Category: Society

If the story of the revolution of telecommunication in Nigeria is to be scribbled, the name Dr. Mike Agbolade Ishola Adenuga Jnr. would be a recurring decimal. Yes. And this is because he is the quintessential game changer who softens the strong stone with his doggedness, patience, consistency, and foresight. Before the revolution in the world of telecommunication in Nigeria, it was a herculean task to make calls or receive calls as NITEL had a series of complaints of fault here and there. Because of the teeming customers with high demands, NITEl was lagging in providing service that gave some investors in the telecommunication sector the foresight to block the lacuna created by erstwhile NITEL as the Government also wanted a lasting solution to the impending and recurring issues.

On January 19, 2001, the story of the telecommunications industry was going to change for good inside the NICON Hilton Hotel, Abuja at the open bidding for the three GSM licenses conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC. That audacious move for Adenuga was widely applauded because it was the only indigenous company that bid for the license and won it. It was a sentiment many people shared that a Nigerian is going to start up a telecommunication firm.

On August 29, 2003, the Ijebu-Igbo business magnate ignited his dreams and Globacom came into existence. In a bid to show those he met in the business that Globacom is a fresh gust of summer wind, what many of his competitors said was impossible charging subscribers Per Minute on call; Globacom through Adenuga crashed that idea with a ‘per second billing’ plan which was regarded first of its kind in the country as there was a massive exodus of people migrating to Globacom. In his strategy to ensure all Nigerians further feel the new wind blowing, he demystified the myth of indigenous companies always playing second fiddle as he crashed the prices of sim cards. This made his competitors sit tight.

As Globalcom would be celebrating its 19th year of existence in the telecommunication business on Monday, August 29, the unsung hero Adenuga has remained consistent in his ideas and approach thereby making communication easy for all sundry. Despite not taking credit for the mammoth work he did, history will forever be kind to him for standing tall for Nigeria. Through Glo, Adenuga has invested heavily in the entertainment industry by sponsoring concerts, soccer tournaments, and events and has also witnessed a boom in Nigeria’s entertainment and African sports sector.

At a time when many have been cut short by death, staying strong in good health and wealth is a thing to be thankful for. For Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, birthdays avail him the opportunity to have a review of his life so far and make amends where it needed to be, and also shout in thanksgiving to the creator of life across heaven. The Buffalo, as he is fondly called by his allies, has every reason to be excited most especially how his background has prepared him for what he is currently enjoying today. Those who don’t know him will think his sojourn into politics started a few years ago. On Wednesday, August 24, the affable former officer of the Nigerian State Security Service (SSS) turned politician didn’t fail to thank his creator on his 58th birthday. Although he didn’t want a loud fanfare celebration his staff, friends, and family members didn’t fail to surprise him with plenty of cakes, birthday cards, and calls in a celebratory mood as they all showed their appreciation for his selflessness over the years. In his usual manner, the birthday boy used his birthday to reiterate his commitment to a greater Lagos and also for the upliftment of humanity.

If you follow the story of life coach, writer, real estate guru and MD/CEO Gtext Holdings, Dr. Stephen Akintayo, you would conclude that hard work, consistency and prayers are rewarding for those who are focused and believe. Following his contributions in the areas of leadership training and mentorship, he was conferred with a doctorate degree by the management of Myles Leadership University at the Gtext Holdings headquarters in Banana Island, Lagos.

During the conferment ceremony, Dr. Matthew Mario, Director of Programs, Myles Leadership University remarked that the decision of the University management to honour Dr Akintayo was born out of his giant strides in the real estate business and his reputation over the years. In response, while accepting the offer, Dr. Akintayo opened upon previously rejecting three honorary doctorate degrees on different occasions. “This is the second honorary doctorate degree I would be getting. This year, on different occasions, I have gotten three honourary awards that I have rejected. This was because I was not just sure about the source. As one rises, it’s not all doors that open you must accept to walk through.” he added.

For Olori Janet Afolabi, the Queen of Apomu Kingdom, her role comes with a great burden of responsibilities which she is ready to shoulder.

She has been touching the lives of people within the town and she continued to compliment the effort of her husband in ensuring adequate sensitization in terms of child education and the war against drug abuse among others. In a bid to take her advocacy forward, she officially flagged off Initiative to Stop Teenage Pregnancy at the Alapomu Palace Hall, Apomu, Osun State.

Olori Afolabi embarked on the initiative to help reduce some of the consequences and dangers of teenage pregnancy to the bearest minimum.

Speaking at the event, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi the Alapomu of Apomu, urged parents and stakeholders to discourage pre-marital sex, and prostitution. est for money.

In her speech, Olori Afolabi said teenage pregnancy has impacted negatively on the educational development of the community. She said: “this initiative is to sensitize teenagers about the dangers and consequences inherent in early pregnancy and abortions. It is saddening that hundreds of teenage students with great potential have either lost their lives or their vital organs in the process of attempting to terminate unwanted pregnancies”.  To sustain the initiative  Olori Afolabi has set up a Teenage Pregnancy Committee that will take the sensitization campaign to remote areas of Apomu, markets, motor parks, churches, mosques and schools.

Her background as the daughter of foremost politician and presidential aspirant, Alhaji Umar Shinkafi and now wife of Kebi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu has helped shaped Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu’s perspective about humanity. She has dedicated her life to saving the lives of children, women with her knowledge as a trained medical doctor before going on to specialise in Paediatrics and Neonatology in UK.

In the course of her career spanning over a decade, catering for children and mothers with medical-related issues, she also took her best interest in Breast and cervical cancer research. She later began the Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF), where they create awareness on health matters, train health workers, and fund the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients in Nigeria. Her passion which started like a play has today diagnosed and screened several women and saved them from untimely death that is cancer-related. Today, the foundation has raised over N100m for the treatment and support of cancer patients across Nigeria and by extension Africa.

The First Lady of Kebbi State is currently working with the state ministries of health, education, and women’s affairs to implement programmes to sustainably improve menstrual hygiene, girl-child education, economic empowerment of women, and put an end to gender-based violence. Noticing her giant strides in creating awareness for cancer across Nigeria, she was recently announced as one of the candidates shortlisted for the President-elect position (2022-2024) Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the worldwide umbrella body for cancer organizations.  It was gathered that the UICC general assembly and voting are scheduled to hold virtually on the October 11. Over 500 member organisations will make the decision.

Many who are not familiar with Dr. Pearl Chidinma Ogbulu the Erelu Okin of Orile-Kemta in Ogun State would readily conclude that she is a controversial person especially with the incident that threw her in the spotlight for distributing petrol at her her installation party in 2021.

The story generated mixed reactions but the stylish and youthful chief took the blame and apologized for what happened. Ever since then, she has been a cynosure of eyes which earned her the moniker Erelu Petrol. Away from the controversy, she is a woman blessed with a heart of gold. Her love for education through the Erelu Okin Foundation, saw her visiting Muslim Grammar School, Ede, Osun State, where she provided all the kids with brand new school kits, and ensured children roaming the streets were registered in school.

She has also sunk boreholes in Ogun State to give portable water to remote areas. For her efforts in oil and fashion industries,she was honoured with a Doctorate in Arts (D. Arts) in Fashion Development and Petroleum Management.

The Abia state-born businesswoman loves to make a loud statement most with her outfit.

The Atayero of Aramoko, in Ekiti West Local government area of Ekiti State, Ambassador Olusegun Aderemi has over the years distinguished himself with his leadership capacity and his quest for knowledge. He has remained highflying since his ascension to throne as his affable nature and his love for humanity have made him a shining light among the traditional institution rulers across the country. He is a true representation of African culture, humanity and tradition. He is well connected and vast both in knowledge and understanding more reason anytime he talks; he gets the rapt attention of everyone around.

Weeks ago; he journeyed to the United States of America where he received awards of recognition from the Mayors of the cities of Newark, and Franklin New Jersey, United States of America, USA. In the two separate proclamation letters signed by the Mayor of Newark, Ras J.Baraka and Charles Onyejaka councilman with Phillip Kramer, Mayor of the City of Franklin, the recognition event in the city of Franklin came with accolades and fun fare.

According to sources; The Newark Mayor disclosed that the award of recognition, declares Oba Aderemi a citizen of the City of Franklin, who can have access to anything he wants; land, investment, partnership opportunities etc, Automatic Sister city relationship, Exchange programs and much more.

On receiving the honour, Aderemi promised that the kind gesture is a good development that will facilitate provision of good water, education and solar system that will tackle challenges bedevilling Nigeria’s political power.

Over a year ago, the ascension of Olu of Warri Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko; Ogiame Atuwatse III, to the throne was one of the turbulent times in the kingdom. It was a tussle during and after his selection as some section of people in the kingdom allegedly averred that his selection process was flawed. Despite the tussle and the division between the palace chiefs, he was announced Olu designate by the Iyatsere and went on isolation ‘idaniken’ that lasts three lunar cycles where he was intimated with kingship rites by the Ojoye Oguadoren. While he was in seclusion, the whole town was rented with a loud voice in a celebratory mood. It was a carnival across the ancient city as the Itshekiris were excited that a fresh gust of summer wind will take over the riverine kingdom. For the Olu, he was a man loved and blessed by his creator. All those who opposed his enthronement have all come to see him from a different perspective and as well also come to terms with him that he is the chosen one to ferry the kingdom to the next level.

His coronation day, August 21, 2021, was a jamboree as sons and daughters of the kingdom came out in their large numbers to witness the enthronement of the new Olu. In his coronation speech, it was quite evident that the new Olu was not perturbed by the situations surrounding his enthronement as he proved that all he wanted was to bring development to his people and also facilitate investments in his community. He immediately put behind his pre-coronation tussles and hit the ground running. He stood against Oil theft and campaigned aggressively against it.

He also showed the importance of international engagement with an official visit to Canada earlier this year. He was also featured in a segment on CNN’s African Voices in 2022, among other things. In celebration of his one-year coronation anniversary, Olu Atuwatse III and his team are leaving no stone unturned in making the event a memorable one with series of activities lined up. The programme began with Praise Day, followed by thanksgiving, praise and worship sessions inside the main church auditorium within the palace in Warri, Delta State. The programme also features the ‘Warri Food Festival’, a novel idea of the monarch, to showcase different food items, sources and modes of preparation. The various menus, colours and tastes of Itsekiri cuisine are to be on display. This is to be followed closely same day as Iwere Music Concert and launch of Iwere Royal Society.

Today, Friday, August 19, the Olu will flag-off health care day to deliver free healthcare services to the people by the traditional ruler at the Palace of Chief Nana Olomu, the great merchant of Niger Delta and successful Itsekiri businessman, who was Governor of the Benin River Protectorate, under the British colonial administration.

On Saturday, activities would shift to Ode Itsekiri, headquarters of the Warri kingdom, where Itsekiri, in their thousands, will take turns to pay homage to their revered first-class monarch, amid cultural display. The anniversary would be rounded off on Sunday,  with a thanksgiving service.

NOT all man has the capacity to combine satorial elegance and wealth into one but Muhammed Indimi, Chairman, Oriental Energy Resource, is an embodiment of the above quality that has stood him out over the years. The billionaire business mogul is not moved by his wealth and he sees wealth as God-given according to his religious faith. The Borno-born oil and gas magnate loves to live a good life. Yes, he indeed knows that living a quality life is essential so at any time he wants to have fun, he treats himself to a presidential and royal lifestyle.

When he celebrated his 70th birthday about five years ago, it was an intriguing celebration as the over 100 guests who joined him on a trip to a Spanish Island, Marabella can never forget in a hurry. He feted his guest to a posh lifestyle at the resort area on Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, one of the best tourism and most expensive islands in Spain.

The Forbes-listed billionaire famously referred to as ‘Master strategist’; and an in-law to President Mohammed Buhari and, until recently, in-law to a former President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida has every reason to be thankful as he is hale and hearty to celebrate his 75th birthday this year but with not much fanfare attached to it. He decided to keep his birthday on a low but he was celebrated to high heavens by his close friends, associates and family members. The date also coincides with his conferment of an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) From the University of Maiduguri for his contributions to nation-building, Business success and Philanthropy. Sources said he is excited and also looking forward to his 80th birthday God willing when he will host a mother-of-all birthday soiree in celebration.

Folayemi Joshua’s Fashion brand aka FJ Fashion has stunned fans and clients with new designs.

The head honcho of the FJ Fashion says his newly designed henley shirts are designed for individuals who want to maintain their simple looks in a comfy outfit whilst looking classy.

FJ Fashion has rebranded its henley shirts, taking the simplicity and comfort to another level and combining it with excellence and elegance. FJ Fashion’s new look henley shirts are high-quality shirts designed to make you look simple and sophisticated in one breath.

The new FJ henley shirts ooze class.

It starts from the packaging. When clients order an FJ henley shirt, it is delivered with class and panache.

Folayemi Joshua Fashion or FJ Fashion is a Nigerian eponymous clothing label. It’s owned by Folayemi Joshua Limited and has a local focus with global standards.