Boss Of The Week
African of the Decade: Akinwumi Adesina Wins More Laurels
Published
7 months agoon
By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
The President of the prestigious Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Mr. Akinwumi Adesina, is not a stranger to awards. Not just awards, but high profile and prestigious awards.
Only last March, the distinguished president, who has served in various categories of human endeavour as his career trajectory can permit, was awarded the much sought after Obafemi Awolowo Leadership prize in the presence notable dignitaries. Today, Adesina has won again, this time, the inaugural African of the Decade Award. A landmark achievement, and the first of its kind.
Celebrating the landmark honour, his establishment, the AfDB wrote as follows:
“In a milestone celebration of African leadership, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s decade-long impact on continental development has earned him the inaugural “African of the Decade” award. The African Development Bank Group President received this distinguished honor(link is external) at last week’s Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, marking a defining moment in the history of the All-Africa Business Leaders Awards.
“The prestigious award, introduced by the ABN Group in collaboration with CNBC Africa, honors individuals who have made a lasting and profound impact on the continent. Dr. Adesina, who will conclude his 10-year tenure as head of the African Development Bank Group next year, is widely celebrated for his visionary leadership and achievements in improving the lives of millions across Africa.
“ABN Group Chairman Rakesh Wahi presented the award to Dr. Adesina during the 2024 Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco. In a citation read by CNBC Africa Chief Editor Godfrey Mutizwa, the awards committee praised Adesina for his unwavering commitment to ethical and responsible leadership and his ability to drive meaningful change across Africa, particularly through the Bank’s High5 strategic priorities.
“Dr. Adesina has demonstrated a significant impact on the African continent through innovative solutions, projects, or initiatives that address the continent’s pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges. He has consistently shown leadership, vision, and dedication, driving positive change in sustainable development in Africa,” Wahi said.
“The awards committee highlighted Adesina’s innovative collaborations, including leading the African Development Bank in a groundbreaking partnership with the World Bank to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans.
“The award also recognizes Adesina’s earlier role as Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister.
“Over ten years ago, Dr. Akinmumi Adesina’s impactful tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture revolutionized the country’s agro-industrial value chains and transformed the lives of millions of small-holder farmers,” Wahi stated.
“Under Adesina’s tenure, Nigeria ended 40 years of corruption in the fertilizer sector by developing and implementing an innovative electronic wallet system, which directly provides farmers with subsidized farm inputs at scale using their mobile phones.
“Since assuming leadership of the African Development Bank in 2015, Adesina, a World Food Prize laureate, has been instrumental in attracting global investment, championed innovative development strategies, and consistently positioned Africa as a continent of immense potential and opportunity.
“Accompanied by his wife Mrs Grace Yemisi Adesina, the African Development Bank president expressed his gratitude for the honor, describing the award as a testament to what is possible in the transformative power of Africa’s potential. “I dedicate this recognition to the resilient people of Africa and all those working tirelessly to advance the continent’s development,” he said.
“God did not make a mistake when he made me an African…and I will do all I can, to my final breath, for Africa,” Adesina vowed.
THE MAN, AKINWUNMI ADESINA
Akinwunmi Adesina is one Nigerian who has left the footprint of achievements, nostalgia, accomplishment and determination in the sands of time, culminating in his unequivocal acceptance by well meaning peoples of the earth.
Born to a Nigerian farmer in Ibadan, Oyo State, on February 6, 1960, Adesina attended a village school and graduated with a Bachelors in Agricultural Economics with First Class Honors from the University of Ife, Nigeria in 1981. He was basically the first student to be awarded this distinction by the university. He followed up his studies at Purdue University in Indiana, briefly returning to Nigeria in 1984 to get married.
Afterwards, he returned to school, obtaining his PhD (Agricultural Economics) in 1988 from Purdue, winning the Outstanding Ph.D Thesis for his research work in the bargain.
Adesina’s professional career kicked off proper in 1990, when he served as a Senior Economist at West African Rice Development Association (WARDA) in Bouaké, Ivory Coast. He served till 1995.
He worked at the Rockefeller Foundation since winning a fellowship from the Foundation as a senior scientist in 1988. From 1999 to 2003 he was the representative of the Foundation for the southern African area. And from 2003 until 2008, he was an Associate Director for food security.
In 2011, he was appointed Nigerian Agriculture Minister, a post he held till 2015 when the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan ended.
Adesina was named as Forbes African Man of the Year for his reform of Nigerian agriculture. He introduced more transparency into the fertiliser supply chain. He also said that he would give away mobile phones to farmers but this proved too difficult as a result of lack of mobile network in rural areas.
Also in 2010, United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon appointed him as one of 17 global leaders to spearhead the Millennium Development Goals.
On May 28, 2015, just before he completed his tenure as the Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, a position he had held for four years, Adesina was elected the presumptive President of the African Development Bank. He began his tenure of the office on September 1 2015. He is the eighth president in the organization’s history, and the first Nigerian to hold the post.
On resumption at the AfDB, He launched a strategy based on energy, agriculture, industrialization, regional integration and bettering Africans’ lives. The Board of Executive Directors approved the reorganization of the structure around these five priorities.
In September 2016, Adesina was appointed by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to serve as member of the Lead Group of the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement.
In 2017, he was awarded 2017 World Food Prize. Upon receiving the prize on October 21, 2017. Adesina donated the $250,000 he received to the development of African youth in agriculture. That is how generous and benevolent he is.
As an Agricultural Economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been a leader in agricultural innovation for over 30 years. He has contributed greatly to food security in Africa, aimed at improving the lives of millions currently living in poverty, throughout the African continent. The Sunhak Committee acknowledges Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s achievements in promoting Good Governance of Africa, which boosts Africa’s capacity to feed itself and transform its total economies for generating wealth for millions of rural and poor African farmers.
At the Cape Town International Convention Center, the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee announced him as a co-winner of the 2019 Laureates for the Sunhak Peace Prize, with Waris Dirie, 53 year-old world-class supermodel and anti-FGM activist.
The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of the future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million dollars. He received the award in February, 2019 in Seoul, Korea.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been a leader in agricultural innovation in Africa for over 30 years, bringing great improvement to Africa’s food security, contributing to Africa’s dynamic growth. His leadership is building stepping-stones for Africa’s dynamic growth.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered major transformations in the agricultural field, including expanding rice production by introducing high yielding technologies, designing and implementing policies to support farmers’ access to technologies at scale, increasing the availability of credit for millions of smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and assisting in establishment of major agricultural policies for Africa’s green revolution.
The “Africa Fertilizer Summit,” which he organized in 2006, was one of the largest high-level meetings in Africa’s history that had a focus on solving Africa’s food issues. During this Summit, Dr. Adesina was instrumental in developing the “Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution,” whereby the participants stated their commitment to the “eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.”
Dr. Adesina has worked with various banks and international NGOs in order to create an innovative financing system, providing loans to small farmers, providing a way for them to rise out of poverty. This move leveraged $100 million in loans and provided opportunities for small farmers to increase their agricultural productivity, and their income.
His stewardship as the president of the African Development Bank Group, has continued to ensure a central role in Africa’s development. As an “economic commander” of Africa, he promotes the “High 5 Strategy” that include: light up and power Africa, feed Africa, industrialize Africa, integrate Africa and improve the quality of life for the people of Africa. As a result of his work, the lives of millions of people throughout Africa have been improved.
He was instrumental in gathering no fewer than 200 leading African political, business, and diplomatic leaders in Johannesburg for the 8th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Award dinner. He was the cynosure of all eyes. Adesina’s achievements shone like a million stars as he was named and honored as the African of the Year 2019, the most popular vote-based third-party endorsement in Africa.
The event which was themed ‘Africa for Africans – Exploring the Gains of a Connected Continent’, brought together dignitaries including South African Deputy President, David D Mabuza, South African Ministers Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Lindiwe Zulu, and Dr. Ken Giami, Publisher of African Leadership Magazine.
In his usual self, he delivered a keynote speech on the night that speaks of his passion for the continent. Much as he deserved the honour by every standard, he nonetheless expressed deep humility in being recognised, clasifying his giant strides as ‘modest achievements and contributions to Africa’.
“Humbled to be nominated by what I gather to be 60% of the votes cast by some 1 million people, humbled to be at the helm of an organisation that is making a tremendous difference across Africa – the African Development Bank. An organisation that is daily making prosperity a reality,” he said.
He dedicated the award to his wife, Grace, the Board, staff, and colleagues at the bank, his mother, and “to the young mothers, struggling to bring up a child, to the farmer in search of a better tomorrow, to the youth of Africa longing for a better future, and to Africa’s journalists who risk their lives in helping to tell Africa’s true story.”
The truth remains that Adeaina has never reneged in achieving the feats.
Under his leadership, the AfDB has helped 18 million people get electricity, 141 million people get agricultural technologies, 13 million people get finance through private sector investee companies, 101 million people get improved transport services, and 60 million people get better water and sanitation.
“Africa does not need anyone to believe in her or to affirm her place and position in history. Africa will and must develop with pride. For right on the inside of us, as Africans, lies our greatest instrument of successes: confidence!” Here is a man who loves Africa with an undying passion.
On January 16, 2020, Adesina came face to face with can arguably be termed the greatest challenge of his career if not his life when allegations of ethical breaches were leveled against him by whistleblowers with the backing of the United States of America. The complaint was conveniently leaked paving the way for assault and a smear campaign.
Consequently, a high powered Ethics Committee, comprising Executive Directors representing shareholder nations, deliberated over every single dot and cross of the allegations, and in May 2020 gave Adesina a clean bill of health. In their words, the allegations were frivolous, baseless, and without merit or evidence. The report and conclusive deliberations of the Ethics Committee was subsequently sent to all Finance Ministers, better referred to as Governors of the Bank’s 81 shareholder counties, including the United States for ratification.
Not even one of the allegations stuck, making the originators bow their faces in shame. A cross section of respondents told The Boss that Adesina would have to be removed as President of the Bank and made ineligible for re-election originally scheduled for May 2020 if one allegation has scaled through.
Adesina’s watertight innocent was upheld by almost everyone that has a voice from across his country of birth, Nigeria, and across Africa.
The Nigerian government protested on hia behalf that the governance procedures of the Bank during the investigation were followed to the letter including painstaking analysis of facts, evidence and documents. It noted that the whistleblowers were even prevailed upon to produce any more evidence at their disposal, but they failed they do so. It therefore, wondered at the sudden turnaround of the United States to call for another ‘independent investigation’.
“The Ethics Committee, following three months of work to examine the whistleblowers’ allegations made against the President, dismissed each and every one of the allegations of the whistleblowers against the President as unsubstantiated and baseless.
“The Nigerian Government welcomes this conclusion of the Ethics Committee and the decision of the Chair of the Board of Governors”, the statement read. The probe committee was headed by Takuji Yano, the institution’s Japanese Executive Director.
Towing the line of the Nigeria government, a former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, mobilised former African leaders to the rescue of the embattled president. In a letter, the former leader personally signed and copied about 13 former heads of state, cutting across all regions of Africa, Obasanjo proposed that the leaders jointly issue a press statement to support the laid down procedures embarked upon to evaluate the allegations against the President of the Bank.
Just as the Nigerian government, Obasanjo went further to highlight Adesina’s achievements, noting that under his leadership AfDB “has been actively positioned as an effective global institution ranked fourth globally in terms of transparency among 45 multilateral and bilateral institutions.”
Other achievements include taking bold measures to ensure the bank can respond proactively to support African countries and got its board of directors to approve a $10 billion crisis response facility to support African countries during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as successfully launching a $53 billion ‘Fight COVID-19’ social impact bond on the international capital market at 0.75 per cent interest rate.”
Africa Leaders, on their part, under the aegis of Concerned African Leaders, released a statement titled Leadership of the African Development Bank: A Need for Caution, announcing their solidarity with Adesina, stating inter alia:
“The African Development Bank is a pride for all of Africa, and its President, Dr. Adesina, has taken the Bank to enviable heights. At this critical time that Africa is battling with COVID-19, the Bank and its President should not be distracted.”
Nigeria’s then President, Muhammadu Buhari, personally assured him that he would stand by him, and was so elated at the announcement of his reelection, saying ‘you deserve it’. He also thanked the African Union for its endorsement of Adesina, and to the shareholders of the bank.
Adesina has been fearless in the discharge of his duties, creating many firsts and stepping on supposedly powerful toes.
“In 2019, he successfully led the Bank’s shareholder General Capital Increase from $93 billion to $208 billion. In the process, he became the first Bank President to take the risk of championing a case for increasing capital for Africa’s development during a first term in office. It was a gambit that paid off in spite of initial strong American opposition.
“In 2018, Adesina championed and helped create the Bank-sponsored Africa Investment Forum which in 2018 and 2019 attracted more than $80 billion in infrastructure investment interests into the continent. This was an unprecedented initiative. The U.S. representative was said to have considered the Forum a departure from the Bank’s original mandate. Some also saw this as an attempt by Adesina to help wean African nations off a dependency on foreign aid. Some critics also suggested that Adesina was attempting to burnish his credentials among African Heads of State via the investment forum.
Adesina is not all work; he is reportedly very close to his God. While at Purdue University, he, his wife, along with another couple, started a Christian group called the African Student Fellowship. He and his wife Grace have two children, Rotimi and Segun.
The accomplished technocrat and reputable entrepreneur is sure to quadruple his achievements of the last couple of years by the qay he is going. He is one AfDB president many would wish he continues in office even after the forthcoming expiration of his 10 years stewardship.
Congratulations sir!
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Boss Of The Week
Owolabi Salis: The Nigerian of Many Firsts
Published
1 day agoon
July 14, 2025By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
A few days ago, Nigerians and indeed the entire world rose to celebrate a citizen of value, Chief Owolabi Salis, for becoming the first Nigerian to travel to space. But what many did not know is that the unassuming mega professional has a lot of firsts in his kitty; firsts that he hardly makes noise about.
Salis’ life has been one of transformation, transmuting from the courtroom as a ‘super lawyer’ to a politician, where he once eyed the seat of power in Lagos State, and now to an adventurer, floating at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere.
Salis, in one of the exclusive interviews he granted The Punch noted that traveling to space is just one of the many adventural firsts he has recorded in his life of impact.
“I’ve had a lot of firsts, only that I don’t make noise. I was the first Nigerian also to go to the South Pole and the North Pole within a season. The Russian people also told me I was the first Nigerian to take the nuclear icebreaker to the North Pole. I’m probably the first Nigerian to visit the two ice sheets in the world.
There are two ice sheets in the world – Antarctica and Greenland. So, I’m probably also the first Nigerian to visit Mars on Earth. There is a place in Antarctica, they call it Elephant Head; it is in Union Glacier. The condition there, we were told, is the same condition on Mars,” he revealed.
He added, “I’ve been to the North Pole, South Pole and Greenland; those are critical places in the world. I have been to space, and I have been under the ocean too. There are other Islands, a lot of small Islands surrounded by the ocean that are very spiritual.”
He had always maintained that his journeys are spiritual undertakings that are meant to elevate his spiritual outlook, and innovate more of the wonders of God.
“This mission is more than just a trip into space, it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations…a convergence of science and spirit,” he said before liftoff.
Describing the journey as a historic first, not only for Salis, but for Nigeria, Space in Africa platform, said the Ikorodu-Lagos born explorer is a champion of community development and youth empowerment, who hopes his historic flight will ignite interest in space exploration across Africa.
It further noted, “Furthermore, Salis’ flight marks a key moment for Nigeria and Africa, demonstrating growing participation in space endeavours. His safe return sparked celebrations in Nigeria, with many hailing him as a national hero.
“The NS-33 mission patch featured green rings symbolising Earth’s horizon and the Kármán line, reflecting humanity’s quest to push boundaries. Blue Origin’s New Shepard programme continues to advance private spaceflight, offering research opportunities and citizen astronaut experiences. With 33 successful flights, the company remains a leader in reusable rocket technology and commercial space tourism. As interest in space grows across Africa, Salis’ journey may pave the way for more Africans, ushering in a new chapter of global inclusivity in space exploration.”
THE MAN, OWOLABI SALIS
Narrations obtained from about.me, presented Owolabi Salis in the following light:
Famous Attorney Owolabi M. Salis is a philanthropist, qualified public accountant, and world traveler. He graduated from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria, where he majored in accounting and obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree. The legal and administrative faculties of Ahmadu Bello Institution are housed on the Kongo campus, a federal government research institution in Nigeria’s Kaduna State. Salis is widely recognized for his extensive philanthropic initiatives and unwavering commitment to community service. He is the visionary behind establishing the Niger Delta Peoples Development organization and consistently contributes to various crucial charitable causes. Beyond his legal profession and political consulting engagements, he finds solace and fulfillment in many hobbies and personal interests. He, an acclaimed attorney, assumes the role of managing the globally renowned law firm Salis Law, headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1992, the firm moved to the vibrant heart of New York in 2002. Situated in Brooklyn, Salis Law operates as a versatile general practice law firm, where he and his associates proficiently handle various legal matters spanning multiple specialized areas of the law. These include discrete management and the nuanced realm of private wealth management.
He obtained his Legum Baccalaureus in law from the University of Lagos in Lagos, Nigeria. Public research university The University of Lagos was established in 1962 and is regarded as one of the best institutions in the world. He is governed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, which has its main office in Washington, D.C., and is a New York State Bar Association member. Additionally, he is an American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Certified Public Accountant. He commutes between Lagos, Nigeria, and New York, United States, as a licensed barrister at law, thanks to the Nigerian Council of Legal Education. Owolabi M. Salis is also recognized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, where he received the ACA, the country’s equivalent of the chartered accountancy designation.
The Nigerian’s journey is a testimonial of bold ambition put to test and practice.
OWOLABI SALIS: AN OVERVIEW
1. He’s Nigeria’s first space traveller
In June 2025, Salis made history as the first Nigerian to travel to space. He was one of six passengers on Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission, a suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line — the recognised boundary of space.
2. A seasoned lawyer and chartered accountant
Salis is both a chartered accountant and an attorney, licensed to practise in Nigeria and the United States. His diverse professional background has given him a unique perspective on governance and social equity.
3. A familiar face in Lagos politics
For over two decades, Salis has been active in Lagos State politics. He contested the governorship multiple times under different parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003 and 2007 and the Alliance for Democracy in 2019, often championing themes of fairness and inclusion.
4. A record-breaking explorer
Beyond the courtroom and the campaign trail, Salis is an adventurer at heart. He previously became the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in the same season — a rare feat that reflects his appetite for pushing boundaries.
5. Author and advocate for equity
He is the author of Equitocracy, a book that argues for fairness and balance in democratic governance. Salis has described his space mission as a “spiritual journey” and hopes it will inspire young Africans to dream bigger — whether in politics, science, or exploration.
References: The Punch, Spaceinafrica.com and Businessday
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Boss Of The Week
Osun Speaker, Hon Adewale Egbedun, Celebrates Stylish 40
Published
1 week agoon
July 6, 2025By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo and Ruth Akpan
As a testament to the enduring impact and love the inimitable Speaker of the Osun House, Rt. Hon Adewale Olumide Egbedun, has garnered from those around him, and beyond, a heartfelt thanksgiving service and sumptuous reception were organised to celebrate his entry into the ruby age.
Consequently, the beautiful city of Osogbo became abuzz as residents and well-wishers across the country gathered to celebrate the charismatic Speaker as he clocked 40 – a milestone birthday celebrating a legacy of dedication and service.
With the background belief that his existence and achievements in life are traceable to one source, Egbedun spared no expence to return all the glory to God Almighty. He therefore, kickstarted the celebrations with a thanksgiving service.
Attended by prominent figures from Nigeria’s political and economic spheres, the day’s festivities commenced with the arrival of the charismatic celebrant at African Church, Asi, Osun State, where the thanksgiving service was held in his honour.
As the congregation rose to welcome him, the celebrant took to the podium to deliver the Read Only Lesson, showcasing his spiritual eloquence. Before sharing his reflections, he regaled the audience with his favorite hymn, filling the sanctuary with soulful harmony.
In a heartfelt and inspiring sermon, Archbishop Michael Adeyemi, a revered spiritual leader, highlighted the Speaker’s virtues, accomplishments and unwavering commitment to public service- words that visibly moved the congregation, underscoring the significance of gratitude and celebration.
Following the thanksgiving service, guests made their way to the Oasis Event Centre, Oroki Extensive, Osogbo, where a lavish reception awaited. The event kicked off with an opening prayer, setting the tone for a joyous celebration.
In commemoration of the special occasion, the celebrant received a special birthday message from the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke. The message signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor read:
“It’s hearty for me to celebrate an exceptional legislator, Rt. Hon. Olumide Adewale Egbedun, as he turns 40 years old today. While many may see the numbers, I see the lives that the numbers counted for, the contributions to our dear state that made up the numbers, and the inspiration that his life serves to many.
“From the time that the baton of leadership has been passed on to him, Rt. Hon. Egbedun has been remarkable, coordinating the House of Assembly in such a way that it aligns with our administration’s efforts to transform lives and move Osun state forward. I’m particularly impressed by the Speaker’s ability to foster cooperation and unite interests for the common good of impacting lives.
“As he turns 40 today, I want to take a moment to compliment him for his sincerity of purpose and the unwavering dedication to shaping the state’s future. It is my prayer that God grants him many more happy and rewarding years just as it is my hope that he will continue to make meaningful contributions, not just for Osun state, but Nigeria as a whole.”
Governor Adeleke recognises the Speaker’s down-to-earth nature and a remarkable sense of purpose, expressing his deep admiration for the celebrant’s ability to bring diverse perspectives together to drive the objective of moving Osun state forward.
The Governor salutes Speaker Egbedun for the remarkable leadership he has shown in the House of Assembly, fostering cooperation through dialogue, acknowledging the pivotal role that the 8th Assembly under the Speaker’s guidance has played in the monumental achievements recorded by this administration.
Also celebrating the young Speaker, the Osun Amotekun Corps, in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Idowu Abass, the Board Chairman, AIG Wale Abbas (Rtd), alongside the Corps Commander, Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, praised Egbedun for his outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to democratic values, and his continued support for the advancement of security and good governance in Osun State.
Describing the Speaker as a man of the people and a progressive legislator, the Amotekun Corps leadership commended Egbedun’s instrumental role in the swift and successful passage of the amendment to the Osun Amotekun Corps Constitution. The amendment has significantly strengthened the legal and operational framework of the Corps, thereby enabling it to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities in safeguarding lives and properties across the state.
“The Osun Amotekun Corps acknowledges with deep appreciation the leadership qualities of Rt. Hon. Egbedun, particularly his understanding of the importance of local security initiatives and his resolve to support institutions working towards the protection of our communities,” the statement read.
“As Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, his legislative insight and people-oriented approach continue to inspire a new generation of leaders across Osun State. His dedication to upholding laws that foster security, peace, and development reflects his deep commitment to the growth and welfare of our dear state.”
The Corps leadership further wished Speaker Egbedun good health, more wisdom, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead as he continues to serve the people of Osun State with passion and distinction.
Happy 40th Birthday, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun!
Everyone, including Yeyeluwa Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni, who was given an opportunity to share their thoughts about the Speaker spoke glowingly, praising his role in good leadership, dedication and steadfast commitment to public service.
The highlight of the evening was the cake-cutting ceremony supervised by the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
Anchored by Olalekan Fabilola (Masoyinbo), the evening was filled with laughter, music and merriment as guests were treated to a sumptuous spread of delectable cuisines and refreshing drinks.
The atmosphere was electric as the duo of renowned artists Dr. Yinka Ayefele and SB Live took to the stage to deliver captivating performances with their infectious rhythms and melodies.
In response, Hon Adewale Egbedun expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers for making his 40th birthday a memorable occasion.
Hon Egbedun was born on June 29, 1985, becoming the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly at the age of 38 in June 2023.
He had stated in his acceptance speech that the 8th assembly would prioritize workers welfare and citizens lives, improve infrastructure…
A thoroughbred individual, Hon Egbedun deserves all his flowers as he waddle through the ruby ages.
Congratulations sir!
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Boss Of The Week
Woman of Steel: Kemi Koyejo Redefines Auto Business in Nigeria
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 23, 2025By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
“More than just selling cars, we are offering a complete ownership experience; Competitive pricing and flexible financing solutions; Comprehensive after-sales care; Certified pre-owned options; Expert maintenance and repairs; Customization and accessories tailored to your taste.
“But we are not stopping there. At the heart of New Era is a commitment to sustainability. We believe the future of mobility must be environmentally responsible. That’s why our lineup features a growing range of hybrid and electric vehicles, reducing emissions and moving us toward a greener tomorrow.
“We are also passionate about creating an inclusive and empowering environment. Today, I proudly celebrate our Auto Amazons — bold, brilliant women who are thriving in a space long dominated by men. You are trailblazers, and you deserve every accolade. At New Era, diversity and equity are not just values — they are guiding principles.
“Our team undergoes continuous training to deliver world-class service to every customer, regardless of gender, background, or status. Because here, every client matters, and every voice is heard.
“I would also like to express my deep gratitude to: Our principal, Jetour Mobility Services Nigeria Limited, for their vision and trust. My partner, Mr. Raf Abanum, for his steadfast support. And most importantly, our incredible staff, the backbone of this dream turned reality.
“To our future customers: We are here for you — to deliver not just vehicles, but memorable experiences, built on trust, quality, and excellence.
As we step boldly into this new chapter, I invite you all to join us — to drive with us into a future of innovation, sustainability, and shared success.”
Those were the power-packed words of the Chief Executive Officer as JETOUR begins a journey of Refining auto marketing in Nigeria.
With each impressive step, auto expert and entrepreneur, Mrs Oluwakemi Koyejo, known as Kemi by all and sundry, has continued to prove that ‘impossible’ is just another word not worthy of a second consideration. She has consistently broken barriers after barriers, placing herself top on the automobile ecosystem.
With a combination of stringent dedication, focus and commitment to her job description, she has successfully brought JETOUR cars to Nigeria under her New Era Automobile Services Limited.
This feat is in response of Nigeria’s quest for technologically advanced, affordable, and durable vehicles.
The special unveiling, performed under the supervision of the Chairman of Elizade Motors, owners of the Toyota franchise in Nigeria, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, who urged motor lovers to take advantage of the ruggedness and state-of-the-art facilities of the automotive, held at the company’s showroom at Lekki, Lagos, marking the debut of Nigeria’s first exclusive Jetour showroom in Lekki, Lagos State.
Speaking at the event that had all the trappingsof colourful, with close friends and family members including colleagues and stakeholders in the motoring sector, in attendance, the chairman of the event, who was privileged to perform the unveiling, Choef Ade-Ojo commended the dexterity, candour and never-say-never attitude of Koyejo and her team, stressing that the JETOUR brand is topnotch, and that its models aligns perfectly with the rugged terrain and challenging climatic conditions of the Nigerian roads and environments
He noted that “Jetour is not just a stylish automobile; it’s a durable companion built to meet Nigeria’s peculiar demands. It is encouraging to see an initiative that prioritises innovation, reliability, and a future-forward approach.”
In her welcome address, Mrs Koyejo, who sits atop the budding automotive company as the Managing Director, described the launch as more than just a business milestone, saying it is a commencement of a new vista in not only mobility in state-of-the-art car, but a wholesome customer satisfaction experience within Nigeria and other countries that would be connected.
“Today marks more than the opening of a showroom; it is the beginning of a bold journey to redefine automotive excellence in Nigeria.
“We are proud to unveil the first exclusive JETOUR dealership in the country, bringing world-class technology, luxury SUVs, rugged off-roaders, and innovative electric vehicles closer to the Nigerian market,” she said.
She emphasized that the facility would not only provide real-time access to Jetour vehicles but also serve as a hub for after-sales services, competitive pricing, flexible financing, and certified pre-owned options.
Koyejo also highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability, revealing that New Era’s product portfolio includes an expanding line of hybrid and electric vehicles aimed at reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a greener environment.
She extended appreciation to Jetour Mobility Services Nigeria Limited for its support, and to her business partner, Mr. Raf Abanum, for his unwavering encouragement.
A major highlight of the unveiling was a tour of the new showroom, showcasing JETOUR’S ’s versatile range of vehicles, from luxury designs to adventure-ready models.
The facility is expected to enhance the brand’s visibility and responsiveness to consumer needs in Nigeria’s highly competitive auto market.
Kemi Koyejo, a quintessential automotive has just taken a bold step towards redefining the Nigerian automotive landscape, and stakeholders, industry watchers as well as the general public, have said the sky is the limit in this human oriented endeavour.
Photos: Ken Ehimen
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