Boss Picks

Nigeria: The Old Child at 60

Published

6 years ago

October 3, 2020

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The patriotism and zeal with which the founding fathers of this ‘geographical entity’, Nigeria, followed through their quest for her independence, metamorphosed into wholesome happiness across the length and breath of the country when on October 1, 1960, the country was proclaimed independent of its colonial masters. They were free to set up their own government, run their economic and social affairs without interference after many years of indirect slavery occasioned by the rule of the British foreigners. The joy that pervaded the nation on the day was unprecedented. Many Nigerians raced and matched the streets with touchable enthusiasm, waving the nascent green and white flags with pride. The jackboot-like Union Jack had been dismantled.

But that joy seemed to die even before the arrival of the independence gained ground. The founding fathers, who had hitherto sang the song of togetherness, turned around to recognised the fact that they were actually from a certain ethnic and religious sect. The contest ceased from being external to become internal. While the British were gone, the mental colonisation remained deeply rooted in the minds of Nigerians.

It was not long before a fracas erupted in the nation. This was as a result of the flawed general election of 1964. The Parliamentary elections were held on December, 30 1964, but were not held until March 18, 1965 in some constituencies in Eastern Region, Lagos, and Mid-Western Region due to a boycott in December. However, the election was marked by manipulation and violence. The President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, had warned thus:

‘I have one advice to give to our politicians: If they have decided to destroy our national unity, then they should summon a round-table conference to decide how our national assets should be divided, before they seal their doom by satisfying their lust for office…. Should the politicians fail to heed this warning, I will venture the prediction that the experience of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be child’s play, if it ever comes to our turn to play such a tragic role’ – President Nnamdi Azikiwe, 10 December 1964.

Things have remained the same ever since. The nation was polarised along ethnic and religious lines. The disunity created therefore, stunted developmental growth, leaving the country struggling to crawl in its infancy.

In 1966, the expectedly unexpected happened. There was a military. It was led and carried out by a group of young junior officer. Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu was the leader. while it succeeded in the North, it failed in the South. And many senior political office holders were killed. Much as it was a military affair, the northerners retaliated, killing Nigerians of Igbo descent in the north, including the then Head of State, General Aguiyi Ironsi, prompting the Governor of Eastern Region, Colonel Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu to declare the Republic of Biafra and seceded from Nigeria. This was after spirited efforts to reconcile with the Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, were rebuffed. The secession led to a bloody civil war that lasted for 30 months. Biafra was subdued, and returned to Nigeria, and the enmity continued.

Trust, afterwards became not only an essential commodity, but very scarce. The thought and proclamation of being a Nigerian was only in the public, but in the privacy of most people, the idea was either long dead or dead on arrival. In that spirit has the country lived and existed 60 years counting.

The military in the wake of the civil war held sway until 1979 when General Olusegun Obasanjo, who benefitted from the assassination of the Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, in a military coup led by Colonel Dimka, handed over to a civilian administration headed by Alhaji Shehu Shagari. The much heralded civil rule was truncated four years later in a military by General Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 1983. Buhari’s regime, marked by rigidity and devoid of direction, was halted on August 25, 1985 by General Ibrahim Babamasi Babangida. The eight years reign of the general, who prides himself as the evil genius was full of activities, and subsequently marred by his annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election where Chief MKO Abiola was comfortably leading his rival, Alhaji Othman Tofa before the cancellation.

The unrest that followed the cancellation forced Babangida out of office on August 25, 1993, and he was replaced by an industrialist, Chief Ernest Shonekan, who headed an Interim National Government (ING).

Shonekan found himself in an unfamiliar terrain, surrounded by unknown faces, and unsure of himself. Then enter General Sani Abacha. He quietly eased Shonekan out of office without as much as a whimper on November 17, 1993. His coming, of a truth was highly heralded. Many Nigerians believed he was coming to restore Chief Abiola’s mandate, but that was not to be.

In frustration, Abiola announced himself president at Epetedo in Lagos. That was his undoing. He was promptly picked up by security operatives in 1994, and was never released until he died in prison on July 7, 1998 during the regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar. General Sani Abacha had died earlier on June 8, 1998.

Abubakar hurried a transition government, and within 10 months handed over to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who has metamorphosed into a civilian. And that marked the beginning of another republic – the fourth in the list.

While most were growing through their crises, the country suffered the worst kind of retrogression as preceding regime begins an entirely agenda without a thought to whatever progress his predecessor had made. There was therefore, no room for improvement whatsoever.

The power of the naira, which in the early days was stronger than the ‘almighty’ dollar, plummeted and crashed. The regional economies of massive groundnut, cocoa and palm oil productions from the north, west and east respectively was phased out and rendered ineffective following the unfortunate reliance on oil. The country was fast drifting into the Bermuda Triangle without knowing it.

With the return of Obasanjo under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the wobbled on its legs but fell again. While Obasanjo was seeking a third term in office, his vice, Atiku Abubakar, wanted a taste of the presidency. Consequently, governance ceased, as the two men fought each other to a standstill. At the end of the day, Obasanjo left office, and Atiku lost the election to Umar Musa Yar’dua.

The fragile Yar’dua, who many believed had an agenda to give meaningful governance, unfortunately died in office on May 5, 2010. He was replaced by his deputy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. The first Ijaw man to ascend the highest office in the land. The disunity in the nation bared its fangs longer than before. Jonathan was considered an outsider. Though he won his election in 2011, the carnage that followed in the north was akin to the civil war. His second attempt in 2015 was met with barefaced betrayal, and the elites ganged and sent him packing, bringing a serial contestant, General Buhari to power. Buhari and his team had promised change.

He was seen by the many that paved the way for him to Aso Rock as the long awaited messiah, who will make all things new, However, five years into his administration, Nigeria has remained the child it was in 1960 even as it marked sixty years.

Let’s just talk about Nigeria: the old child at 60!

Boss Picks

Glo Celebrates Executive Director, Sade Michael-Adenuga at 31

Published

3 weeks ago

July 1, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Communications giant, GLOBACOM, has celebrated its Group Executive Director, Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga, as she clocks 31.

In a message via the Group’s X account, Globacom celebrated the go-getting abilities Ms Michael-Adenuga, recognising her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment, which have continued speak loud in the growth and development of the Gbobacom Group.

The message reads:

“Today, we celebrate Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga, whose dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment continue to make a meaningful difference.

“As you mark another year, we wish you good health, happiness, and many more years of fulfilment and remarkable accomplishments. May the year ahead bring every opportunity to continue making an enduring impact.

“Happy Birthday, Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga.”

Sade Michael-Adenuga is the last daughter of the billionaire businessman, philanthropist and founder of the Glo brand, among many other business concerns.

Beautiful and highly ceregral, Sade is a certified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She currently serves as a Group Executive Director of Globacom Group, and is the founder of QuickLaw.

Boss Picks

Adeleke and Momodu: A Classic Tale of ‘Twin’ Brothers

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The story of the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, and the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is one told from a multiple dimension. It encompasses passion, love, friendship, camaraderie, collaboration, and more importantly, brotherhood.

Here’s a classic tale of two individuals, who started as acquaintances, transmuted into being friends, and today has become inseparable, not just as brothers, but as ‘twin’ brothers. No wonder the Bible says, there’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother; that’s the story of ‘Demola and Dele. A typical example of Double D. A classic tale of friendship made in heaven.

Both have seen measured successes in their various fields of endeavours. Adeleke, besides being an accomplished entrepreneur, has in his own way, conquered the field of politics, having served as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and presently serving as the Executive Governor of Osun State.

Momodu, on his part, has not in any way lacked behind. Beyond establishing and sustaining Africa’s number one celebrity magazine, Momodu is an iconic journalist, publisher, businessman and a motivational speaker, who has both working and personal relationships with many influential world leaders. He has been one shot away from the highest office in the land, having contested for the Nigerian presidency, first as a candidate in 2011, and as an aspirant in 2023.

Born same year, 1960, same month, May, the brothers have from time in memorial, shared a common bond that has given onlookers the apertite to ask more questions about their originality. But while one is from Edo State, the other is from Osun. However, the state barriers notwithstanding, Adeleke and Momodu has proved to the world what true friendship means.

Over the weekend when Momodu celebrated his 66th birthday, just three days after Adeleke celebrated his at the Government House, in Oshogbo, the Governor gladly referred to Momodu as his ‘twin’ brother, a motion that everyone readily agreed with. It is worthy of note that while Adeleke was born on May 13, 1960, Momodu was born on May 16, 1960. Friends and associates always insist that Adeleke is three days older than Momodu, and that one fact Momodu has come to live with, and joyously celebrates.

In his message at the birthday celebration, held with incisive discussion on the theme, Ignorance and The Danger of Xenophobia, at the Dele Momodu Leadership Centre, Alalubosa, Ibadan, the Governor extolled the qualities of Momodu, fondly referring to him as ‘my twin brother’. He hailed Momodu for always using his birthday to speak to the conscience of Africa, especially in the last three years.

At the event, organized by The Dele Momodu Foundation, with the theme, “Ignorance and the Danger of Xenophobia.” Speakers at the occasion condemned the rising tide of xenophobic attacks, particularly those targeting Nigerian citizens in South Africa, warning that such hostility undermines regional progress, peace, and continental unity.

Taking the podium to honour the celebrant, whom he affectionately described as his “twin brother,” Adeleke praised Chief Momodu not only as a towering figure in African journalism and publishing; serving as the CEO and Publisher of the celebrated Ovation International magazine but also as an advocate for unity. The governor further called for urgent action to protect Nigerian citizens abroad in relation to the theme of the day, and the body language of the continent as a result of the present situation in South Africa, where black foreign population is being persecuted and threatened.

“Xenophobia is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of our shared humanity,” Governor Adeleke said. “The attacks on our citizens in South Africa and elsewhere demand serious and immediate attention. As leaders, we must come together across borders to ensure that these hostilities stop. We cannot speak of a united Africa while our brothers and sisters are targeted simply for being Nigerian,” the governor said.

The governor further pledged his administration’s full support for initiatives aimed at ending xenophobic violence against Nigerians in the diaspora, emphasizing that diplomatic and collaborative efforts are necessary to safeguard the dignity of African citizens everywhere.

The event drew a distinguished array of guests. The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Eghosa Emmanuel Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, who provided an incisive analysis of the socio-political roots of xenophobia and its impact on pan-African integration.

The Chairperson of the occasion was Her Excellency Jewel Howard-Taylor, former Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, whose presence emphasized the pan-African significance of the gathering. A somber yet inspiring musical performance was delivered by Sir Shina Peter, the guest musician, who paid tribute to a life well lived in service of journalism and humanity.

In his remarks, the celebrant thanked the governor, the dignitaries, and the foundation for turning his birthday into a platform for meaningful dialogue and action.

DELE MOMODU – MAY 16, 1960

Dele Momodu, without an iota of doubt stands tall among those who have been diligent in businesses, and it is therefore, no surprise that he has stood, and is still standing not just before kings but with kings.

Born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu on May 16, 1960, some 63 years ago, Chief Dele Momodu as he is known in the business circle, and Bob Dee, in the social stage, is by every standard a man who is diligent in his business. And it is no wonder that he has not only stood before kings, he had and continues to dine with kings. There is practically no influential person that Dele Momodu does not know across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Africa and on the inter-continental stage. He is that large!

By every standard a rare breed, Momodu is many things in one; journalist/publisher, businessman, philanthropist, actor, politician and motivational speaker. Among all these he considers himself simply as a reporter, and even with a retinue of seasoned staff still ventures into the field to scoop exclusives. Those who have referred to him as a workaholic are not far from the truth. Even he, himself has an oft quoted line thus “those who come from poor background cannot afford to sleep too much”.

A beacon of the Momodu family, Dele, the last of three siblings, was ‘privileged’ to lose his father at the age of 13, and was therefore sentenced to the complete tutelage of his mother, and sometimes relatives. His mother became practically his mentor, teacher and soulmate until she passed away on May 18, 2007, two days after Dele’s 47th birthday. According to him, one of the many morals his mother, who he revered next to God, taught him, is never to despair even when times are tough. Even in her near poverty state, Dele maintained that ‘she didn’t give up on me.’

The accomplished journalist, whose first name was derived from Ayobamidele, meaning “my joy has followed me home”, is a proud 1982 graduate of the University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) where he obtained a degree in Yoruba Language, and followed it up in 1988 with a master’s degree in English Literature.

He kicked off his professional career as a lecturer at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife, between 1982 and 1983 while serving as a corps member. He went on to become the private secretary to the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo, a position he held from 1983 till 1985. In 1986, he was elevated to serve the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, managing his Motel Royal Limited.

Momodu is the proprietor of the no 1 celebrity journal, Ovation International Magazine, The Boss Newspaper and Ovation Television.

The Akinrogun of Gbonganland, who is also the Aare of Iwoland, has also been honoured with the Prestigious Value Leadership award by an organisation, Nigeria, which is a subsidiary of Moonlite Integrated Concept, among an avalanche of awards, honours and tags. Momodu us consistently praised for his admirable efforts, which have not gone unnoticed.

ADEMOLA JACKSON ADELEKE – MAY 13, 1960

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Having emerged senator, Adeleke’s political influence waxed stronger, an on July 23, 2018, he emerged as the governorship candidate of PDP in Osun State.

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

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

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

Governor Adeleke is married to two beautiful women. They are blessed with three children who are all entertainers. They are B-Red and Shina Rambo and a daughter, Nike Adeleke. He is the uncle of one Nigeria’s primus inter pares in entertainment, Davido.

As expected, Adeleke is moving Osun State to the greatest of heights as he promised, and many who know him agree that there are still very many more in the offing even as he navigates his political prowess to win again on August 15.

These ‘twin’ brothers have become a toast of reference. They are hardworking, philanthropic in nature, and always happy.

Yes, always happy as the smiles and dance in their gaits at all times are unmistakable.

Cheers to brotherhood!

Cheers to Ademola Adeleke and Dele Momodu!

Boss Picks

Koumagnon Family Pledges Unalloyed Support for Romuald Wadagni As President

Published

3 months ago

April 9, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Koumagnon Family and Allied Families of Seme-Kpodji, of the Republic of Benin, led by Monsieur Alberto Koumagnon, has declared their unflinching support for the candidacy of Romuald Wadagni as he steps out on Sunday to vie for the presidential seat of the Republic of Benin.

In statement of declaration, the families observed that Wadagni is propelled by a ‘vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country’.

The declaration is presented in full:

DECLARATION OF SUPPORT BY THE GREAT KOUMAGNON FAMILY AND ALLIED FAMILIES OF SÈMÈ-KPODJI FOR CANDIDATE ROMUALD WADAGNI

The great KOUMAGNON family and allied3 families of Sèmè-Kpodji, deeply committed to the values of peace, progress, and development, followed with particular interest the presentation, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, of the “Further Together” (Plus loin ensemble) social project by our dear candidate, President Romuald WADAGNI.

Following this important political event, and gathering on this day, 04/04/2026, we wish to express our full support for the vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country.

From the outset, we, descendants of the KOUMAGNON family and allied families, commend the enlightened leadership of President Patrice TALON who, faithful to his commitment to building a modern and prosperous Benin, has been able to propose to the presidential majority a competent, credible candidate who brings hope for consolidating achievements.

In this dynamic of continuity and progress, the candidacy of President Romuald WADAGNI is fully in line with the continuation of the structural reforms undertaken over several years in all sectors, particularly in infrastructure.

In this regard, we recognize and commend the many achievements of the government, especially road infrastructure, which has significantly improved mobility and living conditions for the populations of the communes of Sèmè-Kpodji and surrounding areas.

Moreover, these remarkable efforts reflect a constant determination to connect localities, stimulate economic exchanges, and sustainably strengthen the attractiveness of our territories.

Building on these achievements and firmly oriented toward the future, we are convinced of the relevance of the “Further Together” project.

Therefore, the great KOUMAGNON family and allied families of Sèmè-Kpodji give their firm, committed, and unconditional support to candidate Romuald WADAGNI, as well as to his running mate, Mrs. Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima.

In the same spirit, we call on all daughters and sons of Sèmè-Kpodji, as well as all citizens committed to peace and development in our country, Benin, to mobilize massively in support of this hopeful momentum by turning out in large numbers on April 12.

We also wish to assure our dear candidate of our commitment to mobilize widely to ensure a high voter turnout in the commune of Sèmè-Kpodji.

Together, let us continue the efforts undertaken.

Together, let us consolidate our achievements.

Together, let us go further.

Long live Benin on its path toward progress!

Long live the WADAGNI–TALATA ticket!
Thank you.

Done at Sèmè-Kpodji, on 04/04/2026

The great KOUMAGNON family and allied families