Personality in Focus
Victoria Island PCRC Celebrates CP Ahmed Kantagora with Gala Nite
It was a colourful evening of celebration and felicity in honor of a fine gentleman officer who has just gotten a new rank of Commissioner of Police in the Nigeria Police, CP Ahmed Mogaji Kontagora. The evening of super fun, sumptuous meals, graceful dance proved to be a time to unwind for many friends of the new CP Kontagora.
Many police officers who due to the intensity of work rarely have time to relax were able to let down the hair even as they salute their colleague, CP Kontagora who will soon to be moved out of the Lagos State Police Command to a new command, Oki Samson of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP report. The gala was attended by many police officers including some who are higher in rank than the new CP Ahmed Kontagora.
The special guest at the gala, the AIG in charge of Zone 2 (comprising Lagos and Ogun state commands), AIG Adeleke Adeyinka Bode noted that himself and Kontagora had been friends for over 30 years. ‘Kotangora is my coursemate. So if there is anyone who knows him, I am. I have known him for the past 30 years. He is a gentleman officer and very likeable.’
The host of the event, Mr. Matthew Ibadin who is also the Chairman of PCRC Victoria Island took the opportunity to celebrate Kontagora whom he described as ‘reliable police officer and an excellent operations person.’ He wished the new CP well in his new endeavor.
Speaking on behalf of the officer-colleagues, DCP Umar Shelleng shared: ‘Kontagora is a very industrious person. We have known each other right from when we were younger officers. We worked together in INTERPOL for a very long time when he had the opportunity to represent Nigeria Police in INTERPOL office in Cote D’Ivoire.
He is a very nice, amiable, humble, and down-to-earth person which has been attested by others. He is firm, straightforward and has a way of addressing issues without being unnecessarily harsh or aggressive.’
‘I wish you well. I congratulate you. Promotion comes with a lot of responsibility and I am very sure that your posting will soon be announced’, he told Ahmed Kontagora.
Celebrating the CP Kontagora on behalf of his civilian friends, Otunba Ayoola reiterated that Kontagora has a way of addressing issues. ‘You won’t even realize that someone is there. There was an experience where a lawyer ran to Alagbon over a rent issue after a kongaroo judgement. He didn’t even know the person but we were all surprised the way he addressed the issue quietly without noise.’
‘Above all, he is very patriotic. He loves the job. Sometimes 2am is when he retires to his home. I celebrate him’, NAOSNP gathered from Otunba Ayoola.
On behalf of media professionals whom CP Ahmed Kontagora often interacted with, President of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, Oki Samson noted that the newly promoted CP is media-friendly, ‘He is always responsive to address issues of public importance which arise from their activities as Police. He is a fantastic operations officer who puts the maintenance of law, order, and security as a priority. May you continue to rise to greater heights in the Nigeria Police.’
The Chairman of PCRC in Lagos, Apostle Kehinde Showemimo while giving the toast at the event said: ‘I appreciate this wonderful, friendly, very gentle man who is always ready to help. Whatever the issue is, he is looking for solutions.’
‘We are happy that God has elevated him, may God continue to elevate him the more. May he experience exponential growth in every sphere of life’, Apostle Showemimo concluded.
Before his promotion, CP Ahmed Kontagora held the position of the DCP in charge of Operations in the Lagos State Command where he excelled tremendously under the leadership of CP Sylvester Abiodun Alabi. He also worked with the former Lagos CP, the retired AIG Hakeem Odumosu.
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.
