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Trending: How Sikiru Ayinde Barrister Predicted Bola Tinubu’s Presidency 20 Years Ago – Video Resurfaces

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September 17, 2025

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A resurfaced video shows late Fuji legend Sikiru Ayinde Barrister predicting Bola Tinubu’s presidency 20 years ago while performing for him as Lagos governor. Fans now call for posthumous honour for the music icon

Trending: Video Resurfaces of Late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister Predicting Bola Tinubu’s Presidency 20 Years Ago

A trending video has resurfaced online showing the late Fuji music creator, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, predicting the presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu nearly two decades ago.

The late Barrister, regarded as the pioneer of Fuji music, made the bold prediction while performing for Tinubu during his tenure as governor of Lagos State. The event, attended by dignitaries and political heavyweights, also showcased one of Barrister’s most memorable live performances.

In the video, Barrister, while eulogising Tinubu, his family, and Lagos State, foretold that the then-governor would someday emerge as Nigeria’s president. That prophecy has now come full circle with Tinubu’s election to the country’s highest office.

The resurfaced clip has sparked widespread reactions, with many fans urging President Tinubu to honour the late music icon posthumously and extend support to the family he left behind.

Video of How Sikiru Ayinde Barrister Predicted Bola Tinubu’s Presidency 20 Years Ago

Though gone, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister’s legacy remains unmatched in the Fuji music world. His influence continues to echo across generations, leaving indelible footprints that few can rival. Read More

My encounter with Salif Qadafi, late Col. Qaddafi’s son – Living in Libya | By Femi Omidiji

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September 17, 2025

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My encounter with Salif Qadafi, late Col. Qaddafi’s son – Living in Libya | By Femi Omidiji

While we were coming to him, I noticed his friends, or I should say, guards close to him were just smiling as we approached him. They didn’t do a thing. I said, ‘Salam aleikum, ya Salif,’ and he responded in Arabic, even though he speaks English fluently. One of the guards said, ‘We are Nigerians, right?’ He asked in English, and I said yes. They all laughed out loud and said to Salif that I told you they are Nigerians

My encounter with Salif Qadafi, late Col. Qaddafi’s son – Living in Libya | By Femi Omidiji

It was sometime around 1996 or 97; I can’t really remember the year precisely, and it was during Ramadan. We usually gathered at a cinema in a place called Dahra, a metropolitan area in Tripoli, a lovely highbrow area where most Nigerians come to show off. As Nigerians, that’s what we do; we like to shop where even Libyans find it hard to shop. We entertain at the best Funduke, meaning hotels. We just love all the good things of life, that’s who we are outside of the country.

So, this very lovely evening, while hanging out in Dahra, there is this park where the crème de la crème of the neighborhood play soccer every evening before the break of fast. Salif, I believe, had a friend who lived in the neighborhood and was invited to come play soccer with them. We noticed that the security in the area was tense. We didn’t know what was happening, so we just hung around after watching a movie called The Shawshank Redemption, which I quite remember.

Some Libyan national players were spotted, and we knew the park was going to welcome some dignitaries because the security around the park was top-notch. I asked a Libyan friend what was going on, and he said Akuma, meaning a government official, is coming. He didn’t even know it was Qaddafi’s son who was coming.

After a while, everywhere was filled up with high-ranking government officials, though young guys, mostly sons of close pals of Qaddafi. The funny thing is that most Libyans in the area had to just avoid the area, but trust Nigerians, we stayed put, as we were not harassed by any security officials, so we had no cause to leave. We all looked good and presentable; you dare not come to Dahra looking shabby.

I have a friend called Muyiwa; it was him who made me know that it was Salif who was being expected, that he was around already at a corner with some few security guards. I asked where, he pointed the direction, and I said let’s go meet him. He asked if I was mad; I said let’s go joor. He was a little reluctant. You see, I had stayed with the highest security agency at a police barracks in Libya for almost a year when I was in Sabha, so I had no fear of guns. These guys may look all scary and tough, but they are just normal guys like us.

Muyiwa said he wasn’t going to follow me; I persuaded him, and he yielded eventually. Other Nigerians listening were like, ‘You guys are crazy,’ even the Libyans around were just looking with dismay as we walked straight to where he was, sitting in the midst of his security details in a black Jeep. The screen of the car was down, so we could see him. While we were coming to him, I noticed his friends, or I should say, guards close to him were just smiling as we approached him. They didn’t do a thing. I said, ‘Salam aleikum, ya Salif,’ and he responded in Arabic, even though he speaks English fluently. One of the guards said, ‘We are Nigerians, right?’ He asked in English, and I said yes. They all laughed out loud and said to Salif that I told you they are Nigerians.

I continued by saying in Arabic that we are honored to see him and how we really love his dad and all. He just nodded and said, ‘Sukaran ya sodik,’ meaning thank you, my friend. He didn’t speak English; he asked, ‘Shino ismok?’ meaning what is your name. ‘Habib,’ I replied, and I introduced Muyiwa, who also had an Arabian name, which I can’t remember. He asked some questions and how long we’d been in Libya and so on.

He shook hands with us and asked us to join him on the field, that he came to play Kora, meaning football, with his friends. We were delighted.

When it was time for him to come into the park, we were given safe passage to go into the park, though we never played, as we didn’t have kits and weren’t prepared.

It was a beautiful moment. Read More

Our CNG drivers have life Insurance, housing loans, and earn three times the minimum wage -Dangote refinery

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September 16, 2025

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President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has said that his resolve to take thousands of Nigerians off the unemployment market remains intact

Our CNG drivers have life Insurance, housing loans, and earn three times the minimum wage -Dangote refinery

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, on Monday revealed that his resolve to take thousands of Nigerians off the unemployment market remains intact, noting that his companies will continue to employ Nigerians and contribute to further reducing the country’s unemployment rate.

Speaking to the media in his Refinery complex on Monday, Dangote said his company respects trade unions, but that membership is a personal choice for each driver.

“We are not trying to take anybody out of the market. These trucks that we launched didn’t stop anybody from their work…You are saying there will be a loss of jobs, will our own tankers be driven by robots?… We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more…Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension. We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.”

He further revealed that the company’s CNG truck drivers can apply for and get a housing loan after five years of working and not being involved in any accident, and that it is optional for them to join the Union.

Acknowledging the numerous challenges the refinery has faced since its inception, Dangote emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa.

“The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria. Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true. What we have done is to make our country and continent proud. Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa,” he added.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the refinery’s development, Dangote disclosed that the project involved enormous risk. He received repeated warnings from industry experts, investors, local and foreign government officials, who argued that only sovereign nations undertake such large-scale refinery ventures. He admitted that had the project failed, he would have lost all his assets to lenders.

“The decision to build the refinery was not easy. If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. With the gradual rollout of CNG-powered trucks, Dangote anticipates that this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.

He noted that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports. He revealed that between June and the first week of September 2025, the facility had exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), underscoring its capacity to meet domestic demand and contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, describing it as essential for the continent’s development. Dangote emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to protect its local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the once-thriving textile sector as a cautionary example.

He noted that Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth lies in industrialisation, which not only boosts local productivity but also supports a circular economy.

“Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders. We must build and industrialise our own economies. Without this, how can others invest? That is why I believe the National Assembly should enact legislation to support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy. My goal is to see Africa prosper, as we have the fastest-growing population in the world. Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty. Many individuals with greater financial resources than myself want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialisation,” he said

He reiterated that with the introduction of CNG trucks, the refinery can deliver products to consumers anywhere in Nigeria, mitigating all associated risks.

Dangote reiterated that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the downstream sector, stressing that the industry stands to gain more through collective effort and cooperation. Read More

Adron Homes Flags Off Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, Promising Discounts and Festive Rewards

Lukman Omikunle

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September 16, 2025

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Adron Homes Flags Off Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, Promising Discounts and Festive Rewards

Adron Homes and Properties has launched the Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, offering Nigerians discounted land prices and exciting rewards this festive season

Adron Homes Flags Off Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, Promising Discounts and Festive Rewards

Adron Homes and Properties has announced the official launch of its Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, an exciting opportunity for Nigerians to own land at discounted rates while enjoying mouth-watering rewards this festive season.

This year’s edition allows customers to begin their homeownership journey with an initial deposit as low as ₦50,000 and spread payments over multiple instalments. Subscribers also enjoy a 30% discount on land purchases with the option to clear the balance conveniently over 24 months.

Adron Homes’ estates are carefully designed to provide residents with the best of modern living, featuring adequate power supply, good road networks, functional drainage systems, CCTV, 24-hour security, recreational centers, shopping malls, and green spaces that promote healthier lifestyles.

The promo covers estates across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Abuja (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Osun, and Niger States, giving prospective homeowners multiple location options in rapidly developing communities.

Promo Rewards by Category:
• BRONZE (₦300,000 deposit): 25kg bag of Rice + 2 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Home Theatre.
• SILVER (₦500,000 deposit): A Goat OR 50kg Bag of Rice + 3 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Rechargeable Fan.
• GOLD (₦1,000,000 deposit): A Goat + 50kg Bag of Rice + Palm Oil + Garri Ijebu OR 2 Bags of 50kg Rice + 4 Chickens + Palm Oil + Garri OR Washing Machine.
• DIAMOND (₦3.5M deposit on estates above ₦20M before discount): A Cow OR Double-Door Fridge.

Adron Homes has consistently bridged the home ownership gap in Nigeria by introducing flexible and convenient payment plans that allow more families to become homeowners. With initiatives like Lemon Friday Plus, the company is breaking down financial barriers and creating sustainable pathways for Nigerians to secure their future through real estate.

Promo Duration
• Instalment payments for initial deposits run from 7th July to 31st November 2025.
• The promo officially ends 6th January 2026.

“The Lemon Friday Plus Promo is our way of making December unforgettable for our customers,” said Adron Homes’ management. “We are not only offering affordable land ownership, but also giving families gifts that make the festive season brighter.”

Adron Homes invites all aspiring homeowners, investors, and families to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to own property with flexible payment plans and rewarding bonuses. Read More

BBNaija Week 8: 13 Housemates Up for Eviction as N150m Prize Race Heats Up

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September 16, 2025

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BBNaija Week 8: 13 Housemates Up for Eviction as N150m Prize Race Heats Up

Big Brother Naija Week 8 puts 13 housemates up for eviction, with only Zita, Rooboy, Faith, and Imisi safe as the battle for the ₦150m grand prize intensifies

BBNaija Week 8: 13 Housemates Up for Eviction as N150m Prize Race Heats Up

Thirteen housemates of the Big Brother Naija All-Stars edition are in danger of eviction in week eight, leaving only four contestants safe from possible exit.

Those exempted include, Zita, the current Head of House, Rooboy, who benefited from Zita’s veto save, Faith, named Most Influential Player for week seven, and Imisi, who holds the Immunity Card.

The rest of the housemates now face the public vote, with their survival dependent on viewers’ support.

With ₦150 million, the biggest prize in the show’s history, at stake, housemates have intensified their gameplay. New alliances are forming, and strategies are shifting as contestants fight to stay in the game.

Fans are already buzzing with debates about who deserves to remain and who might be sent packing this Sunday. Read More

LagRide, Lagos Govt Launch Bank-Backed Leasing Programme to Add 10,000 Drivers Ahead of Ember Rush

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September 16, 2025

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LagRide, Lagos Govt Launch Bank-Backed Leasing Programme to Add 10,000 Drivers Ahead of Ember Rush

LagRide and Lagos State have launched a bank-backed leasing programme to add 10,000 drivers ahead of Ember months, offering safe rides and car ownership opportunities

LagRide, Lagos Govt Launch Bank-Backed Leasing Programme to Add 10,000 Drivers Ahead of Ember Rush

LagRide, the smart mobility and e-hailing service operated by CIG Group in partnership with the Lagos State Government, has unveiled a new bank-backed vehicle leasing programme that will deploy 10,000 additional drivers and partners across Lagos ahead of the busy Ember months.

The expansion is designed to ensure Lagos residents and visitors enjoy safe, reliable, and affordable rides within minutes, especially during the high-demand season of weddings, concerts, family reunions, and airport arrivals.

Empowering Drivers Through Leasing

At the core of the initiative is a flexible leasing scheme that allows drivers to access brand-new CIG vehicles with quick bank approvals, competitive rates, and a clear path to ownership. Repayments are structured weekly based on kilometres driven, with full coverage for maintenance, insurance, and operational support.

“This is about dignity of work and empowering local entrepreneurs,” said Chief Diana Chen, Chair of CIG Group. “By partnering with banks, we are handing the steering wheel of Lagos mobility to drivers and partners who embody Lagos excellence.”

Raising Standards of Safety and Service

Safety remains central to LagRide’s identity. Every leased car is equipped with driver-facing cameras, panic buttons, and live diagnostics linked to the LagRide command centre for real-time support.

Riders are assured of clean, well-maintained vehicles and professional service, while drivers benefit from consistent monitoring and operational backing.

The LagRide Academy

To sustain high service standards, the LagRide Academy recruits, trains, and certifies new drivers with a curriculum covering customer service, safety protocols, first aid, app mastery, and financial literacy.

Graduates receive professional certificates, new vehicles, smartphones, health and life insurance, and can earn between ₦250,000 and ₦400,000 monthly, with top performers qualifying for vehicle ownership in as little as six months.

Joining the Programme

Interested drivers can apply at the LagRide Driver Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, or through the LagRide Partner app with valid documents, including a driver’s licence, LASDRI card, and proof of address. Non-driving partners can also lease cars and engage trained drivers from the Academy.

The first batch of bank-financed vehicles will roll out by the end of September, ensuring expanded ride options before the December rush.

Jubril Arogundade, Acting MD of LagRide Nigeria Limited, said: “From day one, our goal has been to deliver local solutions at world-class standards. This leasing programme makes car ownership easier for drivers while guaranteeing riders an even better experience.” Read More

Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 20.12% in August, Lowest in Over a Year – NBS

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September 16, 2025

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Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 20.12% in August, Lowest in Over a Year – NBS

Nigeria’s inflation rate dropped to 20.12% in August 2025 from 21.88% in July, with food inflation slowing to 21.87% year-on-year, according to NBS data

Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 20.12% in August, Lowest in Over a Year – NBS

Nigeria’s annual inflation rate eased to 20.12% in August 2025, down from 21.88% in July, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The agency said the August headline inflation rate fell by 1.76 percentage points compared to July, signaling a slower pace of price increases across goods and services.

On a year-on-year basis, inflation was 12.03 percentage points lower than August 2024, when the rate stood at 32.15%.

The NBS noted that the month-on-month inflation rate stood at 0.74% in August, significantly lower than 1.99% recorded in July, meaning prices rose at a slower pace compared to the previous month.

Food prices, which make up the largest share of household spending, rose by 21.87% year-on-year, down sharply from 37.52% in August 2024. The bureau attributed this decline partly to a change in the inflation base year.

Items that contributed most to the inflation rate include:

Food & non-alcoholic beverages (8.05%)
Restaurants and accommodation (2.60%)
Transport (2.15%)
Housing, water, electricity, gas & other fuel (1.69%)
Education (1.25%)

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 126.8 in August, from 125.9 in July. On an annual basis, the average CPI for the 12 months ending August 2025 stood at 24.66%, down from 31.26% a year earlier.

Across states, Borno (36.67%), Kano (30.44%), and Akwa Ibom (29.85%) recorded the highest food inflation rates year-on-year, while Zamfara (3.30%), Yobe (3.60%), and Sokoto (6.34%) recorded the slowest.

On a month-to-month basis, Kaduna (9.37%), Katsina (9.05%), and Akwa Ibom (7.87%) saw the sharpest food price increases, while Bayelsa (-9.52%), Sokoto (-8.92%), and Borno (-8.74%) recorded declines. Read More

Tobi Amusan’s Tokyo Silver Eases Pain of 2021 Olympic Heartbreak

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Lukman Omikunle

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September 16, 2025

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Tobi Amusan’s Tokyo Silver Eases Pain of 2021 Olympic Heartbreak

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan clinched silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, overcoming memories of her 2021 Olympic near-miss. She clocked 12.29s behind Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji

Tobi Amusan’s Tokyo Silver Eases Pain of 2021 Olympic Heartbreak

Nigeria’s sprint queen, Tobi Amusan, added another milestone to her glittering career on Monday, winning the silver medal in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Amusan clocked 12.29 seconds to finish second behind Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who stormed to gold in a national record of 12.24s. America’s Grace Stark secured bronze in 12.34s.

For Amusan, the race carried deep personal significance. In the same Tokyo stadium at the 2021 Olympic Games, she had agonisingly finished fourth, missing out on the podium by fractions of a second.

Speaking to Making of Champions shortly after her silver medal run, Amusan admitted the painful memory came flooding back.

“I remember in 2021, I came here and I came fourth. The moment I heard World Championships was going to be kept here, I had a PTSD,” she said.

“But then I had to snap out of it and told myself I’m not leaving here without the gold medal. I don’t know, but I’ll take a silver. It’s been God. The journey has been extremely rough. I’ve taken more L’s than wins. I’m just thankful that I have a great support system, my coach, my family, my mentors, my loved ones.”

The 28-year-old world record holder has faced a turbulent road in recent years—from the euphoric high of setting the 12.12s world record in Oregon in 2022, to injuries, administrative disputes, and questions over her form.

Amusan insisted this medal was a tribute not just to her resilience, but also to those who never stopped believing in her.

“This is for everyone who supported me through it all,” she said. “Look at the kind of lineup we have in the women’s hurdles—it’s anybody’s race. I kept saying to myself yesterday, it’s not of the swift but of God who shows mercy. I worked really hard and I deserve this. I’m just thankful I didn’t leave here with no medal again this year.”

With her silver in Tokyo, Amusan not only secured another global medal but also laid to rest the ghosts of her Olympic heartbreak in the same city four years ago. Read More

UBA Foundation Unveils 2025 Essay Competition Offering Over N18m in Prizes and Scholarships

Lukman Omikunle

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September 16, 2025

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UBA Foundation Unveils 2025 Essay Competition Offering Over N18m in Prizes and Scholarships

NEC invites senior secondary school students across Nigeria to share their thoughts on the theme: “Nigeria is characterised by diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions

UBA Foundation Unveils 2025 Essay Competition Offering Over N18m in Prizes and Scholarships

Now in its 15^th consecutive year, the NEC invites senior secondary school students across Nigeria to share their thoughts on the theme: “Nigeria is characterised by diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions. How can young Nigerians deploy diversity to build a united nation?” Students are required to research thoroughly, get their ideas together, write their essays, and submit the scanned copies of their entries through the digital portal on or before Friday, October 17, 2025

The topic has been carefully chosen to encourage participants to put on their thinking caps, as they examine how the country’s diversity can be utilised as a tool for nation-building, unity, and long-term development, while also rekindling the dwindling reading culture amongst the youth.

Over the years, the NEC has become one of the Foundation’s flagship education initiatives, designed to inspire critical thinking, foster a vibrant reading culture, and empower the next generation of leaders to shape the future of the nation through reading and writing.

To also deepen its longstanding commitment to education and youth development, the foundation announced a significant increase in its educational grants, with the first-place winner receiving a university grant of N10 million to study at any African university of their choice, This amount represents a rise by 33% compared to the N7.5m winning prize last year, while the second-place and third-place winners will be awarded N7.5 million and N5 million grants, respectively up from N5m and N3.5m won last year.

The Managing Director/CEO of UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta, who underscored the significance of the initiative, noted that young minds have a vital role to play in fostering national cohesion, particularly at a time when unity is most needed in the country.

“For well over a decade, the National Essay Competition has provided a vital platform for our secondary school students to express their ideas and showcase their intellectual prowess. Infact, parents and pupils have come to look forward to the NEC as they keep calling to ask about the commencement,” Atta said

According to her, “This year’s topic is particularly crucial as it tasks them to look at our country’s greatest asset which is our diversity, and devise ways to leverage it for unity, growth, and national development. We believe the young minds of today hold the key to a more harmonious and prosperous Nigeria.”

To be eligible to participate, applicants must be Nigerian senior secondary school students with interested candidates required to complete the online application form, upload a handwritten essay of no more than 750 words on the given topic, attach a recent passport photograph, and provide a valid birth certificate, National ID card, or international passport.

The deadline for submission of entries is Friday, October 17th, 2025, and applications can be accessed and submitted through the Foundation’s official website ubagroup.com/uba-foundation/national-essay-competition/, or by scanning the QR code available on the posters and websites.

The NEC has been rolled out in other African countries where UBA operates, in order to open up the opportunity for more African children to benefit from the educational grants.

UBA Foundation embodies the UBA Group’s CSR objectives and seeks to impact positively societies through several laudable projects and initiatives. Through its Education pillar, the Foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of books to students across Africa under the ‘Read Africa’ initiative aimed at encouraging and promoting the reading culture in African youths. Its National Essay Competition has also afforded the opportunity to hundreds of students to improve their lives through higher education. Read More

Senator Gbenga Daniel Leads Ogun East Delegation to Olubadan-Elect, Rashidi Ladoja, Rekindles Bond [Photos]

Lukman Omikunle

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September 16, 2025

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Senator Gbenga Daniel Leads Ogun East Delegation to Olubadan-Elect, Rashidi Ladoja, Rekindles Bond [Photos]

By Lukman Omikunle

Senator Daniel’s homage carried deeper significance, underscoring the enduring friendship and respect between the two elder statesmen. Their shared past as governors has now transformed into mutual admiration as Ladoja prepares to ascend the revered throne of Ibadanland

l-r: Olubadan-Elect, Oba Rashidi Ladoja with Senator (Otunba) Gbenga Daniel

Senator Gbenga Daniel Leads Ogun East Delegation to Olubadan-Elect, Rashidi Ladoja, Rekindles Bond [Photos]

Ibadan, Oyo State – Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, on Monday led a powerful delegation from his senatorial district to pay homage to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in a visit that highlighted their long-standing personal and political bond.

Daniel, who served as Ogun State governor between 2003 and 2011, was received with warmth at Oba Ladoja’s Bodija residence, joining a stream of dignitaries who have thronged Ibadan to honour the new monarch-in-waiting.

The senator described Ladoja as more than just a political ally, recalling their time as governors of Ogun and Oyo States respectively, when both worked closely together on issues of governance and economic growth.

“Among the five governors elected in the South-West at the time, Ladoja and I shared cooperative backgrounds. He is a great politician, a great businessman, a shipowner, and a great governor,” Daniel said.

He further recalled how Ladoja’s input during Nigeria’s banking reforms led to Wema Bank’s transformation into a national bank—an example he cited as proof of the monarch-elect’s business acumen.

Clearly moved by the stream of high-profile visits, Oba Ladoja told Daniel and his entourage, “You should all pray for me because I’m overwhelmed by the number of dignitaries who have been coming to pay homage across Nigeria.”

The Ogun East delegation included notable political leaders such as Akogun Kola Onadipe (former Ogun Commissioner representing the Joint Initiative Forum), Abagun Kole Omololu (representing Pa Fasoranti of Afenifere), Otunba Korede Okusanya, and Olotu.

Earlier that day, former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, now ADC’s National Secretary, also paid homage. Mimiko praised Ladoja’s “impressive feats” while Aregbesola stressed their visit was “purely ceremonial,” noting Ladoja’s seniority and stature.

Senator Daniel’s homage carried deeper significance, underscoring the enduring friendship and respect between the two elder statesmen. Their shared past as governors has now transformed into mutual admiration as Ladoja prepares to ascend the revered throne of Ibadanland. Read More