Boss Picks

Lopsided Trade Relation: How China Feeds Fat off Nigeria

Published

8 years ago

March 31, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The People’s Republic of China, in recent times, has been considered one of Nigeria’s closest allies and partners in terms of bilateral trade relations and strategic cooperation. China is also one of Nigeria’s important trading and export partners. According to a 2014 BBC World Service Poll, 85% of Nigerians reportedly view China’s influence positively, with only 10% expressing a negative view, making Nigeria the most pro-Chinese nation in the world.

Nigeria and China established formal diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971. Relations between the two nations grew closer as a result of the international isolation and Western condemnation of Nigeria’s military regimes (1970s-1998). Nigeria has since become an important source of oil and petroleum for China’s rapidly growing economy and Nigeria is looking to China for help in achieving high economic growth; China has provided extensive economic, military and political support.

The importance of China to Nigeria’s development necessitated that in 2004 and again in 2006, when the Chinese President, Hu Jintao, made state visits to Nigeria, he addressed a joint session of the National Assembly of Nigeria – a very rare privilege. Both nations signed a memorandum of understanding on establishing a strategic partnership, which shored up bilateral trade relationship to the tune of US$3 billion in 2006 from $384 million in 1998.

As the trade relationship develops, China secured four oil drilling licenses and agreed to invest $4 billion in oil and infrastructure development projects in Nigeria, and both nations agreed to a four-point plan to improve bilateral relations – a key component of which was to expand trade and investments in agriculture, telecommunications, energy and infrastructure development in a clear cut one sided growth. While Nigeria continued to receive, China has been giving, thereby ripping huge financial benefits from Nigeria in exchange

Although Nigeria maintains trade relations with Taiwan, and has a representative office in Taipei, it issued a joint communiqué with China in 2005, reaffirming that Beijing was “the only legitimate government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an unalienable part of its territory”.

Furthermore, China had bought a controlling stake in the Kaduna oil refinery that would produce 110,000 barrels per day (17,000 m3/d), just as Nigeria has relinquished preference to Chinese oil firms for contracts for oil exploration in the Niger Delta and Chad Basin.

The level of China’s influence in the economy of Nigeria prompted the granting in 2006 of a loan $1 billion to Nigeria to help it upgrade and modernize its railway networks.

In 2005 Nigeria agreed to supply PetroChina with 30,000 barrels per day (4,800m3/d) of oil for $800 million. In 2006 the CNOOC purchased a share for $2.3 billion in an oil exploration block owned by a former defence minister. China has also pledged to invest $267 million to build the Lekki free trade zone near Lagos.

China’s growth in the Nigeria market led to the “flooding” of Nigerian markets with cheap Chinese goods which have reduced Nigeria’s Small and Medium Entrepreneurs and enterprises to almost nothing and adversely affecting domestic industries, especially in textiles. The outcome is the closure of over 65 textile mills and the laying-off of not less than 150,000 textile workers over the course of a decade. In 2010, trade between the two countries was worth US$7.8 billion with the balance of trade clearly favouring the Chinese. In 2011 Nigeria became the 4th largest trading partner of China in Africa and in the first 8 months of 2012 it was the 3rd.

Even though China and Nigeria have vastly different historical experiences and cultural traditions, Beijing has been remarkably successful in its efforts to promote Chinese culture in Nigeria. Student exchanges and the proliferation of Chinese media in Nigeria have been the primary mechanisms underpinning the increasing cultural synergy between the two countries with China having the upper hand as usual.

The Chinese film industry has been highly successful in promoting its showcase productions to a Nigerian audience as well. The December 2015 Chinese film festival in Lagos, featuring Chinese films like Chinese Zodiac, Confucius, and Monkey King, attracted large numbers of students and Nigerian government representatives. As more Nigerians learn Chinese, turnout to these events has certainly increase, bringing more financial benefit the way of the Chinese.

China’s special relationship with Nigeria, forged through deep-rooted political bonds and cultural exchanges, is a major victory for its soft power campaign in Africa. As pro-Chinese sentiments in Nigeria are overwhelming at both the elite and popular level, Nigeria is a perfect testing ground for future Chinese alliance-building efforts in other African countries in the years to come.

Recently, President Muhammadu Buhari was in China to sign a loan infrastructure projects deal worth about $2 billion and the ‘low interest’ loan was supposedly to be deployed to finance the N3 trillion deficits in the budget. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, he said: “I can’t tell you how much until the day the loan will be signed.” Both countries will also be signing some bilateral agreements to strengthen their relationship that is all I can say for now.”

The loan was part of the about $5 billion the Federal Government intended sourcing abroad to cover part of its 2016 budget deficit. While borrowing, Buhari also signed “cooperation agreements” which financial experts have said is laced with the trappings of master-servant relationship, the 1.5 interest rate notwithstanding.

In the first eight months of 2017, China-Nigeria bilateral trade cooperation hit $2.7 billion dollars in line with the supposed fundamental and long-term interests of both countries.

According to The Consul General of the Peoples’ Republic of China to Nigeria, Mr. Chao Xiaoliang “China-Nigeria bilateral trade volume reached 10 billion USD from January to August 2017, and investment from China reached $2.7 billion dollars.”

Even as China insists that the cooperation has tremendously helped in promoting peace, stability and development of Africa and the world, Nigeria is yet to have a solid base in the balance of payment and balance of trade status of both countries.

It is believe that the bilateral cooperation should result in a win-win affair; the case is different, as Nigeria remains at the receiving end without the grace of boasting of giving out anything in exchange. Most Chinese expatriates in Nigeria are in leadership position and call the shots as against Nigerians in China who are practically instruction takers. What these means is that the Chinese cooperate with Nigeria in many areas, dishes loans out and are in the forefront of executing whatever projects initiated. Nigeria is nowhere in the scheme of things other than to receive and continue to receive – no relative economic impact. The unbalance affair is what gave rise to the influx of sub-standard Chinese goods in Nigeria, which has basically silenced the SMEs.

The Chinese CG has intimated that the two countries have gained fruitful achievements from their ‘friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation’ in various facets of the countries’ economy, the fact remains that one is far ahead of the other.

Consequently, by deepening China-Nigeria friendly relations, China has taken on arduous task of developmental strategies and has maintained very strong corresponding economic complementarities and enormous cooperative potential.

Nigeria is supposed to gain the benefits of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ as an ideal platform and framework to conduct cooperation with China and other countries if possible, in order to obtain more opportunities to strengthen her infrastructure, diversify her economy and integrate with the world economy. But the standpoint to achieving same has been ridiculed by its inability to call the shots in bilateral relations.

From 2014 to 2016, a total trade between China and other Belt and Road countries, Nigeria inclusive, exceeded 3 trillion US dollars and China’s investment in these countries surpassed $50 billion US dollars, detailing that Chinese companies have set up 56 economic cooperation zones in over 20 countries, and have generated 1.1 billion US dollar tax revenue and over 180,000 jobs. The fact remains that investment and production raises the bar of economic superiority, and china has remained in the forefront of investing, and that leaves Nigeria in the category of ‘crumb picker’.

Nigeria has remained the underdog in the bilateral trade relation for no taker reaps. The Chinese provides the loan, and provides the execution, gets paid for the job, receives their loan back with interest and manages the project when and if completed. They have all the edges.

Until Nigeria learns to develop its SME, invest in the production and exportation of finished products, China will continue to feed fat off the nation. The trade relation is heavily lopsided.

Reacting, an economist, Mr Emmanuel Nneke, opined that selfish interest of the political elites is the reason behind many of the wrong economic decision made by government with developed countries such as China.

Hear him: “ There is nothing wrong if Nigeria has economic ties with other countries but in a situation where such ties does not favour us or we do not derive the same benefits as much as the other country does, this is where the problem lies.

China, being a superpower economically sees Africa as an avenue to rival United States in terms of trade, and Nigeria being the most populous country on the continent and a major trade partner with United States, is an attractive ground for Chinese government to achieve its objectives in Africa,” he said.

He added: “However, in the process of entering into trade agreement with China, the government fails to look into how such agreement will benefit Nigeria maximally. The decision makers are only interested in what they will gain financially. Some of them have shares in many of these trade agreements. Take for instance importation of textile materials. Some government officials are involved in importation of these materials while some are shareholders in Chinese owned companies in the country.

The influx of Chines made materials ranging from building materials to household items, textile, shoes, bags e.t.c, have resulted in the low patronage of our locally made goods thereby killing our local industries. Yet government turns blind eyes to these issues.”

Another financial expert, Adewale Adeoye said the volume of trade between Nigeria presently stood at $2.7billion, adding that in spite of such huge trade transaction, Nigeria has benefitted little from it.

“The China-Nigeria bilateral trade hit N12.3 billion dollars in 2017. However, I am yet to see how Nigeria has benefitted from such trade. The questions we need to ask ourselves is how many Nigeria goods are allowed to enter China compare with Chinese goods that are flooding our markets? The money the Chinese government is making in Nigeria, how much of it are they investing back into our economy to create jobs? How many companies have they established? They get construction jobs here and repatriate the money to their country. Do they invest in the entertainment, sports or SMEs sector? What impact do they have on our education sector? These are issues for concern.”

He advised that the federal government needs to renegotiate the trade agreement in a way that it will be fair to both parties.

“What the government needs to do is to ensure there is balance in benefits that accrues to both parties. Lopsided bilateral relationship as it is now will do us no good. The Minister of Trade and Investment must renegotiate on behalf of the government and agreement that will suit both parties,” he advised.

Boss Picks

Emmanuel ‘Nuel’ Ojei: The Untold Story of the Unassuming Billionaire

Published

1 week ago

January 26, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The name Nuel Ojei rings a bell loud enough for even the deaf to hear. His Exploits were manifold, unprecedented and humongous. He was a man of extreme means, a philanthropist of the superlative degree, famous business man, Chief Executive Officer of Nuel Ojei Holdings Limited, and not forgetting his identity as a power broker of repute. Yes, until he death, he was one of the deciders of political inclinations and power shifts.

But on December 27, 2025, the curtain fell on his extraordinary humanitarian efforts, his life, his activities on the physical earth and his benevolence to his immediate, extended and adopted families across the world. He was 74 years when he breathe his last on that fateful day, five months short of his 75th birthday.

Fondly known as Nuel Ojei, the businessman passed away that Saturday night in his hometown, Issele-Uku, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, as confirmed by his son, Chuks Ojei, in a statement issued on Sunday, December 28, 2025, on behalf of the family.

He described the loss as a profound shock and an irreplaceable personal tragedy.

The statement read, “With a heavy heart, I confirm the passing of my beloved father. His death came as a profound shock to our family following a brief illness.

“Words cannot fully capture the depth of our pain at this moment, as we struggle to come to terms with the sudden loss of a man who was not only our father but our strength, teacher, and moral compass.

“My father was more than a businessman; he was a builder of lives and legacies. A distinguished Nigerian industrialist, entrepreneur, and business magnate, he served as the Founder, Executive Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Nuel Ojei Holdings Ltd.

“Through discipline, resilience, and uncommon wisdom, he built enterprises that created opportunities, inspired excellence, and contributed meaningfully to national development.

“To many, he was a mentor and leader of rare integrity. To us, he was a loving father whose counsel guided our steps and whose values shaped our lives. He led with humility, strength, and compassion, touching countless lives across generations.

“His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but his teachings and example will forever remain our guide. Though his passing signals the end of a remarkable chapter, his legacy lives on in the institutions he built, the people he mentored, and the values he upheld.

“He is survived by his children, family members, and a wide community of friends, associates, and admirers who will continue to honour his memory.

“On behalf of the Ojei family, I humbly ask for your prayers, love, and support during this time of deep grief. Funeral arrangements and further details will be communicated in due course. An icon has fallen. A father is gone. His legacy will live forever.”

The story of Nuel Ojei is that of accomplishment, fulfillment and a typical example of I came, I saw, I conquer. He was part of everything he met. He didn’t just mentor folks, he saw them through from.scratch to finish; in business, politics and other aspects of life. He was the dreamers light.

Perhaps Nuel Ojei would still have been alive today as contrary to popularly held view, he was not under the strain of any undisclosed illness, was hail and hearty prior to his traveling to Asaba, then to his hometown, from where he returned to his maker. This is if, according sources, he not insisted on traveling to his hometown to celebrate the Christmas with his wife and family, whom he missed so much, contrary to his German doctor’s instruction.

Sources told The Boss exclusively that Ojei, who left Nigeria for Spain on December 10, returned to Abuja on December 22, and insisted on traveling to Asaba to join his family even when the doctor told him it wasn’t proper considering that he was under serious stress and fatigue. But he insisted, saying he missed his wife, who she has not seen close to a month, and would wish to spend the Christmas with the family. It was during his holidays at his country home that he asked away.

Nuel was one business minded individual, who began his business craft very early in life, hitting limelight in his 20s, becoming a millionaire, and buying his first house at the age of 29. He was already a big boy when he founded Nuel Ojei Limited in 1989, nurtured it in the early stages of vehicle distributorship with Rutam Motors, sole agent for Mazda, and partnership with Mercedes Benz, till it became a conglomerate.

In 1999, as Nuel Holdings was expanded, as he was diverting into many other enterprises, he bought the magnificent edifice at Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, towards the airport, which was a furniture company. Honestly, the billionaire has a penchant for airport axis as Nuel Ojei Holdings head office in Abuja, sits glistening in the uphill sun, facing the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport. Report has it that he bought the Ikeja property at a whooping cost of N1.2 billion in 1999 from the Labanese. With about four very gigantic warehouses therein, his furniture business kickstarted, and continued to make waves. Nuel is blessed with the Midas touch, and so every of his businesses has received the growth syndrome.

A cross section of individuals, who spoke to The Boss, confirmed in no few words of how lavishly benevolent the entrepreneur par excellence was.

“His giving was not limited. He gave to all and sundry; whether you already have or not,” a beneficiary confided in The Boss.

Those who know Ojei in his lifetime believe he was richer than any rich man in Nigeria today. “What Nigerian billionaires have is not money compared to Ojei’s solvency. He was very rich, and spends it without a care for the good of humanity,” a source told The Boss.

Among the many properties he has scattered across the world include houses in various capitals in Nigeria vis a vis Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and more. He also has houses in France, from where his two private jets operate, Germany and other parts of the world. In addition, he boasts of the most expensively and expansively constructed edifice in the world, situated in his Isele Uku, Asaba, Delta State locality.

The sprawling edifice, which took about six years to construct, is a the palace of some sort, fit only for royalty. It is situated on a 35-dunam (roughly 10-acre) plot near the village of Issele-Uku in the Delta state, and covers an area of 12,000 square meters. A brief description of the masion has it that it is divided between a basement, an entrance floor and a residential floor, and among a large number of buildings, including a servants’ house and an entry pavilion used by the security guards.

In addition to all other qualities the gigantic house can boast of are cinema hall, discotheque, hair salon, bowling alley and separate 350-square-meter suites for the couple (Ojei and wife), as well as a selection of guest suites. It also has its own water-purification system and electrical generator.

In his garages are states of the art vehicles including Rolls Royce, Hummer jeeps, Mercedes Benz of various luxurious makes, Range Rovers, G-wagons…just name it. Sources say the number of automobiles in his Lagos home garage alone exceed 50. That’s how super wealthy Ojei was.

Born Emmanuel Isichei Ugochukwu Ojei on May 23, 1951 to military officer, who was during his time in the army superior to a onetime Nigeria’s Head of State, Nuel had both primary and secondary education in the locality of his birth, Lagos before relocating to his hometown attend the Issele Uku Technical College, Issele Uku, between 1970 and 1972. He obtained a National Diploma in Business Administration and Management in the bargain.

It was after the ND education that he concentrated on personal building, business-wise, and returned to Lagos, and took up a job as a Sales Executive at Rutam Motors Ltd, owned by the Ibru Family, known for their super wealth.

In 1976, he left the job after attaining the position of Sales Manager. He thereafter joined Kapital Assurance Ltd in 1977, and rose to become a Director.

With hands in so many pies, Ojei learnt the craft of mastering all endeavours. He was into supplies of military wares during the 1980s, banking, and was reputed to once owned a bank, insurance, construction and telecommunications.

His interest in the oil and gas industry was limitless as he is said to own three oil blocks, and had stakes in solid minerals, telecommunications, safety and security, as well as shipping and ship building. He was a master of all.

The story of Ojei is a case study, a reference point and a research material. He was one Nigeria, who said very little, but recorded and achieved so much. He mentored numerous persons, who are spreading wealth as well across the length and breadth of capacity development and transfer.

The NOH identity is a focused, determined and committed brand that Ojei had used to affect humanity.

As wealthy as he was, he married only one wife, and is blessed with five great children, who are living the dream in its clear 8-letters of positive.

It must be noted as well that Ojei’s must treasured belonging other than his family, is the honorary doctorate honours he received from the Delta State University for his business acumen and impact on humanity. To him, that award is from home, and when your home identifies with you, you have nothing to worry about.

Emmanuel Isichei Ugochukwu Ojei may have bowed out physically from the earth, but the legacies, he systematically created will live for generations and generations to come. He was not consistently in public view, but worked assidously behind the curtains to put laughter on the lips of so many individuals across the world.

May his industrious soul find rest in the bosom of the Lord…Amen!

Boss Picks

Hon Jumoke Okoya-Thomas Becomes Otun Iyalode of Lagos

Published

1 week ago

January 25, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

In recognition of her wholesome performances and contributions to governance in Lagos State, the Oba of Lagos, also known as Eleko of Eko, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has conferred a deserved chieftaincy title on former lawmaker, APC leader and prominent female politician in Lagos State, Hon Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas.

The notable woman-leader is now the Otun Iyalode of Lagos; an important traditional stool in the cultural affairs of Lagos, and the ancient city couldn’t hold its joy as it rolled it the drums in celebration.

With an avalanche of dignitaries, nobles and political giants from across the socio-economic strata of Lagos, the Iga Idunganran residence of the paramount ruler of Lagos, became another excursion site, unleashing deep-rooted culture, excellent camaraderie and impressive display of ingredients that make Lagos, popularly known as Eko thick.

The gathering boasted of the likes of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Sir Kesington Adebutu, Prince Samuel Adedoyin & wife, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House, Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwolu & wife, Chairperson, Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chief Mrs Sena Anthony, Mr Ladi Adebutu, Mr Segun Adebutu, Firstlady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal & Olori Mariam, HRM Oba Ibikunle Fafunwa Onikoyi, Alara of Ilara Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao & Olori, Chief Mrs Bisi Abiola, Olori Vicky Hastrup, Senator Sade Bent, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babafemi Hamzat and Mr Tope Abere.

Others include Hon Kafilat Ogbara, Alhaji Tajudeen Okoya and Chief Durisimi Etti, who were also conferred with various chieftaincy honours.

As Hon Okoya-Thomas stepped out in grace, clad in all white, and adorned with precious ornaments; symbol of her royalty, the Oba was on hand to dish out the ‘sayings’, with the assistance of his white cap chiefs, that bestowed on her the powers and privileges of the Otun Iyalode.

Thereafter, a sumptuous reception was held at the Condo, Airforce Base, Victoria Island, where guests were treated to the best of entertainment ranging from good food, good music, good beverages and good networking under the very hilarious guidance of popular MC, Tee A. It was a night of solidarity for a woman, who has and is still giving her best to humanity and to society.

The atmosphere did not experience a dull moment as popular musician, Ayo Balogun serenaded the audience with soulful sounds, creating an environment, where the celebrant and her guests shuffled unhindered to the smooth ride of powerful renditions.

Earlier, and prior to the event, President Bola Tinubu had sent a heartwarming congratulatory message to the former lawmaker, who many believe is a highflyer and prominent Lagos politicians, wishing her well with regards to her double celebrations including her birthday on January 20, 2026, when she turned 69, and her receiving of the prestigious Otun Iyalode title, four days after.

In the statement signed by his Special Adviser, Information and Strategic, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu noted that “Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, the All Progressives Congress Women Leader in Lagos State, represented Lagos Island Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for three consecutive terms, from 2003 to 2015.

“President Tinubu commends Okoya-Thomas for her contributions to the state and for her consistent efforts to increase women’s participation in politics and governance.

“The President also notes her chieftaincy title of Otun Iyalode of Lagos, describing it as appropriate and fitting, given her commitment to women’s empowerment and support for traditional institutions in Lagos.

“President Tinubu wishes Okoya-Thomas long life and good health, even as he prays for a successful chieftaincy ceremony.

THE JUMOKE THE WORLD KNOWS

Born of palatial privilege, Jumoke is the daughter of Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, the Asoju Oba of Lagos. She was born on January 20, 1957, and has a diploma in Senior Managers in Government from the University of Lagos and a Diploma in Secretarial Administration from Burleigh College.

On three occasions since 2003, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas has represented the good people of Lagos Island Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Her legislative interests has been defined as primarily as dwelling on the Social Development of Women and Children. During her sojourn in the House, she was the Chairman of the Committee on Public Procurement and also member of committees on Banking & Currency, Diaspora, Niger Delta and Women in parliament. Before then, she was the chairman of the House Committee of Prisons.Among her achievements during her tenure, Okoya-Thomas sponsored a bill on the compulsory breast feeding of babies in 2013. The bill however, could not be actualised because the Representatives insisted that it is an issue best left out of the public domain as “no woman has to be forced to breast feed her child” though they admitted the unarguable health benefits of breastfeeding. She is also the women’s leader of The All Progressive Congress in Lagos State.

As the new Otun Iyalode, a high ranking female chieftaincy title in Yoruba, Okoya-Thomas is saddled with the responsibility of performing leadership roles as well as being the spokesperson for all women in the community. S

She is also expected to play crucial roles in mediation of disputes, especially those involving women. She will participate in legislative functions and decision-making processes concerning the town’s welfare. These are responsibilities the all-experience former lawmaker is endowed with.

We therefore wish Madam Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas a happy 69th birthday, and gracious tenure as she navigates through the tasks of Otun Iyalode(ship).

Congratulations ma!

Boss Picks

On a Mission to Rescue, Recover and Reset Nigeria – Soundbites from Dele Momodu’s Official Entry into ADC

Published

2 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The gathering was loud, impressive and purposeful as veteran journalists and Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, began another political journey of rescue, restoration and resetting of Nigeria with a grand declaration ceremony in Benin City, Edo State.

In his speech, Momodu informed that his interest is purely to serve the interest of Nigerians, shunning any form of call to contest either the senatorial or governorship seat.

Noting that his formal aligning with the ADC is far from personal ambition, he stressed that he is on a mission to help end the drift towards a one-party state.

Momodu, who said it took him years to reconnect with his homestead, added that the declaration for ADC marked a deeply personal and political homecoming after decades of self-discovery and professional life outside his ancestral roots.

He said, “Officially set to declare for the African Democratic Congress. It took me a long time, over 30 years, before I could discover my ancestral home,” Momodu said.

“Let me thank one of my fathers who is present here today, Senator Isa Raymond. From the very first day he met me, he adopted me as a child. When I came home for the first time, he coordinated everything.”

Reflecting on his years abroad, Momodu spoke of the effort it took to establish himself economically in the United Kingdom, saying this had given him both stability and perspective.

“It took me over 50 years, you won’t believe it, of excruciating hard work and meticulous planning to plant roots for my modest income,” he said.

“Today, nobody can say I have no roots. But today, I am standing before you as I firmly reintegrate myself into the political process of my state.”

Momodu dismissed speculation about any immediate personal ambition for elective office, stressing that his political engagement is broader and more ideological.

“People have asked me, ‘What do you want? Do you want to be governor or senator?’ No, I just want to promote the best interests of our people.”

Describing his decision to formally take up ADC membership as a critical step, Momodu said: “It is hard to imagine the pride I feel at this moment as I undertake my self-led event in DC to pick up the membership card of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the new opposition coalition in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. This is only the first and most important leg of this political journey.”

He outlined what he described as his core political mission, warning against political domination by a single party.

“My mission in politics is to join hands of fellowship with citizens of like minds to rescue, recover, and reset Nigeria,” Momodu said. “Nigeria must be rescued from a one-party state and one parliament.”

In a lighter moment, he added: “I don’t think they manufacture people like Baba Eke in heaven.”

Momodu said the success of the political journey ahead would depend on the commitment of Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current direction of the country.

“This journey will require the total commitment of the majority of Nigerians who refuse to be enslaved in their own country.

“I am eternally inspired by our leader and father, Zipzon Oyebu, for his judiciousness, resoluteness, and sacrifice for the well-being of our nation. Thank you, Baba.

“Thank you all for your love, because for people to leave their homes and offices to be here on a weekday is not a joke. I promise you, I do not think it is a joke.”

A former presidential candidate, former presidential aspirant, teacher, inspirational speaker, actor, media guru and entrepreneur, Dele Momodu is a complete package of astuteness, enigma and ready-to-deliver personality, who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of his motherland.

Momodu is not new to political discipline and maneuver. Recall that the much traveled global citizen contested the presidency in 2011, where he represented the National Conscience Party (NCP), and was a presidential aspirant in 2022 under the umbrella of the PDP.

Momodu’s trajectory in the political terrain dated back to the Second Republic, when he functioned as Private Secretary to Chief Akin Omoboriowo, the then deputy governor of Ondo State. He was also prominent in politics during and after the much talked about June 12, 1993 era. His relevance and intellectual capacity in politics speak volumes, climaxing in the fact that his wealth of experience will be an added advantage to the ADC family.

Momodu’s entry into the ADC is expected to boost the coalition’s visibility towards creating more impact and positioning the party for the all-important duel with the APC come 2027.