Personality in Focus
The Boss Editor, Eric Elezuo, Wins Journalist of the Year Award
By Morakinyo Ajibade
It was an evening of multiple applause from veterans and achievers across the Nigerian media industry as Eric Elezuo, a seasoned journalist, whose impacts and jaw-dropping contributions were recognized by the Momentous Prestigious Annual Magazine and Personality Award, MOPA, won the Journalist of the Year award for 2023. Undeniably, it was a well-deserving award for the UNILAG alumnus.
With almost two decades of unwavering tenacity and consistency in the media profession, his long years track record of professionalism has once again been recognized in Lagos. Eric, as he is fondly called, in November 2023 stepped into the shoes of the Editor of Nigeria’s foremost celebrity magazine, Ovation International Magazine, owned by Chief Dele Momodu, after the former editor, Mr. Michael Effiong, who had meritoriously served the organization, was appointed by the Akwa Ibom State Government as Senior Special Assistant (SSA).
Prior to this, he served, and still serving as the Editor of the newspaper arm of Ovation Media Group, and has countless times been praised by management as a vibrant and dedicated editor whose leadership has kept the newspapers afloat for unimaginable numbers of years.
In one of the moments of celebration, the Publisher, Chief Dele Momodu, had acknowledged him as a masterpiece writer.
Cascading to becoming a masterpiece writer, Eric after graduating from the Department of English from the prestigious University of Lagos found his way into the media profession as a reporter. He has since risen to the position of Editor, and even as a former Editorial Executive at Blue magazine.
Eric is no doubt an invaluable asset to any organization beyond the media space as his wealth of resume portrays. He proved this as a tutor of English Language at Hopebay College, Evangel College, Mason College, and many more.
He is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School, LBS, and has, over the years attended a myriad of seminars and workshops that attested to his drive for self-development even in the face of obvious achievements and successful career.
Many might easily identify with him as an unbeatable journalist, but little did anyone know that he has built his biceps in International Diplomacy.
After his first degree in English, he proceeded to acquire his second degree at the same University of Lagos. Here, he acquired his Master’s in International Diplomacy (MILD).
He is fondly called “a one-man riot squad” by his colleagues. This came after he single-handedly produced The Boss Newspaper weekly of Ovation Media Group. Under his editorial leadership of the newspaper, the paper has indeed become a The Boss.
He has attended several courses in Leadership and Citizenship Training, at Shere Hills, Jos and Sea School Lagos. He is an alumus of Shaddaiville Leadership Academy. The former Sub-Editor with Newswatch Newspapers has in the decades of his career tranverse both in private establishments and several media houses.
He was the Marketing Manager for Belgush Nigeria Limited, where through his leadership the brand sales equivocally skyrocketed to a huge percentage.
Over the years, he became the General Manager of Clayfield and Harrow – a facilities management company that combines a wide range of skills and competencies, appropriate technology, and a customer focus strategy to help meet the facilities objectives you have set for your organization, residential community and/or household.
Also, he once served as the Manager of DHB Construction Limited, Senior Correspondent of National Mirror, Senior Correspondent of Ovation International Magazine, and in several capacities.
Eric, who is presently the National Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), and married with four amazing children, is indeed a resource of high quality in the media industry and business world.
Undoubtedly, the Momentous Prestigious Annual Magazine and Personality Award to Eric Elezuo as the Journalist of the Year 2023 is a timely award given to a well-deserving journalist for his unbending focus, high-level skill, integrity, and professionalism displayed in the calendar year.
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.
