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Kwibuka 30: Nigerian Community In Rwanda Visits Kigali Genocide Memorial

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By Dolapo Aina

The 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against The Tutsi commenced in Rwanda on Sunday, April 7, 2024. The commemoration is called Kwibuka which in Kinyarwanda means “to remember.”
For clarity and context, April 7th 2024 marked the start of Kwibuka 30, the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, which began on April 7th 1994. As with other commemorations, the Kigali Genocide Memorial was a focal point as the flame of remembrance was lit and global dignitaries placed wreaths at the mass graves. The memorial is normally closed to the public for part of the day on April 7th, with attendance at the lighting of the flame by invitation only.
In and around Kigali during the first week of the commemoration, a plethora of commemorations took place to mark Kwibuka 30 and different events took place during its first week in particular. Bars, clubs and public leisure facilities are usually closed for the week and this was so, this year.
The Nigerian Community in Rwanda marked Kwibuka 30 with a walk to the Kigali Genocide Memorial on Saturday, the 13th of April 2024. The walk had members (old, new and friends) of the Nigerian Community who gathered in the rain and walked to the location of the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi where the remains of over 250,000 people are interred.
A tour of the memorial complex ensued and the members of the Nigerian community watched a documentary in the viewing room. The documentary featured survivors of the 1994 Genocide Against The Tutsi who usually visit the memorial to pay their silent respect and reflections to loved ones who are buried in the burial grounds of the Genocide Memorial.
Walking through the hallways and rooms, Nigerians read the stories on the hallways and discussed amongst themselves. For some, it was their first time at the memorial, for others, it was the umpteenth visit. For Dolapo Aina, I have been visiting the memorial since April 2014 and for each visit (numbering close to 70 visits), I come out with a newer and clearer understanding. It was a sombre period going through the hallways and rooms as some people could not go through the emotions of going into the children’s room. Wreaths were laid at the grave site section and the members of the Nigerian community proceeded to a serene area of the complex facing the amphitheatre where there was a deep hour conversation with one of the officials of the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Mr Jean Claude Mugisha (an official of the memorial in Gisozi) practically took the Nigerian community through the genesis of the history of Rwanda and the beginning of pogroms from the 1950s culminating in the 1994 Genocide Against The Tutsi. In Mr Mugabe words; “I have been able to forgive. Also, I am involved in unity and reconciliation activities and learning from the power of forgiveness.” Discussions also centred on justice systems, the role of Gacaca court system, reconciliation and nation building. Members of the Nigerian Community asked questions which were answered. Some of the questions triggered areas of collaboration.
Dolapo Aina got the thoughts of some Nigerians resident in Rwanda and who took part in the walk to the Genocide Memorial. Their responses were based on the following questions. Why did you partake in the walk organised by the Nigerian Community in Rwanda to commemorate Kwibuka 30? What was the experience like? Do describe your thoughts when you visited the Genocide Memorial? What stood out to you from the conversation the Nigerian Community had with officials of the Kigali Genocide Memorial? What lessons did you learn from the visit of the Nigerian Community to the Genocide Memorial?
Mr David Oboh in his words; “I partook in the walk to identify with a nation that experienced one of the worst crimes to humanity but today has become a beacon of hope to African nations that things can actually turn around for the better if you decide to. It was heart-wrenching seeing the bones and pictures of the victims murdered in cold blood by family members, neighbours and long-time friends.” On the third question about what stood out during the conversation, Mr Oboh said; “That a man after 15 years in jail came out and still committed murder because he thought he had killed everyone in a family. His mind had not left the past.” He also stated that; “The memorial is a reminder to all that history not forgotten cannot be repeated.”
In Ms. Mercy Odebode’s words: “It not my first time visiting the memorial but this was a different experience for me because it made me realise why Rwandans tend to certain things and also don’t do certain things. For example, viewing religions especially religious institutions like the church differently from the way Nigerians would view it.” She stated that what stood out for her was: “The peace education stood out for me.” On lessons learnt from the visit by the Nigerian community; “First spread peace and not hate. Secondly, forgiveness is not an obligation, you choose to forgive. However, it is good to educate people about forgiveness, educate to forgive and then you proceed with reconciliation.”
Mr. Ogah Ogbole stated that: “The walk by the Nigerian community is something I would not want to miss anytime. I have the opportunity to do so with my fellow countrymen. My experience visiting the memorial and my thoughts can be summed up as ⁠heartbreaking to see fellow Africans killed in cold blood, by their own brothers. Something must have gone wrong somewhere. What stood out for me during the conversation with the officials of the memorial was that Rwandans understand history; they know how to resolve conflict and they know how to move forward. And I learnt to love my brother and my neighbour. More especially, seeing the Rwandans committed to remain one despite the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi blows my mind.”
Another Nigerian, Mr Kelechi Anyanwu stated that: “Partaking in the walk organised by Nigerian Community in Rwanda to commemorate Kwibuka 30 is a civic responsibility which I owe the host country; to stand in solidarity with them at this time of remembrance and in all times. I have visited the genocide memorial site more than 20 times within the short period that I’ve lived here in Rwanda. And every time I visit, I weep. Never will I stop visiting because it offers and brings me close to the reality of sober reflection that one day we shall all be gone and will only be remembered by those we left behind and how we left, will matter. Did we impact their lives positively or negatively? What will you be remembered for?”
On the experience and thoughts about visiting, Mr Anyanwu went thus: “It is also a constant reminder of how desperately wicked people’s hearts can be. With few exceptions. Lions, the king of the jungle don’t kill lions even as animals. Howbeit human beings with 6th sense got to the level of committing such crime against humanity! Therefore, visiting the Genocide memorial site is to provoke the whys and hows and arrive at a conclusion of never again should we condole or tolerate the killing of each other. Let’s love and not hate. The tour and the speech by the officials were quite insightful and significant as it left us with a better understanding of the effects of genocidal damage to humanity. The process of restoration. restitution, rehabilitation and reuniting to rebuild a nation for all; are the testaments of genocide survivors.”

Another Nigerian, Mr Cosmas Anakwue stated; “I took part in the walk to support the Nigerian community and to support Rwanda’s commemoration of Kwibuka 30. My experience at the memorial was good as it was an eye opener; it was informative and educational. What stood out for me was the attention given to the Genocide events and how we can relate it to our history as Nigerians. And one of the lessons I learnt was that we should use our bad history as a building block for our various nations in unity, peace and progress.
According to Kwibuka Rwanda, Kwibuka marks a generational cycle since The Genocide Against The Tutsi was put to an end. And it is a time to reflect on Rwanda’s journey of rebuilding strength, resilience, and unity. It now falls to new generations to sustain and carry forward this progress, adapting to today’s global challenges to achieve Rwanda’s aspirations.
The Nigerian Community in Rwanda commenced commemorating Kwibuka with a walk to the Genocide memorial in 2019.

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Sunil Taldar Named Airtel Africa CEO to Retire As Ogunsanya Retires

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Airtel Africa Plc has named Sunil Taldar as the next Managing Director/CEO, disclosing the retirement of incumbent Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun “Segun” Ogunsanya, who is due to retire effective July 1, 2024.

Ogunsanya, who joined Airtel in 2012 and led the Nigeria Operations for nine years before becoming Group CEO in 2021, played a pivotal role in maintaining double-digit revenue growth and introducing innovative products across the African continent.

Building on his achievements as CEO, including the launch of the company’s first Sustainability Strategy, Ogunsanya will assume the role of the inaugural Chair of the Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation. The foundation, a separate legal entity independent of the Airtel Africa Group, will focus on digital inclusion, financial inclusion, access to education, and environmental protection.

 

Upon his retirement, Ogunsanya will provide advisory support to the Chairman, the Airtel Africa Board, and the CEO for a 12-month period. Simultaneously, Airtel Africa announced the appointment of Sunil Taldar as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer to succeed Ogunsanya. Taldar, who joined Airtel Africa in October 2023 as Director – Transformation, will begin the transition to the CEO role alongside Ogunsanya. Following a transition period, Taldar will be appointed to the Board as an Executive Director and assume the role of CEO on July 1, 2024. At that time, Ogunsanya will step down from the Board and retire from the Company.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Segun Ogansanya for his commitment and significant contribution to Airtel Africa plc as Chief Executive and before that as Managing Director and CEO of Nigeria, our largest market in Africa.

“I am pleased Segun has agreed, following his retirement, to assume the new role as Chair of the Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation, where he will bring his visionary leadership to this new philanthropic initiative to advance development and prosperity across Africa. Segun will retire from the Board with our very best wishes and sincere appreciation for everything he has achieved.

“The Board is delighted to appoint Sunil Taldar as the Group’s next Chief Executive Officer. His industry experience, strategic vision, constant customer focus and proven record of delivery will enable him to deliver our strategic objectives and to lead the Group in the next stages of its development.
In respect of the transition period, Segun continues to lead the business very effectively as seen in our financial results. Given that Sunil Taldar has already joined the Group, we are confident that we will have an orderly leadership transition and handover of responsibilities.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Airtel Africa plc

It has been a privilege to spend over 12 years of my career at Airtel Africa and I am proud of what we have delivered for customers across Africa.

We continue to transform lives. Now is the right time for me to handover to a new leader who can build on Airtel Africa’s strengths and deliver on the significant opportunities ahead as I pursue my renewed interest in the empowerment of Africans through digital and financial inclusion in a different capacity beyond the boundaries of for-profit organizations. This has been my ambition after a successful career spanning over 35 years in Banking, FMCG and Telecommunications”.

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Midoil, Ikosi/Ejinrin Host Communities Set up Forum, Hold Inaugural Meeting

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By Eric Elezuo

In a bid to actualise the setting up of a refinery to further enhance the production and distribution of petroleum in the country, and also facilitate the building of more affordable houses to bridge accommodation gap, Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited, and its sister company, Serenecity, has inaugurated a forum with its host communities of Ejinrin, Sekungba, Arogbo, Ererufu, Mogo-Olowu, Lumodan, Ododugba, Agiden, and Jagirin.

The stakeholders, including Midoil and representatives of the host communities have since held their inaugural meeting at the Ererufu Community Townhall in Ikosi/Ejinrin Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, where matters of cordiality were raised and discussed.

Speaking to The Boss, the Executive Chairman of Midoil, Mrs. Elizabeth Omolara Akintonde (JP), said “The Forum was set up to promote cordial relationship between the management of Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited and its host communities of Ejinrin, Sekungba, Arogbo, Ererufu, Mogo-Olowu, Lumodan, Ododugba, Agiden, and Jagirin.”

Addressing the communities, and other invited guests present, according to a statement by the Media and PR Consultant of Midoil, Mr. Gbenga Onayiga, and made available to The Boss, Chief (Mrs.) Akintonde noted that the Forum would provide a veritable platform for unfettered interaction with representatives of the communities and the company henceforth.

“This day, April 18, 2024, is quite remarkable for all of us as we hold our inaugural meeting to solidify our cordial relationship towards a common objective. This Forum will enable all concerned to deliberate on matters that will bring further developmental ideas and job creation to you, our Host Communities, Ikosi/Ejirin LCDA and Lagos State at large,” she said.

She reiterated the need for inclusivity in the planning and execution of the multi-billion Dollar project which would change the landscape of the area while appealing for the cooperation of all stakeholders.

According to Chief (Mrs.) Akintonde, “the Midoil 3 in 1 investments pursuant of its human capital development would provide massive employment and reduce poverty in Ikosi/Ejirin LCDA and Lagos State.

“In this light, we have directed contractors handling the Refinery and the Serenecity Construction Projects to patronize indigenes (in particular the women folks of the host communities) in the supply of basic building materials.”

The Midoil Chairman also promised to secure slots for youths from the host communities to pursue relevant technical courses at higher institutions of learning in Lagos State, to prepare them for absorption by the company when the Refinery commences production.

Introducing the contractors for the projects, Chief (Mrs.) Akintonde urged the community leaders to be good hosts to ensure a seamless and speedy execution of the landmark project.

The event also featured the inspection and familiarisation tour of the refinery location at Sekungba/Ejirin, with one of the stakeholders, UNILAG Consult, accompanied by security agencies and contractors that will be handling the fencing of the 364 hectares of land.

In attendance were Representatives of the major host communities led by their traditional rulers, including the Baale of Sekungba, Chief Solomon Omotayo; Baale of Arogbo, Chief Adesanya Oyenubi and Baale of Ererufu, Elder Gabriel Lawal.

The CEO of Gidi Real Estate Investment Limited, Mr Tobi Akerele, whose company is amongst the new investors in the Midoil 3 in 1 Investment Opportunities, other investors and stakeholders was also in attendance.

The company’s newly appointed Architect, CORNELIAN MELIRATE LIMITED led by its Senior Partner, Ms Jane O. Udoukpo, Midoil Legal Adviser, Harris-Isa, Omoloju & Co as well as the Legal Adviser of Ererufu, Arogbo and Sekungba communities, Barr T.A. Ogunlana were also present.

Others include friends of the company, Mrs Kofoworola Olowolagba and the Midoil Toastmaster, Mr Bennet Ogbeiwi.

Responding to the Chairman’s address, the communities’ youth leaders expressed confidence in the Midoil projects and the Board of Directors.

They pledged to give their utmost support to all consultants, contractors as well as keep the company in prayers at all times.

It would be recalled that on March 1, 2024, Midoil concluded the first phase of groundbreaking, involving Midoil Serenecity: A City Within a City.

Consequently, the 2nd Phase of Midoil 3 in 1 Investment, the Modular Refinery Ground Breaking & Foundation Laying ceremony for the fencing and Entrance Access of the Refinery Land will take place on July 12, 2024 at Ejinrin/Sekungba, Lagos State.

The purpose, according to Chief (Mrs.) Akintonde, is to stop the incessant sale and encroachment of the land by unscrupulous “Omo Onile.”

Incorporated in April, 2012, Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited is poised to distinguish itself as a leading and reputable refining and petrochemicals company with the capacity of refining 100,000 barrels per day.

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Adenuga: 71 Years of Unrivalled Philanthropy and Endless Empowerments

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By Gabriel Oguntola

One of Africa’s richest men and Chairman of Nigeria’s telecommunications Company, Globacom Dr. Michael Adenuga Jr is 71 years old. Happy Birthday to the great philanthropist and entrepreneur par excellence.

The quiet billionaire learnt early from the famous saying of Walt Disney who posited that”The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing”.

Adenuga from onset has always been reticent.  He does his things quietly and runs his businesses without seeking attention. He transitioned from running family business, after schooling in the United States to starting his businesses and moving into the top league in Nigeria without noise.

He became a billionaire in his thirties to the consternation and surprise of Nigerians. Such is the style of the man that has come to be known for his smartness and ingenuity. He is always one step ahead, hence his success across all sectors of the economy.

Today, he plays in all the vital sectors of the nation’s economy. From Banking to Telecoms, Oil and Gas as well others that are not known to the public. He employed thousands of Nigerians, and he empowers many others through endless philanthropy.

We cannot count the number of Nigerians that has benefitted from Adenuga’s generosity. They are always done quietly, and most times beneficiaries are warned not talk about it.

Few years ago, he donated 500million to Baylesa State after the state was ravaged by flood, he donated N1.5 billion during Covid pandemic to Federal Government, 1 million dollars was also donated to Super Eagles after winning nations Cup in south Africa to mention a few.

By the age of 50, he founded Globacom while his other companies were founded between early thirties and 40. He became a billionaire at 35 and by his 51st birthday Dr. Adenuga was already sitting atop what is generally regarded as one of the continent’s largest business empires.

In each of these sectors, Dr. Adenuga has moulded his companies into major players. In the oil and gas sector, for instance, Conoil Producing, the upstream arm of the conglomerate, made history by becoming the first Nigerian company to strike oil and produce it in commercial quantity. Same was the case when he had two banks, Equatorial Trust Bank and Devcom Merchant Bank that were among top ones in the country.

In telecoms, Globacom remains the most innovative network in Nigeria, with many firsts since it rolled out services in 2003. His investment in real estate is said to be worth over billions of dollars. These companies provide direct employment to thousands of Nigerians and other nationalities.

His contribution to the business across the world and endless philanthropy has been recognized in different countries including Nigeria, where he holds the highest civilian honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) and in Ghana, he was awarded the highest civilian honour of Companion of the Star of Ghana (CSG).

French President, Emmanuel Macron also honoured him with the highest National honour of France, ‘Chavalier de la Legion d Honnuer”. Macron commended Adenuga for his promotion of the French culture in Nigeria where he single-handledly rebuilt the Allance Francaise, Lagos located at the Mike Adenuga Centre Ikoyi.

City People magazine, Nigeria’s King of soft –sell in 2022 captured Dr Adenuga lifestyle thus:

He works round the clock. He is always thinking of the next possible business deal. He is always looking for the next deal to close. He was one of the businessmen who saw the role Data was going to play in our lives and went for a Telecoms license earlier.  Today, the rest is history. He is now the Grandmaster of Data.

Mike Adenuga is one of the Bigger Boys in the world of business. He knows the Game. He plays the game. He is adept at it. He knows the principle of winning. He has set his own rules. He has his own winning formula, which has worked for him over the last 40 years. Though he is from Ijebu Igbo, he was born and bred in Ibadan. He will always tell all who cares to listen that he is an Ibadan Boy. He is a product of Ibadan Grammar School. He has a breathtaking house in Ibadan. That is where he often stays when he needs to relax or unwind. Many often wonder whether he relaxes or not. Yes. He does.

City People can authoritatively reveal that though Mike Adenuga is a great Philanthropist and one of the biggest spenders when it comes to helping other people, he does not like the recipients of his largesse to tell the world whatever kind of help he has rendered. Once he touches your life, you are made forever. But the Golden rule for you to keep getting more support from him is for you to keep mum”.

 

Former President Buhari, few years ago while speaking about Dr. Adenuga on his Birthday said, “Apart from creating jobs through entrepreneurship, Adenuga’s contribution to the development of sports and the entertainment industry had remained remarkable. These sectors of the economy had continued to provide lifelines for many, and inspiring ingenuity and creativity. His exploration and encouragement of youth entrepreneurship in the country would always be remembered, while his penchant for helping the less privileged through scholarships and healthcare financing deserves more commendations”.

Happy 71st Birthday to Dr. Adenuga.

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