UNGA: Elumelu To Call For Urgent Action On Africa- Focused Issues African philanthropist and business leader, Tony Elumelu, will make Africa’s transformative economic growth, youth employment, and energy transition central to the discussions at this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), taking place late September in New York.

Elumelu will call for urgent action in a series of engagements, including a roundtable discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative with former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, and at an event co-hosted by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), led by WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain.

Elumelu will bring his perspective both from extensive experience in building industry-leading businesses across the continent, and the success of the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s catalytic programmes empowering young Africans. Elumelu is a realist, challenging Africa and Africans to solve their problems, bringing African solutions, but also recognizing Africa’s responsibility to act.

As Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group and pan-African investment company, Heirs Holdings, as well as Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Elumelu is a leading driver of Africa’s transformation agenda, helping shape the continent’s narrative on the global stage. His thought leadership and advocacy challenge conventional views, offering innovative strategies for collaboration and growth. The success of his Foundation in promoting youth entrepreneurship as a pathway out of poverty, has featured in case studies from Harvard, Chicago Business School, Stanford and Cambridge.

With over 60% of Africans lacking access to electricity and young people making up more than 60% of the continent’s 1.3 billion population, Africa faces challenges that impact the world. Africa, most recently with tragic floods in West Africa, is suffering climate driven environmental crises, caused by global emissions, whilst Africa’s development is held back by huge infrastructure deficits.

In a recent statement, Elumelu emphasised, “I have often said that there is nowhere else in the world you can reap the kind of investments as in Africa. However, I am acutely aware of the fundamental challenges our continent faces. Addressing the issues of sustainable economic growth, youth unemployment, genda inequality, and Africa’s energy transition is critical not only for meeting the continent’s basic developmental needs, but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and unlocking the immense economic potential that Africa offers.”

An economist and visionary entrepreneur, Elumelu’s economic philosophy of Africapitalism, serves as a blueprint for accelerating Africa’s economic transformation, advocating for the private sector to take the lead in delivering social and economic wealth, and shared prosperity for all.

Alongside Elumelu’s advocacy, the United Bank for Africa, which he chairs, will host a networking gala on the sidelines of UNGA – a platform to spotlight investment opportunities on the continent. The Gala will convene prominent leaders across four continents, in commemoration of UBA Group’s 75th anniversary and the Group’s 40 years of operations in the United States.

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, has asked his lawyers to institute a suit against Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, over defamatory allegations.

Ighodalo said Oshiomole had accused him of involvement in “Planwell,” a ponzi scheme that surfaced in Edo state in the early 1990s.

“People of my age and even younger have not forgotten how Asue Ighodalo and all his associates were involved in what they call Planwell,” Oshiomole said during a campaign rally on Saturday.

“Planwell was set up as an institution where you deposit 10,000 in the morning by tomorrow it becomes 15,000, and after six months, people were defrauded, and the institution disappeared. And they became rich, and Edo people became pauperised.”

In a response to the allegations through his counsel, Ayo Asala, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ighodalo described Oshiomole’s comment as “false, defamatory, and malicious”.

“It is sad to note that despite your status as an elder and holder of a public office, you appear to have developed a pattern of spewing false statements in the public domain purely for the achievement of your political ends,” a letter by Ighodalo’s lawyer and addressed to Oshiomhole reads.

“This baseless, unfounded, false, and malicious allegation has become another in a long line of such defamatory fabrications and statements made by you in respect of our client in the recent past.

“Our client is an accomplished Nigerian legal practitioner and a corporate leader whose impressive resume from birth up till the current day is entirely in the public domain, and our client has absolutely no connection with and could never have been involved in any manner whatsoever with the purported ‘Planwell’ scheme with which you have seriously defamed our client’s reputation.

“It is clear that the fabrication of the unfounded and false story regarding the purported involvement of our client in the said ‘Planwell’ scheme or any other financial scheme whatsoever is a figment of your imagination and a story fabricated purely for the purpose of denigrating the good character and reputation of our client for the achievement of the political purpose of advancing the sinking fortunes of your political party and candidate in the forthcoming Edo state gubernatorial elections.

“Our client has been inundated with calls and other contacts from concerned members of the public who heard your said allegations on electronic and social media, as a result of which our client has suffered enormous unwarranted reputational damage arising from the lies and baseless fabrications of which you have become the purveyor.”

Ighodalo is demanding “an immediate and unqualified retraction and apology for your false, defamatory, and malicious statements, which should be published in at least two national television networks and three nationally circulating newspapers”.

“Pay to our client damages in the sum of 20 billion Naira for your false, defamatory, and malicious statements referred to herein,” the letter further stated.

“Take notice that it is our client’s instructions that we immediately institute appropriate proceedings against you for damages in the sum of twenty (20) billion Naira (N20,000,000,000.00) for your said false, malicious, irresponsible, and damaging statements made against our client without any foundation whatsoever in fact.

“Further take notice that such action will be instituted without further notice or correspondence to you in that regard whatsoever.”

By Eric Elezuo

It was that time of the year again when the world gathers in their numbers in the ancient city of Okada and Benin to celebrate a man of immense achievement.

The town of Okada and the beautiful city of Benin were agog one more time as the month of September approached. It was the birth month of one of the most brilliant entrepreneurs the Nigerian nation has ever produced. It was the birthday of the Esama of Benin and pioneer patriarch of the Okada Dynasty, Chief (Sir) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion CFR, CON, KSJI, who clinched the nonagenarian trophy in grand style.

As always, the ebullient community leader, meticulous mentor and businessman extraordinaire left no stone unturned to treat himself to the best entertainment, drawing the who is whos in politics, entrepreneurship, entertainment and religion to the grand events making his 90th birthday.

Again, the Esama used the occasion of his birthday to centre all eyes on him, and did not hesitate to take up the opportunity to create another sizzling razzmatazz in hosting dignitaries and providing top notch treats; the type that would not only be mouthed, but proclaimed from the mountain tops for a long time to come.

According to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, “Judging by the mammoth crowd that came to celebrate the occasion, his (Igbinedion) legacy in history is assured.”

It was a carnival-like event that ran a month long with preparations and activities that told a tale of a great man, gathering people of different class and creed from all parts of the world to celebrate the great Esama of Benin Kingdom.

A philanthropist of no mean repute, business mogul, and politician, Chief Igbinedion pulled all stop to ensure that this year’s celebration tagged “Jubilation”, and drawn from the Bible book of Psalms 126:3 sustains the carnival-like identity it has always been known for, while reflecting on testimonies of his numerous achievements in life.

With wholesome lineup of activities, the birthday celebrations held in various locations including his Benin palatial home and the prestigious Archangel Gabriel Catholic Church, along Sapele Road, where a thanksgiving mass was held.

Among the earliest callers at the Igbinedion residence were members of the governing council of the Igbinedion University, where notable officials took turns to eulogised the pacesetter of private universities in Nigeria. Among the officials present were the Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Prof Sheik Ahmed Abdulla, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Lawrence Ezemonye, and the Chief Medical Director, IUCH, Dr Yau Abubakar Garawa.

Kicking off the activities as the occasion dovetailed into a weeklong event, on September 10, the residence of the Esama of Benin, who is also the Honorary Romania Consul to Edo and Delta States, became a beehive of activities with celebrations as different groups including the Igbaboleme Dancers under the aegis of Esan Congress led by Goodluck Imonite, St John the Army Catholic Church led by Rev Alfred Agbolahor, and Parishers of St. Jude’s Catholic Church led by Very Rev Father Paul Edegware, entertained the Esama and his visitors who came from far to be part of his birthday celebration.

As always, the celebrant Chief Sir Dr Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, was accompanied by his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, his son and former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion and his siblings, a retinue of members of the Igbinedion Dynasty among other dignitaries arrived the Archangel Gabriel Catholic Church, to a warm reception by the members of the Church community with band parade, in a distinct ceremony tagged “The Early Morning Dew”

The birthday celebration began with  Service of Praise and Thanksgiving at St Gabriel, The Archangel Catholic Church, Sapele Road, where adoration was offered unto the Creator as coordinated by the Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie and church officials.

During the conventional Mass, which has become a tradition in the House of Igbinedion, the guest speaker, and President of Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend Israel Akanji, preached a sermon encouraging all and sundry to live their lives, and have the mindset of a child.

“The childlike spirit must not die; the spirit must remain, and if there is a challenge for our papa at 90, the challenge is that even in old age, you are to continue with the heart of a child,” Akanji said.

Also praying for the nonagenarian, a former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafo, lauded his philanthropic gestures, and declared that heaven will recompense him.

“As you have identified with everyone, heaven will always identify with you. May God increase you on every side,” he said.

Tom Amekhianam of the Christ Embassy also offered prayers for the latest member of the nonagenarian club, asking for more of God’s wisdom and honour upon him and his family.

Speaking on behalf of the family in response to all the prayers and goodwill showered on Chief Igbinedion, the son of the celebrant, Mike Igbinedion thank guests and well wishers as well as appreciate the celebrant for being a father in deed.

Dignitaries that attended the Mass were the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, prominent religious and traditional leaders, high profile politicians and High Commissioners and Representatives of High Commissions so from over 15 countries.

It was a total conglomeration of the best of Nigerians in respect of a man who has given more than enough to the economic, industrial, political, academic and social development of Nigeria.

Also in attendance were the traditional rulers and title holders from the Benin Kingdom.

The highpoint of the event was the thanksgiving procession by Chief Igbinedion and his immediate family members, amid soulful renditions from the Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish choir.

Speaking on behalf of some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion the representative of the South African High Commission in Nigeria and the Representative of the King of Ashanti, Ghana among others, described the celebrant as a Man who has added value to the lives of many.

Guests at the birthday thanksgiving Mass were later hosted to a lavish reception at tastefully decorated country home of the Esama of Benin Kingdom where music was supplied by a host of upcoming artists, live band, cultural troupes among others.

The colorful event was rounded off with the cutting of the 90th birthday cake of the Esama of Benin Kingdom His Excellency Chief Sir Dr Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, surrounded by members of his family siblings and selected dignitaries.

The event reception which was held at the residence of this unequivocally brilliant mind witnessed a potpourri of the nation’s high and mighty as they trooped out in their numbers to appreciate the goodness of the creator upon his praise-worthy life.

Wishing the Esama a life where he will never mourn the death of any of his children, HRM Oba Oyetunde Olumiluwa Ojo, Ogunbodun I Olono of Ada, Osun State, assured him of longer life and more fruitful living.

Also the Enogie of Ukhiri, HRH (Barr) Godwin Aigbe described the celebrant as a legend at 90, just as a daughter of the House of Igbinedion and former First Lady of Edo State, Mrs Eki Igbinedion showered encomium, describing as a gift to his generation.

In her word, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales, thanked the Esama for being a worthy personality and a human being with a face.

The reception was another form of banquet, coming with all the trappings a superiority. The crowd was unprecedented with security agencies of different creed mounted at various corners. One would not be wrong if they call the event a fantasy brought to reality. Everyone who was someone was either present or represented.

It was reported that over 22 food and beverage vendors were busy with different local, African and intercontinental cuisines and beverages, attending to the large crowd of audience as the grand reception swept way into the night.

Among special personalities that were present at the well attended banquet were past and present governors, politicians and industrialists. Some of them were former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Constitutional Lawyer, Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN; former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah; former governor of Imo state, Chief Achike Udenwa, former governor of Ekiti State, Niyi Adebayo; former governor of Delta State, Mr. James Ibori; former governor of Adamawa State, Boni Haruna and former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke.

Others were ING Nana Poku Aygeman, who represented the King of Ashanti, Ghana, High Commissioners of South Africa to Nigeria, Tami Mseluku, Engr Elvis Obaseki of ITV and Radio, E. J. Agbonayinma of APC, former Edo  State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, and Labour Party governorship for Edo State, Barr Olumide Akpata, who was a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The family also set aside a day for all those born in the House of Igbinedion to meet, fratenise and bond with one another. Members of the family from.across the world including the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany and more were present. They sang, made merry and cut a huge birthday cake in honour of the patriarch.

Mabel Amadin, who spoke on behalf of the children of Igbinedion said that ‘my father’s tentacles have gone worldwide’, and it was only natural that all the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren use the opportunity of his 90th birthday to reignite their brotherhood.

The weeklong grand ceremonies rounded off with a thanksgiving service at the Saint Gabriel the Archangel Church, where dignitaries also trooped out in their numbers to thank God for His mercies, and for seeing the family and friends through the activities.

In another development,  a former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar,Ed many other dignitaries to pay homage to the nonagenarian, describing him as a rare breed that can only be seen once in a century. In his entourage were the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, former Chief of Defence Statf, General Martin Luther Agwai, who prayed that God will continue to keep Chief Igbinedion so that humanity will continue to tap from his wealth and well of knowledge.

The highpoint of the 90th birthday celebration was the special visit of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) delegates, led by former Vice President and Waziri Adamawa, who was the party’s presidential flag bearer in the 2023 elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to pay homage to the Esama.

In their various speeches, the former Vice President and the host Governor, Obaseki, praised the Esama for his laudable contributions to the Nigerian nation and his philanthropic gestures to all and sundry, wishing him a happy birthday and many happy returns.

They delegates supported the celebrant in cutting his birthday cake in the presence of his wife, Cherry Igbinedion, and conducted by the former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke.

The members present were the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, former governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; former governor of Bayelsa, Senator Seriake Dickson; former governor of Cross River State, Leyel Imoke, Chief Ben Obi, High Chief Tom Ikimi, Edo Deputy Governor, Marvelous Omobayo; former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion and Osun State governor, Senator Adeleke, who displayed his singing and dancing talents while wishing the Esama a happy birthday.

Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion was born on September 11, 1934, and has been a beacon of entrepreneurial excellence since he embraced career trajectory. He is known to have pioneered many Enterprises including the first to own a private airline; Okada Air and private university; Igbinedion University.

From all us on The Boss Newpaper, we wish the Esama a glorious 90th birthday, and many more healthy years in view.