By Eric Elezuo

In a bid to actualise the setting up of a refinery to further enhance the production and distribution of petroleum in the country, and also facilitate the building of more affordable houses to bridge accommodation gap, Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited, and its sister company, Serenecity, has inaugurated a forum with its host communities of Ejinrin, Sekungba, Arogbo, Ererufu, Mogo-Olowu, Lumodan, Ododugba, Agiden, and Jagirin.

The stakeholders, including Midoil and representatives of the host communities have since held their inaugural meeting at the Ererufu Community Townhall in Ikosi/Ejinrin Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, where matters of cordiality were raised and discussed.

Speaking to The Boss, the Executive Chairman of Midoil, Mrs. Elizabeth Omolara Akintonde (JP), said “The Forum was set up to promote cordial relationship between the management of Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited and its host communities of Ejinrin, Sekungba, Arogbo, Ererufu, Mogo-Olowu, Lumodan, Ododugba, Agiden, and Jagirin.”

Addressing the communities, and other invited guests present, according to a statement by the Media and PR Consultant of Midoil, Mr. Gbenga Onayiga, and made available to The Boss, Chief (Mrs.) Akintonde noted that the Forum would provide a veritable platform for unfettered interaction with representatives of the communities and the company henceforth.

“This day, April 18, 2024, is quite remarkable for all of us as we hold our inaugural meeting to solidify our cordial relationship towards a common objective. This Forum will enable all concerned to deliberate on matters that will bring further developmental ideas and job creation to you, our Host Communities, Ikosi/Ejirin LCDA and Lagos State at large,” she said.

She reiterated the need for inclusivity in the planning and execution of the multi-billion Dollar project which would change the landscape of the area while appealing for the cooperation of all stakeholders.

According to Chief (Mrs.) Akintonde, “the Midoil 3 in 1 investments pursuant of its human capital development would provide massive employment and reduce poverty in Ikosi/Ejirin LCDA and Lagos State.

“In this light, we have directed contractors handling the Refinery and the Serenecity Construction Projects to patronize indigenes (in particular the women folks of the host communities) in the supply of basic building materials.”

The Midoil Chairman also promised to secure slots for youths from the host communities to pursue relevant technical courses at higher institutions of learning in Lagos State, to prepare them for absorption by the company when the Refinery commences production.

Introducing the contractors for the projects, Chief (Mrs.) Akintonde urged the community leaders to be good hosts to ensure a seamless and speedy execution of the landmark project.

The event also featured the inspection and familiarisation tour of the refinery location at Sekungba/Ejirin, with one of the stakeholders, UNILAG Consult, accompanied by security agencies and contractors that will be handling the fencing of the 364 hectares of land.

In attendance were Representatives of the major host communities led by their traditional rulers, including the Baale of Sekungba, Chief Solomon Omotayo; Baale of Arogbo, Chief Adesanya Oyenubi and Baale of Ererufu, Elder Gabriel Lawal.

The CEO of Gidi Real Estate Investment Limited, Mr Tobi Akerele, whose company is amongst the new investors in the Midoil 3 in 1 Investment Opportunities, other investors and stakeholders was also in attendance.

The company’s newly appointed Architect, CORNELIAN MELIRATE LIMITED led by its Senior Partner, Ms Jane O. Udoukpo, Midoil Legal Adviser, Harris-Isa, Omoloju & Co as well as the Legal Adviser of Ererufu, Arogbo and Sekungba communities, Barr T.A. Ogunlana were also present.

Others include friends of the company, Mrs Kofoworola Olowolagba and the Midoil Toastmaster, Mr Bennet Ogbeiwi.

Responding to the Chairman’s address, the communities’ youth leaders expressed confidence in the Midoil projects and the Board of Directors.

They pledged to give their utmost support to all consultants, contractors as well as keep the company in prayers at all times.

It would be recalled that on March 1, 2024, Midoil concluded the first phase of groundbreaking, involving Midoil Serenecity: A City Within a City.

Consequently, the 2nd Phase of Midoil 3 in 1 Investment, the Modular Refinery Ground Breaking & Foundation Laying ceremony for the fencing and Entrance Access of the Refinery Land will take place on July 12, 2024 at Ejinrin/Sekungba, Lagos State.

The purpose, according to Chief (Mrs.) Akintonde, is to stop the incessant sale and encroachment of the land by unscrupulous “Omo Onile.”

Incorporated in April, 2012, Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited is poised to distinguish itself as a leading and reputable refining and petrochemicals company with the capacity of refining 100,000 barrels per day.

By Gabriel Oguntola

One of Africa’s richest men and Chairman of Nigeria’s telecommunications Company, Globacom Dr. Michael Adenuga Jr is 71 years old. Happy Birthday to the great philanthropist and entrepreneur par excellence.

The quiet billionaire learnt early from the famous saying of Walt Disney who posited that”The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing”.

Adenuga from onset has always been reticent.  He does his things quietly and runs his businesses without seeking attention. He transitioned from running family business, after schooling in the United States to starting his businesses and moving into the top league in Nigeria without noise.

He became a billionaire in his thirties to the consternation and surprise of Nigerians. Such is the style of the man that has come to be known for his smartness and ingenuity. He is always one step ahead, hence his success across all sectors of the economy.

Today, he plays in all the vital sectors of the nation’s economy. From Banking to Telecoms, Oil and Gas as well others that are not known to the public. He employed thousands of Nigerians, and he empowers many others through endless philanthropy.

We cannot count the number of Nigerians that has benefitted from Adenuga’s generosity. They are always done quietly, and most times beneficiaries are warned not talk about it.

Few years ago, he donated 500million to Baylesa State after the state was ravaged by flood, he donated N1.5 billion during Covid pandemic to Federal Government, 1 million dollars was also donated to Super Eagles after winning nations Cup in south Africa to mention a few.

By the age of 50, he founded Globacom while his other companies were founded between early thirties and 40. He became a billionaire at 35 and by his 51st birthday Dr. Adenuga was already sitting atop what is generally regarded as one of the continent’s largest business empires.

In each of these sectors, Dr. Adenuga has moulded his companies into major players. In the oil and gas sector, for instance, Conoil Producing, the upstream arm of the conglomerate, made history by becoming the first Nigerian company to strike oil and produce it in commercial quantity. Same was the case when he had two banks, Equatorial Trust Bank and Devcom Merchant Bank that were among top ones in the country.

In telecoms, Globacom remains the most innovative network in Nigeria, with many firsts since it rolled out services in 2003. His investment in real estate is said to be worth over billions of dollars. These companies provide direct employment to thousands of Nigerians and other nationalities.

His contribution to the business across the world and endless philanthropy has been recognized in different countries including Nigeria, where he holds the highest civilian honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) and in Ghana, he was awarded the highest civilian honour of Companion of the Star of Ghana (CSG).

French President, Emmanuel Macron also honoured him with the highest National honour of France, ‘Chavalier de la Legion d Honnuer”. Macron commended Adenuga for his promotion of the French culture in Nigeria where he single-handledly rebuilt the Allance Francaise, Lagos located at the Mike Adenuga Centre Ikoyi.

City People magazine, Nigeria’s King of soft –sell in 2022 captured Dr Adenuga lifestyle thus:

He works round the clock. He is always thinking of the next possible business deal. He is always looking for the next deal to close. He was one of the businessmen who saw the role Data was going to play in our lives and went for a Telecoms license earlier.  Today, the rest is history. He is now the Grandmaster of Data.

Mike Adenuga is one of the Bigger Boys in the world of business. He knows the Game. He plays the game. He is adept at it. He knows the principle of winning. He has set his own rules. He has his own winning formula, which has worked for him over the last 40 years. Though he is from Ijebu Igbo, he was born and bred in Ibadan. He will always tell all who cares to listen that he is an Ibadan Boy. He is a product of Ibadan Grammar School. He has a breathtaking house in Ibadan. That is where he often stays when he needs to relax or unwind. Many often wonder whether he relaxes or not. Yes. He does.

City People can authoritatively reveal that though Mike Adenuga is a great Philanthropist and one of the biggest spenders when it comes to helping other people, he does not like the recipients of his largesse to tell the world whatever kind of help he has rendered. Once he touches your life, you are made forever. But the Golden rule for you to keep getting more support from him is for you to keep mum”.

Former President Buhari, few years ago while speaking about Dr. Adenuga on his Birthday said, “Apart from creating jobs through entrepreneurship, Adenuga’s contribution to the development of sports and the entertainment industry had remained remarkable. These sectors of the economy had continued to provide lifelines for many, and inspiring ingenuity and creativity. His exploration and encouragement of youth entrepreneurship in the country would always be remembered, while his penchant for helping the less privileged through scholarships and healthcare financing deserves more commendations”.

Happy 71st Birthday to Dr. Adenuga.

UK police named a 14-year-old boy killed in a sword attack in London this week as Daniel Anjorin, as officers released more details about how the violent rampage unfolded.

Anjorin, a British-Nigerian pupil attended Bancroft’s private school in Woodford Green – also attended by Nottingham attack victim Grace O’Malley-Kumar.

He died on Tuesday morning as he walked to school in Hainault, in the east of Britain’s capital, when he was attacked by a man wielding what appeared to be a Samurai-type sword.

Police tasered and arrested the suspect, a 36-year-old man who remains in custody on suspicion of murder. He has not been named and was not previously known to police.

The independent school attended by Anjorin said in a statement Wednesday that they had been left in “profound shock and sorrow” at the pupil’s death.

“He was a true scholar, demonstrating commendable dedication to his academic pursuits. His positive nature and gentle character will leave a lasting impact on us,” Bancroft’s, in Woodford Green, near Hainault, said.

London’s Metropolitan Police force said Tuesday’s horror unfolded just before 7:00 am (0600 GMT) when the accused crashed a van into a house fence, hitting a 33-year-old man before stabbing him in the neck.

A 35-year-old man was then attacked inside a nearby property, causing lacerations to his arm, before Anjorin was killed.

Police arrived on the scene 12 minutes after the first emergency call and attempted to neutralise the suspect with incapacitant spray and a Taser gun but these had little effect.

The suspect seriously injured two police officers, both of whom required surgery on Tuesday and remain in hospital.

One, a woman, suffered severe injuries to her arm and nearly lost a hand, the Met said.

The man fled again as terrified witnesses took cover in houses before police used a Taser to overpower him, detaining him 22 minutes after the initial call.

Police have said the attack was not terror-related.

It came amid a rise in stabbings in the United Kingdom and shortly before voters decide whether to re-elect London mayor Sadiq Khan for a record third term in local elections Thursday.

Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has criticised the opposition Labour Party’s Khan for his record on crime.

Anjorin’s death is the second recent tragedy to hit Bancroft’s, after a former pupil, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, was killed in Nottingham last year as she tried to save her friend from a knife attacker.

Valdo Calocane was sentenced to indefinite detention in a psychiatric hospital for stabbing to death 19-year-old O’Malley-Kumar, fellow student Barnaby Webber and 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates.