By Eric Elezuo

The intimidating personality of The Otunba Adekunle Ojora, a prince of Lagos, was brought to the fore earlier in the week, when the who’s who in the society turned up to honour his memory at the Eight Day Fidau Prayer held in his honour at the Eko Hotels and Suites, in Lagos.

The ceremony, as solemn as it was meant to be drew gather men and women of influence, whose paths have crossed with the deceased, while he was alive. The Otunba Ojora died at the age of 93.

The events of the day was separated unto two sections: the first was the Prayers proper, which were conducted at the Ballroom of Eko Hotels, while the second, a grand reception, followed immediately after.

The Prayer, which lasted within two hours, was supervised by Sheikh (Dr) Sulaiman Farouq Onikijipa, and assisted by other Sheikhs from Lagos Central Mosque.

In his sermon, Sheikh Onikijipa extolled the virtues of the deceased, thanking God for granting him a long life of imput and impact on the society.

He admonished the congregation of listeners to toe the line of humanity, which Chief Ojora followed while alive, and leave an enduring name of positivity before departing the earth, noting that everyone would be remembered for what they did in their lifetime, just as the crowd that turned out for Adekunle Ojora is a testimony of how impactful upon humanity he lived his life.

With the conclusion of the prayers, and hearty pleasantries exchanged among worshippers, most of which were high profile networking as the environment was filled with the class of men and women of means.

Immediately after the prayer, the congregation moved to the Convention Hall of the same Eko Hotels and Suites, where a generous and sumptuous reception was held, with popular stand-up comedian, Tunde Adewale aka Tee A, anchored and supervised with the king of juju music, King Sunny Ade, and also the Vintage Band thrilling the audience with soulful and evergreen music.

Among A-list invitees, who storm the venue in person, clad in either the ankara asoebi attire or white traditional wear with brown fila cap or gele to match were Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Justice of Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, former Presidential Candidate and Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi and Wife, former Gov of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, former Gov of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi & wife, Publisher of ThisDay Newspaper and Arise News, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Mr Kola Abiola, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, former Gov of Bauchi State Ahmed Adamu Mua’zu, former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba & wife, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyanku & wife, Chief Francis Ogboro & wife, Mr Greg Uansaru, Mr Timi Alaibe, Mr Wale Tinubu, Alhaja Tinubu, General Ike Nwanchukwu (retd) and wife, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat, Pastor & Pastor (Mrs) Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rocks, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao & his Olori, among a host of others.

The event was hosted by the former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who is married to the daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Toyin Saraki. Also present at the occasion was the deceased’s widow, Mrs. Ojuolape.

With good music, indepth networking and heartfelt condolences, the farewell of the nonagenarian was observed even as various local and continental dishes, with choice beverages made the rounds to the full satisfaction of the guests.

Ojora was a member of the Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos and was himself the holder of the chieftaincy of the Otunba of Lagos.

For as many as those who know him, Ojora has for decades, remained a familiar and revered presence in elite social and cultural spaces, where his highly sought-after counsel and calm disposition have proved relevant and needful.

He is also known for his refined lifestyle and strong family values, an embodiment of a “brand of old-school nobility that earned him admiration well beyond wealth or status. He was often described as a man of honour whose life reflected discipline, tradition, and unwavering integrity.

Otunba Adekunle Ojora is survived by his wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In a landmark gesture underscoring its enduring commitment to national development and public safety, communication giant, Globacom, has donated ₦1 billion to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), to strengthen security infrastructure across Nigeria’s commercial capital. The contribution stands among the most significant private-sector interventions from the telecommunications industry to the Fund in recent years and reinforces Globacom’s position as a responsible and patriotic corporate citizen.

The donation follows Globacom’s participation in the LSSTF-organised Private Sector Breakfast Meeting with CEOs, hosted by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, January 30, 2026. The high-level forum emphasised deeper collaboration between government and business on security, innovation and economic resilience—an agenda Globacom has consistently supported through sustained social investment.

Expressing appreciation, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Fund, Dr Ayo Ogunsan, described Globacom’s gesture as “a powerful demonstration of corporate citizenship and a strategic investment in the stability of Lagos State.” He noted that the LSSTF was established to bridge funding gaps in security infrastructure and therefore relies heavily on voluntary contributions from corporate bodies and well-meaning partners.

According to Dr Ogunsan, the ₦1 billion donation will significantly enhance the Fund’s capacity to address critical priorities for 2026, including multipurpose security helicopters and drones, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), water cannons, digital communication equipment and Smart CCTV systems.

These assets are central to proactive policing, rapid response and intelligence-led operations across the state.

Reacting to the development, a senior executive of Globacom described the donation as an extension of the company’s long-standing belief in Nigeria’s future. “At Globacom, we see security not as a government burden alone, but as a shared responsibility. When people feel safe, enterprise grows, creativity flourishes and hope becomes practical,” the official said. “Our support for the LSSTF is about protecting the everyday dreams of millions of Lagosians.”

Globacom’s intervention is consistent with its long-standing approach to social responsibility—practical, timely and aligned with national priorities. Over the past decade, the company has supported relief efforts for flood-affected communities, assisted displaced persons, advanced youth skills through structured training programmes, and invested in education, culture and digital inclusion. These initiatives reflect a philosophy of giving that privileges institutional impact over personal acclaim.

Dr Ogunsan also urged Lagosians to support organisations that invest in the safety and development of the state. “When companies step forward to secure our environment, residents should reciprocate by patronising them. Their support directly impacts the protection of lives, property and economic activity,” he said.

By strengthening the LSSTF, Globacom is investing directly in the conditions that enable commerce to thrive—safety, confidence and stability. With this support, the Fund is poised to scale its interventions further, reinforcing Lagos State’s position as the country’s safest and most vibrant commercial hub.

As Lagos continues its journey toward global competitiveness, Globacom’s partnership with the LSSTF stands as a model of how the private sector can help secure shared prosperity.

In an industry built on signals, Globacom’s clearest signal remains trust—earned through consistency, conscience and action.

Africa appears to have found a deal and investment channel that will help lure scarce capital into a continent that houses 12 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies, as rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions weaken capital flows.

With the fastest young demographic in the world and a population of nearly 1.3 billion, Africa is punching below its weight as fragmented markets, under-prepared public assets, and a reliance on aid rather than scalable private investment pose the biggest constraint to growth.

“Africa must unlock its vast sovereign assets to generate wealth,” Adesina said in a statement ahead of the summit scheduled to be held in Angola later this year.

“The Global Africa Investment Summit, as a market maker, is the globally trusted platform to unlock mega deals and assets by connecting Africa to global capital.”

Africa’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) continues to lag behind both developed and developing economies, representing only 6 percent of global FDI in 2024, according to the United Nations Trade and Development World Investment Report.

GAIS aims to boost Africa’s lagging foreign direct investments by providing investors the enormous opportunities abound in the continent some of which includes the continent’s population projected to double by 2030, with a rapidly growing middle class.

Its consumer market is growing, from $1.4 trillion in 2015 to an expected $2.5 trillion in 2030, opening investment windows for FDIs.

According to the organisers, strategic sectors, including critical minerals, metals, rare earths, energy, agriculture, and digital infrastructure, are primed for investment.

Global leaders including President of Ghana John Mahama, William Ruto of Kenya, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair, Africa’s richest man and President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and Robert Gumede, founder and chairman Guma group have all backed the need for Africa to harness its potential for economic growth.

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