Personality in Focus
Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing: Celebrating a Beacon of Philanthropy, Community Development at 50
It’s that time of the year again; the 2nd of April, which holds a profound significance for Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, the esteemed Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties. This year, it marks a momentous milestone: his 50th birthday—a celebration of half a century filled with rich experiences and impactful contributions. In stark contrast to the jubilant celebrations of his 40th birthday, which saw the streets of Lagos alive with revelry, Aare Adetola has chosen a path of humility and gratitude to observe this occasion. He plans to reflect quietly on his journey and offer heartfelt thanks to his creator for the many blessings he has received.
His life story is truly remarkable. The inspiration for his thriving real estate business was born during a particularly challenging period—while he was recuperating in a hospital. It was then that he envisioned a venture that would transform the housing landscape in Nigeria and beyond. Today, that vision has flourished into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate, and Aare has dedicated himself to providing affordable housing solutions. His work has significantly impacted the lives of countless individuals, turning the once homeless into proud homeowners. His innovative approaches have not only disrupted traditional real estate practices but have also inspired many others in the industry to explore similar pathways.
Aare Adetola remains profoundly grateful to his creator for enabling him to turn his lofty dreams into reality. He has focused his efforts on addressing the pressing issue of housing in Nigeria, crafting affordable home plans that have set a standard many in the industry have sought to emulate. As a trailblazer in the real estate sector, he has become known as the Otun Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Remo land. Yet, he eschews lavish displays of wealth and grandeur. Rather than inviting praise from his admirers through elaborate festivities, he has instructed friends and associates to express gratitude on his behalf and to redirect their gifts toward charitable endeavors. This philosophy represents what he views as one of the greatest gifts he could receive for his birthday—bringing joy to those in need.
An embodiment of generosity and selflessness, Aare Adetola has intentionally opted against the extravagant celebrations common among billionaires. Instead, he encourages his community to focus their resources on philanthropy during this special time. For him, the opportunity to support and uplift the less fortunate embodies the true spirit of celebration.
In honor of his 50th birthday, Aare has planned a personal prayer service dedicated to him and his family, which will serve as a moment for reaffirming his commitment to a life devoted to serving God. His gratitude is especially poignant, given the challenges he has overcome. Adversity has met resilience on his journey, and he continuously witnesses the favor and protection of his creator, which empowers him to thrive despite life’s many obstacles.
Moving beyond personal reflection, Aare Adetola is also initiating plans for widespread communal betterment across Nigeria. He aims to donate substantial infrastructure improvements to underserved communities, making tangible contributions to enhance residents’ lives in significant ways. His commitment is symbolized by his pledge to commission 50 impactful projects nationwide, each representing a part of his dedication to fostering positive change and supporting community development.
While he does have plans for a well-deserved retreat with his family beyond Nigeria’s borders, Aare remains grounded in his values and commitment to his community. As his 50th birthday unfolds, many are gathering to honor him in various ways, a testament to the profound influence he has had on their lives and the societal landscape.
In line with the wisdom of renowned playwright Professor Femi Osofisan, who insightfully noted that birthdays are not merely for the deceased, Aare truly appreciates the significance of this milestone, especially within a society where the average life expectancy is less than 50 years. Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King stands as a beacon of humility, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.
Ultimately, as part of his ongoing legacy, Aare has made it clear that his 50th birthday celebration will revolve around positive societal contributions. Instead of indulging in extravagant expenditures for personal enjoyment, he prioritizes investments that will uplift communities across Nigeria. He is determined to ensure that his milestone is marked by meaningful contributions rather than mere indulgence, reaffirming his role as both a property magnate and a dedicated servant to his country and its people.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has died. He was aged 90.
Oba Olakulehin, who ascended the throne in July 2024, died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, after spending a year on the throne, and two days after his 90th birthday
Oba Olakulehin received the staff of office from Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne from the chieftancy rung of Balogun Olubadan, following the demise of Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who died at the age of 81 years on March 14, 2024.
Personality in Focus
Things Fall Apart Festival 2025: Chimamanda Adichie Calls for Igbo Unity, Honoured by ATPN
Global literary icon, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has been inducted as an Honorary Fellow of theAssociation of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), in recognition of her remarkable contributions to promoting Nigeria’s cultural identity through literature. Her works, which have earned worldwide acclaim, continue to project Nigerian—and particularly Igbo—culture on the global stage.
The honorary induction took place during the Things Fall Apart Festival (TFA) 2025, held in Enugu and organized by the Centre for Memories – Ncheta Ndigbo, with endorsement from the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the ATPN, and in partnership with iTour Africa. The festival is a celebration of the legacy of Chinua Achebe’s timeless novel, Things Fall Apart.
Adichie, who chaired the festival, delivered a stirring address that emphasized the urgent need for unity and cultural pride among the Igbo people. Also present at the event were several dignitaries including Sir Ike Chioke, Managing Director of Afrinvest; Sir Emeka Mba, former DG of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission and founder of Afia TV; and celebrated actor Chief Nkem Owoh (Osuofia).
Speaking on behalf of ATPN National President Omo-Oba Adetunji Femi Fadina, the association’s Deputy President II, Wilson Uche Ugwu, emphasized the vital role of cultural identity in tourism development. He urged Nigerians—especially the Igbo—to take pride in their heritage and support initiatives that preserve and promote indigenous culture. Ugwu also reaffirmed ATPN’s commitment to professionalism among tourism practitioners and the need to avoid distorting Nigeria’s rich history and traditions.
In her keynote speech, Chimamanda Adichie made a powerful call for internal reflection and unity within the Igbo community:
“Ndigbo k’anyi tetalu n’ura. Let us wake up. Ife emebigo n’ala Igbo. Things have fallen apart in Igbo land,” she said. “We often speak of political marginalisation, and indeed any honest assessment of post-war Nigerian history acknowledges that. But before we can truly challenge external forces, we must first ‘clean house.’ We are giving those who want to marginalise us even more reasons to justify their actions.”
She stressed that unity does not mean uniformity but a conscious choice to collaborate for a greater goal despite differences.
“If all governors and senators from the Igbo-speaking states come together and set aside party affiliations, it would bestow a significant bargaining power to influence policies beneficial to the region.”
Adichie also delved into the erosion of Igbo language and identity, lamenting the decline of Igbo literature and the increasing pride in raising children who do not speak their native tongue.
“Languages are beautiful, and the more languages a child can speak, the better. But what’s happening in Igbo land is not about the ability to learn languages—it is about the lack of value for what is ours. Even our naming culture is eroding. We now give names not for their meaning, but for how ‘Western’ they sound.”
She drew parallels with the Germanic tribes, who despite having multiple dialects, united to form a modern German state. In contrast, she warned that internal divisions within Igbo society, often rooted in political rather than cultural identities, are weakening the community.
“Igbo is Igbo. Nobody is more Igbo than another. The distinctions we make today—‘Anambra Igbo,’ ‘Delta Igbo’—are political, not cultural. Our strength lies in our unity.”
The Things Fall Apart Festival 2025 served not only as a celebration of Achebe’s literary genius but also as a rallying point for cultural rebirth and communal introspection. It was a fitting occasion to honour Chimamanda Adichie, a torchbearer of African storytelling and cultural preservation.
Famous American televangelist, Jimmy Swaggart, has died at the age of 90.
Jimmy Swaggart’s death was announced on his Facebook page on Tuesday.
He reportedly died two weeks after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Louisiana home on June 15 2025.
The once most recognized Pentecostal preacher in the United States, was brought down in the late 1980s by sex scandals.
The pastor of the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, was reportedly caught on camera in 1988 with a prostitute in New Orleans.
Jimmy Swaggart was embroiled in a prostitution controversy in 1988 after he accused Marvin Gorman, his fellow preacher, of infidelity.
In retaliation, Gorman hired a private investigator who caught Swaggart with a prostitute.
The development triggered a national scandal, prompting him to temporarily step down from preaching.
Addressing the incident during a tearful sermon in 1988, Jimmy Swaggart apologized to his parishioners.
“I have sinned against you. I beg you to forgive me”, he said.
After the scandal, he, however, continued preaching for decades, but with a reduced audience.
