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Billionaire Businessman, Kola Adesina Revels at 60

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By Eric Elezuo and Dayo Adewole

According to a 1971 blockbuster movie in the James Bond (007) series, Diamonds Are Forever, and so is the ebullient and energetic investor in the power and energy sector, Chief Kola Adesina, who clocked 60 on August 12, 2024.

The businessman, whose entrepreneurial prowess has raised champions in trade and commerce, left nothing to chance as he pulled all stops to give himself, family members, colleagues and well wishers the best of treats.

The birthday events, which were celebrated in two days, and at two different locations, kicked off on Sunday August 11, 2024 with a well attended Thanksgiving service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The New House Parish, in Victoria Island, Lagos, with the creme de la creme of the society in attendance.

THE ALL ENCOMPASSING THANKSGIVING SERVICE AT RCCG

The celebrant against common practice, chose to give God thanks first before holding a mother of all party at the Harbour Point Event Centre in Victoria Island.

Adesina, who is recognised by the honours MFR and FNSE, had dignitaries by his wife, Mosunmola, children, extended family members and well wishers from various parts of the world drawn to Victoria Island in Lagos State to join him in giving thanks to God for job well done in his life over a 60 years duration.

Kola Adesina

Also the board Chairman of Ikeja Electric, and Chairman AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Adesina’s thanksgiving was a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the Almighty God, a celebration that encompassed the significant milestones that he has been able to achieve over a long period of time.

Kola Adesina

Reveling in the same mood of accomplishments, The New House Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Victoria Island, which played host to a diverse range of events and dignitaries, who supported the celebrant in expressing gratitude to God, left nothing to chance in the organisation of one of the best thanksgivings as the Pastor in charge of the Parish, Pastor Gbenga Tapere, popularly known as PGT, did everything possible to add spiritual and physical life to the event.

The birthday took place on Monday August 12, 2024 but the celebrant chose to honor God first, above anything else; a move that has been praise by all and sundry.

In his sermon at the service, the presiding preacher, who is awell known Evangelist of RCCG, Pastor J.T Kalejaiye, dwelt on how to adhere to the principles that can make life worthwhile and acceptable before God, while also stressing that ‘life is like a loan’, which one day the ‘giver will take it back’.

Pastor Kalejaiye’s sermon proved to be an eye opener to the various use of candid eulogies to every one who did well in the society, singling our Dr. Adesina as an achiever of distinct status.

Among th prestigious presence that graced the thanksgiving ceremony were Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Ogun State counterpart, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, former President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, former Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi, as well as representative of the President of Congo.

Other dignitaries present were, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Sahara Group, Pastor Tonye Cole, Olusegun Awolowo Secretary, National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs; Chairman/ CEO, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Timi Alaibe, Chief Executive Officer of Geregu Power Plc, Akin Akinfemiwa, Senior Pastor and founder of Covenant Christian Centre, Pastor Poju Oyemade.

Also on the roll call were famous gospel and secular artists including Timi Dakolo, Moses Bliss and Tosin Bee.

In his goodwill message, the celebrant, Adesina expressed heartfelt his appreciation at the caliber of dignitaries that grave the event with their presence, thanking them for their collective commitment towards the growth of the nation and his success story.

Also in his appreciation speech, the sexagenarian specially recognised his wife, children, members of his family, including his octogenarian mother, and asked for a standing ovation for her. He further expressed his appreciation to friends, business associates, well-wishers, protégés and all who contributed to the success of the event.

THE UNFORGETTABLE ALL STARS PARTY AT HARBOUR POINT

The next day, Monday, was new, crisp and beckoning at the prestigious Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos, where the who’s who in every sector of the economy trooped out in their numbers with excitement to celebrate with a practical man of the people, who has given his all to get to where he is presently as well as affect the generality of Nigerians in philanthropism.

The cream of society, business leaders, and dignitaries had gathered to celebrate a milestone – the 60th birthday of Sir Kola Adeshina, affectionately known as Sir Kay, Managing Director of Sahara Group.

As guests arrived, they were greeted by a sea of elegant decorations, with Sahara Group’s signature colours and the celebrant’s portrait prominently displayed across the length and breadth of the venue. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and warmth.

The evening’s festivities began with a red-carpet reception, where the celebrant and his wife, Lady Adesina, graciously received well-wishers.

As the programme commenced, Sahara Group’s Executive Director, Tonye Cole, took the stage to welcome everyone. He praised Kola Adesina’s visionary leadership, emphasizing his impact on the energy sector and commitment to philanthropy.

The highlight of the evening was a heartfelt tribute video showcasing the ebullient Chief Executive’s journey through his early days to his remarkable achievements 60 years after. The audience was visibly moved, applauding as every word of his biography was presented, coupled with a customized photo album and a commemorative plaque.

The celebration continued with a sumptuous dinner, followed by the cake-cutting ceremony.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo led the ceremony, with warm praises for Adesina’s contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development. President Obasanjo also led a heartfelt prayer, blessing thr celebrant, his family, and the Sahara Group family, and invoking divine guidance, wisdom, and continued success upon every one of them.

With the cake-cutting and prayer concluded, the event dovetailed into a free for all entertainment including a surprise appearance of King Sunny Adé, who serenaded the audience with his hit songs.

Afterwards, the stage was set for an unforgettable entertainment lineup that featured renowned juju musicians and hip-hop artists ageless Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Adewale Ayuba, Timi Dakolo, Patoranking, Teni Makanaki, Davido and Fireboy. In fact, it was a night of electrifying performances that kept the guests permanently on their feet, digging to the enthralling sounds of years ago, and those of the the present. It was a pure admixture of the past and the present juxtaposed with the future.

In his remarks, the elated celebrant, expressed gratitude to God, his family, colleagues and friends, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and giving back to society. He dedicated his milestone birthday to the Sahara Group family and pledged continued commitment to excellence.

As the night drew to a close, guests departed leaving behind heartfelt wishes, eulogies, jaw dropping gifts, and unforgettable memories.

Adesina’s 60th birthday party would be etched in their minds as a testament to his remarkable legacy and the power of celebration.

The Sahara Group MD had truly earned his place in the hearts of many, and this milestone birthday marked the beginning of another chapter in his illustrious journey.

The all-important get-together drew together the be all and end all personalities in Nigeria including governors, senators, billionaire industrialists and many others. Some of them were Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Ovation Media, Chief Dele Momodu; former governor of Ogun State, Aare Segun Osoba, governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; former governor of Ondo, Mr. Segun Mimiko; Otunba Bimbo Ashiru;

The high point of the occasion was the presentation of over $500,000 Rolls Royce Cullinan car to the birthday boy by a group of friends, who one way or another, has benefitted from his generous gestures over the years.

Adesina is a philanthropist of no mean repute, and testimonies abound to his boumdless milk of human kindness.

Congratulations sir!

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Senate Approves Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers, Sack of Governor, Elected Officers

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Like the House of Representatives, the Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, invoking its constitutional powers under the amended 1999 Constitution.

The approval grants President Tinubu the authority to enforce emergency measures while mandating a review of the situation at any time, but no later than six months.

Per the Constitution, the National Assembly has also imposed a joint committee of both chambers to oversee the administration of affairs in Rivers State during the emergency period.

Additionally, the Senate has resolved to establish a mediation committee consisting of eminent Nigerians to help resolve the state’s political crisis.

Just like the Senate, the House of Representatives had earlier approved Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.

In a voice vote, the lawmakers backed Tinubu’s decision, two days after President Tinubu made the move.

Two hundred and forty House of Representative members attended the preliminary which was presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

While deliberating on the decision, the House made some amendments including that a committee of eminent Nigerians will set up to mediate on the matter.

They also noted that the National Assembly is empowered to make law for a state where its house of assembly is unable to perform its functions as against the Federal Government’s plan for the Federal Executive Council to take up that duty.

President Bola Tinubu during the swearing-in of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as sole administrator for Rivers State in Abuja on March 19, 2025

On Tuesday, President Tinubu wielded the big hammer in Rivers State, declaring a state of emergency in the state. He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months and appointed a sole administrator to take charge of the state in a move that has triggered a wave of criticisms.

Legal experts, governors, and prominent Nigerians like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi to name a few have condemned the proclamation, demanding a reversal.

However, the Federal Government has doubled down on Tinubu’s decision and argued that it was needed to bring peace to the oil-rich state.

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Resist Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers, Atiku Tells Nigerians

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A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to stand up and defend the country’s democracy by resisting the state of emergency imposed in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. 

Atiku made the remarks during a press conference of concerned political leaders, on Thursday in Abuja.

He said it is not only the responsibility of the opposition parties to defend democracy but the duty of everyone to reject the “brazen assault” on the elected government in Rivers.

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Wike Not to Blame in Rivers Political Crises, FG Exonerates FCT Minister, Condemns Fubara

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The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, on Wednesday, cleared the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, of all wrong doings in the Rivers State crises, fingering the suspended Governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, for being solely responsible for the imbroglio that has led to a declaration of State of Emergency.

At a media chat with State House correspondent in Abuja, the AGF said President Bola Tinubu acted timely with his proclamation of emergency rule in Rivers State, the suspension of the governor, and the appointment of a sole administration, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).

Fagbemi said Fubara demolished the State House of Assembly Complex to avoid being impeached and refused to rebuild it more than one year later, and blamed the governor for failing to implement the February 28, 2025 ruling of the Supreme Court as well not cautioning militants, who had threatened to blow pipelines in the state. “There was not a word dissuading the militant who issued the threats,” he said.

He said the situation could not have been allowed to continue as the critical economic lifeline of the nation was criminally touched.

Fagbemi said Wike did not feature in the matter that was decided by the Supreme Court and should not be sentimentally brought into it, noting that the emergency rule declaration was some sort of saving grace for Fubara who had been served impeachment notice by pro-Wike lawmakers.

“If that impeachment had been allowed to take its full course, the governor would have entirely lost and completely.

“So, in a way, instead of allowing the impeachment to continue, and which in the end would have seen both the governor and the deputy governor out of office for the entirety of their four-year term with the remainder of what they have — a balance of two years and two months,” the AGF said.

Fagbemi said Wike should not be brought into the matter as he was not responsible for the actions of Fubara who failed to act in line with the constitutional requirements of getting the approval of the state legislators in the affairs of the state.

He said, “There are occasions when it comes to national issues, we have to come out plainly and sincerely. Where do you put the Minister of the FCT in this case? Was he the one who asked for the demolition of the House of Assembly?

“Was he the one who said the governor should not present the budget to the House of Assembly? Was he the one who advised the governor not to go through the House of Assembly for purposes of ratifying the commissioner-nominees?

“I don’t know because if you want to look at a case, you look at the facts that have been presented. The Supreme Court made these critical findings. The FCT minister did not feature.

“Assuming he featured, he would have featured on the side of the legislators but what you have here is let everybody go home for the first six months. So, I don’t see his hands here in what we have.”

Fagbemi advised all those who do not agree with the president’s move to channel their energy to the National Assembly to veto the president’s decision.

Wike, who is the immediate-past governor of Rivers State, has been locked in a protracted power tussle with Fubara, his estranged political godson, for about two years. The apex court recently backed the pro-Wike Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.

The suspension of Fubara and other democratically elected representatives has been expressly rejected and condemned by many eminent Nigerians, legal luminaries, and groups including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Femi Falana, the Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian Bar Association, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), among others.

However, the emergency rule has been praised by the pro-Nyesom Wike suspended lawmakers, who accused Fubara of contravening the Supreme Court ruling on the political situation in the state.

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