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Opinion: Shina Peller, His Father’s Son, Is 45

Published

5 years ago

May 14, 2021

Editor

By Oluwaseun Moyosore Oloketuyi

Tall, lithe, smart, entertainment stakeholder cum politician are the words that come to mind, when most people think of Honourable Shina Abiola Peller, House of Representatives member for Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency in Oyo State.

In reality though, he is a master magician, who with what seems like sleight of hand makes every industry he steps into his oyster.

Today, at 45, one cannot but look back and attest to his trail of successes with the knowledge that like a magician’s box that is never truly empty and full of surprises, he has more than a few tricks up his sleeve.

Shina started his journey into relevance by first conquering the entertainment industry, which is a no-mean-feat, judging by the number of failed acts that fall into the pit of irrelevance daily.

At a time, his Aquilla Records was the go-to point for budding entertainers and even investors in the industry were in a constant bid for his attention.

Like a locomotive, after the opening of his Club, Quilox, which is still sitting pretty on a prime property on Ozumba Mbadiwe, V/I, Lagos, Nigeria, Africa was taken on a ride of what it means to have a truly thriving nightlife.

Quilox, today, is so successful that many Nigerians and foreigners have the club listed on the bucket list of the places to visit while in Lagos. Like the popular saying, ‘See Paris and die,’ a visit to Club Quilox is termed the ultimate African clubbing experience, because it has become the most prestigious in Africa and everybody, who is indeed anybody has a visit to Quilox on their bucket list.

The Aquila Group boss is one too restless to relax after any success. He furthered his business empire with the excellence and precision of a master magician, and today, Aquilla Oil, Aquilla Properties are just some of the many arrows in his quiver of success.

For those who know him, Shina was never shy about the fact that he developed his entertainment entrepreneurship from his father, Professor Moshood Abiola Peller.

At any given opportunity, he states that his father, touted as Africa’s greatest magician, taught him how to put structure in business, and that has helped him be able to achieve a lot of things at the same time.

Unbeknownst to many, his father was also his biggest political influence, seeing as Professor Peller was the first to bring Chief Obafemi Awolowo to Oke-Ogun in Oyo State, back in the early 80s.

Over the years, even with his many responsibilities, he remained committed to the people at the grassroots, constantly looking out for and making life easier for them.

Peller ventured unabashedly into philanthropic activities, from installing borehole systems in communities hitherto without water to giving out scholarships to indigent students even in Lagos, a city outside his purview.

Of course, these were mere palliatives as his community leaders realised that only quality representation at the federal level could stem the tide of problems that were set to drown the federal constituency and render it a backward community.

When 2019 began to beckon, leaders in his home city, Iseyin, studied the times and saw that the leader that was needed was one who could channel life excellence into politics.

These long-sighted community spokesmen approached him to extend his mantle and take the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency in Oyo State under his wing, and like the reverent, selfless son of the soil he is, he bowed to the wisdom of the masters and took a new step onto the ladder of political leadership.

Like everything he touches that becomes gold, Shina unequivocally conquered at the polls. To further confirm that he is indeed a set apart from the everyday crop of politicians that besiege, Hon. Shina has been an exemplary ambassador since he got into the federal legislature.

In the last three years, while fulfilling his duties to his people, he has been a solution to this generation of youths. Apart from the fact that he started the Lead Generation Initiative (LGI), a citizen and youth-driven nonpolitical, non-profit and non-governmental organisation that is committed to creating opportunities for young people to channel their creativity, energy and aspirations to adding value to their communities and country, he has been on an enlightenment drive, going around the country in an effort to get young people involved and interested in politics.

The LGI, which achieves its aims through programmes like the ‘Get Involved Leadership Training (GILT), get involved regional leadership summit, emerging leaders conference, women leadership development programme, creative open crafts, national entrepreneurial enterprise competition, among others, trains representatives from each of the local governments, in all the 36 states of Nigeria and the federal capital territory on civic responsibility, nation-building, community security, communication and development skills.

A ‘train-the-trainer’ programme where the local government supervisors will go back to their respective local governments to train the ward representatives from each of the wards in their local government, the initiative has successfully held the GILT in the five states of Oyo, Osun, Bauchi, Gombe and Niger, respectively.

As a House of Representatives member, he has been an epitome of quality representation in terms of conduct and by sponsoring strategic motions designed towards building a better Nigerian. In addition, his empowerment programmes to his constituency are second to none and he has proven himself a leader with a difference.

At 45, worried by the myriad of security challenges facing Nigeria, he is gathering national leaders for a Lead Generation Initiative National Security and Peace Symposium to mark his birthday, as opposed to mundane celebration.

The art of a magician is to create wonder, something so beautiful and amazing that no one can deny. Shina Peller, a scion of magical excellence, is not a mere magician; he is the magic that exists in a political society that was almost bleak without the excellence he brought to bear in the last decade.

Oluwaseun Moyosore Oloketuyi, Executive Producer, BON Awards writes from Lagos

Related Topics:Iseyin Oyo State Shina Pellar

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2027: Peter Obi Raises Doubt About Clinching ADC Presidential Ticket

Published

14 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed reservations over his ability to clinch the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

In a video address to his followers, Obi stated that receiving the ADC’s presidential ticket is not guaranteed.

He said: “Someone asked me how I know for sure that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. I cannot be certain. What matters is that we are committed to a cause.

I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project.”

“Obi also said he is still committed to his goals, and he hasn’t let any reported threats stop him.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate praised his supporters for their resilience, recognizing the difficulties of working within opposition politics in Nigeria.

Obi thanked everyone who stayed loyal even though they didn’t get much benefit right away.

“I thank you for your sacrifice. It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, expressed uncertainty about the future, especially concerning political alliances and commitments.

“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

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Terrorism: Tinubu Seeks UK’s Assistance Amid Challenges

Published

22 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, solicited partnership with the United Kingdom to crush terrorism in the Sahel before it engulfs the region.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel,” Tinubu told King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and elite guests, at a state banquet.

Speaking as the first Nigerian leader at the historic venue, Tinubu said: “As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.

“Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

The Nigeria’s President said it was an honour to stand before the royal family, representing the people of Nigeria to reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united Nigeria and the United Kingdom for several centuries.

“Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.

“As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic. Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.

“Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide.”

He explained further: “The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.

“Great British thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped to propagate those democratic ideals. Their influence continues to resonate to this day.

“The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries. Our civil service structures have also drawn upon administrative models developed in Britain and adapted to Nigeria’s own national context.

“While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries.”

He said the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide, adding: “Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.”

He noted the exploits of Nigerians in the country especially in sports, saying: “in sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership.”

He expressed confidence that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow.

“Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.

“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.

“In the spirit of friendship and our shared destiny, I invite you all to raise a glass with me:

“To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”

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Bala Mohammed Debunks Defection Rumours, Affirms Loyalty to PDP

Published

22 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed speculation linking him with a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterating his commitment to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, had recently been the subject of reports suggesting he might be considering leaving the opposition party, with claims that such a move could occur within the week.

However, while dismissing the rumour shortly after presiding over the swearing-in of 17 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries at the Government House in Bauchi on Wednesday, Mohammed downplayed the claims, stressing that he had made no official statement indicating any intention to quit the PDP.

He maintained that the reports are unfounded, reaffirming his continued membership of the party.

“I find it amusing that even when I have not said anything officially, people are already discussing me as if I have moved,” he said.