Headline

Billionaire Businessman, Kola Adesina Revels at 60

Published

2 years 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

Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in Appeal over Nullified PDP Convention

Published

17 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Eric

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in the appeal filed by the Taminu Turaki-led group of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) seeking to overturn the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which nullified the conduct of the party’s national convention, held last year in Ibadan, Oyo State.

A five-member panel of the apex court announced on Wednesday that its judgment would be delivered on a date to be communicated to all parties in the appeal.

Justice Garba Mohammed, who led the five-member panel, made the announcement shortly after lawyers representing parties in the appeal adopted their processes as briefs of their arguments for and against the appeal.

The appeal was filed by the Turaki-led group’s national executives of the party who emerged from the convention.

They had approached the apex court to challenge the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which had nullified the convention for being held in disobedience of a valid order of the court.

While adopting their brief of argument filed on April 2, the appellants, through their team of lawyers led by Paul Erokoro (SAN), urged the Supreme Court not only to allow their appeal but also to dismiss a cross-appeal lodged against them by a leadership group in the party aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Meanwhile, Lamido, who was represented by J. C. Njikonye (SAN), as well as the Wike-backed group represented by Joseph Daudu (SAN), filed preliminary objections seeking dismissal of the appeal.

The respondents insisted that, contrary to the contention by the Turaki-led group, the appeal did not fall within the sphere of the PDP’s internal affairs.

It was the respondents’ position that both the high court and the appellate court had rightly exercised jurisdiction over the matter.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in a judgment last year, restrained the then-Ambassador Iliya Damagum-led National Executive Committee of the PDP from proceeding with the convention slated for November 15 and 16, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Justice Lifu had ordered that the convention should not hold until an aspirant to the office of national chairman, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, is allowed to purchase interest and nomination forms to enable him to participate in the convention for the election of national officers.

The party, however, went ahead to conduct the convention in disregard of the orders of the court.

The PDP had predicated its action to conduct the convention on the grounds that the court lacked the jurisdiction to stop the convention, as the issue brought before it was an internal matter of the PDP, which no court has jurisdiction to delve into.

However, the appellate court in its judgment last month disagreed that the issue at the trial court was an internal affair of a political party, which courts cannot entertain.

The three-member panel of the appellate court subsequently nullified the outcome of the convention for being held in disobedience to the orders of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Dissatisfied, the PDP approached the apex court, praying it to accept the appeal against the lower court judgment, set the judgment aside, and hold that the issue was an internal matter of the PDP, which both the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain.

However, the respondents in the appeal urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lack of merit and hold otherwise.

Headline

LP: Nenadi Usman Floors Julius Abure at Appeal Court

Published

2 days ago

April 21, 2026

Eric

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the appeal filed by Julius Abure challenging the legitimacy of the Nenadi Usman-led leadership of the Labour Party (LP).

A three-member panel of the appellate court, in a Tuesday judgment, unanimously affirmed the January 21 judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which upheld the legitimacy of the 29-member caretaker committee of the LP, led by Senator Usman.

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, which Justices Abba Mohammed and Eberechi Nyesom-Wike agreed with, the appellate court held that the earlier Supreme Court judgment conclusively settled the leadership dispute within the LP by nullifying the convention that purportedly returned Abure as National Chairman.

Justice Lifu had, in the January 21 judgment, relied on an April 4, 2025, decision of the Supreme Court, which held that Abure’s tenure as the party’s National Chairman had expired. The judgment directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Senator Usman and other members of her committee as the legitimate leaders of the party, to the exclusion of all others.

The court further held that the lower court had the power under Section 251 of the Constitution to compel a statutory Federal government agency to perform its functions when it ordered INEC to recognize Senator Nenadi Usman as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

It was equally agreed with the trial court that constituting the LP’s caretaker committee, headed by Usman, was a doctrine of necessity required to provide leadership in the party when a vacuum appeared to exist.

The court faulted Abure’s claim that the trial court denied him a fair hearing and accused him of abusing the court process.

The court also accused Abure of forum shopping by appearing before the Nasarawa State High Court in a case already decided by the Supreme Court, and of persisting in the claim the party’s leadership despite the apex court’s clear and unambiguous pronouncement.

It held that the appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/255/2026, was devoid of merit and constituted an abuse of court process.

“On the whole, I agree with the decision and conclusion of the trial court as the same, being in accordance with the Constitution,” Justice Oyewumi held, adding that the lower court reached a reasonable conclusion that the Court of Appeal cannot fault.

While dismissing the appeal, the court awarded him costs of N10 million for wasting the court’s time on an issue that had already been conclusively determined.

Earlier, the court held that Nenadi Usman, as a juristic person, had the right to file the case before the trial court, and that the trial court had jurisdiction to hear and determine the case.

The court also rejected Abure’s allegation that the lower court denied him a fair hearing, noting that the claim lacked any basis.

Headline

Tinubu Sacks Edun, Appoints Oyedele As Finance Minister

Published

2 days ago

April 21, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, on Tuesday evening, said Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.

“He has been directed to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.

“Also Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD.) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister-designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry,” Odunuga stated.

The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry pending Darma’s confirmation.

The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”

Explaining the President’s decision, Odunuga quoted Akume as saying: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).

The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.

The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”