Quintessential Diplomat: Spanish King Accepts Letter of Credence from Ambassador Ademola Seriki
It is usually said that the life of many a diplomat, hovers between a cliche and an indiscretion. To escape such dreary actuality, many have learned to skim the tides of the diplomatic world often harnessing storms for a profit.
Some, pride themselves as quick learners, flaunting their capacity to cut their neighbour’s throat even while exacting a cheer from the victim. Many more, however, simply learn to keep aloof, maintaining to the very end, a magnificent disdain under the cloak of finesse.
Ademola Seriki, however, cuts a different portrait; diligent, suave, and gracious to the bones. He is the perfect embodiment of panache and progressive diplomacy.
This undoubtedly informed his appointment in January 2021, by President Muhammadu Buhari, as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain. The appointment of the Otun Aare of Lagos and former Minister of State for Defence was well-received among the elites and international community due to Seriki’s antecedent in public office.
Since his appointment, Seriki has been up and about, diligently handling his new brief with the practised gait of a public functionary. Just recently, he presented his Letter of Credence to the King of Spain. The latter received Ambassador Seriki in a stately ceremony that had dignitaries such as the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and EU Cooperation in attendance. Seriki holds his current diplomatic post with concurrent accreditation as a Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
Born November 30, 1959, in Lagos Island, he had his earlier education in Nigeria and later proceeded for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the United States of America (USA) where he bagged his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Accounting from the City University of New York in the USA.
He also had a Diploma in International and Regional Security at Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts. His passion for education earned him laurels back in the United States of America, where he became a licensed Accounting and Business Mathematics teacher with the New York City Board of Education.
Seriki, as a grassroots politician, began his career as a clerical officer at Lagos City Council, Lagos Island in 1978. He had a brief stint in the banking and finance sector both in Nigeria at IBWA and the United States of America at Citicorp. As a seasoned administrator, he held sway as Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the following ministries crucial to the nation’s economic, social security development including the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and the Ministry of Interior
He is a sports administrator and enthusiast. He was Chairman, Lagos State Sports Council and a member of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 18th National Sports Festival as Chairman of Venue and Facilities Sub-Committee.
Unusual Artistry of DJ Cuppy: Why She Doesn’t Joke with Education
American educational reformer, Horace Mann, said that “Education, then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equaliser of the conditions of men, the balance wheel of the social machinery.” This quote has led many to believe that formal education is nothing more than a vehicle to break out of any form of unfairness and imbalance. In a way, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola (alias DJ Cuppy), is using this vehicle to break convention and common sense.
In a nation where the majority of citizens go through years and years of classroom learning, late-night cramming and other elements of modern-day schoolwork to secure good jobs, good money and good futures, DJ Cuppy is going against the grain. As the daughter of Femi Otedola, one of the wealthiest personalities on the African continent, it is somehow expected that she only needs to know how to sign her name on cheques and communicate effectively. But Cuppy, even without considering her status as a successful disc jockey and music producer, is not a regular girl.
The Nigerian social media community is agog with reports of Cuppy starting classes at the University of Oxford, England. According to the news, Cuppy will be going on with her master’s degree in African Studies until sometime in 2022. Even so, she will be “…djing around the country, launching (her) jewellery brand, and working on new music…”, among other things.
For those in the know, this is not Cuppy’s first master’s degree. In 2015, she clinched one in Music Business from New York University. It is probably one of the secrets behind her growing success in the Nigerian music industry.
Regardless, news about Cuppy is always a fresh wave and motivation, especially since she is always passionate about whatever she has set her mind to. Education, music and business—one could call these the three-part component that most prominently describes the lady and her passions.
End of an Era as Olu of Warri Disrobes Ayiri
Matters of crowns and palaces cannot be judged with conventional wisdom. Who was in the right and who was in the wrong? Sometimes, one party has age on its side and therefore wins the argument. Other times, the size of the fist of power determines everything. In the Warri Kingdom, the conditions of government favour the latter more than they do the former. This is evidenced by the recent announcement of the formal divestiture of power from the now-former traditional Prime Minister of the Kingdom.
The Nigerian social media community is buzzing with the recent doings of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III. According to reports, the monarch stripped Chief Ayiri Emami of the title of Ologbotsere (Prime Minister) and declared that the title is no longer applicable to the prominent businessman and politician across the Itsekiri Kingdom and other parts of the world.
The Olu’s declaration has been met with a variety of reactions from many corners. Some lauded the decision, agreeing with the condition that the monarch bestows chieftaincy titles and should have the right to disrobe titled individuals of this office. Others have held back on the cheers, stating that there might be more to the story than meets the public eye.
Interestingly, Chief Emami has reportedly responded in an unexpected tone—that he remains the traditional Prime Minister, regardless of recent events. This has fortified the belief that there is much more to the narrative than power changing hands. Before the new Olu came to the throne, Chief Emami was the foremost voice that opposed him. Emami allegedly believed that the monarch (then a Prince) did not meet the requirements for the Olu of Warri position, and took steps in that direction. Emami even went to court.
Those that support the Olu’s decision insist that disrobing Emami and obliterating the Ologbotsere title is a reasonable measure to curb future events that might split the royal family apart. Even so, loyalists of Emami are not happy and neither is Emami.
Lola Bayode’s Heart of Gold
There are people and there are people. Some are so engrossed with their own lives and interests that they are unable to spare a second in consideration for others. Others measure the value of their lives based on how many lives they have touched and blessed, not to mention the degree to which they have done these. Dr Tolulola Bayode belongs to the latter category and has become one of the brightest beacons of hope for the underprivileged in Nigeria.
One can only sing praises for Bayode considering the span and scale of her plans to rejuvenate the hopes and dreams of the downtrodden in Nigeria. It is to her credit that there is such a place as Dorian Home, renowned to be the biggest Orphanage Home in Africa. In a few days, October 14, 2021, to be precise, the project will be commissioned and set into motion. Based on reports, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo will be on ground for the launch.
From her compassion, dedication and resources, Bayode reportedly sunk around $5 million into Dorian Home. The result of her hard work is a 600-capacity centre in Ondo State. The ultramodern facility is reported to consist of 700 homes for children, a 500-capacity skill acquisition centre for women empowerment, a large hall for events, a modern clinic and a worship centre.
Although Bayode acquired her training in the medical profession in Ukraine, all her humanitarian efforts have been poured into the restoration of the dignity of Nigerians, especially orphans and abandoned children. It is, therefore, not surprising that VP Osinbajo will be around to get Dorian Home running. After all, Bayode’s endeavours are the kind that sympathetic and progressive leaders encourage.
Marriage Rumble: Fani-Kayode Harassing, Threatening
My Life, Precious Chikwendu Raises the Alarm
Some folks seem to have it good all the time. Some folks seem to have it good some of the time. However, certain folks seem to have all things good staying far away from them. Using recent events as a measuring rule, these latter folks have Femi Fani-Kayode (alias FFK) as their liege and luminary.
The months of September and October have not been very kind to FFK. The former Aviation Minister has had many things thrown at him in recent days; from lineage-levelling invectives to figurative stones conveying scribbles of his capriciousness. The latest of things to be thrown at FFK are allegations of harassment and intimidation, courtesy of his former wife, Precious Chikwendu.
According to reports, Chikwendu has dragged FFK to court, alongside the Inspector-General of Police (IG) and the Commissioner of Police (CP), Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Chikwendu is reportedly insisting that FFK is using his influence to intimidate her and threaten her life. Moreover, Chikwendu alleges that FFK is using the Police, with the IG and CP at his beck and call, to accomplish these deeds.
It is no secret that the relationship between FFK and Chikwendu cannot be judged using traditional methods. In the face of public vexation, Chikwendu is sometimes the first person to defend FFK. Other times, she is the first to throw him to the wolves.
Furthermore, Chikwendu is responsible for many allegations against FFK, including that he has physically abused both his wife (Chikwendu) and her mother on several occasions and that he is not as upstanding as he publicly carries himself.
Folks are doubtlessly aware that the latter accusation is something that many Nigerians agree with, especially since FFK abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a few weeks ago and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). His decision was met with serious public censure because he used to be one of the most outspoken faultfinders of the APC-led administration.
Chikwendu also said her bits about FFK’s supposed duplicity: “…a thief is never ashamed but his kinsmen are ashamed on his behalf.”
Evidently, she is not his biggest fan at the moment. Thus, her allegations of intimidation and threat to life against FFK is only a new step on the ladder.
Mother of Nigerian Billionaire, Tonye Cole, Passes on
It was notable English poet and scholar, John Donne, who wrote, “Death, be not proud, though some have called thee mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; for those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow die not…” These lines have been argued to mean that as unpleasant and saddening as death is, human memory is a greater power. Thus, even as Tonye Patrick Cole mourns the passing of his dear mother, his memories of her must help him realise that death is not the end.
Folks have begun to send condolence messages to the Nigerian businessman and billionaire who is also the co-founder and former Group Executive Director of Sahara Group, upon the death of his mother, Pastor Mrs Mina Dugoabere Cole. Those who know Cole know that much of his brilliance and diligence came from his close relationship with his mother. Thus, these are not the best days for him.
According to Cole’s press release, his mother passed away in London on October 1, 2021, after a protracted illness. He also announced that the burial arrangements are still in the works and will be made public in due course. He also appreciated everybody for the love, support and prayers on behalf of the entire family.
Around this time last year, the departed mother of Cole was the envy of many mothers all over the country. This was because Cole had posted an old photo of himself and his mother, even asking his followers to guess his age at the time. He wrote, “What a Throwback! Always been her little boy. Trying to remember how old I was here, what do you think?”
That event proved to folks that Cole was, irrespective of his great wealth and global network of associates, a man that deeply cherished familial relationships. By every indication, Cole loved his mother. Her demise, consequently, is a great loss.
Between Tayo Ayeni and Jide Omokore
Rumours are a dastardly thing. One is far more likely to offend an innocent person these days over rumours peddled by the media than over anything else. As an anonymous figure once commented in the past, rumours are so base and blind that even the subject of these false narratives may be unwittingly invited to participate in their dissemination. To hit the nail on the head, contrary to the rumours, well-known businessmen and allies, Tayo Ayeni and Jide Omokore, are still very good friends.
Over time, there have been many close friends and associates that have been labelled as rivals and enemies; the pair of Ayeni and Omokore is a regular news item in this way. The relationship between these notable businessmen has been shrunken and bloated from time to time, dragged in whatever direction the engineers of gossip see fit. A few months ago, the rumoured narrative had Ayeni on Omokore’s neck. A few months before that, it was Omokore on Ayeni’s neck. Now, the gist is that both of them are always disgusted at each other’s sight and always ready to wreck each other’s business opportunities. By every indication, all of these rumours are lies.
Based on recent reports from very reliable sources, Ayeni and Omokore cannot be closer friends. Ayeni, the boss of Skymit Motors, is just as chummy with Omokore as he is with any other close friend. The same is true for Omokore who does not consider Ayeni as a business rival or nemesis, contrary to reports.
It is true that when Omokore was facing one of the severest crises of his life, the trial of Diezani Alison-Madueke, Ayeni was one of those whose testimony in court was used to almost cripple the integrity and freedom of Omokore. Even so, their nearly three decades of close association surmounted that period.
Now that Omokore is gradually coming out of his shell and regaining former business domains, what could possibly motivate Ayeni to shun or become enemies with him?
All Set for International Day of Rural Women
October is proving to be one of the best months so far in 2021. The year itself has witnessed women climbing the heights of the corporate world, dazzling all and sundry with their brilliance and leaving behind all the manacles of traditional society. Thanks to non-profit organisations like Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman (BLPARW); this trend has begun to include women who have not had the privilege of quality formal education and training. These are the women looking forward to October 15, 2021, for the International Day of Rural Women.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Hajia Aisha Babangida has done a great deal to liberate Nigerian women from a mediocre mindset. The empowerment that has come from the dream of her mother, Maryam Babangida, has shone a light into the dark places of the nation’s efforts for genuine and inclusive sustainable development. This is just what BLPARW is doing at the moment and what October 15 will entail.
Ordinarily, Babangida’s BLPARW educates and empowers African women and youths through courses, programs and microfinancing to build cottage industries and in turn the country’s economy. This year, however, the observance of the International Day of Rural Women (which pays homage to prominent women in food production and agricultural and rural development worldwide) will involve a fifteen-minute film in honour of Nigerian rural women. The film is titled ‘Her Majesty’ and has been reported to recount the life, struggles, and impacts of these women.
BLPARW was founded way back in 1987 and has since witnessed the development and utilisation of the potentials of rural women, which is the core objective of the organisation. Even now, as Babangida and her team are preparing for the International Day of Rural Women, they also have big plans to provide rural women with educational, technical and financial support. Thus, October 15 will not only be a wonderful day in the minds of successful female farmers worldwide but also struggling Nigerian rural women.
