Personality in Focus
Prominent Politician, Cleric’s Son, Odumbaku Declares for Ojodu LCDA Chair
By Eric Elezuo
The prestigious Excellence Hotel, located on Ogba, Ikeja, was a beehive of activity over the weekend as David Oluwasegun Odunmbaku, the secretary of Ikeja Local Government Area and the ‘warrior’ son of prolific Lagos politician and accomplished cleric, Cardinal James Odumbaku, declared his intention to contest the chairmanship of Ojudu Local council Development Area in the forthcoming grassroots election.
David Odumbaku is a Harvard trained professional, who had learnt the ropes of administration, berthing at a prestigious office of the secretary of one of the influential local government areas in Lagos State.
Making his declaration, Odumbaku said his mission to Ojudu LCDA is nothing but to serve and continue to serve.
“My passion for the people is what is driving my intention to contest the election. I just want to serve, and deliver the best of the dividend of democracy to the people of Ojudu,” he said.
Speaking however, on his son’s aspirations, Cardinal James Odumbaku, popularly known as Baba Eto, who is a revered politician in Lagos and preacher of the word, said David is endowed with the can-do-attitude to deliver good governance to the people of the council and beyond. he said that David has passed through time and tutelage, and is very fit to handle the dictates of the office of the chairman, according to party rules.
“David Olusegun Odumbaku has been council secretary in Ikeja Local Government for four years under Honourable Wale Ogunlami without blemish. He was supposed to be chairman in the first instance, but Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said no he has to learn.
“Again in the second leg, Asiwaju said he should not go for the chairmanship, but go for the secretary position, which is the power house of any local government administration so that he can learn more. Now, another four years is gone, or about to expire. So it behoves on me to encourage him after having a very excellent education in Europe. He is a Harvard alumnus. His academic achievements are voluminous that I can’t run it offhand, but his resume is a clear indication of what I’m saying,” Odumbaku said as a matter of fact.
He added that David Odumbaku is a power house of experience and knowledge, having learnt from his father, who himself was taught by the prolific Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He further praised Tinubu for his democratic principles and as the brain behind the establishment of the Ojudu LCDA among others, saying he supervised the establishment on behalf of Tinubu.
“What David has in stock as a son of a politician, who himself was trained by Tinubu, is a testimony of the fact that he can’t fail, and that is because he has never failed.
“We are proving to the world that David Odumbaku is capable of running the administration of Ojudu LCDA, which of course I am the founding father, acting on instruction by Asiwaju that we should go and make some adjustment from the existing 20 local governments to 57 with additional 37 LGAs.
“So today, we are showing the world today through Ojudu LCDA what Odumbaku David is all about. Because we believe in democracy of which Tinubu is the bedrock, we are confidence that he will win the next election as Ojudu LCDA chairman, and even beyond. It may interest you to know that everyone is ably represented at this declaration exercise; leaders, community representatives, artisans and many more. The youths must grow…that’s the slogan of Asiwaju,” Odumbaku added.
“On why he chose to use his son at this time, having been instrumental to establishing many Lagosians politically and otherwise, Odumbaku said:
“I chose my son at the very last. You know I have been sponsoring other people with my money and personality, with the permission and blessing of Asiwaju Tinubu, putting people in respective positions in politics, ministry, local government administration, but I decided to sponsor my own child in the final analysis, and not without the blessing of Asiwaju.
“Now, I reasoned that with God-given opportunity and permission of Asiwaju Tinubu, I should try my own biological son, who is knowledgeable and has the capacity to handle things according to the dictates of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC). Note that everyone is my son, however,” Odumbaku further revealed.
He remarked that time has come for Tinubu to run the affairs of the country, Nigeria, having paid his dues in raising men and women of substance to man various political arms of the nation.
“And for the avoidance of doubt, I am not only desirous of David Odumbaku becoming the Chaiman of Ojudu LCDA, also that Asiwaju becomes the President of Nigeria – QED,” he concluded.
The Lagos State LGA polls is expected to hold in June.
Writers across Nigeria, under the auspices of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), have united in commemorating the 94th posthumous birthday of one of Africa’s greatest literary icons, Prof. Chinua Achebe. Achebe, renowned globally for his groundbreaking novel *Things Fall Apart*, remains an enduring symbol of literary excellence and cultural preservation.
In a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, the President of SYNW emphasized Achebe’s unmatched contributions to African literature and his role as a beacon of inspiration for writers across generations. Adedoyin highlighted the Society’s unwavering commitment to honoring Achebe’s legacy through creative and impactful initiatives.
One of the key tributes mentioned is the *Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture*, initiated by the Anambra Chapter Coordinator of SYNW, Izunna Okafor. Now in its 9th edition, the festival has become a significant platform for celebrating Achebe’s works and discussing his influence on modern African literature.
Cynthia Maduekwe, the President of the Nigeria Society of Campus Writers, also spearheaded the *Writers Tour*, another initiative aimed at engaging young writers with Achebe’s literary philosophy. This tour exposes aspiring authors to Achebe’s timeless themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and societal transformation, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) reaffirmed its dedication to Achebe’s memory through these longstanding programs. Writers across the country were encouraged to reflect on Achebe’s life and works, sharing tributes and essays on social media platforms to further propagate his vision of storytelling.
Adedoyin lauded the efforts of writers like Okafor and Maduekwe, whose initiatives keep Achebe’s legacy alive.
He also urged literary organizations and institutions to continue collaborating to sustain Achebe’s impact on African literature and culture.
“Prof. Achebe’s work transcends literature. He gave Africans a voice on the global stage, presenting our stories with authenticity and pride. Celebrating his 94th posthumous birthday is a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping society,” Adedoyin stated.
The SYNW also used the opportunity to announce plans for a series of upcoming events dedicated to Achebe in the coming year, including essay competitions, poetry readings, and book discussions. These programs aim to further Achebe’s vision of nurturing literary talent and promoting African narratives.
As the literary community celebrates Achebe’s life and achievements, his timeless words resonate: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Achebe’s legacy continues to inspire writers to tell their own stories, preserving the richness of African culture for generations to come.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers concluded by inviting literary enthusiasts to join in celebrating Achebe’s enduring impact, emphasizing that his legacy is a shared treasure for all who value the power of words.
Personality in Focus
UBA Appoints Henrietta Ugboh Independent Non-Executive Director As Owanari Duke Retires from Group Board
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the appointment of Henrietta Ugboh as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
The appointment has been approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria.
UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, CFR commenting on the appointment, said, “Henrietta Ugboh brings a track record of professional success, integrity and leadership, which will further strengthen the UBA Group Board, underlining once again the Group’s commitment to robust corporate governance.”
Ugboh holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, an MBA from ESUT Business School, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program. She has over 30 years experience in banking with Citibank and is an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA).
Elumelu added that with her considerable experience and expertise, which includes commercial banking, credit, and risk management, the UBA Board is delighted to welcome Mrs Ugboh to the Group Board, “We look forward to her invaluable contribution to the Group, as we continue to execute our unique growth strategy across Africa and globally.”
The Board also announced the retirement of Mrs. Owanari Duke, an Independent Non-Executive Director, who joined the UBA Group Board in October 2012.
During her tenure, Mrs. Duke provided distinguished leadership, serving on Committees of the Bank including the Board Governance Committee, Board Audit, Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Board Credit Committee, Finance & General Purpose Committee and Statutory Audit Committee.
On behalf of the board, Mr. Elumelu expressed UBA’s deep appreciation to Mrs. Duke for her dedication and significant contributions to the Group, wishing her the best in her future endeavour.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and related banking services.
Personality in Focus
Tinubu Hails FirstBank’s Immediately Past CEO, Adeduntan on Exceptional Service
By Eric Elezuo
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan as the bank holds a splendid Sendforth party on his behalf for a meritorious service.
The president’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
The statement reads in full:
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the retired Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, for his exceptional service at Nigeria’s oldest bank.
In celebration of Adeduntan’s remarkable tenure, the 130-year-old First Bank will host a special send-off ceremony this weekend, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past nine years.
President Tinubu commends him for steering the bank through transformative growth, which includes expanding customer accounts from 10 million to over 42 million and elevating Profit Before Tax from N10 billion in 2015 to an impressive N300 billion in 2023.
These milestones, the President said, reflected Adeduntan’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.
The President expresses his appreciation for Adeduntan’s willingness to serve the nation in various pivotal roles, including his contributions to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and other prominent institutions. His extensive expertise in the financial sector has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s economic landscape.
President Tinubu also lauds the bank’s solid internal management ethos, which is responsible for the seamless transition from Adeduntan to the current CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu.
President Tinubu wishes Dr Adeduntan continued success in all his future endeavours.
