Boss Picks

Giving Employment to 10, 000 Persons My Target – Oluseye Fashoranti, Chairman, JoshEsther Olive Hotel

Published

7 years ago

October 20, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

He is versatile when it comes to the affairs of life. He is highly devoted to the things of God, and he runs the one stop relaxation spot – the best on the mainland – JoshEsther Olive Hotel, a place so standardised that one would think he is in Dubai. In this brief chat, the Chairman of the hotel, Mr. Oluseye Fashoranti reveals the pleasures the have engulfed his life and the reason JoshEsther Olive is the hotel of choice. Excerpts:

Good afternoon sir, may we know you?

My name is Oluseye Fasharanti. I am a legal practitioner, a business man born in the year 1973 and I am from Ondo state.

Your educational qualifications, sir?

I started my primary education in Ondo state, and then I moved to Ibadan to complete it. My secondary school education was at Command Secondary school, Ipaja. I later gained admission to Obafemi Awolowo University to study Law. Then Law was a four years programme but they extended it to 5 years the year I entered, but I ended up spending seven years, thanks to Babangida and the June 12 crises.

Ever since you left school how has life been? Being a lawyer and a business man?

I must confess that it has not been easy; there have been challenges here and there. I have not had to work too hard but prayers have brought me this far. This is not to say that I am slothful or lazy but whatever I have and you see is the raw manifestation of the goodness of God.

After I left university, I decided not to go to law school and being very enterprising I ventured into buying and selling. I sold laptops, slippers, cars, petroleum products and the likes. In fact, when I was in school a friend of mine who is now a medical doctor practicing in the UK, and I bought petroleum products and set up a small place in front of my Mum’s shop then and sold them, and made money.

So the art of business has always been there?

Oh yes! It has always been part of me.

Would you say you inherited this from your father or mother?

My father was a banker and my Mum a trader, so as a young child, I would go to my Mum’s shop and she would give us fabrics, my brother and I and would come back, telling her I have sold all. As I grew up, my friends started calling me a salesman, saying I can sell anything. Honestly, I can really one buy something even if he has no need of it. That was how skillful I was in entrepreneurship, and still am. I am also into real estate , and have made most people buy property that they don’t even need at that time.

With this knack for trading, why did you choose to study law and not something like Business Administration?

Okay! As at the point of entering university, my desire for trading was not very pronounced and sharpened then. I was into books and studying. As at Form Five, I began writing my own government textbook with definitions different from the one we were given at school. I was quite good at Government, in fact, I was the best in it and the second best in History. I am the youngest and there were already two doctors, so my father felt there was no lawyer and he wanted me to be one. Moreover, I had the feeling I would make a good lawyer myself.

As a self-assessment, would you consider yourself a good lawyer?

Yes. I would say I am a good lawyer but a better business man because you see I don’t really do the criminal aspect of law, I am more inclined to the corporate world and this is borne out of my enterprising skills. As much as we do legal works for banks, we also do for entrepreneurs and that has guided me as an entrepreneur also.

What companies do you own?

I own Josh Esther Hotels, Josh Esther Bureau de Change and I am licensed from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The name is coined from my son’s and daughter’s names, Joshua and Esther but we are soon going for rebranding.

What breakthrough did you have that launched you fully into business?

I had been in the business for a while buying and selling but my breakthrough came when I came across one French company that wanted to sell off their outlets in Nigeria. The MD at that time met me and dismissed me as too young, brash and aggressive. I was around 35 years then and he said I was too young for what I was chasing. I just tried to make him understand that I can get buyers for what he wants to sell. Then a multinational company at that time in Netherlands showed interest in the properties and the man said I wasn’t going to be the one who would sell the properties because he didn’t brief me.

When they came, I kept believing that God would take control, and like joke, ;they paid me facilitation fee. This was the kind of money I have not seen before, tens of millions and that was not even the legal fee. Their representative here in Nigeria couldn’t take decision so they flew in from Amsterdam and paid me the value for the properties and I went to the MD of the company and told him, look I have a buyer but he was still not bulging because according to him he didn’t brief me.

Afterwards, my wife and I drove to the Redemption Camp to pray and handed everything over to God. I switched off my phone and three days later when I put it on a call came in from one Whiteman who said he had been trying to reach me. Guess what, it was the same MD who has been turning me down.

He asked me to come over to his office immediately so we would finalize the transaction and I went. There and then, he paid me the agency fee and we did everything needed to be done. Even the Secretary of the company told me that this was the raw demonstration of God’s power and she would serve my God because she had tried different transactions with other companies before mine and none worked.

And that has made me to depend on God and to trust him and know that even when things are hard He is always there.

A lawyer, a business man, why venture into hotel business?

I have stayed in many hotels in Nigeria and several countries around the world and I mean topnotch hotels. I felt all these hotels do not pay attention to details. I might not have money to do a 250 or 300 beds hotel but I can do my brand and from there develop and make something out of it. And I began to conceive the idea and for the location, I had already had this land before then but had never given it much thought and soon all the pieces began to fall in place and this is just the beginning because God has assured me that we are going places and he is taking me to major cities of the world.

What would you say makes yours different from other hotels?

I can boldly tell you and assert that there is no Hotel like the Josh Esther Olive Hotel on the mainland. We offer the best services; comfort, luxury, delight, you name it and our aim is to wow you, and everyone who comes here has had that impression. Trust me; it is a king’s delight and 21 rooms for 21 special people.

How affordable would you say you are?

Ours is home away from home and we give elegance and style to everyone. Anyone and everyone can come but it is for those with the passion for style and elegance.

So, we have heard Seye the legal practitioner, the real estate person, the hospitality and hotel man, what else are you into?

As I said earlier, I own a bureau de change license from the CBN; we also serve as insurance brokers. I own a chain of restaurants also. We want to build a brand, a brand that people can trust so that even after we leave, the brand remains. I also began few months back an IT company with a few of my friends, a partnership business but that is still a baby as at now.

Would you consider yourself a social person?

I use to be a social person but lately I have piped down on my social life, this is because I am mostly in church; on Sundays, Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings not to forget other services that could come in, but don’t get me wrong, I also go to parties, to celebrate with my own and thank God for them but I am not really a party person.

With your tight and busy schedule, when do you spend time with your wife and children?

JoshEsther Olive Hotel

I spend a lot of time with them. My wife is always around me, and so are my children I don’t want to be an absentee father only evident in financing them but never knowing them.

How do you relax as a person?

I watch football. I’m an Arsenal fan and I play football, I am part of a team called Galacticos and we play every Saturday and on public holidays.

Do you have any favourite food?

I eat quite anything, but I have a penchant for fruits and vegetables

With the way that God has blessed you, how would you say you are giving back to the society?

I’m a multiple Paul Aris fellow and it stems from the Rotary Club. To earn one Paul Aris Fellow, you give a thousand dollar, and to be a major donor, you must have given 10 thousand dollars. Right now, I have given between three and four, and I am getting there by God;s grace. The act is geared towards eradication of polio in our society.

I do not have a foundation yet but that is in the pipeline and by God’s grace, we would have that fully by 2019. But at the moment, we pay school fees of indigent children; we give to the Orphanages Homes and Motherless babies homes. We feed people weekly. Moreover, we have completely changed the face of our present location through electrification of the streets, increase security by bringing mobile policemen and doing the road.

What is your staff strength across board

Right now, about 50, and I am believing God that in my life time, I will employ not less than 10, 000 people

What advice do you have for the youths and other entrepreneurs?

Simple; do not be afraid to fail, dare to dream, be prayerful, hardworking and believe in yourself. Be diligent and have faith in God. The bible says he would bless the work of your hand but how would he bless it if there is no work? For example, I met someone in the traffic who gave me a connection that would later become a major breakthrough in my life, so God works in mysterious ways but his mystery will never bless a lazy person.

It’s been so delighting speaking with you. Thank you for your time.

Thank you too. I am grateful.

Boss Picks

The Life and Times of Gwogwogwongwo Crooner, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha (1930 – 2025)

Published

1 week ago

June 9, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Legend has it that no matter how long it takes, a man’s hardwork will pay him, and so it was with traditional music maestro, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, who waited decades before he could substantially enjoy the fruits of his labour. The fruits he continued to enjoy even as death caught up with him on Friday, June 6, 2025 at the ripe age of 95.

Before his passing, Ejeagha’s music experienced a powerful resurgence in 2024, when comedian and content creator Brain Jotter, used his 1983 track, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche, in a viral dance video.

Commending the legendary singer, Brain jotter, whose viral video reintroduced Ejeagha to a new generation, wrote: “39 years ago, he made magic, 39 years later, we dance to it again. Now he rests but his melody lives forever. Rest on, legend.”

This propelled the song to #81 on Apple Music Nigeria, making Ejeagha the oldest Nigerian artist to ever chart.

His 1983 album, Akụkọ N’egwu Original Vol. 1, also re-entered the spotlight, breaking into the Spotify Nigeria Top 100 Albums, four decades after its release. That was a turning point in his many decades of professional music craft.

Following his death, tributes have continued to pour in for the late highlife musician also revered as a cultural icon.

According to a News Agency of Nigeria report, his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed that the revered artiste died around 8 p.m. on Friday following a prolonged illness.

Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha carved a timeless legacy with his unique blend of traditional Igbo folk music and storytelling.

His musical journey began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, he had become a household name with classics like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo gwo gwo ngwo).

Ejeagha was born to a father-civil servant, who worked with the Ministry of Health in Enugu. He attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Ogbete, Enugu, and at a young age, played ogene with his friends.

In 1945, he joined Coal Camp Boys, a local music group in Enugu. After completing his primary education in 1948, he continued to pursue his passion for music. In 1949, at the age of 20, he became an apprentice, learning hairdressing with his friend, Cyprain Ozochiawa, who was a barber and musician. He also learnt how to play guitar. Ejeagha was invited by Joseph Ogbu to join his band as a guitarist in 1950.

Following his performance, he was called for an audition by Atu Ona, who was the controller of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service, and was later offered a radio program Guitar Playtime, where he performed on radio and produced musical programs. During this time, he formed Premier Dance Band.

During the Biafran War, Ejeagha disbanded his music group, but continued to perform a radio program Igbo paly on Radio Nigeria. Because of the war, he left Enugu for Umuahia, where he stayed until the war ended. Prior to the war, Ejeagha had released several singles in collaboration with CT Onyekwelu, including: “The unfortunate lady” (1957), “colliery massacre” (1959), and “Ofu nwanne” (1959).

After the war, he was invited by the Nigerian Television Authority as a guest presenter for an Igbo program akuko N egwu in 1972; the program featured folksong lyrically composed by Ejeagha and his group. The program was a success and gave rise to the Igbo expression “Akuko Mike Ejeagha”.

Ejeagha plays his music with guitar and his lyrics were written in Igbo language. He has contributed over three hundred recordings to the National Archives of Nigeria.

In 2018, Nigerian singer Kcee visited him inorder to be permitted to use some of his songs, including: “Ome ka agu” and “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”. On 12 September 2022, Pulse NG reported that a documentary film about Ejeagha titled Gentleman was under production. In July 2024, his 1983 song, “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”, gained widespread recognition due to a viral dance challenge inspired by comedian Brain Jotter.

On September 2, 2024, Peter Mbah renamed the Abakpa Road after Ejeagha.

Ejeagha had a court case which was finalised in 2013 with his record label Premier Records, as a result of producing a music video without the label’s approval. The case was withdrawn when Enugu State Government intervened in the matter.

Ejeagha married his first wife in 1959, having three children before her death in 1963. He remarried in 1965 and had seven more children.

Leading the roll call of sympathizers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his condolences to the family, friends and admirers of legendary highlife musician and folklorist.

In a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu paid tribute to Ejeagha’s towering influence on Nigerian music and cultural heritage, describing him as “one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language.”

The President hailed Ejeagha’s distinctive storytelling through music as a cultural treasure, noting his role in preserving and promoting Igbo traditions across generations.

“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” Tinubu stated.

In his tribute, a former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, wrote on X: “I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha.

“His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice — his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth, “he said.

He praised Ejeagha for using music as a tool for teaching, healing, and preserving the philosophical depth of Igbo culture.

“For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people.

“His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old… He immortalised the essence of life—its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience,” he said.

Also, Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi, on X, expressed deep sorrow: “Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State. His fan base transcended boundaries, and he was one of the most recognisable voices in music.

“Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures,” he said.

Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reflected on the resurgence of Ejeagha’s music, thanks to Brain jotter: “It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn.

“Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.”

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha has since been burial in respect to his wishes.

May his soul rest in perfect peace!

Boss Picks

Ozekhome Celebrates the Nigerian Child with Key Nuggets on Children’s Day

Published

3 weeks ago

May 28, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Popular Constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, has sent a heart warming message to the Nigerian Child in celebration of the 2025 National Children’s Day.

Prof Ozekhome, in a statement made available to The Boss, proffered five cardinal advice to aide the children in the pursuit of their dreams towards impacting the society positively.

Speaking from his perspective as a revered legal luminary, Ozekhome noted that every child’s dream is ‘valid and worth chasing’ just as he admonished that cultivating love for learning goes beyond the classroom among others.

Read the details of Ozekhome’s message in details:

A Special Children’s Day, May 27 message of Hope , from the perspective of Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN CON OFR: “Happy Children’s Day to all the young minds that are shaping the future of our world!

As a legal luminary and wordsmith, I am honored to share five key pieces of advice with children globally.

Firstly, always remember that your dreams are valid and worth chasing. Never let anyone dull your spark or make you feel like your aspirations are too big or too small. Your potential is limitless, and with hard work and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Secondly, cultivate a love for learning that goes beyond the classroom. Read widely, ask questions, and seek knowledge from different sources. This will help you develop a broad perspective and stay curious about the world around you. Thirdly, always be kind and empathetic towards others. Treat people with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances. Remember, your actions have consequences, and kindness can go a long way in making the world a better place.

Fourthly, believe in yourself and your abilities. You are capable of greatness, and your uniqueness is your strength. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things – it’s often the best way to learn and grow.

Finally, always remember that your parents, guardians, and mentors are there to support and guide you. Listen to their advice, learn from their experiences, and cherish the bond you share with them. As you celebrate Children’s Day today, I urge you to hold onto these values and strive to be the best version of yourself.

As you look to the future, remember that the world needs your creativity, energy, and passion. Don’t be limited by what others think you can or cannot do. Instead, focus on developing your talents and pursuing your passions. With hard work, resilience, and a positive attitude, I have no doubt that you will achieve great things and make a lasting impact on the world.

Happy Children’s Day, and may your future be bright and fulfilling!” –

Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN CON OFR, a constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, writes from Abuja

Boss Picks

HLF Honours Olufemi Adelowo with Prestigious Leadership Award

Published

1 month ago

May 6, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It was a moment of glory when at the Oriental Hotels in Victoria Island, renowned Consultant Rheumatologist, who doubles as a medical professor and consultant physician, Prof Olufemi Oladipo Adelowo, was honoured for excellence in medical practice and public health leadership, by the Hall of Labour Foundation (HLF), during its 28th year anniversary.

In his opening remarks at the awards, the HLF chairman, an international citizen of repute, who is a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, praised Adelowo and other honourees for their lifelong dedication to national development.

Also commending Adelowo and his colleagues, the HLF Executive Secretary Mrs Patricia Otuedon-Arawore described the honourees as “real models” whose legacy would inspire younger generations.

“The more we do this, the more I wonder why people say Nigeria is not a good country,” she said. “Every year, we discover more and more role models across different fields. That should tell us that Nigeria is full of good people doing great things.”

A physician of immense abilities, Adelowo’s recognition is premised on his efforts, and desire to continue to affect humanity, and leave a lasting impact, while maintaining his pedigree as West Africa’s first Rheumatologist.

According to the organizers, in a letter signed by Otuedon-Arawore, Prof Adelowo’s award is predicated on his established track of outstanding contributions in the field of medicine.

The letter further noted that “this has set him apart as a great Nigerian role model”.

Adelowo will be crowned with his honours at the 28th anniversary celebration of the Foundation scheduled for May 28, 2025 at the Oriental Hotel, in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The medical expert is not new to awards and honours, however, as he has constantly amassed recognition every step of the as a result of his timeless researches, innovations and discoveries.

It would be recalled that not too long ago, The Ogbomoso Pivotal Club, a group of astute professionals, academics and entrepreneurs, celebrated the first Rheumatologist in West Africa, in addition to calling on the Federal Government to recognise Prof. Adelowo with National Honour for making the country proud.

Prof. Adelowo was recognised for his exceptional contributions to the field of Rheumatology with the prestigious APLAR Master Award, conferred by the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR), making him the first African to be so bestowed.

A distinguished Ogbomoso-born scholar, Adelowo received the award fro APLAR in recognition of his remarkable contributions to rheumatology, particularly in teaching, research, and professional service within the APLAR region.

Adelowo is a medical expert of repute, described as a Professor of Medicine, Consultant Physician, and Rheumatologist. He has held numerous academic and leadership roles both locally and internationally.

He served as the President of the African League of Associations for Rheumatology (AFLAR) from 2014 to 2019 and as chairman of the Executive Committee of the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) from 2015 to 2016.

Throughout his career, Prof. Adelowo has made a significant impact in Nigeria and beyond, establishing rheumatology clinics at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and University of Lagos Teaching Hospital (LUTH). He has supervised over 30 FMCP and FWACP dissertations and trained more than 55 rheumatologists in Nigeria, three of whom are now Professors. Additionally, over 25 of his trainees are consultant rheumatologists in Nigerian teaching and specialist hospitals, while 15 others practise in the USA, Canada, the UK, and Kenya.

The Ogbomoso Pivotal Club, had also at a special event in Lagos, honour and presented Prof Adelowo with a special award in recognition of his achievements and as an inspiration for younger generations to follow in his footsteps.

Describing the Professor at the event, President of the Club, Joel Owoade, said Adelowo was an exemplary leader whose dedication, commitment, and hard work have made him a model for others.

“Professor Adelowo is a shining light, and we are proud to be associated with him. We will continue to celebrate him and others who are making Ogbomoso and Nigeria proud in their careers and service to both the nation and the international community,” Owoade said.

Adelowo’s career path is captured as follows:

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, University Ibadan, Nigeria, 1973

FMCP, Nigerian Postgrad. Medical College, 1982

Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians, W. African Postgrad. Medical Coll, 1993

Senior house officer UCH, Idaban, Nigeria, 1975-1978, senior registrar Nigeria, 1979-1982

Honorary registrar St. Bartholomew Hospital, London, 1980-1982

Senior lecturer, consultant physician U.I.T.H., Nigeria, 1983-1985

Medical director Adeola Specialist Hospital, Nigeria, 1985-1992

Professor medicine, consultant Ogun State University, Nigeria, since 1992

Chairman Post Graduate Medical College Board of Rheumatology

Examiner Nigerian Post Graduate Medical College, West African College of Physicians.

Prof Adelowo is presently a Consultant with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and Arthrimed Specialist Clinic, Ikeja, and he qualifies by scholarship to be addressed as follows: MD, FMCP, FWACP FRCP Edin FRCP (Lond) FAMedS MACR MAPLAR.

The Prof specialises in many foelds of medicine including Rheumatology Osteoarthritis, Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Autoimmune Disease. He also has 115 Publications, 21,100 RReads as well as 2,144 Citations.

Apart from being a renowned professional, he is also a distinguished family man, and is blessed with children.