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Boss Of The Week

Garlands for a Fiery Preacher, Bishop Matthew Kukah, at 70

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By Eric Elezuo

Among phenomena that have existed in the universe in recent times is the indefatigable presence of one of God’s general, who has chosen both the pulpit and the field to propagate the agenda of divinity for the benefit of humanity. His name is Most Reverend Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Sokoto’s finest export to the world and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto,

The priest, whose storm creating tendencies, has rattled un-toward administrations, especially the present Muhammadu Buhari-led regime, during the week, celebrated the landmark age of 70, and drawing with him the presence of the who’s who in the Nigerian political, society and economic circles.

The event, which was held in Abuja, was attended by the top political echelon including key political actors for the 2023 elections, among whom were the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; his running mate, Kashim Shettima; the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, who represented the chairman of the occasion, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and a host of others including captains of industries.

The President, Muhammadu Buhari, was among top Nigerians that identified with the ebullient priest as he celebrated, itemising his contributions to the building of the Nigerian nation.

Kukah’s larger than life existence has not escaped public scrutiny, which has scored it excellent with the full ascribable marks. It is not for granted that despite his vociferous voice in the call for good governance, Father Kukah, as he is proudly, fondly and officially addressed has remained at the forefront of establishing peace across various divides, calling out those scamming the process, and holding in high esteem those, who had scored above average. This is irrespective of whose horse is gored. That is how fiery Father has become.

It would be recalled that from his corner, Father Kukah spearheaded the formation of the National Peace Committee, in which he functioned as the Secretary with the former Head of State, Abdusalam Abubakar and Ebitu Ukiwe, as the chairman and deputy chairman respectively. It is worth mentioning that the accord achieved its objectivity as the 2015 has come to be regarded as one election that failed run the cause of the stressful and expensive tribunal as has been the trend before 2015.

This was the culmination of a life that had designated him as officiating minister in the marriage of theology and civics in Nigeria’s abusive relationship with its citizens.

A Bakulu (Ikulu), one of the ethnic communities indigenous to the Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna, by ethnic affiliation, Kukah, whose family can be said to have a history of leadership and service considering that his younger brother, Yohanna Kukah, the Agwam Akulu II, is the paramount ruler of Ikulu, is no doubt a frontline activist. His presence in the seminary could very well be the reason he is absence from the throne. He was schooled at the St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Zaria and St. Augustine Major Seminary, Jos, where he received his qualifications in Philosophy and Theology leading to his ordination as a 24-year-old priest on December 19, 1976. That was a feat, and tends to foretell the path the priest was destined to take.

Born on August 31, 1952, Father Kukah’s trajectory in the world of professionalism cannot be over-emphasized, culminating in his being named a member of the Dicastery on Integral Human Development by Pope Francis in December 2020.

Before venturing into the Seminary, Father Kukah was privileged to receive his primary education at St. Fidelis Primary School, Zagom. He also attended the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Diploma in Religious Studies before proceeding to the Pontifical Urban University, Rome, where he obtained a Bachelor of Divinity and then followed it up with a master’s degree in Peace Studies, at the University of Bradford, United Kingdom in 1980.

A lover of high class academics, Kukah did not rest on his oars, he followed up his academic pursuits with a PhD from University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in 1990. He is also known to have studied at the University of Oxford, England, United Kingdom, and also at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in Greater Boston, in the United States.

Juxtaposing his priestly duties with attending to humanitarian tasks, Father Kukah had between 1999 and 2001 served as a member of the Nigerian Investigation Commission of Human Rights Violations. He is one he would not close his eyes in the face of oppression and misrule. Little wonder that in addition to his work as a parish priest of Saint Andrews’s parish in Kakuri, Kaduna from 2004 until his nomination as bishop, he was secretary of the National Political Reform Conference in 2005. And from 2005 he has served as the chairman of the Ogoni-Shell Reconciliation.

Again, between 2007 and 2009 he worked in the committee for electoral reform set up by the Nigerian government. He has a defined penchant for attending to issues of peace.

Vocal and undeterred, Father Kukah has not spared the government of Buhari, condemning it for it various acts of nonchalance regarding the security of Nigerians and mass hysteria occasioned by inordinate hardship prevalent in the country.

It is not therefore a surprise that the length and breadth of the nation turned out to celebrant the man of letters as turned 70.

Speaking about about the ideal president for Nigeria in 2023, Kukah said:

“The people must interrogate their (presidential candidates) ability and capacity to govern by sheer brain and not bribe. The point is that even the whole idea of leadership is often exaggerated because we are confusing political officeholders with leaders.

“It is only in Nigeria that there is so much focus on the centre. Society can only grow when we extend the frontiers of knowledge and opportunities.

“Critical to all of these, we are looking for a president that has the understanding of the complexity of what is wrong with Nigeria. It is not just about people just aspiring without an understanding of the issues.

 

What Notable Nigerians Say About Father Kukah

“Bishop Kukah comes from a long tradition of productively engaging the Nigerian state, always deploying the experience of his considerable exposure, international reach, academic prowess and sense of justice to conscientise the society.

“When God blesses you with great intellection and erudition, as He has done in the case of Bishop Kukah, the Almighty also gives you the special assignment of serving as a key factor in the effort to guide your country to greatness.

“It is, therefore, not surprising that beyond serving in God’s Vineyard to win souls and make disciples, Bishop Kukah has been working fervently to see the nation reclaim its soul, reform its politics and make it work better for the generality of our population.

“I wish Bishop Kukah a happy 70th birthday and pray for God to grant him longer life in good health and the strength to carry on with his crusade for a just and functional human society.” – Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

“His (Kukah’s) writings over the years have become controversial and have drawn the ire of powers that be, but what is not in doubt is his undying love for Nigeria and Nigerians, and his belief in the possibility of a new Nigeria where justice and equity reigns” – Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State governor

“`The priest has an irrevocable commitment to fighting injustice and human right violations,“he said.

“Bishop Kukah embodies humility, courage, integrity and diligence.

“His passion for the masses, especially the vulnerable and less privileged is second to none. He can best be described as a special gift of God to his generation.

“On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I wish him long life and good health so that he can continue his selfless service to humanity.

“On behalf of my wife, the government and the good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate Bishop Kukah and wish him many more years of celebrations” – Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State governor

I join his  family, friends and associates in celebrating the  milestone  Kukah has attained.

“The priest has made invaluable contributions to national development.

“I join other Nigerians in celebrating the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, as he clocks 70.

“The Bishop has consistently used his platform to promote peaceful co-existence among all ethnic groups in Nigeria.

“He is selfless, bold, courageous and passionate about a united Nigeria.

“I salute the celebrant for his outstanding accomplishments” – Dr Orji Uzo Kalu, former Governor of Abia State

“Bishop Kukah is a rare gift to humanity. He identifies with the oppressed and the marginalized. He carries the burden of the poor and defends them even at the risk of his life”.

“Bishop Kukah deserves to be celebrated. He has given all to the society. His selfless service is unparalleled” – Mr. Samuel Ortom, Benue State governor

”Bishop Kukah is an extra ordinary clergy who brought activism into evangelism to salvage mankind, especially the emancipation of the less privileged in the society…He is a man who works selflessly and speaks the truth to power at all times no matter whose ox is gored.

“He carries the burden of the poor and defends them even at the risk of his life…and remains undaunted and irrepressible in his avowed commitment to serve God and humanity. Bishop Kukah is a man who has given all to the society.” He deserves to be celebrated for his unrelenting selfless services to God and country“ – former Senate President, David Mark 

“Bishop Kukah is widely misunderstood because he speaks truth to power; a task that often attracts adversaries in our kind of society.

“Kukah is a great asset to Nigeria and humanity because of his tireless commitment to peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in the country and the passion he attaches to these efforts is amazing.

“Not once did I ever hear Kukah preach hate or bigotry in his sermons. All his sermons are focused on issues that can make Nigeria better.

“His passion for our unity and justice for all is one of his greatest virtues” – former Vice President and PDP Presidential Candidate

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Boss Of The Week

Dr Stephen Akintayo: Leading Gtext Homes to Strategic Marketing Advantage

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By Eric Elezuo and Omotayo Omidiji
There are very few Nigerian billionaires, who have remained accessible, display humility among humanity while engaging ferociously with the legitimate business of creating and recreating wealth, making live liveable for the citizenry and giving the government of the day the leeway to provide adequate democratic dividend for all and sundry. Prominent among them is the multi-faceted, multi-talented, resilient and ebullient entrepreneur par excellence,  Dr. Stephen Akintayo, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Gtext Homes, and its many affiliates, the Stephen Akintayo Consulting among very many others.
In this brief chat, the soft spoken go-getter, who practically rose from the proverbial grass to grace, tells the story of determination, resilience and focus. His life trajectory culminates in why everyone is a candidate of success, irrespective of the background. He tells how he doggedly built his empire via strategic marketing advantages, and rising to the status of king of real estate.
Excerpts:

HOW DID YOU COME ABOUT THE RELATIVE HUMILITY YOU ARE TODAY ASSOCIATED WITH?

Well, I think it is relative as you said. I am not sure everyone believes I’m humble, and the reason is that, I am a very straight shooter. When issues come, I confront them headlong. In my office, you will hear people say do not go and report people to oga because if you go, he will bring both the person that said something and the accused and you will confront each other. And because of that, some people have the perception that I am a straight shooter. For me generally, I have been through a lot in life, capable of making anyone humble normally. I grew up in the northern part of Nigeria, and at some time, in the village, where there was no running water, and no electricity. I had to fight for everything in life.
It’s humbling however, to note that I started my business with one thousand naira, and for us to be in the four continents of the world, I had to keep proving myself. Sometimes, I get into rooms, and overhear people saying I’m fronting for someone. They are like how come he had achieved so much at such a young age. Some even make bold to say…maybe he is doing hard drugs. I just laugh, and keep proving myself.
IN YOUR LIFE TRAJECTORY, DID YOU BY ANY MEANS MAP OUT YOUR STAGES BECAUSE EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU SEEMS TO BE FOLLOWING A WELL PLANNED SEQUENCE 
At the age of 17/18, I read the books that changed my life. I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Think and Grow Rich and others. The books woke me up to know that it is not degrees that is going to make me rich. It made me know that degree is just about going to school and being enlightened. If I want to be rich, I needed to do a trade. Having gone through that book at the age of 18, I started my first business as a very shy person, and my first business was multilevel marketing of food supplement by GNLD. It was difficult to market a drug, as I couldn’t look a potential customer in the face, but the book I read said if I could do this, I would become rich. So I had to.
I started business by selling e-books from day one in the university. I was just sold to doing business; hawked electronics and all stuffs. I failed many times doing business but I kept at it because I had no choice, and because we were not rich and money was always an issue, so I just had to keep at it and that was it for me.
SO YOUR TARGET WAS JUST TO BE RICH?
My target was to be financially free. I hated poverty. My mother was always borrowing money to pay my school fees from our neighbours, who incidentally were her juniors, but she had five children and my dad wasn’t financially stable to support her. They will then look at her with disdain and still not give her the money, saying our children too have not seen help. I just hated it. I hated that we were poor. I did not see a toilet we could flush until I was 13 when we moved to a new house, a government quarter because my mum worked with PHCN. It was just marvelous that we could sit, defecate, and flush a WC. At that teen age that I read that book, I just started planning that this is what I needed to do, and I remember as a student, I had a picture Ark. I had a list of companies I was going to own from media to real estate to production companies. Now, I am beginning to tick them out.
AT WHAT TIME IN YOUR LIFE COULD YOU DESCRIBE AS YOUR TURNING POINT?
A lot of people ask me this question often times, and my answer is always that there wasn’t really a major turning point except for 2015. The business that eventually became a mainstay for me was the bulk SMS company. We tried to convince companies that we could market their products by sending SMS. We had email and phone number database where we could help them send SMS to a large number of people. But at some point, I became indebted without even borrowing money. This was because I was representing a university in Hungary then. Along the line, we did a transaction, which the university later cancelled despite receiving processing fees from some applicants. They insisted I must refund their money, to the extent the matter was settled at the police station. The Police advised I should sign a post dated cheque for the refund to avoid embarrassment. This was in 2012. That is why when people ask why am I this bold, I tell them, I have been through a lot.
I came out of that experience, and restrategised, and within a twinkle of an eye, companies like Chivita, PZ, Unilever, Indomie became our clients, and by 2015 election, we were handling Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s SMS Campaign nationwide, Buhari’s e-mail Campaign nationwide. I was even picked up by the DSS in the cause of the job. I have been through a lot.
WHY WERE YOU PICKED UP BY DSS?
I was never told other that it was order from above. I told them I was the one handling the president’s SMS campaign but they did not bother a bit. So I followed them to their office until my lawyer, Dr. Ope Banwo, arrive to help secure my release. I also did an article that went viral titled, “How Jonathan sent DSS to arrest me.” In 48 hours, we had over 5million hits worldwide, infact some opposition thought I was part of why Jonathan lost. All in all, that 2015, was our breakthrough year because everybody was our customer. We had a single transaction worth 30million and I think at the end of the year, we made over 200million naira. And that was the year I also know the next thing to do?
It was in October of that 2015 that we went into Real Estate. We couldn’t just continue to rely on the Tech thing, which is always through third party platforms. But now, we are using all platforms for our  social media clouts, and digital marketing. We train companies on how to use social media. I wanted to build something that is standing on something solid, and that was why we delved into Real Estate.
WHAT WAS THE FEELING LIKE WHEN YOU MADE YOUR FIRST MILLION?
It was actually the first 30 million, and it was exciting. I paid off a lot of debts. I remember I had to lodge in Protea Hotel, the one in Alausa for that night. And incidentally, that day was my birthday, I laid on my bed and just said thank you Jesus. So I started calling my debtors, I paid all of them and this excites me that I could pay back, because these were people that insulted me then.
I grew up with only values, no money. We were poor but we were taught key values, key moral. My mum and dad were not rich but they were people of sound values. I was so happy to pay back. Infact I need them to know that I have integrity. Those experiences made me know Nigerians are bullies by culture and character and you need a bigger bully to deal with them.
This is why businesses are dying in Nigeria, Once you are still small, everybody wants to cheat you. I was happy to pay; to pay my landlady after owing for like over a year. I earned who I am today, at least with God’s grace and mercy. I worked hard for what I own, and what I represent today. I worked hard every single minute of my life.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE DELVING INTO REAL ESTATE, GTEXT AND OTHER BUSINESSES, AND HOW ARE THEY THRIVING NOW?
For me it was a case of asking yourself what’s next because my dad, based on his own level became successful as a young man at age 20 as a construction contractor. He had a breakthrough in the Northern part of Nigeria but he is from Ogun State. In no time, before I was even born, the business collapsed as the northerners started doing their own construction. So I grew up meeting a father who practically had no job, and became a prophet. So growing up, I made up my mind that I will not build my business on government contracts, and that is why it is easy to be upfront. I did not collect any contract from the government even real estate. I buy from families. My dad’s story taught me to innovate and evolve, and that was how real estate came in. I needed to have a back up; something solid on ground. I needed something physical so that when people talk, they will know we are doing a real business not audio real estate business. We needed something that is physical and not social media. I needed to document my journey.
AT THIS AGE AND LEVEL OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENT, CAN YOU SAY YOUR ARE FULFILLED?
I can not say I am fulfilled. You know I told you I have this ark, and I have only touched 10 percent of it. My advice to people that are worried about me is that they should not worry, I have not started, you will have to ask questions for a long time. We have a long plan, and it is a global empire that we are building and as the Lord keeps us alive, we would redefine what it means to be wealthy in Africa.
WHAT IS THE NEXT ITEMIZED STEP IN THIS GREAT ARK OF YOURS?
Media and movies. We are hoping to achieve them this year. We are looking forward to getting a radio licence, buy an existing radio station, and a production company. We are into Netflix, Amazon and Prime. We have two movies we are working on, and one is actually about my mum.
You know, as you start building an empire, cost of marketing and PR becomes heavy so it is wisdom to own your own media to make it cheaper, and for collaborations.
Also, we are building up to four hundred houses on credit union, to help our balance sheet, and it is a 150 million dollar project in Texas. And we are looking at introducing Credit Union too in Nigeria to make mortgage easy for people who want to buy properties.
ON A SCALE OF 10, HOW FAR HAVE YOU GONE ON THE AFOREMENTIONED PROJECTS?
For us, vision is key, and it is a process. By August, we would do ground breaking and begin proper construction. It is seven to ten years plan so we are hoping that phase one will be done in two years, that is fifty unit housing which is residential. It will be the largest in the US. We would use solar, wind energy and it is going to be smart housing so we go commercial from the seventh to tenth year, and will be putting a golf range, acquarium, shopping mall and a couple of other commercial facilities.
YOU WERE RECENTLY RECOGNISED BY FORBES, TELL US ABOUT IT
We got Forbes Best of Africa and Real Rstate Mogul award. It is probably the biggest award I have received so far; it was humbling, and I am probably the youngest recipient ever. In fact, recently, Forbes African team were in my office in Ikoyi to talk about possible areas of collaboration. They recognised us on two levels; one is on investment coaching because they have seen how I have written over forty books and a good number of them is about teaching and mentorship. This is what it is; it is not really about building businesses because we know about how entrepreneurs thrive on other people’s money.
One level is African investment coach and another level is as real estate mogul. For the real estate mogul, there are companies that are way bigger than us and for us, there were a lot of innovation we brought into the real estate space. For example, we started 24/7 operations where customers can call us at 2am and make payment and we attend to them. We pioneered that and it is free. We also partner with DHL, to ensure documents are safely delivered anywhere in the world. So if you buy land from us in Nigeria and you are in Australia, DHL will deliver your document to you in front of your house without any extra cost; those were the innovations. We are also into virtual inspection and virtual allocation. We brought a lot of ideas into the industry, so for us when we grow into a sector, we look at how we can deepen the sector, things that others will copy from us, but we do not mind since we are able to help increase transparency. We were also the first to talk about green and smart homes in Nigeria, and at some point, we had to slow down because of dollar issue.
Now what we do about our estate; we just model and house our staff. For some reasons, we have moved to Dubai and now we have over hundred housing units there just to be sure that our investors were getting good Return On Investment, but I must say, we had our hands burnt, I lost over a million dollars in Dubai.
In business, you don’t give up, you learn from the mistakes and challenges, and move on. The problem most enterpreneurs have is their inability to learn from elders. Personally, I enjoy the counsel of elders. They will help you shape some perspectives of your businesses. Many think I am a one man business, but they don’t know the many people behind me, who can vouch for me. I run my business in a very transparent way so integrity is key for me.
YOU STUDIED MICROBIOLOGY; HOW COME NONE OF YOUR BUSINESSES ARE RELATED TO IT?
I always encourage young people who follow your platform. I had this brother who has a university degree. By the time I visited him, he was living in one room with eight of his siblings. He said egbon things are difficult, I remember going back to school that day and I kept saying to myself I will never end up like that man. I will not only focus on the course I am studying, but I will try many things, and whatever will bring me out of poverty, I will embrace. You know many of us studied courses based on what was given to us. While at school, I wasn’t even the best student. It is interesting to note that the best student then once begged me for job after graduation. I just told her I can support her but I won’t give her job for obvious reasons.
When I left school, I tried printing hundreds of CVs in a bid to secure a circular job, but all to no avail. One of my potential employer even advised me to go and continue with my popcorn business, that one day something great will come out of it. I did bulk SMS, I posted it on walls, at every bus stop from Sango-Ota to Ikeja-Along, that was the only thing I could do. I would go to school, beg them to subscribe to my bulk SMS business, that was the only thing I had, and my mother had died of Ovarian cancer then, and she was our breadwinner. I was chased out of my friend’s house where I was squatting, and I had to go back to the only house my mum built at Sango-Ota.
We hardly eat, but at least we had a roof over our heads, and that explains why real estate is important to me. I have been through a lot in my life but one of my biggest regret is my mum not being alive today. She died because we had no money to take her to a private hospital. By the time she was taken to a private hospital with help of colleagues, it was too late. She died two days after she was operated upon. The disease had already spread. For that, I don’t joke with people’s health, and my employees can attest to that. I lost my mum because I had no money. She couldn’t even live to witness my graduation.
So, that is why I have serious dislike for poverty, and also why I am writing books to teach people. I am sent to my generation and I want them to know how to make it and that is why I am writing books. I am open to writing a book with Dangote so that he can at least teach us, share his story of how he started, built his career so that young people can follow. The youth just want the elders to show us the way, to let us know they also passed through the same phase so when I am going through my own, I can understand that it’s a phase that will pass. Look at what Tony Elumelu is doing through his foundation. We also have foundation through which we give out grants. We also support widows and pay many children’s fees.
WE ALSO KNOW YOU ARE A PASTOR, TELL US ABOUT IT?
I started pastoring as a teacher in my secondary school. I went to a Christian primary school. My fellowship in secondary school and university took me as their pastor. I also pastored Winners Chapel Campus Fellowship then in few years I became ordained in my church but after a while, I pulled out of pastoring and the reason is obvious. I realised that it became a tool for blackmail. I am a businessman and that’s why I do not use the pastor title. The title I use is doctor because I have been given honourary doctorate degree and I have decided to stick to that.
PEOPLE ATTACH YOU TO WINNERS CHAPEL, WERE YOU ORDAINED THERE?
Yes, but I am no longer part of the pastoral thing, but I’m still a faithful and loyal member. For me, I do business with you because I am a businessman not church member or because I am a Christian. My advice is do not use sentiment, do not get carried away by religion, investigate whomever you want to do business with, do business because you are convinced they have something of value to offer you. Always remember we have a bullying culture.
I believe strongly in giving; my life has changed because of giving, and I am very much committed to that, but sometimes it is good to separate some things from some things; business is business, church is church, ministry is ministry, and I am not involved in any administrative thing in church. I used to be involved in church adminstration, but I pulled out because I started travelling, I got so many responsibilities. So, if you hear people call me pastor, know they are members from time past. They still call me pastor privately, it is between us, not everybody.
IN A NUTSHELL, CAN YOU CONFIRM THAT YOU ARE A MAN WHO BECAME RICH BY BOOKS?
By books, yes, fear of God, and integrity. Like I said, people cannot start trusting you with millions of dollars if you have not shown some level of integrity, I think that is important and I want to encourage the young people that business do not always go right, but do your best to show integrity. I have a consulting programme where I charge twenty thousand dollars but it is for business owners whose business is bringing over a million dollars and they are trying to take the business international, they want certain structure. What I make from coaching is more than enough. I still loan my company till today, a lot of people do not know that there are some rich people in this country, I manage personally their social media page and there are things behind the scene that some people do not know. Some people think my only company is real estate; business is business, but what has helped me more is integrity and transparency.
I am a Havard trained real estate investor. I also have the fear of God and mentorship. I also have enjoyed counsel and support from people who study me. We started real estate in Nigeria then moved to Dubai where some average property is almost five hundred thousand dollars and in one year, we became the largest black home brokerage by volume of what we were doing. And this is owned by a black man. We are in the U.K and US as well. We have housing units in Alabama, and everybody plays by the rules including family members.
WHAT CLOTH DO YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE IN?
I love Agbada, I used to be a suit guy but as I start doing things internationally and I saw the reputation of Nigerians internationally, I had two options: either I pretend not to be a Nigerian or I wear it as a badge of honour. It is when they see that integrity you bring to play that you can start changing that perspective and perception because many of what is going on is the perception internally, we don’t trust ourselves.
AND YOUR BEST FOOD?
It used to be fura when I was in the north, in the south it is Amala and Abula, gbegiri and ewedu together. I am an African man.
I have been to about hundred cities in the world
AND WHICH OF THE CITIES IS MOST EXCITING?
Manhattan, New York. This is because of my love for real estate. Whenever I’m in Manhattan, I always insist on high floors, from where I can have an overview of the city. For me, it is a way of meditation, love and attraction. I will be looking at those buildings and say to myself, one day I will build one.
DO YOU FOLLOW SPORT, WHICH OF THE TEAMS DO YOU SUPPORT?
I used to follow Chelsea but I changed to Liverpool.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MARRIED?
Twelve years, I got married at twenty six.
DIDN’T YOU THINK EARLY MARRIAGE WAS GOING TO AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS?
No, my wife and I have been in business together since our campus days. We met on campus during the days of bulk SMS. She understood my dreams and my aspirations very well. Now we travel a lot with the kids. We spent Christmas partly in London, the U.S. and Dubai. I just move around with them.
ARE YOU IN COMPETITION WITH ANYONE, ESPECIALLY IN REAL ESTATE
No…but it’s rather unfortunate that you are not in competition with anybody but people are in competition with you. I wish everybody well, and for young people, I now run a CEO retreat, where i train real estate developers. If you sit somewhere and envy me, that is your business; there is nothing I can do about it, but I have learnt that it is a sign of growth. For me, where I am going is more important.
WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE, AND THE WEALTH YOU HAVE ACQUIRED, WILL YOU DESIRE POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN THE FUTURE?
As at today, No. But the truth remains that I am politically aware, and I understand political strategies. I can sit you down and tell you how you can make your move, and remember I am a trained digital marketing guy, I understand all those things but if I want to do politics, what am I going into politics for? I am a young man, I have connections, contacts but must I go into politics to have power? No.

I advise young people who rush into politics to build a name, if you do something solid the politicians will beg you because they know you have the solution, the capacity, and the answers. For me, I am very well positioned globally, growing my business is very important to me, supporting people in government across the world. We want to start partnering with people in government but we want to make sure our record is clean, our stories are clear because if you do not tell your stories, others will tell their own and their own will become the truth so we need to tell our own.

I have no political agenda, I have friends in all parties and I will continue to have friends in all parties but no plan to join politics. However, no one knows tomorrow, and can’t tell what the people can demand tomorrow. But as at today, that is not a headache I can afford to carry.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME SIR

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Boss Of The Week

Adedeji Adeleke: Celebrating a Philanthropist at 67

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By Eric Elezuo

At 67, he still remains one of the most sought after personalities with the milk of human kindness. His philanthropy reverberates across the length and breadth of the African continent, and with a net-worth of over 1.7 billion in United States of American dollars, it is not hard to imagine that the erudite scholar and reputed oil and real estate magnate, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, is a force to reckon with in the Nigerian socio-political and economic terrain.

To many, he is the hitherto unknown ‘Baba Olowo’, as represented by his son, David Adeleke, in his hit song, Emi Omo Baba Olowo, to many others, he is just the father of one of Nigeria’s successful musicians, Davido, and to many others, he is the pathfinder that has helped in paving a path of fruitfulness for the Adeleke family in particular, and the people of Osun State in general.

Ebullient and renowned, Dr. Adedeji Tajudeen Adeleke, a native of Ede in Osun State, was born on March 6, 1957 in Enugu State, to Ayoola Raji Adeleke and Esther Nnenna Adeleke. Growing up with his maternal grandmother, fashioned in him the distinct features of Nigerian-ism thus becoming one of the few Nigerians, who are privileged to savour the true Nigerian originality, boasting of two physical ethnicities – Yoruba and Igbo.

Adeleke’s linage is blessed as his siblings are also movers and shakers of the Nigerian political and economic environments. His elder brother, late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, was the first civilian governor of Osun State, and his younger brother, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is the present governor of Osun State.

Fondly called Deji by family members and loved ones, and Chairman by friends and associates, Dr. Adeleke, whose father was a renowned labour leader and activist, in addition to being the Balogun of Ede land and one time Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is many things one.

Tapping from the Igbo background of his beloved mother and the Yoruba originality of his father, Dr. Adeleke has overtime showcased qualities that stood him out as a believer in the oneness of the country, Nigeria.

Dr. Adeleke lived his early life in Enugu, where he developed inert abilities to mastering business craftsmanship, before moving to Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Surulere Lagos, for his primary education. Thereafter, he proceeded to Seventh-Day Adventist Grammar School, Ede where he graduated from in 1975, obtaining his West African School Certificate in flying colours.

His brilliance, coupled with opportunities, created a leeway for him thereafter to proceed to Western Kentucky University in the United States of America where he distinguished himself in academics and other endeavours, and graduating with a Bachelors degree in Finance in 1979.

A thoroughbred lover of education, Adeleke followed up his bachelors degree triumph with an MBA in 1981 and thereafter a Ph.D. in International Business from Pacific Columbia University, Mills Valley, California in 1983. It is not an understatement to say the proverbial ‘baba olowo’ is well read.

Having completed the academic trilogy, and with undisputable qualifications, Adeleke returned to serve his fatherland in the capacity of a Corps member in the National Youth Service Corps scheme; a clarion call he obeyed with all his being as a true Nigerian.

Armed and totally ready to take on the world, Adeleke ventured into the entrepreneurial world, audaciously establishing a drilling company, Pacific Drilling Company Limited which soon became the brainchild of other entrepreneurial ventures, metamorphosing into Pacific Holdings Limited, with a distinct focus on finances and investments in different sectors of the Nigerian economy, which comprises other groups of companies with diverse biases, including Pacific Energy Limited.

An egghead of no mean abilities, Adeleke is one of few academics, who holds double doctoral degrees, as he was privileged to bag a second Ph.D from the University of Phoenix, Arizona USA, where he studiously laboured for his honours.

His lofty academic sojourns have in more ways than one paved the way for him to conquer the competitive world of entrepreneurship. He is also the founder and Chairman Board of Directors of Pacific Merchant Bank Ltd which later became one of the legacy banks in the guise of present day Unity Bank Plc.

Quintessential in all ramifications, Dr. Adeleke is a philanthropist of note as his foundations and establishments speak volumes of his worth, and what he is capable of doing. Among his many foundations, dedicated to the upliftment of mankind, is the Springtime Development Foundation (SDF), a not-for-profit NGO, which has become a vehicle for the awards of scholarships at all levels of education, and distribution of medical assistance to diverse medical units across board; locally and internationally to meet the needs of needy Nigerians.

Adeleke’s SDF is also the brain behind the establishment of the prestigious Adeleke University Ede, where he is the Pro-Chancellor. In addition, Dr. Adeleke sits on the board of various blue chip companies across the globe.

Adedeji Adeleke through the Springtime Development Foundation (SDF) founded Adeleke University in Osun State ede, to ensure less privileged students have access to a quality higher education.

Adeleke is known to be not just a father in words, but highly impactful, consciously and unconsciously imparting his children and any other person that crosses his path with his Midas touch of gold.

It has been said that no one comes his way, and leaves without a meaningful impact in his life. With his SDF tool, not a few lives have witnessed a turnaround.

Dr. Adeleke is blessed with four children, two males and two females named Adewale Adeleke, David Adeleke (Davido), Sharon and Ashley Coco, from his beautiful wife, Veronica, who died in 2003, and many grandchildren. His children are living examples of his paternal influence as they all have carved a veritable niche and influence for themselves in different areas of human endeavours.

His youngest son, Davido, is a world renowned musician and philanthropist, carting away awards after awards in many areas, and luving the life of a real chip off the old block with humongous acts of giving that has left many just wondering.

He also has numerous grandchildren among whom are Imade Adeleke, Hailey Adeleke and the newest twins, who are Davido’s children.

Adeleke is a lover of life, and the good things that come with it. As a result, he owns a Bombardier Challenger 605 Business jet and a Bombardier Global Express 6000 for both classic luxury and ease of movement, as an international businessman, who is constantly on the move.

At 67, Adeleke could be described as an accomplished husband, father, nationalist and entrepreneur.

We salute your dexterity and pray for more of wealth and health and many more years of celebrations. Happy birthday a true legend!

We celebrate you sir!

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Boss Of The Week

Babajide Sanwo-Olu: A Governor and His Many Gracious Strides

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By Eric Elezuo 
We will continue to celebrate our wins as well as acknowledge our losses. These will help us to stay on course, prevent us from being distracted…” – Babajide Sanwo-Olu 
When performers among Nigerian governors are counted, the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is the 15th and incumbent governor of the state, will certainly get a frontline mention. His strides and landmark achievements have continually announced him since 2019 when he assumed the leadership of the highly entrepreneurial southwest state.
Riding on the shadows of the proposed Lagos State blueprint set up by the founding fathers of Lagos administration, Sanwo-Olu has remain consistent, delivering ingenuity, excellence and enduring flagship in infrastructural development. 
Born on June 25, 1965, Sanwo-Olu, against all odds, became the governor of Lagos State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress after contesting and unexpectedly winning the APC gubernatorial primaries against the incumbent governor, Akinwunmi Ambode in October 2018. Not only did he defeat the incumbent governor, Sanwo-Olu was a politician who was nursing the ambition of becoming the Chief of Staff of whoever becomes the governor in 2019 (Femi Hamzat was being rumored as the person) until providence, nature and luck smiled at him. The man he had wanted to serve later became his Deputy.
He, no doubt, changed the Lagos political landscape, when on September 16, 2018, he formally declared his intention to run for the office of the governor of Lagos State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) making him a major contender to the incumbent governor Akinwunmi Ambode. He became the favored, and upturned a sitting governor on the primary election. He went on to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Jimi Agbaje, in a landslide victory, to become the 15th governor of the state.
A graduate of the University of Lagos, where he obtained a B.Sc. in Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and MBA in Management; London Business School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Sanwo-Olu, before becoming governor, was the Managing Director and CEO of Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC). 

Earlier, Sanwo-Olu briefly attended Government Demonstration School, Gbaja Surulere before moving to Ijebu-Ife Grammar School, Ogun State to complete his secondary education.

He is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD).

Sanwo-olu’s career trend remains a case for reference as his records have always turned up green. A prodigy of the present president, Bola Tinubu, he was a Treasurer at the former Lead Merchant Bank from 1994 to 1997 after which he moved to the United Bank for Africa as the Head of Foreign Money Market. He then proceeded to First Inland Bank, Plc (now First City Monument Bank) as a Deputy General Manager and Divisional Head.
Sanwo-Olu was also the chairman of Baywatch Group Limited and First Class Group Limited.It is believed that his career process prepared him for the job of the governor, and in almost five years on the seat, he has not shown any sign of slowing down, as he continually dish out one magnificent project after another. It is on record that only during the week, the proposed Lagos Redline project was commissioned and opened for public usage to compliment the already in use Blueline while the members of the public avait the forthcoming orange, purple and green lines.

A politician of positive repute, Sanwo-Olu began his political career in 2003, when he was appointed a Special Adviser on Corporate Matters to the then deputy governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro. He was later made the acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget until 2007, when he was appointed as the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry by then governor, Bola Tinubu. After the General Elections of 2007, Sanwo-Olu was appointed Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions by Governor Babatunde Fashola. He was later moved to the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in 2016 as the Managing Director.

Sanwo-olu’s achievements are renewed on a daily basis as a they keep springing up without notice. Some of his notable public sector achievements however, include the supervision of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) privatization projects. He set up and was the Pioneer Board Chairman of Lagos Security Trust Fund. The LAGBUS System and the Control & Command Centre in Alausa Ikeja were subsequently established under his directives.

Sanwo-Olu, like many of his predecessors, has kept faith with the Lagos master plan, and has worked assiduously to maintain and meet the target. He has therefore, been working on different development activities, one of which is road construction across major areas in Lagos state.

In 2020, Sanwo-olu asked that the statue of Fela Kuti that was erected by Akinwunmi Ambode be removed from Allen Avenue in Ikeja, to ease the situation of traffic in that area. However, the statue is said to be relocated to a more convenient area in the State. He commissioned the Oshodi -Abule-Egba BRT Lane amongst other projects in 2020.

Sanwo-olu has worked on the Control & Command Centre in Alausa, which significantly improved the capacity of the security agencies to respond to distress calls in a swift and timely manner.

While under appointment as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC) in 2016, he, as a visionary administrator returned the hitherto struggling organisation to the path of efficiency and profititability. This took him only two years.

He also refocused the organisation to effectively tackle housing deficit in the state, which again validated his credentials as a resourceful leader and problem solver. His valuable experience garnered from executive-level roles in the private and public sectors has not only distinguished him, but also made him a valuable resource to some notable organisations on whose boards he has served

A statement on his website summarized his expected delivery, noting that “It is unexpected that Babajide’s enterprising career in the private sector, defining roles in public service and selfless contributions to the society would not have attracted international recognitions and accolades at home. But as a man attired in modesty, these awards and laurels are encouragements that keep him on the path of service to God and humanity.

“A devout Christian and family-focused man whose marriage to Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu is blessed with lovely children, Mr. Sanwo-Olu, in addition to his love for public speaking, is a member of numerous prestigious clubs, which include Ikoyi Club 1938, the Island Club, Yoruba Tennis Club and the Clear Essence Health Club.”

In 2020, Sanwo-Olu stood like the rock of Gibraltar between the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic and the health of Lagos residents,  and was regarded as one of the outstanding governors in the fight against the scourge.

“We must ultimately defeat this virus if we remain vigilant and do not take anything for granted. Stay safe Lagos, your health is important,” the governor was quoted as saying.

In October of the same year, Sanwo-Olu employed his human relations training to quell the EndSARS crises, which had its epicenter in Lagos.

In May 2023, Sanwo-Olu was reelected governor under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating his closest rival, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP) to the second position.

Though his re-election was contested by both Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP) and Olajide Adediran of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the tribunal, and up to the Supreme Court, Sanwo-Olu emerged victorious.

With special regards to his litany of achievements, Sanwo-Olu has obtained a variety of awards in his career, both from within the shores of Nigeria and from foreign places. Some of them include:

  • Platinum award from the Lagos State Public Service Club.
  • 2009 Best in Human Capital Development award from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
  • Merit award from the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria.
  • Merit award from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management in Nigeria (CIPMN).
  • Merit Award from the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).
  • LSDPC Impactful Leadership and Recognition Award.
  • Media Nite-Out Award for Best Governor of the Year (2020).

In addition, he is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Directors (IOD), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), and Fellow of Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD).

A lot of people have said that the path to Sanwo-Olu’s success stories and achievements lies in his ability to remain a loyal partyman and an astute politician. These have consistently paved the way for his glorious strides. His achievements in Lagos have become a reference point to many other governors in Nigeria.

In today’s Lagos, development, sanitization, security, technological know-how and community coexistence are at top level owing to the direction Sanwo-Olu created, and rooted in his THEME agenda.

Sanwo-Olu, without an iota of doubt, is doing well. It is on this note, we recognize you sir, as the Boss of the week. Congratulations!

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