Category: Society

Royalty is sweet. The grand opulence that comes with it soothes the heart. That’s why the popular axiom says kings are born and not made. For His Royal Majesty, Emir Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau in Kaduna state, royalty is inborn as he probably has blue blood flowing through his veins. He is a successful diplomat, an extraordinary scholar, and a successful government worker with a track record.

After the demise of Emir Sheu Idris on September 20, 2020, the former Nigerian ambassador to Thailand was appointed to break a 100 years jinx from his Mallawa ruling house as the Emir of Zazzau. When he was announced as the new Emir, the whole town roared in happiness as excitement rented the air. He is well-loved in his community most especially his late father Nuhu Bamalli, who was a former Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria. His coronation and receiving staff of office ceremony was grand as the turnout witnessed massive attendance from who is who in Nigeria.

In celebration of his one year in office as the 19th Emir of Zazzau, he organised a symposium to openly discuss the role of traditional institutions in curbing the security challenges Nigeria is currently facing at the Umar Musa Yar’adua hall Kaduna. On Friday, he had a special Jumat service where prayers were offered for God to continue making his reign a peaceful one devoid of crisis and other vices that might cause unrest within the emirate. Other activities to mark the day include a grand finale Dubar, which was held at the Mal Musa square, Emir’s Palace Zaria.

Despite criticisms about just clinging to his grandfather’s name and legacies, Segun Awolowo Jnr. has strived hard to carve a niche for himself. Awolowo has made a mark for himself in the country’s political landscape as a tested and trusted boardroom guru representing the country’s export promotion council for close to a decade with impeccable results to show for his outstanding achievements. He started serving as a special assistant to the former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Traditional Institutions, Special Assistant on Legal Due Diligence, BPP, and Special Assistant on Legal Matters where he learned the ABC of governance before former President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him as the head honcho of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council NEPC.

At a time when Nigeria is looking to diversify its economy from being an oil-dependent economy to also exporting raw materials to the rest of the world, Awolowo launched the Zero Oil initiative and successfully increased the exporting capacity of Nigerian farmers and traders. Home-made goods, export of raw materials to value-added products increased drastically. The foreign exchange revenue, to promote the value of Nigerian-made products and services abroad, was also on the rise. His initiative also created several active and passive jobs and also racked in $30billion in foreign exchange for Nigeria.

With the wealth of knowledge shown in his capacity as MD/CEO NEPC to being unanimously elected as the President of National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) from the ECOWAS Member States. In his capacity, Awolowo is currently moving around the world seeking synergy between world bodies for the improvement of the trade Promotion organization in Africa which will make the ECOWAS state stronger in terms of revenue generation and also promote inflow of goods and raw materials to the rest of the world. Weeks ago, he met with World Trade Organization head Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala where he went to solicit support and introduce a new mechanism of the TPO Network to help boost trade amongst ECOWAS member states network to enable an effective transition from the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme to the African Continental Free Trade Area.

When English playwright and writer Williams Shakespeare said that “Our content is our best having,” he simply meant that when an individual is loaded with content, he or she is fully armed with the requirements to survive life. Some have content with no innate ability to deliver what they have inside of them. For Sijibomi Ogundele, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Luxury real estate company, he is embedded with too much content and has a mastery in the art of delivery. Give it to him, he is one of the few who makes a promise and will stand by it even with a rifle on his head. He showed his oratory and cerebral prowess in the issues of finance, business management, real estate management, and entrepreneurial success over the week far-away East Africa, Uganda.

In a bid to share his experience as an entrepreneur who rose from the rustic suburb of Agege in Lagos, to become a real estate giant in Nigeria. At the invitation of the management staff of the prestigious Victoria University, central business district, Kampala, students witnessed Sujimoto deliver a mind-blowing lecture on his journey as an entrepreneur, sharing business principles he never learned in the classroom. First, he implores his audience to shun poverty ideology. Saying poverty only hinders anyone from reaching his or her full potential. “Erase poverty mentality and you are on the first step to success.” In his remarks, Sijibomi averred that education is the foundation for achieving any great purpose either formal or informal. “We should also learn pragmatic experiences of mentors who are successful in any field we want to delve into. I learned a lot from M.K.O Abiola. To succeed in business as an entrepreneur, you need to learn dreaming big, integrity, passion, diligence, and building a network of great people as assets. These principles will help you thrive in life as a business owner.”

The Cosmopolitan businessman further spurred the innate mindset of every young Ugandans to rise and take their destiny in their hands saying, “I use this opportunity to call on every young Uganda, those here in this room and across the hills nation, I want to remind you that you are the true asset of this country, That you are 60% of the 46 million population of this nation. That no one will give you a chair at the table of opportunity, you have to create your our chair. The old will go”.

Ogundele further harped on the need for every Ugandan youth to also leave behind the idea of impossibility stating that; everything can be achieved if there is passion and the will to achieve success.

At the mention of the name Hajia Bola Shagaya, what resonates in the mind of many is a successful woman who has crested her name in gold like a seasoned businesswoman that commands power and respect in the country. Apart from being a socialite of note, Hajia Sagaya’s philanthropic gestures remain unmatched. Despite the numerous disparaging comments about her person, she remains unperturbed but rather concentrates on achieving her set goals and dreams.

More than six decades after the stylish billionaire was born, she has lived all her life for humanity. The CEO of Bolmus Group International is not a fan of celebrating elaborate birthdays but when she turned 60, she shut the country down with a one-in-town celebration. Her soiree two years ago had the high and mighty under one roof. It was a gathering of the elites from the business, social, political, and corporate world. It was like a movie as she reserved her dance steps for that day to celebrate the gift of life and also show appreciation for a life well spent.

On Sunday, October 10, 2021, the graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria turned 62 amidst no fanfare. She just celebrated the day with a thanksgiving service while hosting a few friends and family at her palatial mansion in Abuja. According to her Islamic faith, she offered Zakat to the needy in cash as she often says her birthday is an avenue to put smiles on the faces of the needy.

Love him or loathe him, His Imperial Majesty Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi is more than just a king. His omoluabi demeanor and graceful gait command respect across Yorubaland to far away in Brazil. The 50th Ooni of Ife has ensured tremendous improvement in cultural appraisal and acceptance across his territory, Nigeria, and the world at large. Despite the amount of influence he wields in the country, he remains one of the most humble monarchs in Nigeria. Like his name, Enitan implies – one whose birth is linked to a story – his journey to kingship has found a seat in history and will be discussed long after he passes away. Until his ascension to the revered throne, the Ooni had lived a life devoid of attention though with every inch of royalty.

After he emerged as Ooni, he resuscitated and repackaged all the moribund cultural festivals. He is no doubt a bridge-builder who has broken many impeccable records within his five-year reign.

On Sunday, October 17, 2021, the stylish and youthful king  turned 47 on Sunday October 17. On the eve of his birthday at exactly 12:00 am on Sunday, Olori Naomi made a loud noise across the ancient city with over 30 minutes of fireworks to celebrate her hubby. Ooni’s close friends, sons and daughters of the kingdom thronged out to witness the beautiful fireworks display. They immediately moved into the hall and had a short prayer session where Kabiyesi thanked those who made it down to surprise him on his big day. Later that day, at the Ife Grand resort, family and friends hosted a birthday dinner with several displays of cultural performances as he was presented with an array of gigantic birthday cake and gifts. On the 7th of December, Olofin Adimula will also be celebrating his 6th coronation anniversary amidst fanfare.

The success story of Kennedy Okonkwo known as Ned Okonkwo on the social scene is worth applause. During his formative years, the death of his father almost rewrote his journey. The road became rough as it was so cloudy to navigate through the hard times. With determination and the will to be successful, he was able to turn his constraints into success. As of today, he is a major player in the country’s real estate, hospitality, oil, and gas sector with a money-spinning business chain worth billions of Naira.

Today, the Ojoto Anambra State-born business mogul sits atop Nedcomoaks Limited, a property development company with a specialty in real estate development and architectural and civil designs, and also Victoria Crest Homes, a housing property that provides affordable housing options to especially the middle class. Some of his philanthropic avenues include the Kennedy Okonkwo Programme For Tech Entrepreneurs, where thousands of youth benefit from him and has also doled out scholarships to brilliant students among other things.

On October 12, 2021, the Psychology graduate of the University of Ibadan celebrated his 44th birthday in grand style with the launch and unveiling of his new Citadel Views Estate 2021 house design in Eti-Osa. The two in one event had in attendance The Elegushi of Ikate, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, who came to officially launch the estate and also laid the foundation. In an elated mood, Ned Okonkwo also used that opportunity to dance and give thanks to God for sparing his life to see yet another year. The occasion later turned into a mini-concert with a performance from Davido, Phyno, Judikay, and a host of others.

MOB Foundation boss, Maryam Onikijipa Belgore does not court media attention but has become a recurring decimal in the society news. One thing about her lifestyle is how she manages to pop up in the cynosure of all eyes. Maybe it’s her Heart of Gold or ravishing beauty, but her philanthropic gestures to the downtrodden, we gathered, often spread like wildfire. For someone like her, who loves to give expecting nothing in return, any kind gesture showed towards her, she would be highly elated with all her heart.

For her, birthdays are quite a significant day in her life. She is surrounded by beautiful people who love to celebrate her at any given opportunity. Friends and family showered her with so much love on October 3, 2021 as she celebrated her 32nd birthday at a private 5-star hotel in Lagos.

Read Also: About Maryam Belgore’s coming birthday

The daughter of popular clergyman Sheik Sulaiman Farooq Onikijipa was surprised by friends who hosted her to a private birthday dinner in Lagos. The celebrant who initially came for an event in Lagos was caught unaware by her sibling with a surprise birthday soiree. As much as she would just like to have a private moment of celebration with her husband and kids like she did last year, friends and family were so interested in putting smiles on her face like she often does to those around her.

The Crescent University graduate in her unusual manner with her close friends and family had a birthday dinner where those in attendance made beautiful comments about her. They made testimonies that almost moved her to tears. With gigantic cakes and lots of birthday gifts, the celebrant gave thanks to Almighty God for making her see yet another year alive and bubbling on mother earth.

At a point in Nigeria, Hamza al-Mustapha is regarded as one of the strongest military men in the country. As the Aide de Camp to the former Head of State while he was Chief of Army Staff to when he was Chief Security Officer to the Head of States he was loyal to his boss General Sanni Abacha. While Abacha was alive, Mustapha was said to have been a swiss knife in his government. He was in charge of the special strike force unit which was a military arm Abacha never joked with. He was also a tested political strategist.

Read Also: Some leaders are on destructive mission, says Al-Mustapha

He was powerful and influential. After the sudden death of Abacha in 1998, Mustapha’s woes began. Things he had done in the past started to haunt him. After spending several years in detention, with different court verdicts, he regained freedom and joined active politics by founding Green Party of Nigeria and later contested as the 2019 Presidential Candidate of Peoples Party of Nigeria.

In remembrance of his late boss, Hamza showed an unflinching loyalty, when he hosted the maiden edition of the Abacha day colloquium with the theme, The Man, His ideals and legacies at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja. The event was well attended by former governors, ministers,  political appointees and other well-meaning Nigerians. While the idea of the colloquium generated sheer criticism from some people, Hamza was commended for his loyalty to his boss even in death.

With the foresight of an eagle, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing came into the real estate business well-armed and prepared for the challenges ahead. He floated Adron Homes, one of the very few real estate companies that is particular about a home for all regardless of your class. With lofty ideas and great marketing and communication skills, he was able to nationalise his Adron Homes brand to become a major player in the much saturated real estate terrain.

If you wake the University of Ibadan graduate from sleep, he will spontaneously give you practical information that will make a best-selling book in real estate development and management. When most of his peers were busy living a flamboyant lifestyle, the Ilisan-Remo born businessman was busy building a business empire, buying and selling apartments to and for friends. His breakthrough came over 20 years ago when he sold an apartment for a friend at Jubilee estate, Otedola Lagos. Instead of spending the proceeds realized, he invested and today he is reaping bountifully with a smile on his face.

Read Also: Mike Adenuga soars again

One of his main goals in life is to make sure every low-income earner is captured in his plan to ensure they have a roof on their head. With that, he created a simple and stress-free pocket-friendly payment mode where you can pay for land as you earn within a long period of time. With this, many people have benefited from his magnanimous nature. With numerous housing projects littered across the country.

Over the week, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy, Babafemi Hamzat presented Aare Adetola Emmanuel-king with a Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation for complying with the guidelines of the State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) on building safe, secure and habitable estates in the State.

Anytime Mike Agbolade Adenuga, known as the spirit of Africa sleeps, many wonder what goes through his mind.  Ever since his foray into the telecommunication business, the Bull, as Adenuga has been nicknamed, has made indelible feats.

When French President Emmanuel Macron conferred on him the Knight of the Legion of Honour (Chevalier de la Legion d Honneur), little did many know that Macron is a man who sees tomorrow. The bull’s generosity is second to none as he gives generously like money is going out of fashion. To him, wealth is from God and the amount you give to affect the lives of those around you positively gives fulfillment.

Read Also: Dami Adenuga strives to change face of Nigerian music digitally

Last weekend, the businessman of high repute and Globacom boss was part of the Nigerian business community delegate alongside Abdul Samad Rabiu (Chairman of BUA Group), Tony Elumelu (UBA chairman), Herbert Wigwe (MD of Access Bank), and Aliko Dangote (Dangote Group chairman) and Gilbert Chagoury who visited French President, Emmanuel Macron in a bid to strengthen the French-Nigerian business tides. In his quest to further strengthen the telecommunication industry in Nigeria, he signed a mouth-watering partnership with French satellite communications group, EutelSat, at the Elysée event on   September 30. The partnership between the two companies would actualize 500 Wi-Fi relay stations to far-flung rural areas, for connection to a EutelSat satellite which would increase the broadband internet connection and also give clarity in calls.

The Spirit will never relent until Nigeria retains its place as an investment destination and also strengthens indigenous investment with a partnership that works, a source disclosed.