Category: Society

Olufemi Nojeemdeen Bakre is no greenhorn when it comes to the issues of finance, accounting and corporate governance. He has dedicated all his life to the banking profession sitting atop several managerial positions in the banking industry with record-breaking achievements to his credit. If you wake the Oluomo of Ago-Iwoye from his sleep and ask him any question about risk management, customer service, banking, credit analysis, and financial analysis, you would be marveled at his spontaneous answer. He is vast when it comes to the issues of finance which gave birth to his astronomic rise in the profession ever since his foray into the banking profession since his one-year mandatory NYSC service in 1987, serving at the defunct Continental Merchant Bank.

His resume is quite an intimidating one after his long working spell at the First City Monument Bank FCMB, where he left as the executive director of institutional banking after a decade of meritorious service before joining Parallex Bank as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer last year. Apart from his popularity in the banking business, he was thrown into the limelight when his son, Tobi Bakre headlined a popular reality tv show.

On Sunday, March 26, 2022, the Otunba Bobaselu of Awa Kingdom sauntered into the Haven Event center in his all-white native attire for the 60th birthday soiree of Lagos businessman Otunba Adebola Adenuga. Unlike his peers who would rather storm public functions with loud sirens, high-security details fully armed to the teeth with sophisticated weapons,  His simplicity and calm nature marveled many as he mingled freely like a common man.

Despite her aristocratic background, Osasumwen Igbenidion has carved a niche for herself in the media profession after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College in Easton Massachusetts, and thereafter a master’s degree from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. She started journalism first at BEN TV London before hosting her own ‘The Osasu Show,’ a talk shows that projects politics, business, personalities, and more in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The daughter of former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbenidion, and one of the granddaughters of octogenarian billionaire, Chief Gabriel Igbenedion, will be exchanging marital vows with Benue-born cinematographer Nathaniel Ogwuche. All hands are on deck to make sure the nuptial ceremony remains a talk of the town for many years to come.

Dignitaries are said to have confirmed their attendance for the holy matrimony scheduled to hold on Monday, April 11, 2022, at Okada Avenue, GRA, Benin city. Sources further disclosed that the Igbiedion family is ready to host guests as they are known to never do things in half measure. They are making solid provisions for the very best experience at the wedding soiree.

In the same vein, sources squealed that the Esama of Benin has plans to surprise Osasu with an unscheduled performance by her favorite female artiste Teni Makanaki. After the nuptials, the Igbinedion dynasty will, again, on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, throw another ceremony to celebrate the matriarch Lady Cherry Igbenidion as she turns 70.

Ever since his appointment as the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has been working round the clock and many would wonder why. On his appointment as the IGP last year, he made a promise to make Nigeria unbearable for criminals and economic saboteurs. In a quest to achieve the assignment given to him by his principal, he has been strategising day and night to ensure every common Nigerian can sleep with their two eyes closed without the fear of being attacked.

Like a man diligent in his business, Baba has ensured the Police force is given a new face with pragmatic ideas and innovative ways of tackling securities issues in the country. Bringing into play his wealth of experience in the police force having served in various capacities with vast knowledge as an enforcement officer with numerous awards to his credit. His astronomic rise in the police force was said to have occurred with his dedication and selfless service to the Police force having displayed utmost professionalism and uprightness in every capacity he has acted most especially as Deputy Inspector General of Police DIG Zone 5 in charge of Edo, Bayelsa, Delta states. This was one of the reasons he was appointed to tackle insecurity in the country. To the chagrin of those who never wanted him to succeed in his quest to bring insecurity to a halt, Baba is currently proving his detractors wrong that policing is not just by word of mouth but needs proactive action and ideas leveraging on modern technology.

Under the Yobe state-born cop’s watch, he ensured improvement of the Police welfare package and working conditions with the recent distribution of new kits and also moving for an increment in salary. He often moves around each state to motivate his men and also engage traditional stakeholders to takle insecurity from its roots. He has also ensured that the issues of police extortion and unprofessional conduct reduced drastically with the recent launch of an app where public complaints and emergencies can be lodged for further actions. Sources said his quick response to issues of security matters has been applauded and his supportive nature has made his men dedicated to the work of policing.

Former first lady of Nigeria, Alhaja Maryam Sani-Abacha with the sobriquet ‘Inna,’ has literally carved a niche for herself with several indelible footprints via her pet project that is believed to have touched millions of lives to date. After clocking age 75 days ago, the former first lady still possess the aura that comes with being a first lady marked with respect.

When she held sway as the National President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives’ Association (NAOWA), from 1985 – 1990, the woman of substance from Borno state harnessed the resourcefulness of army officers’ wives and their genuine patriotic feelings to further the interests in line with her vision of a united, peaceful and progressive Nigeria. She was at the forefront of the national movement for a self-reliant economy, launching several developments efforts for the education and self-improvement of womenfolk through workshops, organized seminars and lectures for soldiers’ wives in particular and other citizens. The association operated several farms and small-scale enterprises for the benefit of its members and the less privileged.

Last week, Inna celebrated her 75th birthday amidst pomp and glee. Her children, grandchildren, family members and friends came out in large numbers to celebrate with her at a soiree held in Abuja in her honor. The soiree had in attendance, Alhaja Turaki Yaradua, Dame Patience Jonathan and a host of others.

The city of Ilorin went agog as cosmopolitan debonair businessman, Kale Kawu, was turbaned the Dan Iyan of Ilorin by the Emir, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Kolapo Sulu Gambari CFR weeks ago. The title Dan Iyan means the head of all princes and princesses. Kale earned the title owing to his blue blood. His late father, Alhaji Kawu Agaka, was the secretary to the emir and he also served the Emir’s father, late Emir Zulukainani Gambari, and the incumbent’s predecessor, late Aliyu Abdulkadir, better known as Baba Agba in various capacities.

At the turbaning soiree, Kale, a Director of procurement at rural electrification agency, received top dignitaries who came to pay him in good measure for the favour and good deeds he has done for all sundry. In attendance were several dignitaries including Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and Olofa of Offa in Kwara State, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Guests and attendees were treated to the soulful music from Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal.

When you meet  Tokunbo Wahab, a lawyer, one question comes to mind; what will a man with so much sound pedigree and a successful career as a trained lawyer with close to two decades of experience be looking for in politics? But Wahab’s cogent reason for delving into politics is driven by his passion to serve and also ensure people get the quality representation that will better their lives. With a very resounding persona and a meek cum human nature, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education is regarded as one of the most performing with the giant stride recorded in his quest for quality education and learning in Lagos. With lofty ideals and a pragmatic approach, Wahab has keyed into the Governor Sanwo-Olu THEMES agenda by consolidating the effort to ensure education is given top priority by making it attractive.

Under his watch, the managing partner at Wall and Ace legal firm conceived the Eko Digital Initiative, which availed willing Lagosians to have unlimited access to modern/technological resources that would foster learning (at primary, secondary and tertiary levels) without much impediment. He is also supervising the ongoing Lagos State University (LASU) hostel project in Epe, also the recognition of LASU as a top 600 school (501) in the world and number two in Nigeria according to the Times Higher Education (THE) world ranking released in September 2021.

To enhance a robust learning atmosphere and promotion of education in Lagos, TKW, as he is fondly called, ensured the transformation and upgrade of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, to the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and also Lagos State polytechnic to Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUST) amid other achievements.

Being the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly can be tiring yet, Mudashiru Obasa has been able to maneuver the rigour of the role to remain the amiable politician and lawmaker. From Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora to Hon. Jokotola Pelumi, and Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the mantle of leadership has been a weight that only few can withstand yet Obasa has continued to shine like a million stars.

This politician and an ardent student of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s school of politics is a man who has learned so much from his political godfathers and has made good use of the training. Aside from his Agege constituency, Obasa’s heart of gold continues to make way from him where naysayers and critics gather to speak ill of him. Obasa has continued to impact the lives of constituents and even immediate staff without calling attention or even sharing these in the media space.

Despite his strict mien, which is mostly being misconstrued by those who meet him at a glance, Obasa’s generosity and philanthropic gestures continue to ring bell among constituents, family members, political and legal colleagues – aside from Lagosians in and outside Nigeria.

On finance, economics and banking-related topics, Herbert Wigwe is no pushover. In fact, if he speaks on policymaking, finance, risk management, and economics with his repertoire of knowledge backed with years of quality experience. He is qualified to be referred to as an institution. He does not need to prove to his critics right or wrong, his records speak volumes of his pedigree and achievements with Access bank’s success as a true testament.

After taking over from his closest ally and business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank in 2014, many doubted his competence to succeed. Wigwe, armed with self-belief, doggedness, sincerity of purpose, resourcefulness, and brilliancy, remodeled the fortune of the Access bank by repositioning it with the acquisition of now-defunct Diamond bank to berth numerous branches littered across the country as well as other parts of Africa that include Cameroon, Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa.

Over the week, Access Bank celebrated the 20th year anniversary of its existence with eight out of those years being under the leadership of Wigwe. At the celebration, many acknowledge the prominent role Wigwe played in placing the brand as a pan African brand with robust customer relationships.

For a perfect illustration, Obi Iyiegbu aka Obi Cubana, the head honcho of luxury nightlife business chain, Cubana groups, is a misunderstood personality. Some say his ways are shrouded in secrecy but those close to him averred that he is an open book waiting to be studied. During his formative years, growing up in a family where both parents are teachers, he was instilled with discipline and hard work. His background prepared him for the challenges ahead as through sheer dint of hard work and consistency, providence took him to the ladder of success flying high in business.

Apart from his huge investment in the nightlife business, Obi’s hands are tied around many chains of business from real estate, hotel, liquor production, brand influencing, events among others. Recently those monitoring his moves are marveled at his movement in the promotion of his new liquor bitters brand called Odogwu Bitters.

On his movement promoting the brand, the reception was quite massive as many taught he was campaigning for an elective post.

When the Oniru of Iru Land, Oba Abdulwasiu Gbolahan Lawal ascended the throne amore than a year, one assignment he had, was to ensure the kingdom witnessed a massive transformation while upholding and resuscitating its cultural and traditional heritage. It didn’t take the king long before this is achieved. Many would wonder why he has received so much love and support since his ascension, but his close allies are quick to say that despite the talks surrounding his emergence as the Oniru, he employed wisdom and native intelligence to manage the situation by reconciling all warring factions as well as also embracing peace by throwing his doors wide open for advice and partnership.

To show he is not relenting in the projection of the rich culture of the Iru people, Oniru hosted the annual Ejiwa Elegba Festival. The week-long festival had several activities that started on March 14, 2022, till March 20, 2022. The festival also had a rich display of cultural aesthetics and a royal parade where sons and daughters of the kingdom converged at the Agbo Elegba, Iru to offer prayers to their ancestors and also celebrate their culture with music, drums, dance, and colorful attires.

The Oniru has also promised to make sure all festivals that have been on hold are being resuscitated to ensure proper documentation and passing to the next generation to avoid obliteration of the cultural values of Iru people despite civilization.