Category: Society

By Sofowora Oladapo

Folorunsho Folarin Coker aka Folly Coker is a hardworking man who has dedicated his energy to grow the tourism industry in Nigeria. Undoubtedly, the ex-commissioner in Lagos is a man with clout, charisma, and style. Long before he became commissioner under Governor Akinwumni Ambode, the man-about-town and top socialite have been a lovable man admired and adored by all for his uncommon sagacity and welcoming nature.

Under his watch, he transformed the tourism and entertainment sector that it became money-spinning for the state. He made Lagos a tourism hub for foreign nationals with his ‘One Lagos festival’ concept. With his status and influence, he wields in the society, only cynics would attempt to underrate the personality of the highly cerebral man because his towering image readily dwarfs any untoward mischief anyone might want to play with it.

It is noteworthy to state that the wide acceptance which the amiable Coker enjoys did not fall on his laps, but a result of certain qualities he’s held unto that include hard work, consistency, honesty, humility that is abundantly laced with the grace of God.

The brilliant man boasts of a profile that is no doubt intimidating. His exploits cannot be put aside with a wave of the hand as he’s known to have worked tirelessly in every assignment given to him, which only attests to his height and validates his professionalism.

With his sheer passion and drive to sell Nigeria to the rest of the world, the news of his re-appointment as Director-General, National Tourism Development Board, NTDC, caused wild jubilation, as players in the tourism industry, and admirers were excited that the best man for the job has returned with more firepower. At the height of the Raji Fashola-led administration in Lagos, Coker was appointed Special Adviser on Central Business District just after heading Lagos State Number Plate Production Authority as Managing Director.

A source said, “the Cosmopolitan Lacasa Lagos boss will have the chance again to serve his fatherland. His reappointment shows that he was impactful in his first appointment tenure. The tourism board rose to an astronomic height raking in fortunes for the country. Stakeholders and tourism experts in the country have also lauded President Buhari for re-appointing him.”

By Sofowora Oladapo

Since his foray into the murky waters of politics decades ago, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan with the moniker ‘Yayi’ has properly prepared himself for every mantle of service and leadership ahead of himself. He is not just a leader, he also leads by example and has served hence, contributed to his astronomic rise in the Nigerian political space. If you think he is a rollover that can be benched with the wave of a hand, you are completely wrong. As small as the needle is, it isn’t a meal for the chicken to swallow and so is Yayi in the scheme of things politically. He was not a rollover as a member of the Lagos House of Assembly, Member Federal House of Representative, and now a member of the Senate.

With the 2023 general election gradually building up, the Senate Chairman committee on Finance is gradually preparing to make a statement by breaking a political record in history. Those close to him will attest to the fact that he is a known political master strategist, who knows when to take a calculated risk. He tried it before when he wanted to contest for Ogun guber seat in 2019, after weighing all options, with pressure from the former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, he withdrew and collapsed his structure to support the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun who cruised to victory against all odds. Yayi believes the maxim that says “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Just like the girl scout motto, the chartered account is always prepared for the task ahead.

A close source close to the two-term Senator, representing Lagos West Senatorial District, disclosed that as part of his political permutation and calculation, obeying the clarion call of people from his ancestral home in Yewa, Ogun West, he would be contesting to represent them at the red chambers on the platform of the All Progressives Party, APC in 2023 not minding the clog in the wheel for his ambition.

Another source disclosed that Yayi is unperturbed and what matters to him most is the call to service from his people. “To show the work to give Yewa land quality representation is a top priority, he has raised bills to upgrade the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro into a full-fledged bachelor’s degree awarding institution among other bills. He was also instrumental in the flag-off and reconstruction of roads on the Atan-Lusada-Agbara industrial area of Ogun state, which was launched last week by Governor Dapo Abiodun to enable the ease of doing business within the industrial axis.”

“It is important that there is synergy between senators and governor of their state. It helps facilitate life-changing programs and developmental projects. Yayi is already doing that even as a senator of Lagos West. When he comes to Ogun, you will spot the difference from what we have now. If you ask him his most cherished ambition; it would be governing his ancestral state. He could be using his Ogun senatorial ambition as a launching pad for his most cherished aspiration: the number one job of the state in 2027 after Governor Dapo Abiodun would have served his two-term as required under the law.” A source added.

By Sofowora Oladapo

For years now, Segun Adebutu, Chairman Petrolex Oil has quietly and organically nurtured his energy firm, into a key player in the up and downstream sector. Most especially as he also shares some significant traits with his father the Odole of Oodua; Sir Adebukola Adebutu Kessington with his magic wand in business and generosity.

In 2014, he founded his Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu Foundation(OOAF), to cater to the needs of the downtrodden by constantly donating other basic needs for the survival of man. In line with the pristine vision of the Foundation, to the disappointment of naysayers that it is not a one-off gesture, he has impacted positively the lives of the less privileged in the society regularly.

On Tuesday, May 4 as Segun sauntered into a new age, the Executive Director of Premier Lotto, refused to roll out drums in celebration mood or throw a lavish birthday shindig. Rather, he celebrated his birthday devoid of unnecessary noise and attractions. Apart from being away from the shores of Nigeria on a business-related trip, the younger Adebutu’s milk of kindness was felt by many as he doled out gifts to the needy in celebrating his birthday. Many wonder why he would opt for a lowkey celebration despite having the financial prowess to throw a high octane party. Sources averred that; “Segun has always said; celebration is not necessary when many are dying of hunger and hardship. There is nothing like putting smiles in the face of the needy, that’s the best birthday gift anyone could ever ask for.”

The Baseline record label boss is an Economics graduate from the University of Ibadan, who started his foray into business with an interest in shipping, mining, construction, infrastructure, real estate, telecommunications, and entertainment.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

For Engr. Dr. Abiodun Oluwaseyi Taiwo, one-time Sole Administrator of Ikeja Local Government, can fit into the description of a refined technocrat who is in politics to serve his people with no gain. The amiable civil engineer is a mixture of both with knowledge of various areas and also being a politician. As a professional, Taiwo runs Const-Flow Global Engineering Limited and Mobile Trans Nigeria Limited with about 20 years of  experience.

Even after exiting his political position as council boss, Party elders and chieftains saw him as a reliable and productive young man that can be entrusted with the mandate as the head of APC membership registration exercise for the whole of Ikeja Federal Constituency. However, unlike many politicians with no entrepreneurial and business plan, Taiwo has returned to his business full time while moonlighting as a politician albeit ready to serve.

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On Tuesday, April 20, the real estate developer amidst an atmosphere of pomp and glee, celebrated his birthday, and Doctorate in Industrial Engineering Management. He also performed the official opening and dedication of his ultra-modern office complex off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. The business complex, situated in the heart of Ikeja, the state capital, was officially declared open and dedicated by the Senior Pastor of the Revival Assembly Church, Apostle Anselm Madubuko ably assisted by his wife, Emmy Kosgei Madubuko.