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Billionaire Businessman, Kola Adesina Revels at 60

Published

1 year ago

September 8, 2024

Eric

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!

Headline

Court Validates PDP 2025 Convention in Ibadan, Affirms Turaki-led NWC

Published

6 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Eric

The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has affirmed the validity of the 2025 Elective Convention of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), which produced Dr. Kabiru Turaki as the substantive National Chairman of the party.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Ladiran Akintola upheld the convention in its entirety, ruling that it was conducted in full compliance with the relevant constitutional and statutory provisions governing party elections in Nigeria.

The decision marked a significant legal victory for the party’s leadership and brought clarity to the dispute surrounding the convention’s legitimacy.

The ruling followed an amended originating summons filed by Misibau Adetunmbi (SAN) on behalf of the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi, in Suit No. I/1336/2025.

In a comprehensive judgment, the court granted all 13 reliefs sought by the claimant, effectively endorsing the processes and outcomes of the Ibadan convention.

Justice Akintola held that the convention, organised by the recognised leadership of the party, satisfied all laid-down legal requirements as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), and the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The court found no breach of due process or statutory non-compliance in the conduct of the exercise.

In the same proceedings, the court dismissed the Motion on Notice seeking a stay of proceedings and suspension of the ruling, filed by Sunday Ibrahim (SAN) on behalf of Austin Nwachukwu and two others. The applications were described as lacking merit.

Earlier in the proceedings, the court had also rejected a bid by Ibrahim to have his clients joined in the suit.

Justice Akintola ruled at the time that the joinder application was unsubstantiated and consequently dismissed it.

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Opposition Parties Reject 2026 Electoral Act, Demand Fresh Amendment

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Eric

Opposition political parties have rejected the 2026 Electoral Act recently passed by the National Assembly, which President Bola Tinubu swiftly signed into law.

The parties called on the National Assembly to immediately begin a fresh amendment process to remove what they described as “all obnoxious provisions” in the law.

Their position was made known at a press briefing themed “Urgent Call to Save Nigeria’s Democracy,” held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Thursday.

In a communiqué read by the Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Ahmed Ajuji, the opposition leaders stated:

“We demand that the National Assembly immediately commence a fresh amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, to remove all obnoxious provisions and ensure that the Act reflects only the will and aspiration of Nigerians for free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process in our country. Nothing short of this will be acceptable to Nigerians.”

Some of the opposition leaders present in at the event include former Senate President David Mark; former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, all from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ahmed Ajuji, and other prominent members of the NNPP, notably Buba Galadima, were also in attendance.

The coalition said the amended law, signed by Bola Tinubu, contains “anti-democratic” clauses, which they argue may weaken electoral transparency and public confidence in the voting system.

At the centre of the opposition’s concerns is the amendment to Section 60(3), which allows presiding officers to rely on manual transmission of election results where there is communication failure.

According to the coalition, the provision weakens the mandatory electronic transmission of results and could create loopholes for manipulation.

They argued that Nigeria’s electoral technology infrastructure is sufficient to support nationwide electronic transmission, citing previous assurances by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The parties also rejected the amendment to Section 84, which restricts political parties to direct primaries and consensus methods for candidate selection.

They described the change as an unconstitutional intrusion into the internal affairs of parties, insisting that indirect primaries remain a legitimate democratic option.

The opposition cited alleged irregularities in the recent Federal Capital Territory local government elections as evidence of what they described as a broader pattern of electoral compromise.

They characterised the polls as a “complete fraud” and said the outcome has deepened their lack of confidence in the ability of the electoral system to deliver credible elections in 2027.

The coalition also condemned reported attacks on leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State, describing the incidents as a serious threat to democratic participation and political tolerance.

They warned that increasing violence against opposition figures could destabilise the political environment if not urgently addressed.

In their joint statement, the opposition parties pledged to pursue “every constitutional means” to challenge the Electoral Act 2026 and safeguard voters’ rights.

“We will not be intimidated,” the leaders said, urging civil society organisations and citizens to support efforts aimed at protecting Nigeria’s democratic system.

On February 18, 2026, President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026 into law following its passage by the National Assembly. The Act introduced several reforms, including statutory recognition of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and revised election timelines.

However, opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have also called for further amendments, particularly over the manual transmission fallback clause, which critics say leaves room for manipulation.

The president said the law will strengthen democracy and prevent voter disenfranchisement.

Tinubu defended manual collation of results, questioned Nigeria’s readiness for full real-time electronic transmission, and warned against technical glitches and hacking.

The Electoral Act sparked intense debate in the National Assembly over how election results should be transmitted ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Civil society groups under the “Occupy NASS” campaign demanded real-time transmission to curb manipulation.

In the Senate, lawmakers clashed during consideration of Clause 60, which allows manual transmission of results if electronic transmission fails.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (ADC, Abia South) demanded a formal vote to remove the proviso permitting manual transmission, arguing against weakening real-time electronic reporting.

The move led to a heated exchange on the floor, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio initially suggesting the demand had been withdrawn.

After procedural disputes and a brief confrontation among senators, a division was conducted. Fifteen opposition senators voted against retaining the manual transmission proviso, while 55 supported it, allowing the clause to stand.

Earlier proceedings had briefly stalled during clause-by-clause review, prompting consultations and a closed-door session.

In the House of Representatives, a similar disagreement came up over a motion to rescind an earlier decision that mandated compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results to IReV.

Although the “nays” were louder during a voice vote, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas ruled in favour of rescinding the decision, triggering protests and an executive session.

Headline

AFP: How Tinubu’s Govt Paid Boko Haram ‘Huge’ Ransom, Released Two Terrorists for Kidnapped Saint Mary’s Pupils

Published

3 days ago

February 24, 2026

Eric

The Nigerian government paid Boko Haram militants a “huge” ransom of millions of dollars to free up to 230 children and staff the jihadists abducted from a Catholic school in November, an AFP investigation revealed Monday.

Two Boko Haram commanders were also freed as part of the deal, which goes against the country’s own law banning payments to kidnappers. The money was delivered by helicopter to Boko Haram’s Gwoza stronghold in northeastern Borno state on the border with Cameroon, intelligence sources told AFP.

The decision to pay the militants is likely to irritate US President Donald Trump, who ordered air strikes on jihadists in northern Nigeria on Christmas Day and has been sent military trainers to help support Nigerian forces.

Nigerian government officials deny any ransom was paid to the armed gang that snatched close to 300 schoolchildren and staff from St. Mary’s boarding school in Papiri in central Niger state on November 21. At least 50 later managed to escape their captors.

Boko Haram has not been previously linked to the kidnapping, but sources told AFP one of its most feared commanders was behind the mass abduction: the notorious jihadist known as Sadiku.

He infamously held up a train from the capital in 2022 and netted hefty ransoms for the release of government officials and other well-off passengers.

Boko Haram, which has waged a bloody insurgency since 2009, is strongest in northeast Nigeria.

But a cell in central Niger state operates under Sadiku’s leadership. The St. Mary’s pupils and staff were freed after two weeks of negotiations led by Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, with the government insisting no ransom was paid. Nigeria’s State Security Service flatly denied paying any money, saying “government agents don’t pay ransoms”.

However, four intelligence sources familiar with the talks told AFP the government paid a “huge” ransom to get the pupils back. One source put it at 40 million naira per head – around $7 million in total.

Another put the figure lower at two billion naira overall. The money was delivered by chopper to Ali Ngulde, a Boko Haram commander in the northeast, three sources told AFP.

Due to the lack of communications cover in the remote area, Ngulde had to cross into Cameroon to confirm delivery of the ransom before the first group of 100 children were released.

Nigeria has long been plagued by mass abductions, with criminals and jihadist groups sometimes working together to extort millions from hostages’ families, and authorities seemingly powerless to stop them.

Source: Africanews