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Ogun Guangdong FTZ Dispute: Seizure of Nigerian Aircrafts and Governor Abiodun’s Controversial Role

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5 months ago

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For days now, since the news of the seizure of 3 aircrafts belonging to the Nigerian presidential fleet in France and Switzerland following a court order granted Zhongshan, a Chinese company embroiled in a long-standing legal dispute with Ogun State over the management of an export processing zone. The Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone located in Igbesa. Ogun State.

The genesis of the ongoing controversy bothering on the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone which was established in 2008 was as a result of the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration’s painstaking efforts to drive in investors into the state after Nigeria and the Chinese governments signed a bilateral agreement on investment, trade and other issues of common interest.

The media space have been flooded with opinions and commentaries with many speaking from either lack of knowledge about the subject matter or deliberate falsehood trying to insulate the present governor of Ogun state Prince Dapo Abiodun from the national embarrassment.

Is it not mischievous that the present government in Ogun State is mixing up facts by falsifying the background activities that led to the establishment, operations and the success so far recorded from this commendable achievement by the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration.

Till now there are absolutely no issues on the establishment processes of the Ogun Free Trade Zone as attested to by Senator Ibikunle Amosun himself who admitted he made a costly mistake by engaging a company, ZHONGFU to manage the zone after Otunba Gbenga Daniel handed the reign of government to him. The OGD administration did not sign any contract with ZHONGFU, rather had an MOU with China African Investment Company (CAIC) which was already in full operations with well over 30 companies before it was handed over to the Senator Amosun government. Note that as at today, over 40 companies are still operating in the zone and both Ogun state and Federal government are beneficiaries of taxes running into millions of dollars.

ZHONGFU, as admitted by Senator Amosun came into the picture when he was ill advised by members of his administration which strangely was led by the current governor of Ogun state Prince Dapo Abiodun. As it is, the media should dig and expose the roles played by the current governor of Ogun state on the legacy projects embarked upon by the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration and he should provide us with facts as to why Dangote Refinery was relocated to Lagos, the Olokola Free Trade Zone and deep sea port abandonment, why the Gateway International Cargo Airport was not touched by the Amosun government even when all that the project required was award of contracts to erect structures since the needed International and Federal required approvals were obtained, and up to 70% of the project already activated by the Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration.

At the point when ZHONGFU secured the Arbitration judgement, the current governor who took over the administration of the OGFTZ and have appointed a substantive chairman was tardy in his response and failed to quickly seize the window of appeal until it lapsed. He should be asked why the judgement was ignored and the Federal government misled.

The statement by Otunba Gbenga Daniel on the matter should be seen as the voice of an elder statesman, having carefully seen the mistakes by his successors, rather than apportioning blames and openly admitting the errors committed by his successors handling these matters chose to advice a diplomatic solution at the highest level of both National governments involved. Put differently he felt that washing those dirty linen in public will not help our case and our country in resolving and effecting the required damage control even at international levels. One wonders why this is difficult for intelligent and discerning minds to appreciate.

Going by the above, it is crystal obvious that the current governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and his handlers are swimming in the muddy waters they dug in their many futile attempts to defame and stigmatize the laudable achievements of the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration. By the way, why are we still referring to the projects of the OGD administration ? Simply put, those that came after him are yet to even meet up with them, talk more of embarking on legacy projects that will impact the people of Ogun state.

“The evil that men do lives after them” Shakespeare used this quote to allude to the nature of legacies, particularly as it comes to Julius Caesar and Brutus. Prince Dapo Abiodun will one day atone for all the economic and infrastructural destructions he caused Ogun State. It is only a matter of time.

Seun Okerayi writes from Abeokuta.

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Audullahi Saheed Mosadoluwa: Visionary Leader Redefining Real Estate, Community Development

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3 days ago

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January 27, 2025

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Hon. (Dr.) Audullahi Saheed Mosadoluwa, fondly known as “Mr. Ibile,” embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and purpose. His journey from a young entrepreneur to one of Nigeria’s most revered real estate developers is an inspiring testament to visionary leadership and a deep commitment to societal transformation.
Born into an entrepreneurial family, Mosadoluwa developed a sharp business acumen at an early age, a foundation that set the stage for his remarkable career. His ambition and forward-thinking approach eventually led him to establish Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited, a company now synonymous with excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s real estate sector.
Under his guidance, Harmony Gardens has flourished into a household name, delivering projects that cater to both luxury seekers and everyday Nigerians. One of the company’s standout developments, the Lekki Aviation Town Estate, is a masterfully designed residential hub strategically located near the upcoming Lekki-Epe International Airport. Spanning over 1,400 hectares, this ambitious project offers state-of-the-art amenities and positions Harmony Gardens as a key player in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit.
In addition to Lekki Aviation Town, Harmony Gardens boasts other groundbreaking projects such as HarmonyVille Estate, CrestView Estate, and Granville by Harmony. Each of these developments is a testament to Mosadoluwa’s dedication to creating inclusive, sustainable communities that elevate the living standards of Nigerians.
Recently, Mosadoluwa expanded his influence by launching Ibile Holdings Global Limited, a new venture focused on optimizing construction practices and property management in Nigeria. This move underscores his commitment to diversifying the economy, creating jobs, and setting new benchmarks in quality and efficiency.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Mosadoluwa is a devoted philanthropist. He has funded scholarships for underprivileged students, supported affordable housing initiatives for low-income families, and spearheaded free healthcare outreach programs in underserved communities. His generosity and advocacy for equity have touched countless lives, solidifying his reputation as a compassionate leader who prioritizes people over profit.
Mosadoluwa’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous accolades, including an Honorary Doctorate from the Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management & Politics (CIPRMP), Ghana, for his efforts in democracy, education, and affordable housing. His leadership and advocacy have also earned him the Outstanding Real Estate Leader Award and the Pan-African Housing Leadership Award.
While his journey has not been without challenges, including allegations of land disputes that he has consistently addressed through legal channels, Mosadoluwa remains steadfast in his mission to operate transparently and uphold ethical standards in the real estate industry.
Looking ahead, Mosadoluwa envisions a Nigeria where housing is accessible to all. With ambitious plans to build over 750,000 affordable homes by 2030 and attract foreign investments into the country’s housing sector, he is committed to driving sustainable development and economic growth.
Hon. (Dr.) Audullahi Saheed Mosadoluwa is more than a businessman—he is a visionary leader, a philanthropist, and a symbol of hope for countless Nigerians. Through his groundbreaking projects, unwavering dedication to ethical practices, and relentless pursuit of excellence, he continues to inspire and transform lives across the nation.
-Written by Sunday Adebayo

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Oil Tycoon, Wale Tinubu, Begins the New Year with Positive Momentum

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7 days ago

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January 23, 2025

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Oil tycoon and highflying businessman, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, has started the year 2025 on a very good and brighter note as he has just led Oando to secure a major oil block in Angola.

The  integrated energy solutions provider this week secured a major win by emerging as the operator of Angola’s Kwanza Basin Block KON 13.

This milestone marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to increase its oil production capacity to 100,000 barrels per day as part of its broader global expansion plans.

Over the weekend, the National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), Angola’s upstream petroleum regulator, announced the results of the Limited Public Tender for Block KON 13, located in the Kwanza Onshore Basin.

The tender process began on May 24, 2024, with bidding held on September 3, 2024.

According to ANPG, Oando Energy has been designated the operator with a 45 percent stake in the block.

An additional 10 percent interest remains available for non-operating companies, to be awarded through a restricted competition involving unsuccessful bidders from the operator selection round.

The Angolan regulator stated that the bid process adhered to the requirements outlined in Presidential Decree No. 86/18, which governs criteria for financial and technical capacity for operators and financial capability for non-operators.

Oando’s success in Angola reflects its decade-long ambition to establish a presence in the country’s hydrocarbon sector.

In 2014, Tinubu revealed that Oando had signed joint ventures in Angola and Mozambique. However, financial challenges over the years cast doubt on the company’s ability to sustain its pan-African vision.

That narrative shifted with Oando’s recent acquisition of 100 percent ownership of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC Ltd) from Eni S.p.A., an Italian oil giant.

This acquisition increased Oando’s stake in four key oil mining leases —OMLs 60, 61, 62, and 63—from 20 percent to 40 percent.

Oando has outlined plans to enhance output through new drilling projects and improved security measures.

The acquisition has also bolstered investor confidence, with a notable rise in the company’s share price and market value.

Definitely, it is not too early to conclude that the world the world class serial investor  has achieved prompt success and  positive developments, while setting a favourable tone for the rest of the year.

 

 

 

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Nigerian born, Serumu Igberadja, Makes history, assumes  office as IVETA President

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3 weeks ago

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January 11, 2025

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Nigerian born Serumu Igberadja has  made his history as he assumed office as   President of the International Vocational Education and Training Association (IVETA) USA.  Igberadja who was  also the former Vice President of IVETA  East and West Africa, and the CEO of Think TVET Global Consult and Edu Tour Global Limited assumed office January 1st 2025.

With his assumption as the president  of IVETA he becomes the first from West Africa to assumed such position.

The Delta State born is also the Director of International Relations and Business Development at Whitecloud TVET Solutions Ltd.

Igberadja who has  Bachelor of Science  (Ed) and M.Sc in Technical Education and Industrial Technology respectively is a youth leader and a community development advocate who  has special interest in good governance, non-violence, community development, quality education, vocational skills development, sustainable livelihood, and economic development.

Igberadja  is also an Alumnus of the Prestigious International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States Department of State Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs.

He has an interest in contributing his expertise to the growth and development of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for sustainable development across the globe. He is a member of the UNESCO UNEVOC Forum and Skillman International Forum (SIF) Italy. As well, an Assistant Journalist in the Lucubrate Magazine and the Coordinator for the Lucubrate Project Nigeria.

Serumu Igberadja has facilitated several workshops, conferences, and partnerships to promote and advance TVET for sustainable livelihood and development. Notable partnerships with  Lucubrate NKB Norway and University of Nigeria Nsukka(UNN), IVETA and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), IVETA and UNN UNEVOC Centre, IVETA and Ese Odo Local Government Council, and Linkages with TVET Equipment Manufacturers in Europe, Asia, and America such as Delorenzo Italy, Labtech International, Tesca India, Lucas-Nülle Germany, Lexsolar Germany, and Edibon Spain.

He has featured as Keynote Speaker in several TVET and Youth Development Workshops and Conferences, his recent outing was his participation as Moderator for   ‘Socio Professional Integration in TVET’ at the 2022 WorldSkills Africa Conference held at Swakopmund Namibia organised by the Namibia Training Authority, Keynote Speaker at the 2022 IVETA Las Vegas Conference, the US Africa Institute side event of the 2023 US Africa Leaders’ Summit Washington DC, Official Observer at Worldskills Lyon.

He is expected to rule over  the affairs of IVETA for the next 12 months.

 

During his inaugural speech he promised to enhance global TVET systems by promoting collaboration, sharing best practices, and addressing diverse needs to create impactful, sustainable outcomes. While he also highlighted his strategic priorities for IVETA in the next one year, such as Global Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations with governments, institutions, industries, and global organizations like UNESCO, ILO, and World Bank to drive TVET advancements worldwide, Quality Improvement: Enhancing TVET programs to prepare graduates for the global workforce, focusing on teacher training, student outcomes, and institutional excellence.

  1. Advocacy and Awareness: Promoting positive perceptions of TVET through targeted campaigns, workshops, and community engagement across all regions.
  2. Resource Mobilization: Securing grants and funding to support initiatives that benefit diverse member regions.
  3. Governance and Representation: Ensuring balanced regional representation, strong governance, and efficient resource management to align with IVETA’s mission.

 

IVETA is a network of vocational educators. Its  network includes vocational skills training organisations, business and industrial firms, and individuals and groups interested or involved in vocational education and training worldwide.

It is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of high-quality vocational education and training throughout the world.

 

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