HighLife With KAYODE ALFRED

Citizen of Humanity: Mike Adenuga to Reconstruct Otta-Idiroko Highway

Billionaire mogul, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. is prepared to undertake the reconstruction of the dilapidated Otta-Idi-Iroko International Highway subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun revealed this last Wednesday when he led the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, on an inspection of the ongoing construction of Toll Plaza at Lotto area along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Just as the state partnership with the likes of Alhaji Aliko Dangote who also is using his tax credit to build the Sagamu Interchange to Papalanto Road, the State has engaged with Dr. Adenuga who has graciously accepted that he was going to use his tax credit to fund the construction of the road; but that has to go through a process for him to fund the road.
He explained that federal government must accept his (Adenuga) design, valuation and a lot of things have to go to the Federal Executive Council.

“On the Otta-Idiroko road like the Minister, Fashola has shared with us, that road is not under contract, but graciously, we spoke to Otunba Mike Adenuga. This has never happened before this government came on board. These people have been in Nigeria and they’ve not partnered the state or federal government before. We must be doing something right to make Dangote to decide to use his tax credit to construct two major roads. Papalanto is almost N70 billion and also the Epe-Ijebu-Ode road going through Odogbolu road, it is another road he has accepted to do,” Governor Abiodun stated. The governor also announced that the people of Sango-Ota and its environs would soon heave a sigh of relief as palliative works will soon commence on the bad portions of the Lagos-Ota and Ota-Idiroko roads, and to be concluded by December. He stated that the palliative which would be done by December, is to reduce the hardship being experienced by commuters along the roads. Adenuga is a force of nature. A towering force of hope and entrepreneurial depth, indeed, very few men can knead the tripartite traits of genius, modesty and character into that moral and human centaur that remains unattainable to generations of tycoons and the multi billionaires like Adenuga, the entrepreneur extraordinaire. The Globacom Chairman achieves this with unequalled grace.

A-listers Anticipate Dele Momodu’s High-Octane Installation Ceremony

Who cries glad tidings for the town crier? Who stands in the village square and announces that the most prominent man of information is now the centre of the latest news in town? Who but the people who have benefitted from the town crier’s career and craft? This is exactly how it is with socialites and the family of super journalist, boss and Publisher of Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu (alias Bob Dee), especially now that the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has decided to confer an honorary chieftaincy title on Bob Dee.

The news has begun to make global rounds about Oba Akanbi’s decision to honour Momodu with a chieftaincy title. Recognising Momodu’s unrivalled value in global journalism and his impact on the gradual shaping up of the Nigerian society, Oba Akanbi’s decision has been met with many cheers from all around the world.

According to the news, come October 2, 2021, the friends and allies of Momodu will be gathering at Oluwo’s Palace to witness the conferment. Naturally, the fact that it is a paired conferment (with Momodu and wife becoming Aare Tayese of Iwoland and Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwoland, respectively) indicates that there is likely to be a deluge of the elite, including those that have been reclusive since the last change of government. But such is the span and depth of Momodu’s influence, not to mention his great love for the country.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) has refused to stand back and let only the monarch of Iwoland approve of Momodu’s good works. Thus, the Institute also recently named the Ovation boss an Associate Fellow, stating that his qualification for the status derived from his peerless contributions as a journalist, politician and advocate for a fair society.

In fact, Momodu’s celebrations are likely to overshadow the country’s Independence commemoration. Were it not that the man is patriotic, all of October would be dedicated to him. This is always the case with men of honour.

Mixed Feelings for Governor Ganduje

Russian writer Leo Tolstoy said that happy families are all alike, but every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. In Nigerian lingo, there is a fascinating Super Story in every home: some are complete and clear, but some are confounding and disconcerting. It would seem that the Super Story of the family of Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, belongs to the latter category.

Folks are rushing en masse to read and comment on the story of the alleged rift in the Ganduje household. According to the news, the son of the Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has reported his mother, Hafsat Ganduje, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This alleged case of an inverted Oedipal complex has money, lands and feelings of having been dwindled underlying it.

Based on the explanations to people who are closer to the source, Abdulazeez had been approached some time ago by an individual (or group of individuals) who were interested in using his influence as the son of the Kano State Governor to secure some plots of land in choice areas in the State. The plots supposedly cost several hundred thousand US dollars, but these folks were interested enough to pay the said amount. Furthermore, it is alleged that these folks were willing to part with N35 million which they would hand over to Abdulazeez as commission for his good work. Said deal was signed and seal and monies changed hands. Being a good son, the story continues, Abdulazeez handed over the money to his mother, the First Lady. However, three months after this delivery, the land buyers discovered that the plots of land had been sold to other individuals and reasonably asked to be refunded. However, neither the money nor Madam Hafsat is forthcoming, even though Abdulazeez has reportedly been pestering her.

Faced with no other choice, Abdulazeez went to the EFCC to report that his mother had swindled him. But, even after requesting her presence, Madam Hafsat has reportedly refused to appear before the anti-graft agency. Thus, folks are wondering whether to feel sorry for Governor Ganduje or bump fists that the family is in the eye of the storm.
Meanwhile, the man and wife in question are currently in a celebratory mood as another son of theirs, Muhammad, graduates from the renowned Regent’s University, London. In response to this news, the mixed feelings for Governor Ganduje only continue to deepen.

Calm Down, Gbajabiamila is Not Contesting for Lagos Governorship

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has hit the nail on the head regarding the news making the rounds that he intends to contest against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the 2023 Lagos State gubernatorial elections. In the process of unchecking all the boxes that rumours and false allegations have constructed for him, Gbajabiamila also did something that more and more influential people are going to do in the coming days: pick a side and endorse a candidate.

Gbajabiamila has always been the kind of individual whose private affairs are no more immaculate than his public doings. A forthright fellow, Gbajabiamila does not hesitate to speak his mind. This has come in handy in many situations. Recently, it was in his brisk debunking of the rumours that he has it in mind to compete with Governor Sanwo-Olu for Lagos State top office in 2023.

Recall that it was not so long ago that it was first reported that Gbajabiamila had his eyes trained on the Lagos governorship seat. News bearers insisted that Gbajabiamila had begun making underground moves to unseat Sanwo-Olu, come 2023, even at the risk of falling out of sync with the rest of the All Progressives Congress (APC). But these rumours are nothing but smoke and shadows.

According to Gbajabiamila, he has no immediate plans to seek the Lagos State gubernatorial mantle. He gave two very clear reasons for this fact: one, that his function as Speaker of the House of Representatives is no less significant, taxing or indispensable; two, that the current governor is doing a good job. It is rare to see an independent and brilliant public officer openly praising the work of his colleague from whom he receives no brown envelope, but that is Gbajabiamila.

In his attempt to defend himself against the rusty colouring brush of rumour mongering and artificial allegations, Gbajabiamila has essentially endorsed Sanwo-Olu for the 2023-2027 gubernatorial journey. It must be said that this is a big boost for Sanwo-Olu: the fewer the odds stacked against him, the better. Thanks to Gbajabiamila’s timely intervention, intended or otherwise, Sanwo-Olu stands a greater chance of a second term.

Between Rotimi Akeredolu and Gbenga Elegbeleye

It is a fact that above all the elements of Nigerian politics, intimidating campaigns and accusatory press conferences, the will of the people is the ultimate sceptre of power. In Ondo State, there is an indication that this sceptre will soon see the light of day with respect to Senate representation. This is all the more important considering that the man who is the focus of this will of the people has exhibited the highest levels of loyalty to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, another individual that is the pride and joy of his people.

Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye is currently under pressure to join for the next available Senatorial contest in Ondo State. As a man of the people, Elegbeleye’s intention is evidently not to feed the seemingly bottomless pit of political ambition, but to serve his people in whatever capacity they deem him fit. And they deem him fit in a Senatorial capacity.

What stands Elegbeleye out, above everything else, is a solid relationship with the Governor of the state, Akeredolu. There are about half of a handful of people who are as loyal to the Governor as Elegbeleye. One could even say that the current status of Akeredolu came about as an aftereffect of the blood, sweat and tears of loyal individuals like Elegbeleye who paved the way, going so far as to leave one prominent political party for another. Today, Elegbeleye is a notable chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but still a very loyal member of Akeredolu’s inner circle.

It is interesting that the Ondo people’s reason for encouraging Elegbeleye to take up the charge and vie for the senatorial has very little to do with the man’s background. Rather, folks look to his accomplishments as the former DG of Sports, member of the House of Representatives, Chairman of Ondo State Waste Management Authority, and Local Government Chairman.

This is one man that has run the whole length and remains loyal to his friends. Surely, he will be loyal to his people.

Adesola Adeduntan’s Great Work as First Bank Bags Another Honour

One can only conclude that regardless of weather conditions, eagles will be eagles and bantams will be bantams. This is the case with Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, the MD/CEO of First Bank Nigeria. After what is now described as one of the darkest coups in Nigeria’s corporate history, the stardom of the man has continued to amaze and astound, especially considering his many good works.

Global Finance, a corporate entity that is renowned for its grasp and supervision of the financial industry, international business and global economy, has bestowed the award of Private Bank of the Year 2021 to Adeduntan’s First Bank of Nigeria Limited. According to Global Finance, the award is predicated on the fact that First Bank makes a habit of exceeding expectations, especially with respect to customer satisfaction, service delivery and quality and visionary leadership.

This is the second acknowledgement of Adeduntan’s peerless contribution to the growth and prestige of the bank in the last two months. Few weeks ago, Adeduntan was again smiling widely as Global Banking and Finance magazine recognised First Bank in three dimensions: hailing Adeduntan himself as Retail Banking CEO of the Year 2021 in Nigeria; hailing the bank’s mobile app as the ‘Most innovative Retail Banking App Nigeria’; and dubbing the bank the ‘Best CSR Bank Nigeria’. It appears as if Adeduntan has left his peers in the dust—and he has.

It should be recalled that this Adeduntan who is doing a fine job as First Bank MD/CEO was almost ousted from his position a few months ago. According to reports, the attempt of the board of directors was motivated by the fact that they considered Adeduntan as no longer useful or suitable for the MD/CEO position. Had the coup, as it is now reported, not been interrupted and aborted by Governor Godwin Emefiele of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), First Bank may not be the focus of so many admiring and envious gazes and reflections.
These are truly the best times for Adeduntan, and even better times for First Bank.

TV Queen Extraordinaire, Mo Abudu Celebrates 57 Birthday with the Opening of Jinja Restaurant

Be a person of the people and only the best things in life will come to you. This is the kind of wisdom that was likely taught to Mosunmola Abudu (Mo Abudu, for short) when she was still a little girl with caramel skin in West London. Now that she is 57, a renowned businesswoman and celebrated philanthropist with a hegemonic grasp of media in Nigeria, that wisdom has come to bear. With such a momentum, it is not altogether surprising that Abudu would start off a new chain of business upon clocking 57.

To say that several mighty individuals showed up for Abudu’s 57th birthday is to state matters too lightly. That birthday bash of September 11, 2021 will be remembered for a long time for more than one reason: the high-society personalities that were on ground to celebrate and celebrate with Abudu, and the new restaurant in Lagos that bears her marks.
Among the dignitaries that graced the event are paragons of politics like Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. Media personalities included artists like Dbanj (and his wife) and Dare Art Alade, alongside Nollywood icons like Toyin Abraham, Uche Jombo, Ini Edo, Eniola Badmus, Lilian Afegbai, and many more.

The highlight of the party, however, was the opening of Abudu’s Jinja Restaurant. Situated in Victoria Island, Lagos, the Restaurant is underlain with Oriental concepts, truly an Asian-fusion place. In other words, folks will have meals of Japanese, Chinese and Thai origin close enough to savour and swallow. Moreover, the interior designs of the place renders that natural away-from-home feeling.

For one who has dominated media in Nigeria with her EbonyLife concepts, the new Jinja Restaurant is sure to appeal to as many as Abudu intends to impress and convert to the flavour of Asian-Nigerian dining and enjoyment.
And that’s how the media panther tipped her cap on her 57th birthday.

Tajudeen Adefisoye: Raising the Bar of Legislation

These are really the best of times for the people of Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, Ondo State. It now appears as if their champion in the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Adeyemi Adefisoye, wants to deliver and distribute Christmas packages and bonuses for them every month. As folks have determined and declared, this is what it means to stand in for one’s people. This is what legislation is all about.

A few weeks ago, Hon. Adefisoye won a new round of approval and applause from his people at Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency. This he unintentionally accomplished when he dispensed community grants to assist the people in their respective businesses and raise their economic statuses a little. Now, Adefisoye has devised a new means to gladden their hearts even further.

According to findings, Adefisoye’s new ‘Christmas bonus’ is coming in the form of a bursary and scholarship scheme. With Adefisoye at the bottom of it, the Scheme is targeted at students of tertiary institutions. Moreover, the first rollout is expected to reach 500 of such students in one go, all of whom will be getting sizable sums to support and further their education.

Never the layabout, Adefisoye is ever thinking of ways to improve the people of Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, especially with regards to youth empowerment. So far, the constituency stands out as one with an active champion with more momentum than some State Governors can squeeze out. But Adefisoye is peerless in his own right.

It is still noteworthy that Hon. Adefisoye, a member of the House of Representatives that won his election through Social Democratic Party (SDP) and later decamped to the ruling party. He also happens to be the youngest member of the lower chamber of Nigeria’s House of Assembly. So, one would expect so many things to go wrong. But no, Adefisoye is still doing wonders for his people.

Adefisoye really is what legislation is about: to cheer and champion the cause of the people without fear or favour.

How Aisha Babangida Makes WEnA the Biggest Women Alliance Organisation

When Nigerian women like Erelu Aisha Babangida rub shoulders with their peers in far more colourful climes, it is because they stand for something. With Babangida, it is all about women empowerment in any and every form. With much devotion and commitment comes an immeasurable degree of success and fulfilment. This is traceable in the life and accomplishments of Babangida, especially with her Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA).

WenA has become a standard bearer for the promotion of women’s rights and privileges. The organisation does not recognise such factors of erudite education or a supreme political background. All of these are put to good use in helping women be the best they can be without bending to the unfair dictation of an illiterate society.

All that WenA is what Babangida has made it: all encompassing, flexible, active, and relevant to Nigerian and African women everywhere. Thanks to her tireless efforts and continued attempts to see women like and unlike her rely on themselves and help others, WenA is gradually reaching out to places never before explored.

One could argue that in terms of women alliance and empowerment, WenA tops the list of nonprofit organisations. In Babangida’s bid to push women to the frontier in business, administration and social life, she even partners with financial institutions. Through this means, WenA is like a massive city with blocks that meet every need of the Nigerian and African women. It is in this spirit that Babangida founded Egwafin Microfinance Bank in 2016 and continues to help cooperatives and small business owners gain access to credit facilities.

It was the Prime First Lady, Maryam Babangida that first dreamt elaborately of bringing Nigerian and African women to the financial, administrative and social roundtable. Through WenA, her daughter is bringing that dream to life.

Encomiums as Okonjo-Iweala Made Latest List of Time’s 100 Most Influential People

Nobody knows who the first Nigerian or African is. But to have someone like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as one of their descendants indicates that they had to have been awesome. After all, there is no better way to describe the lady and her intellectual and influential luminosity. Now that she has been named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People, encomiums are pouring in from every corner of the civilised world.

Time Magazine recently released their long-awaited list of the 100 Most Influential People on the planet. Given that the list generally includes folks whose every wave of hand commands some part of the world, it was not altogether surprising to find Okonjo-Iweala there. As the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO) as Director-General, Okonjo-Iweala’s position is as unshakeable as the imagination. And so is her position in the hearts of Nigerians.

It was not strange, therefore, that Okonjo-Iweala has become the cynosure of encomium and accolades. From the bottom of the Nigerian society to the top of the administrative ladder, Okonjo-Iweala is still receiving the kind of praise and adulation that comes with birthing a messianic figure. In a way, perhaps that is exactly what Okonjo-Iweala represents to Nigerians.

We cannot forget how the world grinded to a halt on February 15, 2021, when the WTO General Council unanimously agreed to assign Okonjo-Iweala the role of the organisation’s seventh DG. She was—and still remains—a woman of dark colouring and kinky hair. So it was evident that no special favour was being done to her. But through sheer diligence, a brilliant career profile and allies in every high chair of the world that recognised her value, Okonjo-Iweala came on top.

Whatever she is today, one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People, or DG of WTO, Okonjo-Iweala will always be Nigeria’s own first and foremost. Moreover, even though she is the only Nigerian included in the list, her position and merits are more than enough to bear the pride of all Nigerian—nay, African—men and women.