Personality in Focus
Onyeali-Ikpe is Champion Newspapers’ Banker of the Year
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, has received yet another recognition as she bagged the award of the Banker of the Year 2022 at the Champion Newspapers’ Awards of the Year 2022.
Held at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Friday, 12 May 2023, the well-attended event featured top players in the nation’s public and private sectors.
Receiving her award in company of her family, friends and colleagues, an elated Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe said, “I am grateful for this recognition and I dedicate this award to the board, management and staff of Fidelity Bank PLC as well as my family for their support.”
Earlier in the programme, the Chairman of the occasion and the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe said when hard work and integrity are not rewarded, mediocrity would be promoted.
He added, “The awardees have no doubt gone through a rigorous process of screening, careful and meticulous scrutiny to have been adjudged fit, proper in all ramifications. They are therefore worthy and deserving of these prestigious awards.”
On her own part, the Group Managing Director, Champion Newspapers, Dr Nwadiuto Iheakanwa in her opening remarks said, “There is no gainsaying that the reward for hardwork is more work hence our humble appeal that more efforts be made to ensure that the nation realizes its full potentials in all spheres of endeavour knowing fully well that the country is among the most endowed nations of human capital.
“One of the areas I want to challenge the post-President Muhammadu Buhari administration is in the ease of doing business. It is my considered opinion that if the incoming administration can get it right in institutionalizing administrative structures which will eliminate the bottlenecks, the country will be able to expand her productive capacity.in a manner that will encourage greater foreign earnings beyond oil.”
Other awardees at the event include Chairman of, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA , Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), who was conferred with the Man of the Year Award; Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who bagged the Life Achievement Award; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who received the Governor of the Year award; Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, who bagged the Governor of the Year, Good Governance award; Chief Dr. Cyril Onyekwelu Umunna Ajagu, who received the award of the Most Outstanding Savvy Investor of the Year; and High Chief Michael Onuoha, who bagged the Most Innovative Brand CEO of the Year award.
It would be recalled that Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe received the Banker of the Year 2022 at the 14th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards in January 2023 and the Best Banking CEO Nigeria 2023 in the 2023 Global Banking & Finance Awards in April 2023. She was also recognized as one of the top 10 female finalists in the Africa.com Definitive List of Women Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).
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.
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
Personality in Focus
Aare EmmanuelKing Congratulates Olofin of Ilisan Remo, Oba Sonuga, on 86th Birthday
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.
