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The Three Women Presidential Candidates: What are their Chances?

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By Eric Elezuo

Even with the much touted male superiority, three women have come clear of their various political parties emerging the presidential candidates. They are Obiageli Ezekwesili of the ACPN, Mercy Adesanya Davies and Eunice Atuejide of the National Interest Party.
All the women, by reason of pedigree, have acquired requisite experience like the male counterparts to take up leadership position of Nigeria. But what are their chances in an environment that is totally male dominated. Their resume may give am insight as exposed below:

OBY EZEKWESILI

On Sunday, October 7, 2018, Oby Ezekwesili came out strong to declare her intention to run for President, daring the menfolk who had over the months taken the forefront of political campaigns. She is the leading female presidential candidate in the race to win the 2019 general elections.

Better known as Oby Ezekwesili, the woman most people have come to associate with fiery disposition, was born on April 28, 1963

A co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) advocacy group which mounted pressure on the federal government to rescue schoolgirls kidnapped by insurgents in 2014,

Ezekwesili recently concluded a series of international high level meetings in the United States, United Kingdom, India, and Kenya.

She is famous for her fiery disposition, galvanising impetus, advocacy drive and her reform work as minister in the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo administration of the early ‘2000s.

She is a Chartered Accountant from Anambra state, and married to Pastor Nedu Ezekwesili of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Ezekwesili was a 2018 nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in transparency in the extractive sector.

Ezekwesili holds a master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, as well as a Master of Public Administration degree from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. She trained with the firm of Deloitte and Touche and qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

Prior to working for the Government of Nigeria, Ezekwesiili was working with Professor Jeffrey Sachs at the Center for International Development at Harvard.

Ezekwesili started off in the Olusegun Obasanjo administration as the Pioneer head of the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit (aka Due Process Unit). It was in this position that she earned the sobriquet of “Madam Due Process” for the outstanding work she led a team of professionals to do in sanitising public procurement or contracting at the Federal level in Nigeria. She was the architect of the Bureau for Public Procurement legislation, the NEITI legislation and the new Minerals and Mining legislation during her six and a half years stint in government.

She was appointed Minister of Solid Minerals (Mines and Steel) in June 2005 during which time she led a vibrant reform program that led to Nigeria’s global recognition as a credible mining investment destination. She was also the Chairperson of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and led the first ever national implementation of the global standards and principles of transparency in the oil, gas and mining sector.
In June 2006, Ezekwesili was appointed the Federal Minister of Education, holding this post until she took up her World Bank appointment in May 2007.

In March 2007, World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz announced the appointment of Ezekwesili as Vice-President for the Africa Region starting on 1 May 2007.

In 2012, she successfully completed her stint as the World Bank Vice-President Africa Division. As vice-president she was in charge of the bank’s operations in 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and supervised a lending portfolio of over $40 billion.

She was a co-founder of Transparency International and served as one of its pioneer directors. As a senior economic advisor for Open Society, a group founded by billionaire George Soros, she advises nine reform-committed African heads of state including Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

On 1 October 2012, one of the world’s leading telecommunications firm, Bharti Airtel, with operations in 20 countries, named Ezekwesili as a director on its board. She is also on the boards of World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the School of Public Policy of Central European University, The Harold Hartog School of Government and Policy, New African magazine, The Center for Global Leadership @ Tufts University.

In May 2012, Ezekwesili was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (DSC) degree by the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in Nigeria. She was selected as one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2014.

In March 2014, she delivered a keynote speech at the national summit of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the leading opposition party in Nigeria. She criticised the many migrating governors and urged the party to have “a conversation deeper than how you’re going to chase (the ruling) PDP out of power”.

MERCY FUNMILAYO ADESANYA-DAVIES

“I am aspiring to be the next president of Nigeria. I am out to put laughter of joy on the mouth of all. I have discussed this with the former presidential candidate, Sarah Jubril, who incidentally is from Kwara State. Her reaction was that ‘if a miracle like this will ever happen, we have paid the price in Kwara State and it is going to happen in the state.”
Adesanya-Davies won the presidential ticket of Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA) towards the Nigeria 2019 presidential elections.

Daughter of Susan Adepoju and Isaac Salako, Adesanya-Davies was born on October 15, 1962 in Ira, Kwara State, Nigeria. She was educated at St. Clare’s Grammar School, Offa and Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, Ilorin, Kwara State, in the North Central Nigeria.

She holds B.A (combined honours) in English and Yoruba at the University of Ife, Nigeria, in 1985 and obtained her master’s degree in English Language from University of Ilorin, Kwara State in 1987 and her doctorate degree in 2003 in linguistics and communication at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, with a postgraduate diploma in education (PDGE) (2000) in English education.

Born-again in 1974, she founded Agape Bible Church, (Eagle’s Cathedral) at Presidential Housing Estate (Church Headquarters) in 1988, as a member of the board of trustees of Christian Excellence Ministries.

Adesanya preaches and ministers on invitations and always represents Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); and she serves as the secretary to the Elders Council of the National Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (Nigeria) (an Affiliate of Association of African Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs.

Highly learned, she holds a B.A (Ife), M.A. English (Ilorin), Ph.D. Applied Linguistics & Communication Studies (Port Harcourt) and P.G.D.E. (Port Harcourt). She is a linguist, a poet, educationist, activist and an expert in the field of communication studies as well as holds a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) and professor of divinity (honoris causa) of Northwestern Christian University, US. She is an academic and educational consultant, on professorial cadre, at Rivers State University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, where she has lectured in language, linguistics and communication studies in the past thirty years.

She also facilitates courses in language and general studies at the National Open University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria and served on sabbatical, as a dean at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of Regent University of Science and Technology, Accra, Ghana, and a visiting professor to the University of Cape Coast Cape Coast, Ghana. She is an external examiner supervising doctoral dissertations, for the School of Postgraduate Studies of the African No One University, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

She has over one hundred national and international published articles and poems to her credit and has delivered several scholarly, professional and public lectures in Nigeria, Africa, UK, Europe, United States, Canada, etc. (within and outside Nigeria). She is a member of The British Association for Applied Linguistics (UK), International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA), International Phonetics Association, UK., Linguistic Association of Nigeria (LAN) Nigeria, The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), and Teachers Registration Council (TRC) Nigeria etc. She also serves as external examiner supervising doctoral dissertations, for the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

EUNICE ATUEJIDE

A business woman, lawyer, and politician, Eunice Atuejide was born on August 16, 1978. She is probably the youngest of all the presidential candidates across board.
Atuejide was born and raised in Lagos State Nigeria, although her family originates from Enugu State. She is best known for founding the youth led, technology driven political party known as the National Interest Party (NIP) in Nigeria. She attended Onike Girls Primary School in Lagos, spent one year in the affiliated secondary school before transferring to Reagan Memorial Girls Secondary School also in Lagos. She studied Agricultural Economics at the University of Ibadan.

Atuejide participated in Taekwondo throughout her secondary and tertiary education and was among the team that represented the University of Ibadan at NUGA games from 1996 to 1999. She achieved the black belt 1st Dan in 2005 with BUDO Taekwondo Club in Siegen Germany.

Atuejide dropped out of Agricultural Economics at the University of Ibadan and took the Diploma in French Language at the Institut Internationale d’Etudes Française, in Université Marc Bloch, Strasbourg, France. She did the Diploma in German Language at the Sprahenschule Siegerland. She took the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) and enrolled at the University of Siegen, where she studied Business Administration.

Atuejide took the Diploma in Film Making and Acting at the New York Film Academy and Sally Johnson’s Studios respectively, both in New York City, USA.[citation needed] After seven years making and promoting Nigerian movies and while raising her family, she went back to school to study law. She completed the Graduate Diploma in Law, the Graduate LLB, the Legal Practice Course, and the LLM in Professional Legal Practice at BPP University, London, United Kingdom. She then moved back to Nigeria where she completed the professional training programme required for enrolment as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

As a lawyer, Atuejide practices in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. As a businesswoman, she is involved with IT Consultancy including website development and management for SMEs and charities. She also sources funding for businesses in Europe and infrastructure projects in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Atuejide’s interest in politics was developed while she was at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja. She pulled together her colleagues at the law school who shared similar political ideals with her, and they together set out on the journey to form a political party. This resulted in the formation and registration of the National Interest Party (NIP) – the world’s first online based political party.

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

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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!

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

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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

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HLF Honours Olufemi Adelowo with Prestigious Leadership Award

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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.

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