It wasn’t about the money at all, and I had this much belief that we were going to achieve a lot together. Lo and behold!” He revealed.

On how he has been able to maintain a healthy business relationship with her, the Lagos-born publicist who hails from Nsugbe in Anambra State, said he has been loyal and passionate about her brand.

“I think it is understanding, and loyalty. These are the things that have kept me in this game, and it has sustained my relationship with relevant people like Zfancy.

“Arguably, most of the connections I have today were through him, and it’s all because I’m loyal to him. Loyalty, and understanding, over self-entitlement and expectations have helped me with her”, the multi-award-winning media personality, who has worked with many reputable brands and artists in strategy and development, including Zima Nigeria, Wole DSB, Jaywon, and Sumotrust, stated.

For Nigerian born British Funmilayo Aiyeola, she has always been passionate about Nigeria and Nigerians. On many occasions, she has put herself up for service to humanity. The Erelu Apesin of Isonyin Ijebu land has remained focused on connecting her father’s land making sure she returned back home to connect with her roots.

Today, she has successfully keyed into the lifestyle by also ensuring she remained active not in only philanthropic work but also in politics. In 2012, she tried representing the good people of Ijebu north east local government as a chairman aspirant under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria but she lost out of the primary election thereby recoiling back into her cocoon staying away from politics.

Today, the University of Bedfordshire graduate has given back to her people in Isonyin-Ijebu through communal development projects where she has supported many through her philanthropic gestures partnering with the monarch Late Oba Funsho Ogunkoya who before his demise offered her a traditional title as Erelu but due to some reasons, she declined saying her commitment to her people should not come with compensation. When a new king, Oba Abdulrasheed Salami was crowned,  as the ruler Isonyin, she later took the traditional title as Erelu Apesin of Isonyin land in November 2022. With her undying passion for humanity, she founded Babatunde Akinola Foundation; a foundation named after her late father to cater for the girl child, single mothers, widows, motherless babies and a host of others vulnerable.

Iyalaje Oodua Princess Dr. Toyin Kolade is a thoroughbred businesswoman of high repute, who is known for her midas touch. The Fisolak Global Resource boss is one woman, who does not love to blow her trumpet out loud. She prefers her good work speak for her that’s why she has remained highflying in anything she does. She started making money early in life as a petty trader who learned the rudiments of business from her mother Comfort Adejuyigbe. Over the years she has morphed into a business magnate with her interest in many pies of business. Today her profile has risen high as she is getting recognised not only in business but also as a generous giver who gives without blinking an eye. Today many are currently benefiting from her scholarship scheme while she has established businesses for several vulnerable women.

 In reward for her contribution to business success over the year, most especially in the year 2022, the mother of four will be awarded by Daily Independent Newspaper as Independent Business Woman of the year 2022 at an award ceremony holding tomorrow Saturday at the highbrow Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

For some people, despite their enormous achievements in life, their passion is one thing that will forever catch up with them regardless of how they try hard to shy away from it. For Cosmopolitan gentleman and Oil and gas guru Akinlawon Adams, his passion and love for tourism, heritage and cultural preservation is something that kept creeping back into his life despite his accomplishments in the oil and gas sector.

The Loving Lagos boss is one of the few guys, who is passionate about the cultural heritage of Lagos that’s why he founded Loving Lagos (Onikan House) and Loving Lagos Beach and Resorts to showcase the beauty, splendour and rich heritage of Lagos to the rest of the world.

 Ever since he ventured into the tourism and hospitality sector, The former Director of Operations at Lubicon Groups has continued to foster relationships with the Afrobrazillian community in Lagos via cultural exhibitions across the street of Lagos.

They have also contributed to selling Lagos tourism to the rest of the world with the organization of talk shows, holidays getaways, hangouts, museum tours, food and drinks exhibition, fashion and style exhibition and a host of others and were also awarded by the Nigeria Tourism Award as Best Tourism attraction in 2021. Sources disclosed that despite Akinlawon’s private lifestyle, one thing he will not relent on is selling Nigeria to the world using tourism to boost the country’s GDP and also create jobs for many.