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Personality in Focus

Cheers, Henry Ukazu Waxes Stronger

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3 years ago

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By Abdulakeem Sodeeq Sulyman 

Life’s essence is not in the thing that can be counted, but the things you make count through your time-bound journey of life” – Abdulakeem Sodeeq SULYMAN 

Considering the schedules ahead of me during this twilight of one of my academic pursuits, I am so sure people in my fold won’t believe I am involving in this task of writing about someone else. But because of the bond between Henry Ukazu and I and the respect we accorded one another, penning this piece is highly unavoidable for me, especially based on the feedback I received on my celebratory messages to him exactly this time last year.
With all humility and deep sense of appreciation, I think am duly qualified to write about the personality of Henry Ukazu, based on the mutuality we shared. I am his brother, acquaintance, a protégé and based on the mystery that surrounds how we connected, I have no doubt that joining the fold of Henry Ukazu is divinely ordained! Assuming I knew Henry Ukazu through anyone, that person might have cut the link by envying the north-ward spiral of the trust and confidence he reposed in me.
I had known Henry Ukazu since around 2017 through his weekly article – Adding Values – in The Boss Newspaper, which I am a devoted reader of. However, as nature has designed it to happen, Exactly 33 days after the sudden and tragic demise of my dear elder brother and friend, Sulyman Luqman. I had the opportunity of speaking with Henry Ukazu on the 18th of April, 2020, when his United States’ phone number was mistakenly copied below his article.
Ingenuity compelled me to message him on WhatsApp which he swiftly replied, asking me what he could do for me. As at that time, the manuscript of my second book was at an advanced stage and I fired my shot by informing him of my request to write the foreword of the book. He granted my request as a welcome gift and also ensured that the book was an outstanding success. The lesson that resonates with me all the time through my connection with him is this: “Anytime we are meeting people for the first time, the purpose of that meeting must be defined because its outcomes will influence the life span of our engagement with such people.”
In one of John C. Maxwell’s books, he uses Five “S” – Surface, Structured, Secured, Solid and Significant – to depict Levels of Relationships. Leveraging these levels was my joker that day! As our relationship progresses, I learned that Henry Ukazu is a rare persona that is very easy to relate and mingle with once you have values to share. His primary principle of life revolves around values. Other things that endear him in people are sound characters, conviction to live an impactful life and high sense of gratitude.
The four qualities I pinpointed will be used to describe how mine and other people’s mats of roses were laid with him. Henry Ukazu sees values as a sum total of your skills and competences to identify problems, understand every element that constitutes the problems and be able to proffer solutions to the problems identified. He admires analytical and detailed-oriented people, since he himself as a trained lawyer knows that nothing earns him triumph more than the weight of the punches he can throw during cross examinations.
Many times, Henry Ukazu has sacrificed his comfortability in order to be of value to other people’s lives. One of those times I can vividly remember was January this year when he came to Nigeria and had a speaking engagement in Enugu State. The convener of the event, a UN envoy, mother and professor of English Literature in a reputable university in the United States suggested his speech be delivered via Zoom, but Henry Ukazu insisted on speaking with the audience physically so that they would be inspired and motivated by the carriage he radiates and the passion he exudes.
He delivered the speech and earned a standing ovation from every member of the audience. How else can one be valuable? Henry Ukazu believes that values become a potent asset when it is refined with sound characters. Characters to him are sets of consistent principles guiding how one lives. No matter your material possessions, you are perceived wretched and poverty-stricken when you are character flawed! He connects with people as a believer of “golden rule,” and also relates with people as a practitioner of “platinum rule.”
A short interaction with Henry Ukazu will affirm to anyone that he is passionate about his conviction to impact lives. Spending some seconds or minutes with Henry Ukazu will tempt you to probe your existence and ignite and fuel in you the inspiration and intrinsic refinement you need to champion a life that best reflects your values and characters. With no iota of doubt, Henry Ukazu’s personality radiates influence. Despite being a resident of the United States, his patriotism and commitment to civic duty are top-notch!
The other time I walked by Henry Ukazu’s side in his village, “Nnwane” was a familiar ring tone from the people greeting him. Although, “Nnwane” means “my mother’s child” in Igbo, but the question is, is it every native people that were given to by the same parents? I was fully left in awe when the majority of those who greeted him were acknowledging his impacts on them through his articles and Instagram Live shows. Henry Ukazu is their hero and beacon of hope.
Someone says, “The essence of your life is not the numbers in it, but the number of lives in it.” The impacts of Henry Ukazu on other people’s lives are not limited to his community, village or State of Imo. His impacts transcended ethnicity, color, race or religion. I have been instrumental in his kind gesture to students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across Nigeria. I am coordinating a group of secondary school students that receives his scholarships every term. How else can life be meaningful and impactful?
The ability to practice what one preaches is the highest positive example anyone can lay for others to emulate. This quality is present in Henry Ukazu to the core. Despite his class and status, he doesn’t care to deploy every resource at his disposal to express gratitude to anyone that does good to him. Statuses and posts on his personal social media handles are always filled with deep, sincere and profound appreciations of individuals who played valuable roles in his life. If you want to confirm this, kindly read the “Acknowledgement Page” of his first book – “Design Your Destiny: Actualizing Your Birthright to Success.”
Henry Ukazu’s story has helped reinvent thousands of lives because of the defining moments he used to shine the torches on his path’s personal transformation, distinction and spiritual illumination. As you have laced your life with meaning and purpose, may respect, honour, success and greatness be channeled towards you. You have sewn seeds whose flowers are sparkling the lives of millions. May you keep elevating and always have reasons to be celebrated as the days of your life blazes forth.
Happy birthday, Dear Mentor.
Abdulakeem Sodeeq SULYMAN is a Librarian and Information Scientist in view, resolute in academics and personal leadership. He is the prolific author of two books – Responsible Living: Live to Uncover Your Potential and The Path to Greatness.
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Personality in Focus

Ooni of Ife, Wife Welcome Twin Sons

Published

6 days ago

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May 15, 2026

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The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has announced the birth of twin princes with his wife Mariam Ajibola, to the Royal House of Oduduwa.

The monarch disclosed this in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Friday, expressing gratitude to God for the safe delivery of the children and the wellbeing of their mother.

“To God be all the glory and adoration for His wondrous works and abundant blessings once again.

The announcement has drawn congratulatory messages from admirers and members of the Yoruba royal institution celebrating the arrival of the newborn princes.

After his marriage to Naomi Silekunola ended, the Ooni married several queens within a short period in 2022.

Among the queens are Mariam Anako, Elizabeth Akinmuda, Tobiloba Phillips, Ashley Adegoke, Ronke Ademiluyi and Temitope Adesegun.

During celebrations marking his 48th birthday and seventh coronation anniversary, the monarch explained that his marriages were connected to the traditional heritage and responsibilities attached to the throne of Ile-Ife.

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Personality in Focus

Femi Otedola Reportedly Acquires £53m Mansion in London

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6 days ago

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May 15, 2026

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Nigerian entrepreneur, Femi Otedola, has reportedly acquired a mansion in London valued at £53 million, further strengthening the presence of wealthy Nigerian investors in the United Kingdom’s luxury property market.

According to a report by Bloomberg on Thursday, the property is located in St John’s Wood, one of London’s most exclusive residential districts situated close to Regent’s Park.

The report stated that the transaction was concluded late last year, citing a UK filing.

The mansion reportedly features 10 bedrooms alongside luxury facilities including a cinema, spa and cigar room. The property was previously placed on the market for £75 million in 2020, according to media reports.

Otedola is the chairman and majority shareholder of First HoldCo Plc, with business interests spanning finance, energy, shipping and insurance brokerage.

The acquisition comes amid sustained activity in London’s luxury real estate sector despite increased property taxes and adjustments to tax policies affecting foreign residents.

Prime areas such as St John’s Wood, Belgravia and Chelsea continue to attract ultra-wealthy buyers from across the world, with multimillion-pound transactions remaining common in the high-end housing market.

The latest purchase also adds to Otedola’s collection of luxury assets and reflects the continued attraction of London’s upscale neighbourhoods to affluent Nigerian businessmen and corporate executives.

In recent years, several Nigerian business figures have been associated with expensive property acquisitions in the UK capital.

In 2025, Roosevelt Ogbonna, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, was also reported to have acquired a £15 million property in Hampstead, another affluent area in London popular among wealthy foreign investors.

St John’s Wood, where Otedola’s mansion is located, is widely known for its luxury detached homes, privacy and proximity to landmarks such as Regent’s Park and the Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Bloomberg

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Personality in Focus

Aare EmmanuelKing Congratulates Olofin of Ilisan Remo, Oba Sonuga, on 86th Birthday

Published

1 week ago

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May 11, 2026

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The Borokinni of Ilishan Remo, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing KOF, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, as the revered monarch celebrates his 86th birthday anniversary.

In a statement released to commemorate the royal father’s birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing described the monarch as a symbol of peace, wisdom, progress, and exemplary royal leadership, whose reign has continued to bring honor and development to Ilisan Remo.

According to him, since ascending the revered throne of his forefathers, the Olofin has consistently demonstrated purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to the unity, growth, and cultural advancement of the kingdom, while fostering peace and harmony among the people.

He further noted that the monarch’s reign has inspired pride and confidence among indigenes of Ilisan Remo both at home and in the diaspora, adding that Kabiyesi’s dedication to community development and preservation of tradition remains highly commendable.

The Borokinni prayed for continued divine grace, sound health, long life, and greater wisdom for the royal father as he continues his impactful reign on the throne of his ancestors.

“On behalf of my family, associates, and well-wishers, I heartily congratulate His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, on the joyous occasion of his 86th birthday. May Almighty God continue to strengthen Kabiyesi with peace, sound health, and many more years of fruitful reign,” he stated.

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