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A Peep into Kola Adesina’s 2018 Classic Interview

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By Sahara Group

The Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, is probably one of the best examples of notable visionaries who have been instrumental to the growth of the energy sector in Nigeria and Africa. With multiple college degrees, Adesina after his initial degree in insurance went on to become an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Insurance. He would move on to the energy sector, where he has carved a niche for himself in the power sector in Africa as an expert who serves as a resource person for African governments and regulatory authorities.

In addition to his professional achievements, Kola mentors young professionals, setting them on the path of excellence and sustained achievements across various disciplines. His investment in interventions that promote youth development is an indication of his resolve to give youths platforms to express their abilities.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

To be honest, as the director of Sahara Power Group, I almost never experience typical days. Every day throws up new challenges and opportunities that can change the course of my day. I can start my day in one part of the world and end up at another – but one thing is sure, I meet each disruption with a mindset that is already primed to turn it into something very productive. This is what drives us at Sahara Group.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I read, I think, I imagine, I write, I engage and do all of these again and again until the refined idea pops up and takes a life of its own. Sometimes, it can be the Eureka moment when something hits you, and it becomes a winning idea you can run with.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Continuous learning. The world is evolving every day, and we all have to keep up with the speed of technology. This drives me as ultimately everything ends up in the realm of technology

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Resilience in the face of failure. I never see failure as the final word. It is just an event that can be changed when one learns from previous pitfalls. So, I never say never; I am always ready to pick up myself after a setback and pursue the next target with even more vigor and doggedness.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Nothing is too big to overcome you if you put your mind to it. All you need is to take another look at the challenge and ask yourself, how would it feel to be credited with the laurel of being the one who solved this riddle?

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

That nothing is impossible if one believes. Some people think it is a cliché; for me, it is an absolute truth.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Relationship management is very crucial. Reach out to everyone, the janitor, driver, chef, legislator, etc. you never can tell where the aces would fall and who would lead you in the direction of your breakthrough.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I am never afraid to take risks. Every risk has the potential to make or mar the business. By not taking risks, you remain on the borderline. So sometimes, the risk can be a pointer to how big the outcome can be. We go a step further to subject the risk to various scenarios before proceeding.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Learning how to invest is very smart. First, you will be able to enjoy passive income if you make good choices. Additionally, you could even charge fees to coach people on how to invest their own money.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I bought some books that opened my eyes to some strategies I had been looking to deploy over a long period.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

There is a cloud-based app that I started using a few years ago. It is a basic calendar with reminders. I like using it because it automatically synchronizes all of the events from my e-mail.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Deep Work” by Cal Newport. It teaches people how to minimize distractions and retain optimal performance levels for longer periods.

What is your favorite quote?

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” I like this quote because it explains why people should avoid quantifying their achievements. Being focused and working hard generally leads to success.

Key Learnings:

• Failure should be seen as an inventive never to give up. It is a stepping stone

• That nothing is impossible if one believes. Some people think it is a cliché; for me, it is an absolute truth.

• Never be afraid to take risks. Sometimes, the risk can be a pointer to how big the outcome can be.

• Your success will usually be a byproduct of dedication and far-reaching ambitions.

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New Platform, Same People-Oriented Agenda: Abimboye Declares Support for Gov Adeleke

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Media executive and politician, Michael Babatunde Abimboye, popularly known as Omo Ajonbadi, has thrown his full weight behind the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Jackson Adeleke, following the Governor’s historic adoption of the Accord Party as his new political platform.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Abimboye described the Governor’s decision as courageous, strategic, and people-driven, noting that it reflects a leadership style firmly anchored in the collective will and aspirations of the people of Osun State.

According to him, the move signals a renewed commitment to inclusive governance, grassroots development, and policies that place the welfare of citizens above partisan considerations. He emphasized that the Governor’s political direction aligns with the yearnings of ordinary Osun people for continuity, stability, and sustained development.

Abimboye further reaffirmed his total solidarity with Governor Adeleke and declared his readiness to mobilize support at the grassroots level ahead of the forthcoming re-election. He expressed confidence that the yellow identity of the Accord Party symbolizes unity, progress, and victory for the state.

He added that Osun’s future remains promising when leadership listens to the people and citizens stand resolutely behind a shared vision of growth and transformation.

The statement concluded with a note of optimism, describing the new political journey as a pathway to accelerated development and stronger democratic participation across the state.

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Insecurity: Act Decisively As You Did in Benin Republic, ADC Chides Tinubu

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate the same speed and firmness he showed while responding to the recent coup attempt in the Benin Republic, in tackling the worsening insecurity across Nigeria.

The party said the government’s rapid deployment of support to the neighbouring country sharply contrasts with its slow and inconsistent approach to confronting banditry, terrorism and violent crime that continue to devastate communities nationwide.

On Sunday, a group of soldiers announced a takeover of the government in the Francophone West African country.

Hours later, the Benin Republic presidency said President Patrice Talon was safe, adding that the “regular” army was regaining control.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also assisted the Beninese government by carrying out combat air patrols around Cotonou, the Benin Republic.

In a statement on Monday, Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary, ADC, urged the federal government to show similar decisiveness in tackling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime across Nigeria.

Abdullahi said the government’s ability to act quickly abroad highlights its slow and haphazard response to domestic insecurity, which is devastating communities.

He also expressed concern about democratic reversals in the West African region and stressed that the best safeguard for democracy is good governance anchored on improved livelihoods and tolerance for opposition.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomes Nigeria’s swift intervention in the Benin Republic following the announcement of a coup attempt.

“We commend the Federal Government for acting promptly to defend constitutional order in our neighbourhood. However, the government must align this intervention with the legal provisions of our Constitution.

“While the unilateral action taken by the President might have been expedient, it still requires ratification by the National Assembly for military deployment outside Nigeria,” the statement read.

The ADC spokesperson questioned why Nigeria failed to act swiftly in Guinea-Bissau, even when a former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, was at risk.

He added that the government’s rapid response abroad raises concerns about its handling of domestic insecurity.

“Consistency in our mode of operations, especially in foreign interventions, is essential for any country that seeks to lead the sub-region on democracy and stability.

“If Nigeria could respond decisively to threats across our borders, why has it failed to act with similar urgency at home? Banditry, terrorism, and violent crime continue to hold communities hostage, displace families, abduct children, and parade themselves openly,” Abdullahi said.

He noted that defending democracy begins with protecting Nigerian lives, restoring security, and rebuilding trust between citizens and the state.

“The best safeguard against military adventurism is for elected governments to make democracy meaningful by improving citizens’ lives and allowing opposition and alternative voices to thrive,” he said.

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Governor Adeleke Celebrates First Lady, Titilola Adebusola Adeleke @60

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Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has celebrated his wife, the First Lady, Chief (Mrs) Titilola Adebusola Adeleke, as she marks her 60th birthday, describing her as “a pillar of support and a symbol of discipline and morality”.

In a birthday message he personally signed, the governor recalled with nostalgia how the bonding started and how the good Lord blessed the relationship with innumerable achievements and successes , noting that “ the first lady stands for all that a man wants in a woman as to discipline, self control, courtesy among others.

While praising her humility, respect for fellow human beings and capacity to manage people, the governor commended the first lady for her consistent perseverance, her passionate support for the family and her huge contributions to his development and progress in all facets of life.

“My dear wife, you have always been there for me in rough and good times. You are a strong pillar of support who strengthens me in all spheres of life. You remain a paragon of beauty, self control and discipline in your private and public conduct.

“Ever since we met, you have demonstrated your deep love and affection for me. And in the last few decades, your contributions to the family growth and successes cannot be under-estimated. Your day is therefore blessed as you are a blessing to countless beings on this earth.

“As you mark your day in good health and strong heart, I pray to the Almighty God to continue to strengthen, protect and prosper you in all your endeavours. Together, we have been winning. I know and pray that we shall continue to win together.

“As you clock 60 today, I pray for more wisdom and strength as you contribute your own quota to the development of the family and our dear state. You are an indispensable partner as we paddle the canoe of the state ship for good governance.

“My dear wife, I truly love you and I say happy blessed birthday”

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