Personality in Focus
Women Group Celebrates Tinubu, Daughter, Assures Nigerians of Renewed Hope
By Oki Samson
As part of the celebration of the Presidential Inauguration, a women’s political advocacy group, Evolving Women In Politics (EWIP) yesterday eulogized the President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima for their resilience and commitment to championing democratic ideals in the country.
The women’s group also used the opportunity to honour their Grand Matron, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo who played immense role in strengthening the advocacy organization for more than four years. It is important to stress that the Evolving Women In Politics (EWIP) was one of the few organizations which encouraged and lobbied Nigeria’s 16th President to race for the coveted seat since early 2019.
The event which took place in Abuja had the gathering of Nigeria’s top women politicians, business women. These include Iyaloja-General of Nigeria/Daughter of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Mrs FolashadeTinubu-Ojo, member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara; Abuja-based business tycoon, Mrs. Omolola Ademosu; the Vice President of Ikorodu LGA, Aarebirin Hon. Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba; former Chairman of Coker-Aguda LCDA, Hon. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Women Affairs, Hon Asman Gogo Kabir, CEO Madel Apartments and Homes Ltd, Kamolu Olumayowa, CEO Rephilus Energy Ltd, Rebecca Theophilus, Billy Umar-Garba, CEO Choice Construction and Fabrication, Hajia Halima Apollo, Founder of Nuit de Paris, Maryam Nomvar, Amb. Tosin Sanusi, Barr. Rabiyat Aliyu Ohindase, Dr. Lee Akin Badeji, MD of Parmass Oil and Gas, Aisha Imam, and several other top women. The former Manager of NIGCOMSAT, Engr. Rufai also attended the event.
In her welcome address at the event, the National President of EWIP, Hajia Fatima Bello remarked: ‘we are here to appreciate our journey so far and to celebrate our father, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his inauguration. EWIP is a group of women supporting women to bring the best out of us.’
On the President, she noted: ‘Our principal talked about 35% women inclusion, we have visited about 200-300 Obas in 4 years and they said yes to us. His leadership is second to none. He is talk and do. Only God is 100% but we trust that he wll be able to do all that he promised. We called him to come and contest. We know he can fix Nigeria. We trust that he will appoint more women in his government. We are proud of him.’
The honouree of the ceremony and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria who personally attended the event, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo shared: ‘I want to appreciate Nigerian women. This is our turn, our hope is renewed. I must appreciate the commitment of this group, EWIP, for what we have done, the love is overwhelming.’
‘All that you have committed to this cause, may God return it to you in a million fold. What you have done for someone else, may your children enjoy it while you are alive. Thank you for being patriotic, you spent your money, time, and resources towards this cause. Thank you for your patriotism’, she prayed for EWIP.
Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara who gave a speech at the celebration said: ‘EWIP has been my baby, I have known EWIP before SWAGA happened. EWIP is very strategic and important if we want women participation in politics to increase. These women are already interested and passionate to go into politics. I want to charge us to tell more women to join EWIP.’
‘Politics is very interesting but you have to be resolute. If anybody tells you that there is shortcut in politics, don’t agree with them. Believe in merit, believe in what God has called you to do, you mwe are ust be hardworking, you must be prayerful and spiritually strong, and start from the grassroots. Look at where you are popular, is it your husband’s state or your own state of origin. For me, I am from Ogun state but my husband is from Lagos. let us be determined and resolute.’
Ogbara advised Nigerian women, ‘Finally, as women, let us be our sister’s keeper. Don’t allow men use you against your sister. What she will get can’t stop what you will get. When we are united, there is nothing that we cannot get.’
The former Manager at NIGCOMSAT, Engr. Rufai also present at the event hinted that women are better managers and should be allowed to drive the wheel of the Nigerian nation. His words, ‘According to Napoleon, give me a good woman and I will give you a good nation. It is because of this that United Nations says 35% affirmative action. When you subject your decision making process to women around you, you are likely to mitigate all the risks in it. They are better managers, that management is inherent in them. It is natural to them. I strongly advise that we should get even more than 35% when it comes to assigning responsibilities in this nation.’
Also speaking at the event were other executives of the advocacy group. The Vice President, Hajia Raliat Abdulsalam informed that this meeting is not just for celebration, ‘it is also for our sisters to mentor us, to talk to us on their journey and how they are doing it so that we can also learn’.
The Natonal Treasurer, Olori Aderonke Erinle on her part said: ‘we are here to jubilate. We are here to celebrate our new President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our father and father of our grand matron, Iyaloja-General Folashade Tinubu-Ojo. We expect so much from him and we trust that he will deliever. We all need to support him, pray for him, and build a right team for his administration. Women in politics are few, we need a good number in the cabinet because we can multitask and we have done well wherever they put us. We want more women to join us in EWIP.’
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.
