Personality in Focus
Princess Modupe Ozolua Bags US President’s Lifetime Award
Modupe Ozolua, a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and princess of the Benin Kingdom from Sabongida Ora, Edo State, Nigeria has received a lifetime achievement award from the United States President Joe Biden. The award presentation took place on Sunday in Houston, Texas.
According to Princess Ozolua’s publicists, Hamiltonstyle News & Views, “This is a great reward for Princess Modupe Ozolua’s lifelong commitment to helping humanity, as she received last Sunday, an award certificate and letter from the White House, personally signed by President Joe Biden.”
A Nigerian-American, Ozolua owned her first business in Los Angeles, California at the age of 21 before pioneering cosmetic surgery in Nigeria in 2001 at the age of 27 years. She has dedicated the last 19 years of her life to numerous charity milestones.
In 2003, she founded Empower 54, a US 501 C3, a non-profit organization which provides humanitarian aid in health, education and empowerment of women, girls and refugees; especially disadvantaged Africans across the continent. Late Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the Patron of Empower 54.
Prior to her latest honour by the seal of the US President, Princess Ozolua’s last 19 years of dedication to humanity have earned her many accolades, including One of Africa’s Leading Female Entrepreneurs by Elle Magazine (2015); One of 50 African Women Who Shape the African Continent, Elle Magazine (2016); Official Proclamation for Service to Humanity, City of Atlanta, Georgia, USA (2016); and Letter of Commendation for Service to Humanity from Governor Nathan Deal, Georgia, USA (2016).
Others are: Official Proclamation Declaring October 10, 2019 Princess Modupé Ozolua’s Day in Houston, Texas, USA (2019); Letter of Commendation from Mayor Sylvester Turner, City of Houston, Texas for Princess Ozolua’s Humanitarian Activities (2019); and One of Africa’s 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria (2022). Ozolua’s latest US President’s award was presented on Sunday, February 19, 2023.
Responding to the honour done her by President Joe Biden, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, in a letter to Ozolua, signed by its Special Duties Head, Soso Muhammed, wrote: “Congratulations on the amazing news. The award is the recognition of your hard work, humility and commitment in your service to humanity.”
The family of Bolaji Olarewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji has confirmed the passing of the singer following a brief illness.
According to a statement signed by the Family on Saturday, Bolaji died on Easter Saturday.
The statement said, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as “Big B,” a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness.
“His departure leaves a void in our hearts that can not be filled.
“Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread.
“We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased.
“As we navigate through this time of loss, we kindly request privacy to mourn as a family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.
“Details regarding the obsequies will be shared in due course as we come together to celebrate Bolaji’s remarkable life and legacy.
“Thank you for respecting our wishes during this incredibly difficult time. With gratitude, The Family of Bolaji Olarewaju.”
Pascal Dozie, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader has died. He was 86.
According to sources close to the deceased, Dozie died a battle with old age-related illness.
Dozie, was a man of many parts, best known for founding Diamond Bank and serving as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Dozie’s educational background includes a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie also founded theAfrican Development Consulting Group, which worked with notable clients like Nestle and Pfizer. He served as MTN Group chairman but later resigned and was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
Dozie received the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
Dozie is survived by his wife Chinyere Dozie, and five children among other relatives.
A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.
According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.
The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.
It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.
But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.
“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.
He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.
“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.
He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.
