Boss Picks
Nigeria @ 58: The Heroes of Independence
Compiled by Timothy Edaki
“…the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.”
And we continue to sing this anthem lustily, our voices hitting a crescendo whenever we reach this point but most of us have little or perhaps no idea about these heroes we sing about. We do not know about them and our school curriculum most times do not provide adept details or insights about the men and women who laid down their lives, put away their own individual desire for a bigger cause they believed in- the self-rule and independence of our own nation.
58 years is a long time and to put it mildly, a time for anyone, any nation to have made substantial progress, to have left the miry clay of failure into prosperity. However, this article does not seek to explore that realm, it rather is aimed at stating and giving prominence to the men and women who sought and fought to free Nigeria from the shackles of British leadership and make Nigeria a free country.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo:
Born in 1909 in the small village of Ikenne, Ogun state, AWO as he is fondly called was first a teacher, and then progressed to a clerk. He was in fact many things in his lifetime: a newspaper reporter, a politician and a nationalist in his spare time. He however went into active politics as a member of the Lagos Youth Movement which later became the Nigeria Youth Movement. Assecretary of the association Awolowo was against the ethnic divisions that characterized many of the nationalist’s movements.
In 1944 during his time in London while studying as a lawyer, Awolowo founded the Egbe Omo Oduduwa to promote the culture of the Yoruba people. As part of his desire and drive to see an independent Nigeria, Awolowo wrote the Influential Path to Nigerian Freedom where he elucidated his points on how and independent Nigeria would foster and protect the interest of each region and ethnicity.
After his return to Ibadan in 1947, Awolowo formed the Action Group[ between 1950-1951. The Party controlled the Western Region and called for the immediate and swift abolition of British rule. Also, as much as Awolowo wanted an independent Nigeria, he also wanted a unified one and he was always extending an arm of friendship to the other political parties in the other region.
Pages would not suffice to talk about this political colossus who desired the best for our nation. The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state is named after him. He is the author of several works including: AWO: The Autobiography of Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1960) and Thoughts on Nigerian Constitution (1966).
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
Popularly referred to as Zik by his many admirers, Azikiwe was born in Zungeru, Nigeria in 1904 and was the first president of the ondependent Nigeria. After his education both in Nigeria and outside the country, Awolowo went to Ghana, then called Gold Coast and established a nationalist newspaper. He was also a mentor to Kwame Nkrumah who later became the first president of Ghana.
On his return to Nigeria, Azikiwe romanced journalism and politics, displaying a high level of dexterity and professionalism with the Nigerian Youth Movement and as founder of the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons
Azikiwe in his lifetime displayed an undying love for truth and justice. He wasChancellor of the University of Nigeria at Nsukka from 1961 to 1966. Some of his writings include Renascent Africa (1937) and an autobiography, My Odyssey (1970).
Sir Ahmadu Bello
Born in 1910, Sir Ahmadu Bello was the first and only premier of the Northern Nigeria region. He was also the Sardauna of Sokoto. As one of the key leaders of the Northern People’s Congress; a political party, he was everywhere in the early politics of Nigeria in the First Republic.
However, unlike the other nationalists who sought for a united Nigeria after independence from Britain, Sir Ahmadu Bello was concerned primarily about safeguarding the interests of the Northern people but interestingly; he never sought leadership of Nigeria. He was satisfied with being the leader of the Northern People’s Congress which was the largest party then.
As one of the ways to celebrate this national icon the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria is named after him. He wrote his autobiography titled My Life (1962).
Sir Herbert Macaulay
He is referred to as the father of Nigerian nationalism. This was as a result of his strong desire to see an independent Nigeria and his vociferous and outspoken stance on the colonialists who he considered as the enemies militating against the Nigeria he envisaged.
Born in 1846 in London, Macaulay had his education in both Nigeria and Lagos. He however returned to Lagos in 1893 as a surveyor.
He gained popularity for his political ideologies with us writings in the Lagos Daily News which he would later purchase. Following the introduction of the 1922 Nigerian constitution which provided for limited franchise elections in Lagos and Calabar, Macaulay founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) on June 24, 1923 to contest the three electoral seats available in Lagos. The NNDP was the first Nigerian political party and it sought self-government for Lagos, the introduction of institutions of higher education in Nigeria, compulsory primary school education and lot more.
Macaulay became more popular for his unstoppable and fiery criticism of the British rule and this led to his party winning all the seats in the 1923, 1928 and 1933 elections. He later established the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) with Nnamdi Azikiwe and became its president.
His picture appears on the now defunct one naira note and a popular street in Lagos is named after him.
Tafawa Balewa
A man of humble origins, Tafawa Balewa was born in Bauchi and like most of his Northern contemporaries; he had his early education at a Koranic school in Bauchi before moving to the Barewa College where he obtained a teaching certificate.
Following his return to Bauchi, he became a teacher at the Bauchi Middle school. In 1944, he was selected with a number of other teachers for training at the University of London‘s Institute of Education. On his return, he became an Inspector of Schools for the colonial administration.
It was precisely about this time that his romance with politics began, in 1948, he established the Northern People’s Congress as a cultural organization but by 1951 with Ahmadu Bello coming into view, it became a political party and following the 1951 elections, the new part won seats in the Northern House of Assembly and in the Lagos House of Representatives.
In 1952, Balewa became Minister of Works, in 1954, Minister of Transport and the Senior Minister and leader of the NPC in the House of Representatives. In 1957 he became the first prime minister of Nigeria, a position he held until his death.
Pages would not suffice to talk about this great man who although at first was not keen on the idea of the unification of Nigeria but on further knowledge and his visit to America was quick to change his perspective and agree that we can all make a great country together.
The famous race course square in Lagos was renamed “Tafawa Balewa Square” in his memory. His portraitalso appears on the N5 note. The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi is named in his honor.
Ernest Ikoli
Born sometime in 1893 in Nembe, a place in present day Bayelsa, Ernest Ikoli was a revolutionary journalist and the first editor of the Daily Times Newspaper.
An alumnus of the prestigious King’s College; after his education, he became a tutor at the school, a position he left to pursue a career in journalism which he is today greatly remembered for.
Ikoli had a short stint with the defunct Lagos Weekly Record. He was also the first editor of the Daily Times. He was also the publisher of the now obsolete African Messenger. In the 1930s, he co-founded the Nigeria Youth Movement and was at one time the president of the party.
Ernest Ikoli was also pivotal to the actualization of Nigeria’s independence and was also a founding father of the Action Group.
Chief Anthony Enahoro
He is best remembered for his stance against the British administration and his pro-democracy outlook. Born in 1923 in present day Uromi, Edo state. He had a long and interesting career in politics, journalism, civil service and democracy.
Upon graduation from King’s College, Enahoro became the editor of Azikiwe’s Eastern based newspaper, Southern Defender and he became the youngest editor at age 21. He later became the editor of Zik’s Comet, Kano, 1945–49, associate editor of West African Pilot, Lagos, and editor-in-chief of Morning Star from 1950 to 1953.
Regarded by many scholars, academics and Nigerians as” The Father of the Nigerian state”, Enahoro moved the motion for the nation’s independence in 1953, a motion which was not granted until 1960 and was met with opposition from members of the Northern parliament who felt the nation was not ready for independence or self-rule.
The list is endless and could go on and on, including Samuel Akintola, J.D Vaughan, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba, Margaret Ekpo amongst others.
By Eric Elezuo
Communications giant, GLOBACOM, has celebrated its Group Executive Director, Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga, as she clocks 31.
In a message via the Group’s X account, Globacom celebrated the go-getting abilities Ms Michael-Adenuga, recognising her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment, which have continued speak loud in the growth and development of the Gbobacom Group.
The message reads:
“Today, we celebrate Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga, whose dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment continue to make a meaningful difference.
“As you mark another year, we wish you good health, happiness, and many more years of fulfilment and remarkable accomplishments. May the year ahead bring every opportunity to continue making an enduring impact.
“Happy Birthday, Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga.”
Sade Michael-Adenuga is the last daughter of the billionaire businessman, philanthropist and founder of the Glo brand, among many other business concerns.
Beautiful and highly ceregral, Sade is a certified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She currently serves as a Group Executive Director of Globacom Group, and is the founder of QuickLaw.
By Eric Elezuo
The story of the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, and the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is one told from a multiple dimension. It encompasses passion, love, friendship, camaraderie, collaboration, and more importantly, brotherhood.
Here’s a classic tale of two individuals, who started as acquaintances, transmuted into being friends, and today has become inseparable, not just as brothers, but as ‘twin’ brothers. No wonder the Bible says, there’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother; that’s the story of ‘Demola and Dele. A typical example of Double D. A classic tale of friendship made in heaven.
Both have seen measured successes in their various fields of endeavours. Adeleke, besides being an accomplished entrepreneur, has in his own way, conquered the field of politics, having served as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and presently serving as the Executive Governor of Osun State.
Momodu, on his part, has not in any way lacked behind. Beyond establishing and sustaining Africa’s number one celebrity magazine, Momodu is an iconic journalist, publisher, businessman and a motivational speaker, who has both working and personal relationships with many influential world leaders. He has been one shot away from the highest office in the land, having contested for the Nigerian presidency, first as a candidate in 2011, and as an aspirant in 2023.
Born same year, 1960, same month, May, the brothers have from time in memorial, shared a common bond that has given onlookers the apertite to ask more questions about their originality. But while one is from Edo State, the other is from Osun. However, the state barriers notwithstanding, Adeleke and Momodu has proved to the world what true friendship means.
Over the weekend when Momodu celebrated his 66th birthday, just three days after Adeleke celebrated his at the Government House, in Oshogbo, the Governor gladly referred to Momodu as his ‘twin’ brother, a motion that everyone readily agreed with. It is worthy of note that while Adeleke was born on May 13, 1960, Momodu was born on May 16, 1960. Friends and associates always insist that Adeleke is three days older than Momodu, and that one fact Momodu has come to live with, and joyously celebrates.
In his message at the birthday celebration, held with incisive discussion on the theme, Ignorance and The Danger of Xenophobia, at the Dele Momodu Leadership Centre, Alalubosa, Ibadan, the Governor extolled the qualities of Momodu, fondly referring to him as ‘my twin brother’. He hailed Momodu for always using his birthday to speak to the conscience of Africa, especially in the last three years.
At the event, organized by The Dele Momodu Foundation, with the theme, “Ignorance and the Danger of Xenophobia.” Speakers at the occasion condemned the rising tide of xenophobic attacks, particularly those targeting Nigerian citizens in South Africa, warning that such hostility undermines regional progress, peace, and continental unity.
DELE MOMODU – MAY 16, 1960
Dele Momodu, without an iota of doubt stands tall among those who have been diligent in businesses, and it is therefore, no surprise that he has stood, and is still standing not just before kings but with kings.
Born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu on May 16, 1960, some 63 years ago, Chief Dele Momodu as he is known in the business circle, and Bob Dee, in the social stage, is by every standard a man who is diligent in his business. And it is no wonder that he has not only stood before kings, he had and continues to dine with kings. There is practically no influential person that Dele Momodu does not know across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Africa and on the inter-continental stage. He is that large!
By every standard a rare breed, Momodu is many things in one; journalist/publisher, businessman, philanthropist, actor, politician and motivational speaker. Among all these he considers himself simply as a reporter, and even with a retinue of seasoned staff still ventures into the field to scoop exclusives. Those who have referred to him as a workaholic are not far from the truth. Even he, himself has an oft quoted line thus “those who come from poor background cannot afford to sleep too much”.
A beacon of the Momodu family, Dele, the last of three siblings, was ‘privileged’ to lose his father at the age of 13, and was therefore sentenced to the complete tutelage of his mother, and sometimes relatives. His mother became practically his mentor, teacher and soulmate until she passed away on May 18, 2007, two days after Dele’s 47th birthday. According to him, one of the many morals his mother, who he revered next to God, taught him, is never to despair even when times are tough. Even in her near poverty state, Dele maintained that ‘she didn’t give up on me.’
The accomplished journalist, whose first name was derived from Ayobamidele, meaning “my joy has followed me home”, is a proud 1982 graduate of the University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) where he obtained a degree in Yoruba Language, and followed it up in 1988 with a master’s degree in English Literature.
He kicked off his professional career as a lecturer at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife, between 1982 and 1983 while serving as a corps member. He went on to become the private secretary to the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo, a position he held from 1983 till 1985. In 1986, he was elevated to serve the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, managing his Motel Royal Limited.
Momodu is the proprietor of the no 1 celebrity journal, Ovation International Magazine, The Boss Newspaper and Ovation Television.
The Akinrogun of Gbonganland, who is also the Aare of Iwoland, has also been honoured with the Prestigious Value Leadership award by an organisation, Nigeria, which is a subsidiary of Moonlite Integrated Concept, among an avalanche of awards, honours and tags. Momodu us consistently praised for his admirable efforts, which have not gone unnoticed.
ADEMOLA JACKSON ADELEKE – MAY 13, 1960
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, 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.
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 two beautiful women. 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 even as he navigates his political prowess to win again on August 15.
These ‘twin’ brothers have become a toast of reference. They are hardworking, philanthropic in nature, and always happy.
Yes, always happy as the smiles and dance in their gaits at all times are unmistakable.
Cheers to brotherhood!
Cheers to Ademola Adeleke and Dele Momodu!
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
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