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Why I rode Molue in Lagos- Femi Otedola

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Billionaire Businessman and Chairman of Forte Oil, Mr Femi Otedola has revealed the real reason that he rode in a molue, the popular yellow buses in Lagos.

Speaking at the launch of three books by Ovation Publisher, Dele Momodu at the Nigeria Institute Of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, Mr. Otedola said he was motivated by two reasons.

According to him “Sometime back I had taken a ride on a bus in London, and when some people saw the pictures on my instagram page, they challenged me that I cannot dare do the same in Lagos, as a man who loves challenges, I decided to take it up. The other reason was that I really wanted to go down to the level of the real ordinary Nigerians and see how they commute and live their lives every day.

Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi & Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

Mr. Dakuku Peterside & Bashorun Dele Momodu

“That ride from Sango Ota was very revealing for me. It exposed the poor state of our transport system and the fact that government has failed in many ways to help the people at the lowest end of the economic ladder. The experience will remain with me for long”

Also at the occasion, Mr Otedola  revealed his encounters with the late Bashorun MKO Abiola and how he made an attempt to free the late philanthropist from Prison.

In his words “My late father felt Chief Abiola would make a great president because of his deep wisdom, expansive heart and pan-Nigerian outlook.

Sir Gbenga Badejo & Sir Tony Chiejina

“A sad reminder of his arrest in 1994 was the picture of him alighting from a Black Maria. Upon seeing this, I called Ibrahim Abacha ( who later died in a plane crash) and requested to see him and we met at the South-West Ikoyi residence of Mr. Peter Igbinedion, the then MD of FAAN.

I told Ibrahim to tell his dad to release MKO as it was not fair for a man who has been denied his mandate to be so humiliated by being put in a Black Maria to which our host, Peter, interjected by saying who is this and he swiftly walked me out of his residence.

“I later ran into Mr. Igbinedion at Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s London residence in 2013 and he was begging for my number. How the tables have turned!

“We witnessed a man who abandoned the worldly comforts his wealth assured and was transformed in the fight for his mandate, believed in it and died for it.

“I have studied Chief Abiola’s life in politics, philanthropy and most importantly building people and his doggedness, fairness, wisdom and good heart are traits that should be emulated. He was a man for all seasons”

Otedola also regaled the audience with real-life encounters with the late MKO especially how he had had teamed up with Segun Awolowo, current Executive Director/CEO, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to organize a concert.

” As a young entrepreneur I had a taste of Abiola’s magnanimity and kindness. I developed the idea for an Awolowo Memorial Concert which I shared with my good friend and papa Awolowo’s grandson, Segun who went to see Chief Abiola on our intention to have him as the chairman of the event and despite his political difference with Pa Awolowo in his lifetime, he not only showed up but arrived with his late wife, Alhaja Simbiat Abiola and they danced to the various artistes especially sir Shina Peters.
The highlight for Segun and I was the NGN100,000 cheque he gave us at the event. A huge amount back then and we admired it all the way to the bank.

“In 1991, I sold the idea to run for the governorship of Lagos state to my late father, Sir Michael Otedola and he dismissed it saying politics is not for Omoluabis and he also made a reference to the travails of Chief Abiola with the NPN leading to his much-publicized retirement from politics. After much persistence, I succeeded in getting him to run and the rest is history.

Bashorun Dele Momodu & Pastor Dotun Ojelabi

After my father’s victory at the polls and seeing the need to rest, the then governor of Lagos state, Brig. Gen. Raji Rasaki Rtd, advised him to rest for two weeks and restricted visits and provided the LASG Guest House by Joel Ogunnaike Road Ikeja for the purpose.

“After a week there, I went to see my late father after around 7.30am and lo and behold, I met Chief Abiola and Alhaja Simbiat waiting to see him in the living room and when he saw me, he said Great man, where is your daddy?
A great man referring to me as a great man struck a chord in me”

He also used the occasion to pour encomiums on Ovation Publisher, Dele Momodu.

The book launch was attended by the cream of Nigerian Society such as Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Pastor Tunde Bakare and wife, Alhaji Rasak Okoya, Mr Peter Obi, Former Governor of Anambra State, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Mrs. Modupe Oguntade (wife of NIgeria’s High Commissioner to Great Britain),  Mr Fola Adeola, Mr Jimi Agbaje, Engr Rotimi Fasakin, Dr Dakuku Peterside, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Olori Ladun Sijuwade,Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi,Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Chief Dayo Adeneye (representative of Ogun State Governor), Hon. Kehinde Bamgbetan (Representative of Lagos State Governor), Mr Andrew Okeleke ( Representative of Globacom Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr.), Sir Tony Chiejina (Representative of Alhaji Aliko Dangote),  Mr Idowu Ajanaku, Habib Aruna, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi, Mrs. Betty Irabor, Dr Kayode Are and wife, Ngozi, Amb. Toye Okanlawon, Prince Damola Aderemi,  Richard Mofe-Damijo, Princess Toyin Kolade, Mrs. Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, Mrs. Toyin Seriki,  AIG Tunji Alapini (rtd), Mr. Kunle Bakare, Sir Gbenga Badejo, Ohimai Godwin-Amaize, Femi Akintunde-Johnson,Mr Abisoye Fagade, Mr Dayo Adedayo, Ms Joke Sogunro,  Dr Reuben Abati, Simon Kolawole, Segun Adeniyi, Chief Donatus Okonkwo, Mr Biodun Fari, Ms Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, Azuh Arinze, Biodun Oshinibosi, Mr. Lekan Owoduni, Tope Fasua, Alistair Soyode, Omolara Wood, Mrs Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, Wale Oluwaleimu, Mr.  Mayor Akinpelu, Mr. Tito Okpaise, Mr. Gboyega Okegbenro, Mr. Mr. Gbenga Olunloyo, Biodun Ponle, Messrs Lanre and Kayode Alfred, Ms Kemi Akinyemi, Chris Kehinde Nwandu, Ms Azuka Ogujuiba, Mr Adewale Jafojo and members of the Abiola Family

While Gbenga Adeyinka 1st was compere, Shuga band provided light music. Tastee Fried Chicken, Saheeto and De Potters were in charge of refreshments.

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UBA Foundation Kicks Off Festive Season with Spectacular Garden Light-Up

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The United Bank for Africa (UBA), through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the UBA Foundation, held its annual Garden Light-Up ceremony on Monday at its head office in Lagos.

The event marked the start of the festive season with a spectacular display of lights, fireworks, and music, bringing together staff, customers, and well-wishers in a celebration of unity and gratitude.

The Garden Light-Up, a cherished tradition, reflects UBA’s commitment to spreading joy and fostering a sense of community. Speaking at the event, UBA Group Managing Director/CEO Oliver Alawuba highlighted the bank’s dedication to creating memorable experiences and expressed appreciation for the efforts of staff and customers during a challenging year.

“As we approach Christmas, a time of love, we remember the spirit of giving and community,” Alawuba said. “This ceremony symbolizes hope for the future and the goodness it brings into people’s lives. I encourage everyone to spread kindness and light as we celebrate together.”

The ceremony also marked UBA’s 75th anniversary, with Alawuba emphasizing the bank’s commitment to building a lasting heritage. Guests enjoyed Christmas carols performed by the UBA Customer Fulfilment Centre choir and a guided tour of the UBA Foundation gardens at Lagos Marina.

In addition to the festivities, the UBA Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development through initiatives that focus on education, environmental conservation, economic empowerment, and community welfare. As part of its corporate social responsibility, the Foundation will provide meals to tens of thousands of people across Africa during the holiday season.

The event ended with fireworks, leaving attendees inspired and excited for the season of giving.

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My Economic Policies Harsh, But Yielding Results, Tinubu Insists

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President Bola Tinubu has, for the umpteenth time, insisted that the economic policies that he initiated on assumption of office are now yielding the desired results.

Tinubu, who acknowledged that the policies are harsh on the people, stated that the decision became imperative in order to salvage the country from the crises facing it.

Speaking during the 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, the President, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, stated that Nigeria is now moving from consumption to production economy.

While calling for the people’s understanding and support, he maintained that his administration is open to criticisms and admiration.

The President said: “The need to salvage the future of our children and bring the country back from the brink of collapse necessitated the strategic decisions to remove the fuel subsidy and also unify the exchange rates.

“I am not unaware of the consequences of the tough decisions on our people. I sincerely wish there could be softer options.

“The macro-economy of our dear country is improving by the day and beyond expectations. The micro-economy, which directly affects our citizens, is also taking shape gradually with positive results.

“By the grace of the Almighty God, every household will experience a better life and have brighter hope for the future.

“We are working hard to ensure the safety of every Nigerian in every part of the country. Our security architecture is up to the task, and the ugly narratives of the past are changing for good. Also, we are not relenting in our pursuit of making our country a haven of prosperity for all.”

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Ademola Adeleke and Two Years of Significant Milestone

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By Eric Elezuo

“We are only getting started. The journey of transforming Osun State into a state of opportunities for all is ongoing, and with your continued support, we will achieve even greater things” –  Governor Adeleke 

The atmosphere at the Aurora Event Centre was a clear testament that the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, is not just a man of the people, but a man, whose presence and influence command love and admiration, evidence of his passion for good governance and lucid display of affection for the plight of the people.

It was the gathering of champions; a gathering that explains that his Excellency, better known as the performing Governor, has exceeded all expectations, and delivered much more than the dividends of democracy just two years in office.

The event was the celebration of excellence; the celebration of a significant milestone that has completely changed the topography of Osun State. The excitement exhibited by the people on the day, was therefore, not surprising.

Prior to the November 27, 2024 d-day, the Osun State Government had unveiled a 16-day events to mark the grand second anniversary as governor of the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, who unveiled the ceremonies, rated Adeleke high in terms of service delivery, grassroots development and human capacity development.

The 16-day fiesta, according to Igbalaye comprises a health walk, novelty match, Jumaat, church service, state awards presentation, and projects commissioning.

Commenting on the achievements of the administration in the past two years, Igbalaye, said Adeleke had surpassed expectations, assuring that an increase in political activities would not distract the governor from completing all ongoing projects.

Among the projects commissioned was the dualisation of the Old Garage-Okefia Lameco Freeway, which was done by a former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, which much gusto and fanfare with other dignitaries in attendance including representatives of the eight assembly – Senator Dino Melaye and Lanre Tejuoso. Others were Juju music maestro, Sir Shina Peters, notable traditional rulers, members of the executive council as well as state assembly members.

In his address at the commissioning, Obasanjo lauded Adeleke’s steadfastness in the discharge of his constitutional duties of providing good governance, reminding him that there are two more years from the present midterm, to unleash more his human faced policies, programmes and projects.

Other dignitaries that commissioned many other projects during the period included the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, who commissioned the Osogbo Ring Road; the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, who laid foundation for the proposed Osun Airport, and performed turning of sod for emerging projects, and a host of others.

It is worth noting that inaugurated projects spanned across the 30 local government areas in the state.

Presentation of bond certificates to contributory pensioners and presentation of award to Governor Adeleke by the contributory pensioners was also done.

As early as 10am, the event venue was a beehive of activities with groups, market men and women, political associations and students unions among others, singing the praises of the administration and the person of the governor. It was the grand entrance of the governor, flanked by aides and associates, that set the stage for what later become the mother of all events.

In their various speeches, all represented groups lauded the giant strides of the governor, highlighting areas of staunch improvement including Healthcare, Education, Investments, Entertainment, Sports, Rural Electrification and Technological advancement.

Additionally, awards were presented to outstanding individuals who contributed significantly to the growth and development of the state just as long awaited CofOs were released to deserving citizens of the state.

While addressing the mammoth crowd of happy indigenes, Governor Adeleke thanking them for their support and promised to continue his administration’s efforts in education, health, and infrastructure.

However, it was the governors speech that gave vent and flesh to the myriads of achievements that the brief two years of the Adeleke-led administration has bestowed on the people of Osun State.

He therefore, rendered his stewardship, a catalogue of immutable achievements that everyone has come to agree on.

He said, as broadcasted:

My good people of Osun State, today marks my two years in office as your popularly elected Governor. I start this broadcast by paying glowing tributes to elders, women, youths and residents of Osun State.

I convey my deep appreciation for your strong support and prayers. From November 27th, 2022 to date, Osun residents have demonstrated unshaken faith in our government. Your prayers for me and my team have strengthened us significantly. Your regular counseling have enhanced our intentional drive to deliver on good governance.

My people, you are well aware of what Osun was on and before we took over two years ago. We all recall the pains and sufferings of the public servants and pensioners. We remember the huge infrastructure and policy deficit in transportation, health, education, water, ICT, environment, agriculture and commerce and industry. We cannot forget in a hurry the deep gap between the state leadership and the people.

To revive the state and deliver on good governance, my administration launched out with a five-point agenda. We targeted specific areas of needs of the people which form the major components of the clearly defined agenda.The goal principally was to address the aspirations and immediate needs of our people.

In line with norms of accountability and responsibility to the electorate, I am obligated to render my stewardship midway into the life of our administration. It is, therefore, with praises to God Almighty and the universe that I address you on major advances our admnistration has already recorded across the sectors.

We pursue a preventive health care policy which places emphasis on access to health care. By today, our administration has upgraded 200 primary health care centers out of almost 400 with solar power, boreholes and medical materials. We are now shifting attention to the six general hospitals for upgrade and refurbishing.

In the same vein, we conducted two major Imole medical outreach with over 100, O00 beneficiaries. The third edition is upcoming, even as we have enrolled 29,000 pensioners in the health insurance scheme to bankroll their Healthcare.

On water supply, we developed three structure plans of immediate, short and long term template to resolve the acute water shortage inherited in 2022. Immediately, we delivered 332 boreholes across the 332 political wards in the state. Another 332 is ongoing. Simultaneously, we commenced the rehabilitation of the water works in major towns by relaying the rusted pipes laid in early 70s. Additionally, the abandoned 10 mini-water works are being revived while the project for Ora water scheme is also under implementation.

In the agricultural sector, we started the farm mechanization plan by purchasing 31 tractors in the first phase. Farm inputs were regularly distributed and I am launching the youth agropreneur programme across the 30 local governments and the area councils. We are reviving the farm settlements. We are implementing the new Cocoa and Cashew expansion initiatives.

For the education sector, the University of Ilesa has become a reality with take off grants and accredited courses. Rehabilitation of its internal roads are now ongoing. For the Osun State University, four abandoned projects were completed and a new anatomy laboratory was started and completed by our administration. We rehabilitated 99 secondary schools, restarted the upgrade of the six technical colleges and are about to issue letters of appointment to new teachers.

For the public service sector, our government has paid about 12 billion pension debt in two years compared with 11 billion paid by the opposition for its 12 years in the government of the state. We restored normalcy within the public service with permanent secretaries and regular promotion exercises. Half salary debt is being paid in phases, and a new minimum wage has just been approved for the state workers. Ours is an openly pro-workers government.

In Science and Technology, we gave Osun its first ICT policy, innovations policy and Startup legal framework. We introduced the first digital economy agenda for the state. Implementation of these policies and programmes are ongoing.

For the power sector, our government is finalizing a policy and legal frameworks for the electricity market system. With the devolution of the power sector, the passage of the electricity bill into law in Osun state will enable us to regulate stakeholders in the sector. An electricity regulatory commission will be set up to license generators of powers among others.

My dear people of Osun state, our administration has constructed over 120 kilometers of roads across the state. Several inter- state and intra-city roads completed are to be commissioned during this 16 days anniversary. Two major flyovers are also progressing to completion at Osogbo while works are progressing at the Ile Ife Flyover and Ilesa dualization.

I have redirected our efforts and plan at the completion of Iwo-Osogbo road. We have added the dualisation of Odoori – Adeeke road inside Iwo to be executed in two phases. The first phase will reach Post -Office and Oluwo Palace while the second phase will take off from Post Office to Adeeke Junction.

Our government has enhanced the local economy, not just through its local content policy, we have also expanded access to financing for artisans and small businesses through the cooperative societies. Several millions of naira have been advanced to the state cooperative movement as revolving loans, the first time since the First Republic. We encouraged creation of ward-based artisans cooperative societies across the 332 political wards. Another millions of naira have been advanced to the 332 business groups as revolving loans. During this anniversary, another set of small businesses will get microcredit cheques. Osun money is truly revolving within Osun State economy.

I want our people to note for the record that for all our projects and programmes, we did not obtain any loan. We only block leakages in the state finance and employ local content to moderate project cost and enforce high standards. We never discriminate on inherited projects and we never sack any contractors engaged by our predecessor. We run an open transparent government.

For the second half of our government, I reassure all sons and daughters of Osun State that the government under my leadership will complete all ongoing projects. We will continue to address the infra and social needs of our people. We will strike a balance between hard and soft infrastructure.

Going forward, we will deepen our consultation and interactive mechanism with the citizenry. As we have acted only in public interest in the last two years, we will sustain our responsiveness and respect for the wills and aspirations of our people.

Therefore, I invite you to join me as we commence the anniversary with town hall meetings and commissioning of projects and programmes.

Once again, I thank Osun elders, sons and daughters for your support and prayers. I remain your Governor who is ever committed to service to the high and the low, to the poor and the rich, and to all our citizens and residents.

I thank you for listening.

HE, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State.

Governor Adeleke, on July 16 2022 defeated the incumbent administration of Adegboyega Oyetola, and was sworn in as governor on November 27, 2022 to begin a four-year term.

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