Boss Picks

Atiku Most Experienced, Tolerant, Nationalistic Among All Presidential Aspirants – Otunba Gbenga Daniel

Published

8 years ago

July 21, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Otunba Gbenga Daniel, The two-term Governor of Ogun State and presently the Director General of Abubakar Atiku Campaign Organisation, is someone who needs no introduction. He is sound, humane, down-to-earth and can easily be referred to as one of the pillars of modern Ogun State.

In this interview, OGD, as he is fondly called brings to the fore his many enviable qualities, his stewardship in governance and entrepreneurship, and why Atiku Abubakar, who is running for the presidency of Nigeria come 2019 is the best candidate for the job. Excerpts:

Since you left office, what has been happening in your political life

Well, I reckon that if you have had an opportunity to serve for all of 8 years, and another person is serving it is important you give room for other people to serve. Since I left office, I have been doing more than just observing and keeping as quiet as possible. But of course, that silence will soon give way to more active participation because of the scenario we have found ourselves in the country today.

It’s rare for politicians to stay quiet, even though their voices are not heard, they are busy underground. What have you been busy doing underground?

Not a lot, but as we move towards 2019, and considering people’s voices; it is clear to me and to discerning minds that our people feel they could do better with the kind of leadership we have in the country at the moment. Our people feel unhappy with what has happened to our economy. Our people have been duly surprised with what is going on in terms of security and many other areas. Therefore, whether we like it or not, we are on a spot. And as people who have participated as some point in time in the governance of this country, we have to come together and jointly find a solution to the crises.

You talked about going to the senate immediately after your 8 years in office as governor, did anything truncate that ambition, and what was it?

Yes I was determined to join the senate. But what was important for me was firstly to sit back and see what was happening in the polity. As a matter of fact, having served for 8 years, it was important for me to take a break. Yes! There are a lot of people who wanted me to go to the senate but it was basically my decision not to go to the senate.

You defeated a sitting governor to become a governor, what is the pedigree that made Ogun people chose you?

The hall mark of my being has always been relating with the masses. We started the Gateway Fund Foundation before I went into government, and it was supposed to be a response to the level of poverty we perceived in Ogun state and other states; that the poorest of the poor are becoming hopeless. What we found out then which is still the same today is that a large number of people do not require a large amount of money to earn subsistence living, and we set out to give them that leverage. It was easy; people found us trustworthy even before the idea of becoming governor was muted. So, when eventually I stood out for the governorship seat, I was already a familiar person in the positive light.

You polled the highest number of votes in the history of Ogun State governorship election in 2003, because the people believed in you? Can you itemize those wonderful things that made your tenure most memorable?

It would look like eulogising myself, but if you ask the people of Ogun state, they will tell you we met Ogun state as a sleeping giant. We met a state with no potential, and our biggest ambition was to open up the state. And quite a good number of people will agree that we did a lot in terms of opening up the state. We opened up the educational sector; we created additional tertiary institutions, secondary schools, primary schools, and all of them are striving today. We feel proud that at the last count, we were able to establish seven tertiary institutions; the polytechnic in Igbesa, the polytechnic in Sapade, the polytechnic in Ewekoro Local Government, the polytechnic in Ijebu-Igbo, the Gateway Petrochemical Institute in Oni, and many others.

Most people thought it was impossible when we were doing these things, but I am happy that all of them are running smoothly today. They are turning out quality products. In the sports sector, we created the Gateway Games in 2006 and that was used to open up the state. Till date, Nigeria has not hosted better games. We did a lot of work in healthcare. In terms of road construction, we introduced innovation; we created Ogun State Road Management Agency, which is in charge of all roads in the state. We did everything we could possibly do. I guess the biggest thing the people give us kudos was industrialising the state and make it attractive for business and industries. Today, the state is known as one of the most industrialised states in the country. And I think I built on the foundation I found, and I guess the man who is there today is building on what I added.

Shortly after your tenure, you left the party that made you the governor. What was the reason sir?

Quite a number of people have misunderstood what happened. I did not leave the party. There was crisis in the party; we had primaries, people won their seats under the Peoples Democratic Party, and through some litigations, all the people who won the primaries became party-less, and all of them happened to be my people. About 40 of them had no party to run from, and there was a party that presented an opportunity, and that was it. But I did not run because I was the South-West coordinator of the Jonathan Campaign Organisation in 2011. My responsibility went beyond party primaries. I have responsibilities that cut across party lines to ensure that even after the primaries, people in other parties vote for the person I was working for, which was President Goodluck Jonathan in PDP. Lo and behold, I spoke to virtually other parties, they voted and we won. I guess that is what people saw and interpreted it to mean that I left for another party. That didn’t happen. Same thing came up in the build-up to 2015 election. Again in 2013, some of my people felt the party was not doing well and they wanted to go to another party to make good their ambition – but we came back, and we told everyone to return to PDP so that we can do our best in the 2015 election, and that was what happened.

Consider his networking ability; he is a Northerner, but he is one vibrant leader who cuts across the East, West and South. He can be described as a true nationalist; he is at home and comfortable anywhere in Nigeria

The story today is that you are the Director General for Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign…

It is not a story; the reality is that I am the Director General of the Atiku Abubakar campaign organization. Yes, I am.

As the DG of that organization, would you be able to run again for political position?

The important thing in our country is not about haggling for positions; we have a challenge in the country at the moment. We have a government that is not doing well to the satisfaction of the people. And under this circumstance, patriotic people must come together and find ways and means of effecting the change. That is what we are doing. It is not about contesting for a position now. The population majorly believes the presidency should go to the North, and we have looked at all the people haggling to become president from the North, and found out that Atiku Abubakar is the most qualified, given the situation of the country presently. Although they are all qualified, we think he is most qualified among all. With this, I am very excited to be the Director General for his campaign organization.

As a DG, you must know what Atiku is bringing to the table. What is he bringing to the table that will convince people to vote for him?

Well, let me start from the party because in the course of my chairmanship bid towards the end of last year, I had the opportunity to visit virtually all the states in the federation including the FCT, and what I found out in all those locations was that the party in the grass roots area is the PDP, and I am quite excited that Atiku Abubakar is back to the PDP, and he came at the right time.

He was one of the founding fathers of the party and if you survey, you will know Atiku Abubakar is the most experienced. He’s had the opportunity to be in governance in this democratic dispensation as Vice President for eight years during which he was virtually the economic manager of the nation. And that was the years of golden economic management in Nigeria, and I am not aware of anyone who has the experience and capacity of Atiku; not even the current president. So, in terms of exposure and experience of people who are in the race; he is the best.

Today, we are faced with loss of confidence in the system; we still have the IPOB challenge. We have challenges in the South-South. We have challenges of South-West talking about restructuring. And even in locations were agitations were not there before, somewhere like the middle belt, we have had large number of people who have become dissatisfied.

It is on record that of all the leaders of this country, one person that has remained consistent toward the issue of restructuring outside the South-West is Atiku Abubakar. I was very surprised when I saw some of his books, his writing, dating as far back as 14 – 15 years ago where he has been consistently talking about restructuring. So, if there is anybody who feels the beat like those of us in the South, it is Atiku Abubakar because of his posture on restructuring.

In addition, that issue also cuts across the length and breadth of the country, and that for me is key. Consider his networking ability; he is a Northerner, but he is one vibrant leader who cuts across the East, West and South. He can be described as a true nationalist; he is at home and comfortable anywhere in Nigeria.

When you look at the challenges we have today in terms of religion, for the first time in the history of our country we are witnessing religious dissatisfaction. He is a Muslim but a liberal one. If you look at his staff you will see Christians and Muslims. The biggest challenge in this country is unity; and one man who has all it takes to unite all the forces in the country is Atiku Abubakar.

The present government also campaigned with restructuring but as at today has not been able to do anything about it. When Atiku comes in, how possible will it be?

First, let’s talk about the incumbent administration and what they have done, or said, which has gone a long way to show the level of credibility they have. Economically, they didn’t do enough research and didn’t attract the right people who can give them the right advice. Part of what they said is that the naira will be equal to the dollar, although some of us who are vast economically knew that was a tall order. We knew they said it without knowing what they were saying and didn’t have the capacity to handle it, and the naira fell to about N500 to a dollar, and now, it is hanging around 360 doubling what it was when they came in. Somebody will tell me that is an achievement, but they messed it up. And that is how it is with virtually all the promises they have made. So, today, what we need is not just the question of people making promises. We have seen politicians making promises they cannot fulfil; you look at people from what they have been able to achieve; not what they say they are going to do. If you look at the profile of Atiku, while he was the number 2 man, he was running the economy. He demonstrated capacity to attract intelligent people to provide advice and a number of those things were duly executed.

I am beginning to see that this race is going to be between Muhammadu Buahri and Atiku. Buhari was once the military head of state, and despite being a dictator, he couldn’t achieve much with such enormous power. It becomes a problem when you are now limited by the legislature, and the rule of law. You will be shocked to note that there was nothing to write home about in terms of achievements when Buhari was a military head of state. People were jailed 200, 300 years; that doesn’t make sense, and that was the tragedy he brought with him. People have spoken about PTF (Petroleum Trust Fund), that there were so many can of worms that were swept under the carpet under his watch. He was Petroleum Minister, and there was nothing he did that was outstanding. When he said he was going to reduce the price of fuel, they didn’t do it. Practically, nothing has happened.

Compare that resume to Atiku Abubakar who is so competent in managing businesses as an entrepreneur. He was very competent in managing government as a Vice President. I was even told that as a customs officer before he came into politics, he voluntarily retired ahead of time to face his business. If you know the compulsion of custom department in those days, nobody resigns from that kind of position because of what comes with such position. Therefore, you can see he is someone who is determined, focused, and that is the kind of person we are looking for in our country today.

There is a general conception that he is corrupt, how is he planning to kill that notion?

There has been no evidence to prove the allegation. The tragedy of our country which I am praying we would not repeat its mistake is that people create a notion of someone without proof. Sometimes, it is what they heard in the bus, street or anywhere that forms their opinion, and consistently we have failed in making rational decisions because of speculations that cannot be substantiated.

Buhari was once the military head of state, and despite being a dictator, he couldn’t achieve much with such enormous power. It becomes a problem when you are now limited by the legislature, and the rule of law. You will be shocked to note that there was nothing to write home about in terms of achievements when Buhari was a military head of state. People were jailed 200, 300 years; that doesn’t make sense, and that was the tragedy he brought with him

It is also based on this kind of notion that the current presidency was fostered on the nation, and barely six months after, people started complaining that they made a mistake. Whereas I accept that there is no human who is infallible, there is no allegation against Atiku that has been substantiated. He has been cleared, up to the Supreme Court. Our country is a very funny place, they can go to the market and declare you as a murderer, and before you know it, people will start running away from you; when you ask, they will say they heard it from someone. We have gone beyond all these political speculations deliberately created to destroy people; this is the reason we have not elected the best leaders. If you recall, at the point Chief Obafemi Awolowo was contesting, everybody knew he was capable. But there were also some things that were said against him. And see what those errors of judgment has cost us over the years.

What if Atiku does not pick the PDP ticket?

I have never started anything in my life that I don’t succeed in. So, it’s not on the card. I am a positive person and I am persuaded he is the best that we have in this circumstance, and I believe I’m rational. And I must assume and believe that people have seen that we have made mistakes in the past, and that in picking in 2019, they won’t want to make another wrong choice. What else are we looking for; if you have seen a better person let’s discuss it.

There is a Markafi, Sule Lamido, Kwakwanso and others that have shown interest…

They are very eminently qualified people, but let’s look at the parameters involved in terms of experience in governance. Who among them have been in government at the Federal level? Which of them has the kind of immense network that we have just discussed? Which of them has the religious and tribal tolerance we are talking about?

Many are saying desperation is pushing Atiku Abubakar. Is he actually desperate to become the president?

I don’t think so. To some extent, he’s fulfilled; he has wealth that can take him a lifetime; his children are doing fine. But I think what is pushing him is the fact that he is unhappy because something he started is going the wrong way. He’s appalled at the level of violence, and the many ills we have in this country today. And he is shocked that things that should be ordinary are turning to a big deal for the present government. We have said it times without number that the biggest problem we have in this country is over centralization of power. If you ask anything that is pushing him, I would say it’s not desperation but an urge to see that our country becomes a better place.

Don’t you think the new Not Too Young To Run law will affect his chances?

The incumbent president is 74. He is older than Atiku. So, when you compare him to Buhari, there is no doubt in my mind that he is a much younger person. Apart from that, when you look at the health status, Atiku is fitter. I can assure you that several young people don’t have the energy he has to do the work. When Yar’dua was the president, he was not as old as Buhari. However, among the political leaders today, the most energetic is Obasanjo (Chief Olusegun).

Officially, people think he is 82 and some said he is older than that. It is not really about age, it is about health status, the capacity to do what is right. Don’t forget that this is a very critical stage in the life of the country, we cannot afford to experiment. For it is an evolution, I became a governor at the age of 47, and at 55 I was no longer a governor. I think the people should just go and do what they have to do, work hard and they will get whatever they want. I don’t really see any effect in that bill.

The President recently signed an executive order, what can you say to this?

Well, according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that is totally illegal, and it is unconstitutional. Look at what has happened to the Senate President, who at the end of the day, was declared innocent by the Supreme Court after torturing him for about 3 years as a result of people not doing their investigations properly. That’s one thing that clearly faulted the trial. Why are we in a hurry to demonstrate we are working? For political reasons, you pick somebody up without concrete evidence because of hearsay? We should have gone beyond all of that. I think that Executive Order is against the rule of law, and I would be shocked if people don’t go to court to contest it. The order doesn’t make any sense. It is a vote of no confidence in the judiciary, and I have always said that in a civilized environment, we have the legislature, the Executive and Judiciary sharing power. To the best of my knowledge, the ruling party has the highest number in the Senate and House of Representatives. All they need to do if they are not happy with the existing law, is to go to the legislature and ask for amendment. This is just in line with what he did when he was a military head of state. Where new laws were created, and how do you create a law by violating a law. These kinds of orders should have no place in a democracy. I believe it is the attorney general that is not doing his work properly.

On many occasions, the EFCC has accused you of financial misconduct, and on many occasions amended their charges. What is the present situation?

Legally, when a case is in court, you can’t make public comment on it. But how can they say I misappropriated 58 billion, and later checked the file and said it’s 200 million. They said 200 million or so entered my account, and I was asked to come defend it in court without any investigation. It is strange! This is the eighth year that I have been charged to court.

As I speak, I have gone to court more than 50 times, and prosecution has not closed its case. Just three weeks ago, they came and amended the charges again, and I am aware that the investigation started even when I was a governor, and I tell people that this is persecution. I think someone just said let’s find a way of locking this man up so that he cannot be politically active. I don’t know what else to say, I am persuaded that I ran a good government. I ran one of the most credible governments in the history of governance. I am proud with what I achieved. And I am proud that as I speak to you, nobody has traced any fund that belongs to the government in any account that belongs to me. I don’t know what they are talking about and that is why I am at peace. Now, the executive order has come and they want to seize assets, which asset do they want to seize?

For example, I moved into this place in 1998; even before I became a governor. I have built my office 27 years ago, all of these happened before I went into government. With due respect, I am not a poor man and if all you can say is that 8 years in government; 200 million is missing, this is ridiculous. 200 million will not buy the land my house is built on today. It is a tragedy that some of us that are supposed to be receiving honour in this country are enmeshed in the drama EFCC is performing. I am at peace with myself, and I am not going to beg anybody.

But if you defect to the ruling party, you may have a soft landing…

I am not going to defect, and I won’t stop doing what I am doing. I was told that it is because I am Atiku’s campaign DG that is why they are now looking for more things. And that the reason my name must be on the executive order list and many other charges; eight years after being governor; that’s so ridiculous. Anyway, let the law take its course but God is on the throne.

Photo credit: Koya Adegbite and Ken Ehimen

Boss Picks

Koumagnon Family Pledges Unalloyed Support for Romuald Wadagni As President

Published

5 days ago

April 9, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Koumagnon Family and Allied Families of Seme-Kpodji, of the Republic of Benin, led by Monsieur Alberto Koumagnon, has declared their unflinching support for the candidacy of Romuald Wadagni as he steps out on Sunday to vie for the presidential seat of the Republic of Benin.

In statement of declaration, the families observed that Wadagni is propelled by a ‘vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country’.

The declaration is presented in full:

DECLARATION OF SUPPORT BY THE GREAT KOUMAGNON FAMILY AND ALLIED FAMILIES OF SÈMÈ-KPODJI FOR CANDIDATE ROMUALD WADAGNI

The great KOUMAGNON family and allied3 families of Sèmè-Kpodji, deeply committed to the values of peace, progress, and development, followed with particular interest the presentation, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, of the “Further Together” (Plus loin ensemble) social project by our dear candidate, President Romuald WADAGNI.

Following this important political event, and gathering on this day, 04/04/2026, we wish to express our full support for the vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country.

From the outset, we, descendants of the KOUMAGNON family and allied families, commend the enlightened leadership of President Patrice TALON who, faithful to his commitment to building a modern and prosperous Benin, has been able to propose to the presidential majority a competent, credible candidate who brings hope for consolidating achievements.

In this dynamic of continuity and progress, the candidacy of President Romuald WADAGNI is fully in line with the continuation of the structural reforms undertaken over several years in all sectors, particularly in infrastructure.

In this regard, we recognize and commend the many achievements of the government, especially road infrastructure, which has significantly improved mobility and living conditions for the populations of the communes of Sèmè-Kpodji and surrounding areas.

Moreover, these remarkable efforts reflect a constant determination to connect localities, stimulate economic exchanges, and sustainably strengthen the attractiveness of our territories.

Building on these achievements and firmly oriented toward the future, we are convinced of the relevance of the “Further Together” project.

Therefore, the great KOUMAGNON family and allied families of Sèmè-Kpodji give their firm, committed, and unconditional support to candidate Romuald WADAGNI, as well as to his running mate, Mrs. Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima.

In the same spirit, we call on all daughters and sons of Sèmè-Kpodji, as well as all citizens committed to peace and development in our country, Benin, to mobilize massively in support of this hopeful momentum by turning out in large numbers on April 12.

We also wish to assure our dear candidate of our commitment to mobilize widely to ensure a high voter turnout in the commune of Sèmè-Kpodji.

Together, let us continue the efforts undertaken.

Together, let us consolidate our achievements.

Together, let us go further.

Long live Benin on its path toward progress!

Long live the WADAGNI–TALATA ticket!
Thank you.

Done at Sèmè-Kpodji, on 04/04/2026

The great KOUMAGNON family and allied families

Boss Picks

The Billionaire Gang: The Quartet That Keeps Nigeria in Limelight

Published

4 weeks ago

March 16, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

With a loud ovation, Nigerians reveled at the announcement of its billionaire-quartet, Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, and Abdulsamad Rabiu as among Africa’s richest individuals in 2026.

The four has constantly put Nigeria in the limelight, ensuring that Forbes is never complete without a mention of the giant of Africa, Nigeria

According to the latest Africa Billionaires ranking released by Forbes, Dangote retained his position as Africa’s richest man, with an estimated net worth of $28.5 billion. He added about $4.6 billion to his fortune over the past year, largely driven by the strong performance of Dangote Cement on the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

Telecommunications magnate Adenuga also retained his place among Africa’s billionaires.

The founder of Globacom and chairman of Conoil Producing remains one of Nigeria’s most influential entrepreneurs with diversified interests spanning telecoms, oil and gas, and banking.

Otedola, chairman of Geregu Power Plc, also featured on the list despite a slight dip in his wealth over the past year. Forbes estimates that the billionaire investor lost about $200 million following the sale of a majority stake in the power generation company at a discount to its market price.

The increase in Rabiu’s net worth was largely driven by the performance of BUA Cement, whose shares rose 135% over the past year, outperforming the broader rally on the Nigerian stock market.

The 23 billionaires on the continent are now worth a combined $126.7 billion, representing a 21% increase from 2025 after they collectively added $20.3 billion to their net worth.

Across the continent, billionaire fortunes were boosted by strong equity market performance, record corporate profits, and improving currency stability in several African economies.

South Africa remains the highest number of billionaires on the list, with seven individuals, followed by Egypt with five, Nigeria with four, and Morocco with three.

Here is a peep into the world of Nigeria’s Billionaire-Quartet.

ALIKO DANGOTE

For the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his multifaceted group, playing second fiddle has never been an option. Both the enterprise and the entrepreneur have maintained market leadership to the extent that Dangote himself has appropriated the richest man in Africa status to himself, and has hardworkingly sustained the tag for as long as anyone can remember.

Since 2014, when Forbes magazine named him the world’s 23rd billionaire, jumping 20 spots on the scale from his previous 43rd position among the elite club of the world’s richest people. Aliko Dangote has not looked back, winning back to back the accolade among African billionaires, and never slipping from the world ranking.

Again, as expected, the famous Forbes has proclaimed the soft spoken businessman as Africa’s richest man for the 12th time in a row; a proof that the name Dangote is synonymous with consistency. He is a businessman, who understands that no man rest on his oars if turnovers have to continue to turn over. With marked differentiation, he has demystified the business terrain, and proved that if it can be done, then it must done. His establishment of the humongous fertilizer and sugar plants and the ambitious refinery in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, are testimonies of the trajectory of one who knows his onions.

Worth $13.4 by the last Forbes ranking, which sustained him as the richest man in African for the 11th time, entrepreneur extraordinaire has the following points to his name:

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person, founded and chairs Dangote Cement, the continent’s largest cement producer.
He owns 85% of publicly-traded Dangote Cement through a holding company.
Dangote Cement has the capacity to produce 48.6 million metric tons annually and has operations in 10 countries across Africa.
After many years in development, Dangote’s fertilizer plant in Nigeria began operations in mid-2021.
Dangote Refinery, under construction since 2016, hit the public space since 2024, and is one of the world’s largest oil refineries, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day production.

The above and many has remained the factors that have made it easy for the billionaire to remain in the top echelon of world’s money men, and the supremo among African businessmen. Little wonder he is one of the few recipients of the GCON national honours reserved for top politicians of vice president ranking and top government appointees.

Born in Kano in 1957, Dangote proudly shuttles between three wonderful tags as the richest man in Nigeria; the richest man in Africa and the richest Black man in the world. He has paid his dues, and mankind is the better for it.

Releasing impacts, Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), the private charitable foundation of Alhaji Aliko Dangote. Incorporated in 1994, as Dangote Foundation, is saddled with the mission to enhance opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and broaden economic empowerment opportunities. 20 years later, the Foundation has become the largest private Foundation in sub-Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor.

The primary focus of ADF is child nutrition, with wraparound interventions centered on health, education and empowerment, and disaster relief. The Foundation also supports stand-alone projects with the potential for significant social impact.

The Foundation works with state and national governments and many highly reputable international and domestic charities, non-governmental organizations and international agencies to advance its humanitarian agenda.

In one of its biggest collaboration to date, Aliko Dangote Foundation started working in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and key northern State Governments in Nigeria from 2013 to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunization in Nigeria.

Worthy of praise is the fact that nearly a decade, the Foundation has spent over N7 Billion in the course of feeding, clothing and the general welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons in the Northeast.

To make his host communities feel at ease, and the impact of his presence, Dangote has embarked on an initiative to provide further support to improving educational systems in Ibeju-Lekki and Epe locality. The educational support initiative is a tripartite programme consisting of scholarship, capacity building for teachers and school infrastructure projects.

In addition, Scholarships have been awarded to 52 secondary school students whilst some financial support was provided to their parents and/or guardians. Tertiary students will be included in the next batch of the scheme.

Furthermore, about 100 teachers, principals and school administrators were trained in teaching techniques for the 21st century. After which they were monitored in class on how they were using the skills acquired.

There is hardly any sector that has not felt the milk of human kindness running through Aliko Dangote; the military, media, politicians, governments across boards and more.

Dangote is surely an asset to this world!

As at today, there is no space for slowing down for Dangote as he continues to trudge on, creating firsts after first for himself and for humanity. He is blessed with three wonderful daughters, who have followed the rewarding footprints of entrepreneurship, and is looking forward to hitting the richest man in the world status. And very soon too.

ABDULSAMAD RABIU

Abdulsamad Rabiu’s consistent climb on the ladder of success has become phenomenal. The unassuming Chairman at BUA Group has become a study in entrepreneurial discipline, focus, philanthropy and intentional sacrifice. But what can actually be said of a man who has steadily evolved as one of Africa’s biggest investors, in fact, the biggest in the order of reckoning on the Nigerian Exchange. He has graciously used his BUA Foundation and the phenomenal Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative to not only affect lives, but ensured that the people of the world, especially his native Nigeria, live in better comfort. The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Bua Group, makers of quality cement, sugar, flour among other wonderful household items has been a epitome of enterprise. He is presently by divine and entrepreneurial orchestration one of Nigeria’s richest investor. He is also the third richest man in the Africa, by Forbes calculation behind Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote, South African billionaire, Johann Rupert.

In 2023, via a list compiled by Billionaires in Africa revealed the rankings on the Nigerian Exchange, NGX, showing that Abdulsamad Rabiu, the billionaire businessman and industrialist, overtook Aliko Dangote as the richest investor in the country, albeit temporarily.

According to data tracked by Billionaires.Africa, Rabiu’s holdings in his publicly-listed businesses on the local bourse were valued at an impressive $6.01 billion, making him the only investor with an investment portfolio worth over $6 billion then. This is a feat that can only be achieved through wholesome business acumen and dedication.

Born August 4, 1960, in Kano, to one of Nigeria’s foremost industrialists in the 1970s and 1980s, Khalifah Isyaku Rabiu, Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu CON is a perfect combination of many things in one.

It was in his native Kano that he kick-started his academic pursuit, carousing through elementary education with ease as a gifted child, and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He was later admitted into the Federal Government College, Kano, where he had his secondary education, and gradually with honours.

With a combination of fate, brilliance and determination, Abdulsamad was catapulted to Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, where he studiously studied Economics, and acquired his tertiary education before returning to Nigeria, all before his 24th birthday, to oversee his family business. He was that much sought after, and highly brilliant, and considered capable of holding fort for his father, who was being detained by the administration of General Muhammadu Buhari over matters concerning import duties.

In 1988, just after learning the ropes of entrepreneurial excellence, Abdul Samad Rabiu established BUA International Limited, for the sole purpose of commodity trading. The company followed after the footsteps of his father, and imported rice, edible oil, flour, iron and steel.

In 1990, having exhibited the character worthy of a world class entrepreneur, and the ability to execute classical projects, Rabiu’s BUA was invited by the government, which owned Delta Steel Company to supply its raw materials in exchange for finished products. This provided a much-needed leverage for the young company, and consequently expanded further into steel, producing billets, importing iron ore, and constructing multiple rolling mills in Nigeria.

Rabiu’s dexterity showed further a few years later, when the company acquired Nigerian Oil Mills Limited, the largest edible oil processing company in Nigeria, and there erupted the company’s and BUA’s influence and care over the people in the provision of affordable edible oil. His passion to see people excel in comfort has continued to make him churn out one great tiding after another, and endearing him in the hearts of the generality of the public.

A man with a vision for tomorrow, Rabiu, in 2005, started two flour-milling plants, in Lagos and in Kano, and by 2008, had broken an eight-year monopoly in the Nigerian sugar industry by commissioning the second-largest sugar refinery in sub-Saharan Africa. This was a feat only a bravest of hearts could wroth. As a result, in 2009, the company went on to acquire a controlling stake in a publicly-listed Cement Company in Northern Nigeria and began to construct a $900 million cement plant in Edo State, completing it in early 2015. Rabiu’s passion for expansion is unequalled.

BUA Group has since concentrated and excelled in manufacturing, infrastructure and agriculture and producing a revenue in excess of $2.5 billion. This is in addition to being the chairman of the Bank of Industry (BOI).

The Group, in 2019, announced plans to merge its privately owned BUA Cement with the publicly traded Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc (CCNN), to create Nigeria’s second largest cement producer thereby consolidating the grip on the cement market and breaking its monopolistic status.

MICHAEL ADENUGA

Michael Adenuga Jr. is one entrepreneur, who has proved over the decades that he is not the regular billionaire. He is of the stock that is not regulated by stock market figures, but by liquid cash. And that explains why his wealth and net worth supercedes whatever figures churned out by any institution, or any position he is placed in the billionaires’ list.

Adenuga is, for all intent and purpose, in a world and class of his own. This is because his business trajectory and personal philosophy are uniquely his, and therefore worthy of emulation.

Sitting atop one of the most cherished and subscribed network, Glo, Adenuga has not only inspired lives, but practically lifted not a few to enviable heights.

Known for his diverse investments in oil, gas, telecommunications, banking, construction, and real estate, Mike Adenuga notably shook up the African telecom sector with the launch of his telecommunications network, Globacom Limited (Glo), in August 2003.

Also referred to as The Guru, Adenuga is like the proverbial Iroko tree, who is unlike any other. In terms of humility, pedigree, magnanimity, wealth and portfolio of investments, he is one of a kind.

“As of Jan. 1, 2024, Forbes, the U.S.-based business magazine renowned for tracking global billionaire fortunes, estimated Adenuga’s wealth at $6.1 billion. By Dec. 31, 2024, his net worth had grown to $6.8 billion, ranking him as the 448th richest person in the world. Adenuga’s wealth is anchored in his control of Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest mobile telecommunications and digital services provider, which boasts over 60 million subscribers,” according to Billionaires.Africa

Adenuga is fondly remembered for launching operations on Per Second Billing, thus ensuring subscribers only pay for actual time spent on a call instead of the practice of billing customers N50 per minute even when the call cuts off at just 2 seconds. It also crashed the cost of SIM card from N30,000 to N6,999 and later N100, thereby making it possible for low income earners, students and artisans to own GSM lines today. It is now one of the most recognizable brands across the continent.

Love him or hate him, you can’t fault him. He is an enigma. A definition of class, humanity, intellectual discipline and entrepreneurial acumen. He is the very epitome of when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. And of course, a reference point and research material when it comes to philanthropy. Dr. Mike Adenuga doesn’t give little or give just for giving sake. He gives to sort and solve a lasting challenge. Yes, he is Dr. Michael Adenuga Jr., ‘The People’s Billionaire,’ and without introduction, the brain behind the increasingly success stories recorded at the Globacom Group, among his many other conglomerates and subsidiaries.

Known by many appellations, such as the Spirit of Africa, a rare gem, walking kindness, moon amongst the stars, owner of wealth beyond money, the mighty oak, the man with the gift of Foresight, the Bull, Pillar of sports among a whole lot more, Adenuga’s image looms large. He appears little, and achieves so much more. Hardly seen, but gracefully and consistently felt.

Born on April 29, 1953 to Oloye Michael Adenuga Sr and Chief (Mrs) Juliana Oyindamola Adenuga, the Yeyeoba of Ijebuland, Otun Gbadebo of Ikija and Iyalaje of Ijebu-Igbo, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr was not a silver spoon kid, but his parents were comfortable.

The indigene of Oru, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State was born and schooled in Ibadan. He attended the famous Ibadan Grammar School. He had his university education in the United States. He majored in Business administration with emphasis on Marketing.

While in school, to augment the allowance sent by his parents, he worked as a cabbie (Taxi Driver), putting in many hours of work a week. This culture of back-breaking hard work shaped him for his ambitious business adventures later in life.

Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr is married to Mrs. Titi Adenuga (nee Adewale). She provides the comfort and stability that such an incredibly busy man requires. His children are Oyin, Babajide (Bobo), Paddy, Bella, Eniola, Bimbo, Sade and ‘Niyi Jnr. He also has grandchildren.

FEMI OTEDOLA

Billionaire businessman, and Chairman, Geregu Power Plc, simply addressed as Femi Otedola (CON), is a focused and determined man. He made his choice from day one, and has refused to be derailed. This explains his prolific nature in the world of entrepreneurship, which has directed his life.

One thing is very obvious before all and sundry, and that is the fact the dotting father of four adorable children is really an Epicurus son, and has no place for half measures when it comes to giving himself, his business and of course everyone around him the good life.

It won’t be forgotten in a hurry how the philanthropist spent a whopping Three Million Pounds to rent a cruise boat in celebration of his 60th birthday in 2022.

Born on November 4, 1962, in Ibadan to the family of the late Sir Michael Otedola, a former governor of Lagos State, Otedola is a definition of everything good, positive and encouraging. He has lived his 60 years representing the very essence of living, affecting lives as a philanthropist, developing careers and manpower as a businessman, industrialists and entrepreneur, and raising biological children, who has stood their own in the society. There is hardly anywhere this tall, handsome phenomenon of a personality can be faulted.

The billionaire businessman started his education at the University of Lagos Staff School before attending Olivet Baptist High School from where he was admitted into Obafemi Awolowo University in 1980. He graduated in1985.

A former chairman of Forte Oil Plc, the Chancellor of St Augustine University, Epe, Lagos, is the founder of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, and the owner of a number of other businesses across shipping, real estate and finance. He has recently invested in power generation as part of the liberalisation of the sector in Nigeria.

The author of the bestseller, MAKING IT BIG, who has homes in Lagos, Abuja, Dubai, London and New York City has a much impressive existence since he set out to take the bull by the horns in the field of enterprise. This is as chronicled by wikipedia. In 2003, having identified an opportunity in the fuel retail market, Otedola secured the finance to set up Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, a petroleum products marketing and distribution company.

As owner and chairman of Zenon, in 2004 he invested N15 billion in downstream infrastructure development and acquired storage depots at Ibafon, Apapa as well as four cargo vessels, amounting to a combined total storage capacity of 147,000 metric tonnes. The same year he acquired a fleet of 100 DAF fuel-tanker trucks for N1.4 billion.

By 2005, Zenon controlled a major share of the Nigerian diesel market, supplying fuel to most of the major manufacturers in the country including Dangote Group, Cadbury, Coca-Cola, Nigerian Breweries, MTN, Unilever, Nestle and Guinness.

Boss Picks

The Boss Newspaper Welcomes Folu Adebayo into Its League of Columnists

Published

1 month ago

March 13, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

As The Boss Newspaper continues to gain traction, expansion and readership across the media spaces, more intellectuals are joining the long list of columnists contributing beneficial articles and information to the reading public.

The latest among The Boss columnists is AI expert, humanitarian and leading autism advocate among others, Mrs. Mofolu Adebayo.

Folu, as she is fondly called, is an AI expert, technology architect, charity founder, philantropist and autism advocate with academic backgrounds in Science, Law and Artificial Intelligence. She brings a unique perspective that combines technical expertise with lived experience as the mother of an autistic young man.

Her work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, technology policy and neurodiversity, exploring how emerging technologies can improve diagnosis, support, education and long-term independence for autistic individuals.

Folu is passionate about ensuring that innovation is inclusive, and that technology is designed with neurodiverse communities in mind. Through her writing, she aims to bridge the gap between technology, policy and real-world family experiences.

Folu, who writes about the intersection of AI, society, and human potential, also explores how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of work, education, and everyday life. She is also an autism advocate and brings lived experience to conversations about inclusive and accessible technology.

She joins eminent columnists already in the fold of The Boss Newspaper.