Society Watch With Adebayo Adeoyde

Elizabeth Jackrich: An Embodiment of Nigeria’s Next Generation

At the very young age of 28, Elizabeth Jackrich has become an embodiment of Nigeria’s next generation of leadership. An epitome of brains and beauty, she has shown that she is endowed with the proverbial Midas touch, as anything she touches turns into gold.

Though she is married to a billionaire and is also very liquid in her own rights and efforts, she has refused to relax in her comfort zone; rather, she has been hitting for the sky and ready to conquer her world. Her story in the aviation business is well documented, as she is gradually establishing her mark on the sands of time in the country with her ELIN Group.

Recently, she joined other women across the world as a panelist at the fourth edition of African Renaissance and Diaspora Network Visual Summit. She was obviously glad to have represented women as well as the girl child.

It was gathered that she did not disappoint, as she wowed many with her intelligence and articulation, which has continuously wormed her into the hearts of many of her admirers.
Jack-Rich’s success has made her one of the most highly regarded business leaders in Nigeria and beyond. She loves to give back to others, so they can benefit from the same opportunities she has enjoyed.

Today, her group’s investment portfolio spreads across West Africa and the United States. Interestingly, her core operating values are integrity, mutual respect, customer service, innovation and safety.

As the founder and CEO of Elin Group, Elizabeth, a graduate of the University of Applied Science and Management, Porto-Novo, Benin Republic, has invigorated Nigeria’s economy and helped its most vulnerable citizens. Today, the entrepreneur and philanthropist is driving inclusive capitalism through multiple acts of charity and mentorship.

Nigeria’s First Female Army General
Aderonke Kale, Launches Book

Anyone who has heard about the book launch in honour of Major Gen. Aderonke Kale (rtd), Nigeria’s first-ever female general would certainly agree that it was a great honour done to her on that memorable evening. The high-octane event, which was held inside the prestigious Agip Recital Hall, The Muson Centre, Lagos, was graced by top military brass led by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

The book, an anthology of tributes written by a revered Professor of Oral History, Prof. Bolanle Awe, celebrates the impressive track records of the woman, who is also the Corps Commander of the Nigeria Army.

In his remarks, Obasanjo, who was the Chairman of the occasion, extolled Kale’s virtues, saying: “Today, we are celebrating somebody who is worthy of being celebrated. I must say that our society, especially the institution called the Nigeria Army, is a male-dominated and chauvinistic environment.

“But Gen. Kale did not get laid back because she is a woman. She stood the test of time, competed, fought and remained resolute until she got to the top. I think that, in itself, is a great commendation.”
The chief launcher, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), was ably represented by a former Oyo and Ogun States’ military governor, Maj.-Gen. Oladayo Popoola. The book was reviewed by popular economic policy expert, activist and erstwhile Education Minister, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili.

Businessman Ayabanma Ikeanumba’s Philanthropy

Ayabanma Ikeanumba, a successful businessman, understands the importance of entrepreneurship and being financially independent. This probably motivated him to launch Ikeanumba Africa, an entrepreneurship-driven magazine to support operators of micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) in the country. The magazine is rich with several surveys and researches conducted by him and his group.

Ikeanumba, a philanthropist to boot, has set aside N10 million annually to fund clusters with a vision to impact lives and develop solutions to the challenges facing small businesses in accessing finance. The new product, however, comes with a contest for 10 beneficiaries.
He explained that the importance of the N1 million scheme for 10 business owners is to make an impact, ensuring that they remain in business for a long period without being liquidated or run out of operation.

According to him, “The support project tagged the Partner 2021 is basically for the startups. We have a team that is handling that. We will evaluate your business before giving you such support. The entrepreneur could be a Mama Put out there.
“Our focus is on the growth of the business. Our group has set aside N10 million yearly to meet the urgent needs of existing and potential businesswomen and men in the SMEs space. This is not a loan; it is just mere support which comes with a contest for 10 entrepreneurs.”

Also speaking at the forum, the editor of the magazine, Abengowe, stressed the need for the scheme, noting that “to contest for the support, you are required to make a yearly subscription for the magazine with N30,000 and have a business plan with a minimum of three employees.”
He added that any contestant who meets the criteria could be one of the successful entrepreneurs at the end of 2021.

Top Hospitality Business Owner, Tony Ojo, Rebrands

Top hospitality business owner, Tony Ojo, has rebranded his upscale rendezvous, Unique Gentlemen’s Club. Unique is Nigeria’s first licensed gentlemen’s club and has remained a force to reckon with in the hospitality business for decades.
The success of the Lagos-based club can be attributed to the experience and business acumen of the owner, Ojo, who has travelled far and wide.
As Yuletide approaches, the Edo State-born socialite has rebranded the club to give maximum satisfaction to its clientele.

According to Ojo, “considering the security situation of the country, we have liaised with relevant security agencies to ensure that all our customers are safe.”
He disclosed that the club had also introduced a lot of entertaining packages that would make any night crawler yearn for more.
“What we have here right now is a replica of any standard gentlemen’s club in Europe and America, and we keep upgrading. In addition, we have secured the services of a new experienced and professional management team. Everything is right on point from the hotel to the restaurant and bar, while we adhere strictly to all COVID-19 protocols,” he added.

Top Property Merchant, Dr. Becky Olubukola’s Milk of Kindness

As a businesswoman, she has done so well for herself to the admiration of many who look up to her. For years, the Group Managing Director of BSTAN Group, Dr. Becky Olubukola, has organically and strategically nurtured her chains of businesses, especially her real estate firm, BSTAN Homes, to become one of the key players in the sector
Also, as a philanthropist, she has tried to amplify her famed legacy of benevolence and generosity, as she always makes conscious efforts to put smiles on the faces of the hoi polloi in the society.

Certainly, she believes in the age-long saying that ‘’Wealth is nothing if it cannot be used for the advancement of society and mankind.”
The Abuja-based real estate giant is recognised as someone whose love for fellow human beings beggars description. In line with her wonted fellow-feeling and abiding commitment to giving back to the society that has given her fame, the Erelu Atunluse of Erinmoland, through her foundation, Pricaso Care Foundation, has empowered some less-privileged children in Nigeria, given scholarships to indigent students, and shared food items to widows, regardless of their cultural and religious affiliations.

The light-skinned property merchant, last week, gave plots of lands worth N10m each to students who emerged winners in the Bstan Legacy Quest Inter-School competition.
Ifeoluwa Adeleye from Lead British International School, Abuja won in the junior category, while Chinelo Nnamdi Kanu of Nigerian Turkish International College, Abuja won in the senior category. The certificates of the land were issued to the winners at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, venue of the just-concluded National House Fair 5.0.

The event was graced by top eminent personalities, including the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by Yemi Ipaye, Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uche Sampson Ogah; Senator Grace Bent, billionaire businesswoman, Hajia Bola Shagaya, renowned architect, Princess Fifi Ejindu and former AMCON Chairman, Dr. Muiz Banire, among several others.
The Abuja-based property developer is highly rated and has since been one of the biggest in the country with many estates to her credit.