Boss Picks
UI Honours HEN Foundation Founder, Jamil Eniola, with Alumnus of the Year Award
By Eric Elezuo
Nigeria-born, England-based technocrat and entrepreneur, who doubles as the President, Hen Foundation UK and President, University of Ibadan Alumni Global Network, Mr Jamil Eniola, has been bestowed with the prestigious award as the 2019 Alumnus of the Year of the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan.
Eniola, a unique motivational speaker, bagged the award during a week-long event organised by the Faculty of Science Association, University of Ibadan, with the theme Euphoria and featuring gyration night, personality lecture, movies, cultural display and dinner among other classic shows. The season of extraordinary displays ended with a grandiose dinner at the Saint Paul Catholic Church of the institution where Eniola was presented with his award.
Presenting the award in the presence of the Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Ayodele Falase and President, Faculty of Science Students Association, Mr. Ojo Joseph, among many others, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Oyo State, Hon Victor Olojede, described Eniola as an an asset the faculty in particular, and the foremost university in general.
In his remarks, the elated Eniola, who flew from his comfort zone in the United Kingdom to honour the university with his presence, said he was overwhelmed to have been considered for the award and thanked the university authorities and the entire management, staff and students of the Faculty of Science.
Earlier, during the occasion, the HEN Foundation CEO had delivered a wholesome lecture as the special guest speaker titled THE FUNDAMENTAL ROLES OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH, DISCOVERIES AND DEVELOPMENT: A ‘WAKE-UP’ CALL FOR STUDENTS, GOVERNMENT & SOCIETAL EMBRACE in which he offers illumination to the gap between the rich and poor, saying that science and technology is a veritable bridge the address the differences.
“I need to illuminate that the gap between rich and poor countries can largely be attributed to the differences in Technology and the difficulty in their Application. I recommend that policy options for reaping benefits from science and technology in Nigeria which include among others, that the educational system shall emphasize science at all levels and re-orient the entire society towards scientific thinking in order to develop new technologies and adapt existing ones to improve the societal well-being. Finally, considering the roles of science and technology in national development, it is imperative to stimulate demand for technology from both private and public sectors,” he said.
He acknowledged the Faculty, which is his primary constituency, as one of the foundation stones of UI at inception in 1948 therefore, the first science faculty in Nigeria. He also noted that the faculty can boast of the highest number of professors, whose influence speaks volumes across global academic endeavours.
Other speakers at the meet included Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Youth and Sports, Mr Kazeem Bolarinwa; Special Assistants to Oyo State Governor on Student Affairs, Mr Victor Olojede and Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations, Mr Oluwafemi Josiah.
Below are excerpts of Mr Eniola’s lecture:
Technology simply put is a means of harnessing and exploiting our understanding of nature for our own benefit. It is an application of knowledge for practical purpose…
The components of technology that must be present for meaningful benefits according to Obibuku (in 1983) include knowledge (that is, science, education, skills and know- how), organization (that is, institutional, aspects of methods of production, co- ordination, relationship to the environment) and techniques (which is simply ways of doing things, production process, the combination of human and material resources).
Technology therefore can be broadly classified into two major categories namely:
(a) Material Technology- this is where knowledge is embedded into technological products such as tools, equipment, agro-chemicals, improved plant varieties or hybrids, improved breeds of animals and vaccines.
(b) Knowledge-Based Technology- such as technical knowledge, management skills and other processes which are needed to successfully produce products or grow crops. A technology may be appropriate or inappropriate depending on the nature and capable of use of such technology. An appropriate technology is a form of technology which makes use of available resources in a given economic environment. It concentrates on tools and techniques which are carefully tailored to their needs. It is a technology that is accessible, manageable, transferable and within the reach of the people (Obibuaku, 1983). According to Canadian Hunger foundation in Obibuaku (1983),… for a technology to be appropriate, it must show the following features:
(i) Simple and easy to understand
(ii) Manageable
(iii) Inexpensive
(iiii) Flexible
(v) Adaptable to changing needs
(vi) Technically feasible
(vii) Locally serviceable
(viii) Employment generation potential
(ix) Infrastructural compatible and compatible with the people’s cultural practices.
Therefore, a technology well suited to one environment may not transfer well to another very different environment.
Technology and Science
Science is a branch of knowledge that is concerned with the observation and classification of facts and formulation of general truth. Science suggests ideas and technology operationalizes them. Science clarifies and justifies how an objective may be achieved. The “how” is translated into practical realization and from here, technology takes over and complements science (Williams, 1998). This therefore shows that there is a symbolic relationship between science and technology. Science which is a systematic search for truth provides the basis for technology. Without technology, science becomes impotent, and without science, technology does not exist. However, it is the technology, the application of techniques and not science that leads to increase in production. In the past, science and technology constituted distinct traditions, maintaining separate identity paths of process and activities. But around the 19th century, there was a development of closer relationship between the two. The narrowing of that gap of separate identities culminated in the birth of the concept of science and technology.
The Key Role of Science and Technology in Societal Development
Science and technology hold the key to the present and future development of Nigeria or any other country for that matter. Technology plays a fundamental role in wealth creation, improvement of the quality of life and real economic growth and transformation in any society. Egbogah (2012) maintained that the sooner Nigeria realizes that her escape from poverty is predicated on her investment in science and technology education, the better for her. Animalu (2001) in Egbogah (2012) explained that there is a technological power vacuum in Nigeria waiting to be filled by which ever geo-political zone that cares to mobilize its people through dedicated and selfless services. Essentially, technology is the primary engine of economic growth. It is the key and fundamental requirement for value addition to raw materials and people. It provides the key to unlocking any country’s potential in terms of decreasing over-head costs associated with out sourcing and creating employment opportunities. Science and technology education will not only prepare the Youths of Nigeria and indeed any other nation, for fulfilling career prospects, but also train their minds to address social problems with scientific mind. Youths equipped with science and technology education are also endowed with high employment opportunities. Many developed and advanced countries did progress much because of their heavy investments on science and technology. Examples: The United Kingdom and France benefited immensely from the industrial revolution in the 19th century. Similarly, the United States emerged from an agrarian economy in the 19th century into an industrial superpower in the 20th century. More recently, Taiwan and Korea have exploited advances in silicon microelectronics from the early 1960s. China and India have emerged as industrial leaders in manufacturing and information technology respectively… Similarly, new and existing industries do stimulate economic growth at the intermediate level, while the overall volume of activity at the tertiary level is amplified by increased use of science and technology associated with information technology and improved distribution/marketing networks. Therefore, the need for countries with the intention to grow, to invest significantly in science and technology cannot be overemphasized. This is achieved by developing the talent, the human capacity required to compete in a globally competitive world of today.
Role/Importance of Science and Technology in National Development
Science and technology have been central in the progress and development of virtually all the nations of the world. It has contributed immensely in all sector of the economy. Science and technology are intimately connected with development because; they have historical record of bringing advances that have led to healthier, longer, wealthier and more productive lives and they are key ingredients to solutions to the most serious poverty alleviation and economic development challenges that we currently face and are likely to face in the future. The many ways in which science and technology impact poverty alleviation across various sectors and economic growth merit attention.
Role of Science and Technology in Poverty Alleviation
Science and technology have been central in the progress made to date in the fight against poverty and in stimulating economic growth. Advances in science and technology are, in many ways, the ultimate Global Public Good: once discovered, their benefits can be extended to additional users at little or no marginal costs. In most basic and critical areas of human need, science and technology have made possible significant progress to date, and they hold the best prospects for continued progress, particularly with respect to agriculture, health, energy, water, and environmental concerns.
Role of Science and Technology in Health
Advances in scientific knowledge and its application have helped slow the trend of high fertility, high mortality and led to increasingly better health for many people world over. Nonetheless, vector and water borne diseases, Aids, inadequate pre-natal and maternal/child create a tremendous burden in the developing countries. Nigeria and indeed countries will be unable to correctly identify public health needs and choose cost-effective package of health service if they lack science and technology capacity. Ill-health is both a cause and a consequence of poverty. Over the past century, science and technology provided the basis for the largest ever aggregate improvements in human health. Certain scourge diseases have been eliminated, (e.g., smallpox) whiles the morbidity and mortality associated with everyday health-related events like childbirth and routine infectious disease have declines sharply. Indoor air pollution, dysentery, water-borne disease (e.g. cholera), vector-borne disease (e.g., malaria, dengue, etc.) and AIDS account for millions of deaths annually and are hitting hardest the countries that are least prepared and can least afford to deal with them. Some of these issues can be addressed using current knowledge, (e.g., dysentery) while still others require scientific breakthroughs in science and technology (e.g., AIDS, malaria even Ebola and hopefully the Corona Virus).
Role of Science and Technology in Agriculture
Advance in science and technology have facilitated higher yields, greater efficiency and greater nutritional content in the worlds food supply. Food production, however, must double in the coming decades to meet rising demand and meet the challenges entailed in inter alia improving resistance to drought, pests, salinity and temperature extremes, raising the nutritional content and reducing post-harvest loss all in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner. At the same time, the regulatory challenges of assuring safety in food production and consumption will increase exponentially. Although, the necessary technology for increasing the agricultural output is available in many developing countries including Nigeria but certain requisites must be met. According to Williams (in 1998), they include:
(i) The will (zeal) to advance economically.
(ii) Opportunity and organization (platform) to use the technology.
(iii) Elimination of political, social and economic obstacles to development as was inherited from early colonial history.
(iiii) Ability first, to incorporate the technology into overall development, and then to continue using it.
In the domain of food security, advances in science and technology provided the foundation for Green Revolution, and have allowed food prices to remain at historical lows for the past decades. Improved knowledge of plant biology and breeding techniques led to better seeds and cultivation practices that drastically increased yields. Rapid advances in the understanding of plant biology and related areas (especially via genomics) hold hope for solutions to problems as varied as increased productivity, nutritional content of food, food as a carrier of vaccines, soil/land degradation, post-harvest loss, and drought and pest resistance.
Role of Science and Technology in Affordable Energy
Access to affordable energy is essential for people currently living without electricity and is a pre-requisite for economic growth. Further advancement and application of research is needed to find new environmentally and socially sustainable technology that can meet the energy needs of developing countries (Watson et al., 2003). Other problem, such as the needs of people who live without access to adequate fresh water, or whose health and livelihood are endangered by environmental degradation call for development of new technologies (along with appropriate policy frame works) to mitigate these problems and their effects on poor people. Timely local adoption often requires significant indigenous technological capacity. Modern clean, renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar, wind, modern biomass) need to be developed further and there needs to be an increase in the efficiency and sustainability of energy use in transportation, industry, and housing.
Role of Science and Technology in Water Supply
Water is another vital but scarce resources for which, in the absence of technological innovation, current and projected use patterns can only lead to severe crises. Today, about, 1.3 billion people lack access to an adequate supply of safe- water, two billion people do not have access to adequate sanitation, and water pollution causes millions of preventable deaths each year, especially among children. Water pollution is expected to continue to degrade freshwater and marine ecosystems, with a significant loss of biodiversity. The challenge is to leverage new technologies to provide an adequate supply of “safe” water in urban and rural areas to all users in a growing-wealthier population: households, agriculture and industrial sectors (e.g., inexpensive desalination).
Role of Science and Technology in Environmental Management
Environmental degradation at the local, regional and global scale adversely affects the livelihoods, health and vulnerability of poor people. Local issues include indoor and outdoor air pollution and water pollution, regional issues include acid deposition, and global issues include climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, and loss of biological diversity, land degradation and desertification. These changes in the environment can adversely affect the incomes of poor people who depend on natural resources for their livelihood. These changes may also adversely affect human health through air and water pollution, an increase in the exposure to vector-borne disease such as malaria and dengue, and an increase the vulnerability of poor people to extreme weather phenomena (e.g., floods and droughts) and sea level rise due to climate changes. Hence, environment degradation threatens poverty alleviation and long-term sustainable development. The key challenge is to recognize that local, regional global environmental issues are inextricable linked and affect sustainable development. Therefore, there are synergetic opportunities to develop more effective response options to these environmental issues that enhance benefits, reduce cost and more sustainably meet human needs. The capacity of countries to adapt and mitigate can be enhanced when environmental policies are integrated with national development policies.
Role of Science and Technology in Economic Growth and Rural Development
Science and technology are tragically important to economic opportunity and growth. For many years, policymakers have suspected a close link between economic growth and productive investment in science and technology and now mounting evidence supports this, in three principle ways (Watson et al., 2003). First, since the industrial revolution, rich (developed) countries have had the most science and technology capacity and have grown fastest. From 1870 to the present, scientifically and technologically-advanced countries have become increasing wealthy and their rates of growth have not diminished as this occurred. Second, returns to rural and development have been shown to be consistently positive and high in countries where science and technology are properly established. In such case, there is always a correlation between innovation and growth.
Role of Science and Technology in Education
No economy has ever becomes developed with this skew in their system of education and training for national manpower supply and/or human capital development. The utter disregard for science and technology education as an instrument of development has caused incalculable damage to our corporate existence. The problems of mismanaged economy, mass unemployment, collapse of health and educational services, insecurity, inflation, collapsed infrastructure, e.t.c can all be traced to the inadequate attention paid to science and technology in Nigeria. It is the lack of science and technology initiative by Nigerians that has led people to turn their energy to the lust for power, greed and self-destruction. Sadly, enough, every Nigerian finds every other person guilty as charged, except himself or herself. Government’s policy on education has among other issues emphasized but not driven the following objectives:
(i) The training of the mind and the acquisition of appropriate skills, abilities and competencies-both mental and physical as equipment for the individual to live and contribute to the development of the society.
(ii) Ensuring that all schools are properly equipped to promote sound and effective teaching, and in particular, that suitable textbooks and libraries are provided for school. Secondary education should be six-year duration and be given in two stages, a junior secondary school stage and a senior secondary school stage. The junior secondary school (3-year duration) will be both prevocational and academic. It would be free. The senior secondary school would be for those able and willing to have a complete six-year secondary education.
(iii) A greater proportion of education expenditure would be devoted to science and technology and a greater attention paid to the development of scientific orientation. However, it is common knowledge that three decades after these objectives were set out to improve the standard of education in the country, not only have none of the objectives been realized, but also the standard of education has fallen far below what it was before (Egbogah, 2012).
Boss Picks
Massad Boulos: Inside Story of SCOA Nigeria CEO
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.
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
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
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.
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