Personality in Focus
Aare Adetola, Wife Bag PCRC’s Golden Grand Patron, Patroness Honours
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has decorated Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Chairman/CEO of Adron Homes, and his wife, Yeye Aderonke Emmanuelking, as the Golden Grand National Patron and Grand National Matron for women and youth committees of PCRC in Nigeria and diaspora.
This prestigious honour was bestowed upon the duo during the PCRC’s 40th anniversary celebration, held in Lagos.
The ceremony, which took place in Lagos, was attended by National PCRC chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim-Olaniyan and other members of the committee, dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the Nigerian Police Force. The PCRC’s decision to honor the Emmanuelkings highlights their unwavering commitment to community development and their substantial support for initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and fostering cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
In his acceptance speech, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking expressed his profound gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This honor is not just for me and my wife but for every Nigerian who believes in the power of community and the importance of working together with our police force to create a safer and more harmonious society.”
In her reaction to the honor, Yeye Aderonke Emmanuelking emphasized the role of women and families in fostering community spirit and resilience. She noted, “Our communities thrive when we all play our part. As National Grand Patrons, we are committed to promoting initiatives that bring the police and the people closer together, ensuring mutual trust and cooperation.”
It will be recalled that the PCRC, established in 1984, by the then IGP, Etim Inyang has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the Nigerian Police Force and local communities. Over the past four decades, the committee has launched numerous programs aimed at improving communication, trust, and mutual respect. This 40th-anniversary celebration not only commemorated the PCRC’s achievements but also set the stage for future endeavors to strengthen community policing.
The National PCRC chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim-Olaniyan, praised the Emmanuelkings for their exceptional support and dedication. He remarked, “The Emmanuelkings have shown exemplary commitment to the ideals of the PCRC. Their leadership and philanthropic efforts have significantly contributed to the enhancement of community policing in Nigeria. Their new roles as National Grand Patrons will undoubtedly inspire further progress in our collective efforts to maintain peace and security.”
The chairman further stated that the decoration of Aare Adetola Emmanuelking and Yeye Aderonke Emmanuelking as National Grand Patrons stands as a testament to the power of community partnership and the enduring impact of dedicated civic leadership.
Personality in Focus
CINI Boss, Habeeb Okunola Bags Canadian Excellence Award for Philanthropy, Community Devt
The Chief Executive Officer, CINI Holdings Limited, High Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, has honoured with an excellence award by the Mayor of Brampton, in Canada.
The award was in recognition of the business man’s commitment to community development, and excellent philanthropic gestures to humanity.
The presentation of the excellence award, which took place at the CINI Holdings Ikoyi Lagos Office, proved to be significant as the Mayor of Brampton, His Lordship Mayor Patrick Brown, who was represented by Mr. Richard Forward, Senior Manager of Financial Advisory Services at the Corporate Budget Office of the City of Brampton, was present.
In his entourage were Mr. Imadu Maurice, an adviser and community engagement specialist from the Mayor’s Office, and Mrs. Kehinde Adelaja-Okoroafor, the Founder of the Make Mee Elegant Foundation.
While bestowing the honour on High Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, MON, OFR, who is also the Akosin of Yoruba Land, they duo noted in separate remarks that the awardee’s track record in community development and acts of outstanding philanthropy, have set him apart as a thoroughbred and deserving of the honour.
High Chief Habeeb’s philanthropic efforts have significantly impacted many lives, and this recognition was also accompanied by a letter sealed by the Mayor, acknowledging his commitment to economic development, community advancement also his unwavering support for the African Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) in Canada earlier this year.
Mayor Brown expressed his deep commitment to fostering partnerships with dedicated Nigerians both at home and abroad, particularly in areas of human capital development, empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
“With a vibrant Nigerian community comprising approximately 12,000 residents in Brampton, it is crucial to spotlight individuals like High Chief Habeeb, who are making a tangible difference in the welfare of others. His philanthropic spirit embodies the values of compassion and community service that the Mayor seeks to promote.” the Mayor said in his speech.
In a gesture of appreciation and collaboration, Mayor Brown extended an invitation to High Chief Habeeb to join him and his entourage for next year’s African Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) event, which the City of Brampton will host. This event aims to further enhance economic ties, empower one thousand women and celebrate the contributions of the African Diaspora to Canadian society.
In his response, an elated Okunola thanked the organizers for his recognising his ‘little’ contributions to the growth of humanity, and promised to do more to put smiles on the faces of people whenever he could.
By Eric Elezuo
Segun Awolowo was not only revered as the grandson of the late nationalist and one-time Premier of the Old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he was a toast of the Nigerian social and entrepreneurial circle, holding the enviable position of the president, National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) from ECOWAS member States, till that fateful Thursday, November 20, 2025, when death struck.
Announcing his demise, at the age of 62, via a statement, the Awolowo family noted that “With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Olusegun Awolowo,” describing him as “the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family.”
“We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
To those, who had doubts as the news filtered in, were convinced that the unassuming legal practitioner and businessman par excellence, was actually gone. The tears that followed were unprecedented, coupled with an avalanche of mourners and early callers to his Ikoyi home, and the home of his mother, to offer heartfelt condolences.
Named after his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., who died at the age of 25, two months before his birth on September 27, 1963, the young Segun became a child of destiny from day one, a destiny he struggled pleasantly to fulfill.
Having lived with his mum, Abba Folawiyo till age of early education, Segun moved in with his aunt and uncle, Tola and Kayode Oyediran, in whose custody he began and concluded early primary education.
It would be recalled as part of his achievements in office, in June 2019, the NEPC under his leadership planned a partnership with retail company, Shoprite for the latter to export Nigerian products to other African countries and beyond. He also drove the Zero Oil Plan, as an economic blueprint for Nigeria, launched in 2016.
He engaged to promote the plan with the private sector, relevant government institutions and international development partners and businesses. Zero Oil is a part of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), a medium-term plan developed by the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
His Zero Oil plan is to increase the country’s export by increasing production of homemade goods, moving from the export of raw materials to value-added products so as to increase the foreign-exchange revenue, to promote the value of Nigerian-made products and services abroad, and to create jobs. It aims to generating $30 billion in foreign-exchange earnings.
Since his death on Thursday, condolences, tributes and sympathy messages have continued to flood in, filling the media spaces, and reminiscing on the good life he lived, and the positive impact he had on other lives.
SEGUN DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF AS A SCION OF THE AWOLOWO FAMILY – TINUBU
In a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu, expressed deep condolences on the demise of Segun Awolowo. The statement reads:
“Segun exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour. Like his grandfather, he was a lawyer committed to defending truth and justice.
“He made significant contributions to Nigeria. He served diligently as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, standing as the longest serving executive director of the agency in history,” the President says.
“My sympathy and condolences to his wife and children, the Awolowo family, and his mum, our own Sisi Abah Folawiyo.
“I also commiserate with the governments and people of Ogun State, the entire South-west geopolitical zone, and Nigeria, over this painful loss. May his soul rest in peace.”
HE WAS AFFABLE, HIGHLY INTELLIGENT, AND EXTREMELY EASY-GOING – GOV DAPO ABIODUN
While mourning the departed, governor of his home state, Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, described his passing as a deeply profound personal loss, and a rude shock.
He referred to him as “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant,” noting that he received the news “with utter disbelief” and would forever treasure memories of their acquaintance.
According to Abiodun, the deceased was “affable, highly intelligent, and extremely easy-going,” traits which endeared him to many and made his demise even more painful.
“It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit unreservedly to the will of the Almighty God, who has called him to His bosom.
“We are deeply heartbroken, but we take consolation in the exemplary lessons his life taught us, for he was indeed a jolly good fellow.”
The governor noted that although Awolowo Jr. was born two months after the death of his father and was acquainted with grief from childhood, he rose above life’s challenges to become an icon in his own right.
HE WAS A PATRIOTIC NIGERIAN – GOV BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on his part, described the Segun Awolowo as a patriotic Nigerian, who served his country with vision, integrity, passion and unwavering commitment, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile.
Sanwo-Olu, also condoled with friends and his associates, describing his death as shocking and great loss to the country.
“It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with the family, friends and associates of the late Olusegun Awolowo. He was undoubtedly a great Nigerian, who served his country passionately. He was also a good ambassador of the Awolowo family.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the Awolowo family, as well as friends and associates of the deceased. I pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant Olusegun Awolowo eternal rest,” he said.
HE WAS A BRILLIANT LAWYER, WHO INSPIRED MANY NIGERIANS – SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his condolence message, described Segun Awolowo as a brilliant lawyer, who inspired many Nigerians to reach greater heights in life, adding that his death is a major blow to the Yoruba race and Nigeria as a nation.
Akpabio said in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, that “The news of the demise of my friend and brother, Segun, came to me unexpectedly.
“I am in shock. But who are we to question the decision of our Creator? He determines when we arrive and when we depart.”
Akpabio noted that Segun’s legacy as a brilliant lawyer, devoted family man, and compassionate individual would continue to inspire many.
“On behalf of the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I pray that his soul rests in perfect peace, and that his family, friends, and associates find strength in the cherished memories he leaves behind.
“May God grant the Awolowo family the fortitude to bear this loss, and may Segun’s legacy continue to inspire us all.”
The date and process of his burial is yet to be announced.
One of the founders of Newswatch magazine, Chief Dan Agbese, is dead.
According to a statement issued by the Agbese family of Ikpilogwu clan of Agila district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, he died on Monday.
“We hereby announce the passing away of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor: Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila.”
“Chief Agbese transited to eternal glory this morning, Monday November 17, 2025. He was aged 81.
“Burial arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.
“Born May 12, 1944 in Agila, Chief Agbese was a renowned journalist and author, famous for his seminal contributions to journalism practice in Nigeria and renowned for his satirical columns.
He was editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.
“Chief Agbese was one of the founders of the trail-blazing Newswatch magazine and was until April 2010 its Editor-in-Chief.
“Before his passing, he wrote several books and maintained weekly columns in notable newspapers including the Daily Trust and The Guardian, while running a media consultancy with his friends and colleagues, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed and Soji Akinrinade.
“He is survived by his wife , Chief Rose Agbese, their six children, and seven grandchildren.”
