Boss Picks

Why I Want to Represent Epe at the Federal House – Princess Aderemi Adebowale

Published

6 years ago

September 1, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

When you talk about agility, passion for service, commitment, determination and focus, one woman possesses all in good quantity. She is Princess Aderemi Adebowale – a kind mother, adorable wife and an administrator of great repute. In this brief chat, she explains the force that drives her aspiration to represent Epe Federal constituency in the House of Representatives. Excerpts:

Would you please fill us in as to what your credentials are considering the position you are vying for and what prompted you to take such a decision?

First of all, I am a people-oriented person. I love people, and desires to be with them always. This quality prompted the establishment of DeboR Zero Hunger Foundation, which primary goal is to feed school children. The vision came when it dawn on me that some children in Lagos don’t have access to breakfast before going to school. How can they therefore, concentrate? How can they face or hear the teacher? This draws down their academic level, and they will remain on a depreciation level. But when they have something in their stomach, they would be alert, ready to learn and their grades would improve. I did all this in Epe Federal Constituency. I started with a meal a day where I gave the children bread and beans with fruits like orange to provide them with vitamin C. However, the cost was a bit high, moreover it was more of lunch than breakfast.

In the alternative, I sourced the most nutritious of drinks and snacks at the Balogun Market by myself, and changed their diet. The feeding was by choice. No one was forced to take his, but every child was given. You therefore, have the privilege to either accept or decline. I replicated the programme in the riverine areas too. They used that as breakfast and felt okay.

Not only that, I also undertook infrastructure repairs functions like when I renovated the nursery section of Odomola Primary School in my father’s hometown. All these were even before I ventured into politics.

Apart from the exhibition of your milk of human kindness, what professional jobs have you undertaken?

I have practiced journalism as a freelancer, writing for The Nation Newspapers. That was in 2013 through to 2014. I wrote on relationship matters because I care for people. I must add that all these while, I was romancing politics on the side. Like I said, I care for people a lot and everything I do is people-centered. I have realized that for me to affect people on a larger scale, politics is the way to go, and that explains my decision to join the mainstream politics. While some people go into politics for their personal gain, that is not my orientation. I have lived in the United States of America for 30 years, and it has shaped my people centred orientation. Over there, there is a sort of unwritten law about being ones brother’s keeper. I have imbibed that culture.

While romancing politics on the side, what were you involved in?

I was on ground in 2011 for Fashola’s re-election. Also, in 2015, I campaigned vigorously for Governor Akinwummi Ambode and President Muhammadu Buhari, which of course was part of our mandate in APC. Again, and more importantly, I was the sole administrator of Iru Victoria Island LCDA.

Okay, let me preempt you there. Somebody must have been a great motivation and inspiration for you to aspire political power. Who is that one great inspiration?

Right now, my greatest inspiration is Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and I will tell you why. Number one; she is a woman and two, she is a selfless person. In 2011, I followed her activities including producing souvenirs for her, and was mesmerized by her carriage and personality. The same in 2015. But when I went to serve in Victoria Island under Eti-Osa, which is part of the senatorial district she covers, I was able to study her very well. She is full of interesting and courageous activities – on a regular basis, she calls a stakeholders’ meeting and presents a report. The report card is a documentation of everything she has done, every project she has covered. This she does on a quarterly basis.

She is also giving to the grassroots people, majorly the women and the youths, people who wish to augment their merchandise, those seeking jobs and many others. Currently, she has a number of young girls she is mentoring.

And of course, she is married to a giant – a selfless father and an all-round achiever – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Why is she very quiet about her good deeds?

Well, I think it’s just the kind of person that she is, and I am emulating her. In truth, I have the same passion myself. If I am asked to rate all the senators in Nigeria, I’ll give her the highest grade.

Why? Because she is a woman?

No. Not at all. As a senator, I give her number one and as a woman I’ll give her A+. She has redefined the popular statement by making it what a man can do better, a woman can do best and that is one of my slogans. I am sorry to say this, it is not as if the other senators are not performing, she just surpasses all of them. We women, we tend to put in our mother-instincts into our work, and this helps in propelling us forward than our male counterparts.

Okay! Before we get back to the role model thing again, we know you must have had quality education. What is your educational background like?

I started my primary school at Ireti Boys and Girls school, Ikoyi but was transferred to Christ Church Cathedral School where I finished primary school. I went to Yaba College of Technology, but stayed for only one year before travelling abroad to study Nursing. It must interest you to know that my father, and in fact everyone in my family is business oriented. There are 25 of us; two are late and about 21 of us are into our own businesses. I’d wanted to setup my own nursing outfit so I studied for my RN.

…RN is an abbreviation for?

Registered Nurse; it’s a professional nursing vocation that qualifies me to open my own nursing agency. I have an Associate Degree in Nursing to become a Professional Registered Nurse in 2006.

At the same time, I was running a sandwich programme at the Lagos State University (LASU) in Political Science and Education. This was because I knew one day I was going to go into politics.

I also have a Masters in Public Health from the International University, Bamenda, Cameroon. All these were happening even as I was doing my business on the side. In between, I started Remindales Healthcare Agency, the Serenity Manor which is a nursing home, Remsen Investment, Purple Heart Construction among others. In fact, I pride myself as an expert in multi-tasking, and I enjoy it. Even now, I run a Talk show programme on TV and still coordinating my campaign for my political aspiration. I will be holding a mega rally on the 7th of September before the primaries on the 27th.

Princess Adebowale on a visit to the first baby of the year 2017

What will you say is responsible for this burst of energy?

I don’t know and I can’t say. Maybe because I’m a Leo and we are always very energetic or maybe I got it from my parents. I’m not just the kind of person to sit back. I am active, energetic. I’m innovative and love to be creative. I read and study a lot. Where do I get the strength from? I think that’s just how I am.

What are you promising the people of Epe as their representative?

In 2015, I contested for the House of reps for the first time. There were 11 of us then and I was the only woman and I was told to step down. Ever since then, I have been an ardent follower of His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, believing and supporting his goals and agenda, and I must say he has performed beyond the expectation of everyone including myself.

Sometime in June 2016, I was appointed a sole Administrator for Victoria Island even as my political base is in Epe. However, Oba Idowu Oniru, Akinogun II, who I reverence so much, and the royal family welcomed me with open hands, but the people themselves were not very thrilled, perhaps because I was more like a foreigner in their midst.

Notwithstanding, I brought in my vibrancy and wowed them with my work and vision. Now, they were thrilled. I carried out the mandate of His Excellency to the latter. I kicked off my stewardship by empowering the women. I cooperated with agencies and corporations including LASSA, Zenith Bank and others to change the face of Victoria Island. With LASSA, we renovated a hall, and while they took some parts for their offices, I had a large chunk for women empowerment training. Here, women were trained on makeup skills, head gear tying, photography, fashion designing and many others.

Princess Adebowale with her team feeding primary school pupils

While partnering with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the able leadership of Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, I created an Information Technology centre. The good thing is that everything about the centre was ready in one week, and it was named after Chief (Mrs.) Akande in appreciation of her support. Before long, we graduated 60 persons (men and women) from the centre. My administration was involved in roads construction and renovations. Let me tell you, I don’t just give instruction and sit back, I go to the site and monitor the actual work being done. Someone once walked up to me and commended my tactics with a promise to vote for APC in all elections. We renovated six roads among which is Bishop Kale road and everyone was happy

On the governor’s instruction, I totally overhauled Eko Hotel roundabout and set up the park you see there today in splendor. We did all that. It is called Serenity Parks and Gardens to depict peace, and located at the Eko Hotel roundabout opposite Zenith Bank. I must appreciate Zenith Bank for their support and partnership in making the place the beauty it is today.

On sensitisation tour with Youth Corps members

We were also able to conduct three medical missions, starting from August 10, 2016 (my birthday) when we ran free eye test, blood pressure check and we also administered medications. On the second mission, we partnered with Eko Club International and another association from the United States. The third mission was wholly in partnership with the Lagos State government. We achieved much and more within the 13 months at our disposal.

Consequently, if I can do that much in someone else’s environment, it means I can do much more in my own place. Without sounding boastful, I must say that there are people who have been on the seat for eight years and cannot accomplish half of what I did in 13 months.

What prompted your interest to contest the Reps seat?

Thank God for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who made all of us realize we are aspirants through his public proclamation. I therefore, said to myself that in my division a woman hasn’t really come out. Much as we have done things but we haven’t been very active on the political front. I reasoned that if I can represent myself very well in all my endeavours then I can represent the women in Epe Federal Constituency and more importantly, represent my people of Epe generally. I have a wonderful track record in business and as LGA sole administrator in Victoria Island. My interest is prompted by the desire to replicate what I did in Victoria Island and in private business in Epe Federal Constituency – among my own people.

Also, those in the Diaspora are looking out for people like me to make the place better so that they can come up home and join the rebuilding process. In fact, a lot of people are looking up to me to make a major difference, and I cannot fail them. It’s not just about me or my people here, it transcends to my people outside the country because we want them to come back home. They want to come home to a replica of what they are used to out there.

On another selfless community service

I want to create a space where people will detest collecting N5, 000 to vote in elections, rather empower them to make N5, 000 daily, and by the end of a four year tenure, he or she would have earned seven million, 300 thousand naira – that is what an average Nigerian should be earning.

Since you declared your intention to run for this position, what would you say the reception has been like?

Tremendous! Remember, I said I wasn’t out rightly interested in this position but as a firm believer in God, I prayed, I said God, if this isn’t your will, don’t allow anyone believe in me, but if it is, let me see the sign. Ever since, the response has been positive and welcoming. In fact, there was a time I felt like crying and I said, God this is not me this is you. I am just an instrument; just use me to change and better peoples’ lives. The reception, without mincing words, has been very overwhelming.

Why the House of Reps? Why not LG chairman or state House of Assembly

Well, when we were appointed sole administrator, a caveat was attached which prohibits contesting for local government chairmanship, so that one was out of it.

Now, for the House of Assembly, it goes beyond what I can say in an interview but I felt that since I came out for the House of Reps in 2015, why not come and try it again?

Again, in Epe we have three local governments that make up the constituency, and each of the house must go one term, and allow another to go.

So, you’re saying the incumbent has gone for his LGA?

It’s an understanding. One good thing about the whole set up is the absence of godfatherism. It is a good start. We the women are coming out to say let us do our best, let us show our people that we can represent them and progress their interest. We just want to show that we are vibrant, strong, active and full of ideas just as it is in other countries.

She cares so much for children

We understand that there are five of you contesting. What would you say you have or possess that these other persons don’t and would give you an edge?

First of all, they are all my brothers, but what do I have that they don’t? Well, I’m a woman and they are not. Two, I have worked in Victoria Island and people have seen my performance and I think my track record speaks for me. In my hometown, every December 27 is set aside for celebration and bonding. It is mostly centred on the youth because I love them and we have a splendid working relationship. Last year’s edition was awesome.

Much as I am a Christian, we also gather during Ileya festivals and felicitate with one another. I do that in honour of our father, who himself was a Moslem.

I am a contributor to the AMBSAM Memorial Foundation in honour of those who died in the 2015 general elections; about six of them. Presently, we are building a state of the art CPR center at Epe General Hospital. AMBAM is a group that is so dear to my heart, and I made history as the first woman to join the foundation. At the moment, I am the Assistant Secretary. I have done more than these and I think it is time I helped my people better on a higher political level. And that informed my resolve to seek election to the House of Representatives.

Ma, what would you say about this statement “absolute power corrupts absolutely?” All these things you are doing, you did when you didn’t have a lot of power but what is the promise that when you get there, you would keep on being a lover of the people?

I believe so much in foundational knowledge, that is the knowledge and training one acquired during his formative years. In essence, if all the time I had been here and I have not been corrupted, I doubt if I would ever be. I am very open to people, and will never change that stance.

Okay ma. What we are saying is that people make promises when going for positions, but when they finally get there, they forget everything

I am not wired that way. Remember, I have been a Sole Administrator before so I understand these things but that is not my attitude. I am a people oriented individual. What I want is to always bring the best out of people at all times. Coming out is not a do-or-die affair. If God says yes, who can say no? If I win, I am not going to be arrogant. I was in Victoria Island and you know it is one of the moneymaking hubs in Lagos State but I wasn’t rude or proud. I had an opendoor policy and people could come into my office and talk to me.

I would continue to look after myself with prayer, ask God for wisdom, knowledge and understanding and pray he guides and directs my steps.

Boss Picks

Massad Boulos: Inside Story of SCOA Nigeria CEO

Published

3 days ago

December 16, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Rising to the pinnacle of one’s career is not a mean feat. Becoming the chief executive officer of any organization, let alone a multinational firm, or by implication, a multi-dimensional company, is an achievement worth celebrating. It is even more legendary when the subject is internationally connected and has enduring links with notable figures, especially America’s President-elect, Donald John Trump, and is thriving without an iota scandal. Mr. Massad Boulos, the Chief Executive Officer of SCOA Nigeria, is that one person.

Born a Lebanese in 1971 to a Greek Orthodox family in Kfaraakka, Koura, Boulos has over the years, while growing, and through career trajectory, acquired three more national identities including American, French and Nigerian. These have projected to the category of international personalities, looked upon as fostering world peace and coexistence.

His name, which translates to Paul to the Apostle, in Arabic, betrays his religious inclination, but his close-knitted relationship with Arab Muslims and other Muslims of the world further cements his open minded attitude towards humanity even as he categorically and vigorously campaigned for Former President Trump, who is today the President-Elect, awaiting the coming of January 20 to become the 46th President of the United of America.

While the campaign and election lasted, Boulos prized himself as Trump’s ‘envoy’ to Arab and Muslim Americans, shuttling through the states of Michigan, Arizona and Florida to convince them that Trump is a better candidate, capable of bringing the Israeli/Hamas war to a sudden end. His efforts paid off as Trump won the election with a landslide.

“Our community in Arizona is so big and so important, we can make a difference. We can make sure we get that margin,” he was quoted as saying by Washington Post in August.

He has been a solid ally of Trump since 2018 when his son began to date Trump’s daughter, Tiffany. Both got married in 2022, and in December 2024, Trump, who described him as an ‘accomplished lawyer’, named him his Middle East advisor.

Going down memorylane, The Washington Post in September, captured the origin as follows: “The war, which began 11 months ago after Hamas-led militants carried out a stunning cross-border attack on Israel, has reduced much of Gaza to rubble. The Oct. 7 attack killed about 1,200 people and saw 250 dragged back into Gaza as hostages, according to the Israeli government.

“But months of negotiations mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have failed to deliver a cease-fire and hostage-release deal. Meanwhile, fewer than half the hostages have returned to Israel alive, while the war has given rise to starvation and disease throughout the enclave.”

A product of a political hegemony as his father and grandfather were prominent politicians, funding the Free Patriotic Front, Boulos however, chose the path of his father-in-law, Michel Zouhair Fadoul, who came into his life much later in existence, and became a truck seller; a profession he committed his very all, and rose to become the Head of its Nigeria axis. That is the SCOA Nigeria; a prolific truck manufacturing and marketing firm.

He however, had political stint as an ally of Michel Aoun’s FPM and represented it in Nigeria, where his business is domiciled.

It was reported that in 2009, the FPM shortlisted him, though by 2018, he was supporting Frangieh’s Marada. Consequently, hia appointment by Trump defines hia capacity to shuttle between both ideological prism, and bring harnessing in Middle East politics.

He said of the Israeli massacre and the subsequent and ongoing war, “Those massacres would not have happened if there was a strong president at the White House. The entire war wouldn’t have happened.

But Trump’s “clear and unequivocal position on this is that he is totally and absolutely against this war… And he’s totally and absolutely against the killing of civilians.”

The Trump Vance team captured his person as follows in a press statement by the Spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, while defending him over an avalanche of ‘fake’ information:

“The truth is Mr. Boulos is a highly respected businessman who has proudly served as the CEO of some of his family’s group of companies based in West Africa for more than 27 years and his family has employed tens of thousands of people around the globe.”

The statement further allocated the following achievements to Boulos:

• Mr. Boulos has degrees in both business and law.
• SCOA Nigeria PLC, a member of the FADOUL Group, is a well-known conglomerate that exclusively represents numerous global brands for decades.
• SCOA and the other family group companies have been very successful in the Nigerian market providing high-end products and specialized services to the largest companies in the country.
• SCOA is also part of the Fadoul Group, which is one of the largest privately-owned family businesses in West and Central Africa with a presence in 10 different countries since its founding in 1966.
• The FADOUL Group employs more than 20,000 hardworking people
• The Boulos and Fadoul family companies have developed into a family group with over $1 Billion USD in value and hundreds of millions in assets.

Soundly educated, Boulos, who moved to Texas as a teenager graduated from University of Houston-Downtown in 1993 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He moved to Nigeria to work for SCOA at the completion of his education.

Today, he is a notable shareholding authority in the conglomerate. Boulos, as a matter of principle, will say much about his Enterprises because he “made a practice of not commenting on his businesses”. He allows entities to make their own various conjectures.

A man of peace and saddled with the responsibility of keeping all and aundry qith arms length, Boulos reportedly has ‘links with Christian politicians and parties in Lebanon, including Suleiman Frangieh and the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) both of which are Christian allies of Hezbollah, but maintained talks with opposition parties like the Lebanese Forces, says Wikipedia.

It was therefore, easy to portray Trump as supportive of “global peace” in the 2014 election campaigns.

As a positive identity and credential, Boulos has acted as an intermediary between the Palestinian Authority and its leader, Mahmoud Abbas and Trump.

Boulos is married to Sarah Fadoul Boulos, who was born in Burkina Faso in 1986? She lived in Houston, Texas, and was a student at Houston Baptist University until 1996, then moved to Lagos, Nigeria. She is a dance instructor, who in 2005 founded the aspirationally named Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria as a tiny studio in her garage.

More recently, she has been a franchisee of Creative Education International (CrEd) Lagos Island. As at 2020, she worked at La Pointe Delicatessen, in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Together they have four children. While one of their son, Michael, is married to Tiffany Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, another son, Fares, is an actor.

Though he would be holding an important position for the American government come January 2025 when the administration of Trump is inaugurated, Boulos, who has undeniable roots in Lebanon had said his time like during the electioneering will be split.between South Florida and Nigeria, where he oversees his family’s billion-dollar conglomerate, SCOA Nigeria.

Boulos is a longtime proponent of the Grand Old Party (GOP), another name for the Republican Party, His support therefore, for Trump is rooted in both politics and family, and so believes in the Trump Vance Transition Team verdict that, “President Trump wants peace and prosperity for all people.

“President Trump will once again deliver peace through strength to rebuild and expand the peace coalition he built in his first term to create long-term safety and security for both the Israeli and Palestinian people.”

The count begins therefore, on January 25 as Trump resumes office.

However, the management of SCOA in a statement titled “Celebrating the Legacy of Massad Boulos Leadership at SCOA Nigeria”, to further project his image, and prove fake narratives wrong, noted as follows:

Recent media criticisms questioning the breadth of experience and business acumen of Mr. Massad Boulos, the incoming Senior Adviser on Arab and Middle East Affairs to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, are not only misguided but also dismissive of the remarkable track record of both the man and the companies he has been instrumental in nurturing.

For instance, SCOA Nigeria PLC, where Mr. Boulos serves as Managing Director/CEO, is far from being just another company. It is a formidable force in Nigeria’s industrial and economic landscape. With roots spanning over four decades, it holds the distinction of being the first European automotive assembly plant in Nigeria.

In the 1970’s, SCOA Nigeria PLC made a name for itself by assembling Peugeot 404 and then 504 pickup trucks at its assembly plant at Apapa, Lagos and service center at its Lapal House facility on Lagos Island. Today, the company continues this proud legacy, assembling, distributing, and marketing M.A.N trucks and buses, power generators, tractors, agricultural equipment, industrial equipment and other heavy-duty construction and mining machinery critical to Nigeria’s key sectors.

SCOA Nigeria PLC’s clients include some of the most prominent and respected names in Nigeria’s construction industry, such as Julius Berger—widely regarded as the nation’s leading construction firm—Lafarge Africa PLC, a major cement producer, the Chagoury Group, renowned for developing the prestigious Banana Island, a premier residential enclave in Lagos, the DANGOTE Group, and many others.

Beyond trucks, SCOA Nigeria PLC is a trusted supplier of concrete, road construction and mining equipment, partnering with leading infrastructure companies to drive Nigeria’s development. For example, Julius Berger relies heavily on SCOA’s equipment for large-scale projects, including the 376km Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway and the 43.6km Lagos-Shagamu stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Abuja-Kano Highway.

Similarly, Hi-Tech Construction, currently working on the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Lagos-Badagry-Sokoto road network, depends significantly on SCOA PLC for the machinery and technology required to execute these ambitious projects, aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade across Nigeria’s southern, central, and northern regions.
Similarly,SCOA PLC has also been instrumental in the development of Eko Atlantic City, a groundbreaking urban project built on reclaimed land from the Atlantic Ocean. This visionary initiative, designed to address Lagos’s urbanization challenges and promote sustainable development, has been made possible in part by state-of-the-art machinery supplied by SCOA. Notably, Eko Atlantic City is set to host the United States Embassy, projected to be the largest of its kind globally upon completion, further underscoring the strategic importance of this landmark project.

In fact, SCOA Nigeria PLC’s impact extends beyond Nigeria’s shores. As a member of the FADOUL Group – one of the largest and most successful family-owned businesses in Africa – its influence spans across West and Central Africa. The FADOUL Group, established in 1966, operates numerous successful enterprises, employs over 20,000 people, and is valued at over $1 billion, with hundreds of millions of USD in assets. This legacy highlights the scale and scope of the operations under Mr. Boulos’s leadership.

Contrary to unfounded claims in certain media outlets, the suggestion that Mr. Boulos is not a billionaire is both baseless and misleading. As President-elect Donald Trump rightly described, Mr. Massad Boulos is a “deal-maker,” a characterization grounded in fact. His proven ability to negotiate and execute complex international transactions has facilitated significant partnerships between Nigerian, German, and French businesses, delivering substantial value and mutual benefit.
As a Non-Executive Independent Director of SCOA Nigeria PLC since 2012, I have witnessed firsthand Mr. Boulos’s instrumental role in driving the company’s success. His ability to navigate the complexities of international commerce, exemplified by the supply of a significant fleet of trucks to Lafarge Africa through a tripartite arrangement between a logistics firm, GPC and Union bank plc, has earned him widespread recognition and respect.

Mr. Boulos’s leadership has not only been vital to SCOA PLC’s achievements but also to the broader international business successes of the FADOUL Group. This is precisely the kind of experience and strategic vision he brings to his new role as Senior Adviser on Arab and Middle East Affairs to President-elect Trump.

As noted in a press release by Karoline Leavitt, Trump-Vance Transition Spokeswoman, attempts to smear Mr. Boulos’s reputation are part of a broader effort by opposition elements to undermine President-elect Trump’s nominees. The truth remains that Mr. Boulos played a pivotal role in mobilizing the Arab-American and Middle Eastern-American vote, contributing significantly to the Trump-Vance victory—an achievement that underscores his political and organizational acumen.

Efforts to denigrate Mr. Boulos’s qualifications and achievements are not only futile but also a disservice to the facts. Mr. Boulos’s expertise and accomplishments are well-suited for his new role, where he will undoubtedly deliver impactful results on behalf of President-elect Trump and the United States.

Boss Picks

Celebrating a Man of Outstanding Excellence, Ademola Adeleke

Published

3 weeks ago

November 30, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

“Since I assumed office, I have devoted myself majorly to delivering on our five-point agenda. I deploy my network locally and nationally in support of our noble projects and programmes for Osun. I am elated that our contributions are being noticed” – Governor Adeleke

In May 2024, two historical events took place to further cement the tag of ‘Performing Governor’, for which the Governor of Osun State, Asiwaju (Senator) Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, is known, and justifiably so. They include the conferment of the Asiwaju of Edeland title on him by his community, represented by the Timi of Ędę, HRH Oba Adesola Munirudeen Lawal (Laminisa 1), as well as the best governor of the year award conferred in him by the Vanguard Newspaper.

The prestigious Asiwaju title was previously held by Governor Adeleke’s elder brother, Isiaka Adeleke, who passed away on April 23, 2017.

Today, two years into his administration as the Number One Citizen of Osun State, Governor Adeleke has proved all doubting Thomases wrong, and lifted the state from comatose to prominence with verifiable, welfaristic and people-oriented projects that speak for themselves.

Recall that while stating the reasons behind his award as the Governor of the year, the General Editor, Vanguard Newspaper, Mr Jide Ajani, has said the governor’s attention to Infrastructural development of the state, has been topnotch, with special emphasis to his approval of infra upgrades of several tertiary institutions in the state.

The governor, in his humility, dedicated the award to the entire people of Osun State.

“We watched the video with the Vice Chancellor listing several approvals and even with the Governor asking the University to look into what other areas of intervention the state should act on. That video excites our curiosity and we proceeded to investigate further by leveraging on our team on ground here in Osun as well as a team from the headquarters.

“We discovered what the Vice Chancellor said in the video was a tip of the iceberg. Osun is indeed a huge construction site. You have continued to complete abandoned projects. You have completed many inherited projects from your predecessors

“We have your records on roads, bridges, water, school and health center upgrades among others. We read your multi-billion naira infrastructure plan and its ongoing implementation. You did not play politics with the development of your state.

“It is the totality of your passion for development that convinced the judges to confer the award on you. It is our hope that this recognition will spur you to an even greater push to deliver on your governance agenda”, Ajani had said.

In response, the Governor acknowledged as follows:

“Since I assumed office, I have devoted myself majorly to delivering on our five point agenda. I deploy my network locally and nationally in support of our noble projects and programmes for Osun. I am elated that our contributions are being noticed.

“I dedicate this award to the good people of Osun state. They made our positive records a reality. We have the unconditional support and love of our people in our push to take Osun to greater heights. I will personally attend the conferment in Lagos.

“Our government is forging ahead with our systematic physical and stomach infrastructure agenda. We are working on a new airport, an inland beach resort, cocoa sector revival, upgrade of the free trade zone for agro-industrialisation, robust climate change agenda and digital economy programme. We are on a mission to place Osun on the path of sustainable development”, the Governor told the visiting delegation.

THE MAN, ADEMOLA JACKSON ADELEKE

Born of the Adeleke family of Ede in Osun State on May 13, 1960, Adeleke commenced his primary education at Methodist Primary School, Surulere Lagos State before he was privileged to relocate to Old Oyo State to continue his education at Nawarudeen Primary School, Ikire.

Adeleke was born Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke to a Muslim father and Nnena Esther Adeleke, an Igbo Christian mother. Like him, Adeleke’s father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was a Senator and the Balogun of Ede land in Osun State. His father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was also the leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

On completion of his primary education, he moved on to The Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, Ede to begin his post primary schooling. In the later years however, he attended Ede Muslim Grammar School Ede, where he completed his secondary school education and subsequently relocated to the United States of America, joining his two older brothers, who were also studying there.

In the United States, he joined Jacksonville State University, Alabama, and studied Criminal Justice, with minor in Political Science.

To prove doubting Thomases, who wiped up controversies around his educational qualification, wrong, he went back to school and got enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the United States, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2021.

A businessman and administrator of no mean repute, Adeleke was the humble Group Executive Director at his brother’s company, Pacific Holdings Limited from 2001 to 2016, where his credible performances shot the company to enviable heights; a height it is still enjoying till date.

It is imperative to note that before he joined Pacific Holdings Limited, Senator Adeleke worked with Quicksilver Courier Company in Atlanta, Georgia, US, as a service contractor from 1985 to 1989. His dexterity to work earned him a progression in career, and he berthed as Vice President at Origin International LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, US, a flavours and fragrance manufacturing company. His meritorious stewardship lasted a period of five years, from 1990 to 1994.

Not a few has described Adeleke as the philanthropic capital of Ede, as his influence in aiding the less privileged and downtrodden remains top notch. He is a voracious believer in community development, and has not spared any expense to see that his community receives global influence.

Politically, Adeleke is a beacon of light and hard nut to crack, having remained an albatross to opposing powers and a reference point to ideal administration.

Shortly after he lost his brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who died in April 2017, he contested the Osun West 2017 Senatorial by-election after the death of his brother, emerging as the winner under the Peoples Democratic Party, where he decamped to from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Having emerged senator, Adeleke’s political influence waxed stronger, an on July 23, 2018, he emerged as the governorship candidate of PDP in Osun State after defeating Akin Ogunbiyi by seven votes. Efforts made to deprive him of the mandate was twated by the courts.

Adeleke’s lawyer in his defense claims his secondary school hasn’t come out to deny his testimonial asking the court to dismiss the Case. The court dismissed the suit stating that the plaintiff could not prove Adeleke’s forgery.

Adeleke ran for Osun state governorship election under the PDP against top contenders Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of APC and Iyiola Omisore of SDP on 22 September 2018. The election was declared inconclusive by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) while Adeleke was leading, and a rerun slated on September 27, 2018. The candidate of the APC Oyetola was declared winner after the run-off. Adeleke protested the result describing the election as a “coup”.

Much as on March 22, 2019, the tribunal sitting in Abuja declared Adeleke the winner of the election, the Supreme Court later affirmed Gboyega Oyetola as the authentic winner of the 2018 Osun State governorship election on Friday, July 5, 2019

Popularly known as the Dancing Senator because of his penchant to joyfully react to the sounds of music, Adeleke is uncle to one of Nigeria’s popular musicians, Davido.

Governor Adeleke is married to an equally successful businesswoman and a self-made boss. They are blessed with three children who are all entertainers. They are B-Red and Shina Rambo and a daughter, Nike Adeleke. He is the uncle of one Nigeria’s primus inter pares in entertainment, Davido.

As expected, Adeleke is moving Osun State to the greatest of heights as he promised, and many who know him agree that there are still very many more in the offing.

ADELEKE’S EXTRAORDINARY EASE OF DOING BUSINESS STRATEGY

The governor has shared good news on the ease of doing business in the state as follows:

In continuation of our administration’s effort to improve the state economy and encourage the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), we have completed the harmonization of multiple taxes and levies collected by different government departments, agencies, and ministries across all business sectors of the state economy including the informal sectors into a single bill. This Harmonized Bill curates all levies, which businesses are expected to pay on an annual basis as a single bill.

This initiative is to promote ease of doing business by ensuring seamless and convenient payment of levies and taxes due to individuals and businesses across the state in equal or unequal tranches and ensure the issuance of Harmonized Bill Certificate upon completion of payment of the total amount.

I hereby note to all business owners in Osun state both in formal and informal sectors that the official online payment channels for the state is pay.irs.os.gov.ng; POS machines in Tax stations across the state; commercial banks across Nigeria; and Money Transfer Services for those outside Nigeria.

In addition, we have also completed the deployment of Automation System for improved service delivery on payment of rent and lease on government properties; processing of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) in 45 days; Electronic Affidavit System; Electronic State of Origin and Local Government Area of Origin portal; Mobile tax stations; Online Tax payment system etc.

ADMINSTRATION’S ACHIEVEMENTS AS SHARED ON NEW YEAR DAY

The governor declared as follows:

The good people of Osun state at home and abroad.

I greet you warmly with best wishes of a prosperous and blessed new year. I convey my intimate prayers that the new year will bring us new opportunities, progress and advancement as a state and in our individual lives.

I extend new year greetings to the elders of Osun state; to our royal fathers; to our religious leaders; to the young and the old; to professional elite, to artisans, to students and to womenfolk. Accept my sincere appreciation for your support before my election and for the last one year of my governorship of our dear state. I am humbled by your prayers and mass backing for our administration.

I remain firmly focused on the Five Point Agenda under which you, Osun people, elected us into office. We reaffirm our faith in the principles guiding the five point agenda which are transparency and accountability, open government, localisation, responsive leadership and attunement to citizens’ aspirations.

On the strength of the above, our government devised wholesale approach to governance such as:

●Dismantling bobby traps planted by our predecessor,
●Blocking leakages in public finance, ●Addressing the corruption and revenue diversion in the solid mineral sector,
● Restoring local government administration for grassroot development
● Embarking on mass water project provision
● Executing 91 kilometers of road construction
● Implementing free medical surgeries with over 50,000 beneficiaries;
● Total renovation of 31 schools
● Launching sport sector reforms
● Reviving the major commercial and industrial projects of the state
● Pushing for implementation of agric processing zone in Osun state;
● re-professionalisation of the public service;
● Strong attention to workers’ welfare;
● Tapping into tourism, entertainment and cultural potentials of the state;
● Ramping up efforts for a cargo and commercial airport for Osun state, among others.

Our administration achieved a lot by ensuring belt tightening, reducing cost of governance and denying ourselves many perquisites of office. As a Governor, my official expenditures are covered through the approval process rather than security votes, thereby assuring transparency and accountability.

As of today, our administration is struggling to purchase official vehicles for the state cabinet because the officials of the previous government bolted away with state vehicles. So our cabinet and other top officials have been using their private cars since we appointed them into office. Also, we are still working to renovate the official quarters vandalized by the officials of previous governments. Many of our top officials still operate from their private houses.

Despite the above handicap, our team is determined to continue to deliver on our electoral promises. I am glad to report with gratitude to God that we have remained responsive to the will and aspirations of our people. We get positive feedback and we are satisfied with our high approval ratings.

We are challenged to do more. We are prepared to make corrections where necessary as much as we will remain uncompromising when it comes to anti-corruption drive, transparency and accountability as well due process. As I always affirm, our tenure is married to rule of law and fear of God…

Adeleke is busy creating an Eldorado out of what remained of Osun State barely two years after he took over the driving seat.

Boss Picks

When Governor Adeleke Became Asiwaju of Edeland

Published

3 weeks ago

November 30, 2024

Eric

By Governor’s Office

OFFICIAL PROFILE OF GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE, THE NEW ASIWAJU OF EDELAND

Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun state and the new Asiwaju of Edeland is a pan Nigerian by birth, by philosophy and by worldview. Born at Enugu as a son of independence on 13th May, 1960, the new Ede frontliner widely acknowledged as the Olosun of Osun is a tactical politician, a businessman, show business activist and a humanist within philanthropism. The ever lively, urbane scion of the Adeleke family of Ede North Local Government is an innovative entrepreneur, a grassroot political figure and a strong advocate of good governance, then as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and now as the Governor of Osun State.

From his childhood, the Asiwaju is a man of complex character, a young man with multiplicity of talents and an adult with widely praised open heart, strong will and constancy of adaptation to ideas and innovations. From his secondary education at Ede Muslim Grammar School to his sojourn to the United States and tertiary education at the Jacksonville State University, Alabama where he majored in criminal justice, the Ede frontliner demonstrated deep business interest, unconventional approach and a rare mastery of intricacies of politics, business and social life.

Despite hailing from a well to do family, the Asiwaju was in the United States and Nigeria, a man in search of opportunities for self growth and advancement. His passion for self development and business prosperity occasioned his joining the Quicksilver Courier Company in Atlanta, Georgia, US, as a service contractor between 1985–1989. He progressed to Origin International LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, US, a flavours and fragrance manufacturing company where he served as Vice President from 1990 to 1994.

A suave businessman and administrator, he served as a Director of Guiness Nigeria Limited between 1992- 1999 where he contributed immensely to the expansion of the multinational company. He was later appointed Group Executive Director of Pacific Holdings Limited from 2001 to 2016. Senator Adeleke is also an acclaimed creative Industry entrepreneur and mentor. As a talented creative figure, he mentored world rated ace musicians while his family members and children are leading stars in the global music industry.

As a man ever restless in pursuit of self growth and opportunities, the Asiwaju again opted to restart his educational sojourn which he suspended because of business and entrepreneurial preoccupations. In 2019 after he was rigged out of a governorship election he clearly won, Governor Adeleke, in a can do spirit, re-enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the United States and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice in 2021.

All along and considering his family background, the frontliner was for years both a political servant and leader, learning the rope from his father (Senator Ayoola Adeleke) , a second republic progressive Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his brother, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, the First Executive Governor of Osun State. His business teeth were sharpened by his brother, the global business mogul, Dr Adedeji Adeleke while his political potency was strengthened by his sister, the Yeyeluwa of Edeland, Chief (Mrs) Dupe Adeleke- Sanni. The celebrant of today was eventually elected the President of the Adeleke dynasty, representing the sons and daughters of the great Adeleke family at home and abroad.

Having been thus fortified by his innate personality, his family background and his multifaceted experience, his political participation predated 1991 but he took the front seat in 2017 when he was elected with a landslide victory as a Senator for Osun West Senatorial District in 2017. His popularity reached a peak when he won the Osun 2018 governorship election before the open rigging and manipulation that was globally condemned.

As a man of steel character, the frontliner took the gauntlet again in 2022 and beat the incumbent to reclaim the stolen mandate of 2018. Imole as the Governor is popularly known has since been delivering on good governance, winning applause and praises from far and near.

In December 2023, he was honoured with a doctorate degree by the Valley View University, Accra, Ghana. The Vice Chancellor lauded the Governor’s multi-million naira education scholarship as a Senator, his sterling records on workers welfare as a Governor, his performance on infrastructure upgrades and his commitment to due process, rule of law and fear of God.

He has received several awards including the Governor of the Year Award by Champion newspapers in 2023, Sahel Standard Man of the Year in 2022, Vanguard Newspaper Governor of the Year on Infrastructure and a host of other recognition. The frontliner serves on several national governmental committees including being the representative of the South West on the National Minimum Wage Committee.

The new Asiwaju of Edeland is a strong family man, an avid sport lover, a man of God and a David of our time with incessant passion for praise singing and adulation of God Almighty.

Courtesy: Governor’s Office, 2024.