News
Philanthropist charge private sector to support FG on Humanitarian service
Mariam Abeeb
The founder of Osa Okunbo foundation, Osahon Okunbo has charged well meaning Nigerians and private sector to support the Federal Government to improve humanitarian services across the country.
He made this call in an interview with newsmen while receiving the prestigious “Emerging Leader in Philanthropy” award from the Humanitarian Service Diamond Awards (HSD Awards).
Osahon, son of the late Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, has successfully carried on his father’s business legacy and philanthropic efforts.
Okunbo noted that encouraging people to invest more in humanity will also go a long way in national development.
“It was very well organized. Things like these are the reasons why we should encourage, we encourage people to do this because encouraging people who invest in humanity is a good course.
“So I’m impressed, and I’ll continue to support them. So I mean, one of the one of the principles that I learned from my father was investing in humanity. And as you can see, like you quite rightly pointed out.
According to Ikechukwu Norbert, convener and organizer of the award, Osahon was chosen for this recognition due to his exceptional track record in national development, societal upliftment, and relentless service to humanity.
He explained that Osahon H. Okunbo is a dynamic entrepreneur and investor with 15 years of leadership experience across various sectors, including energy, power, hospitality, agriculture, and aviation.
He said his support for art and music has been instrumental in fostering cultural expression, culminating in his upcoming role as Patron of Nigeria’s first film museum, set to launch in late 2024.
According to him, through the Osa Okunbo Foundation, he tackles poverty head-on, focusing on education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and housing.
Speaking further, Norbert stressed that collective efforts can help reaffirms belief in the power of humanity to overcome these challenges and build a better society.
He added that considering the nation’s struggling with poverty, conflict, unemployment, out of school
Children and hunger, noting that what we need is involvement through voluntary, advocacy, donations, or raising awareness.
Other notable awardees are Prince Arthur Eze, Borno state Governor, Babagana Zullum, River State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Nuhu Kwajafa.
Others are Prophet Jeremiah Fufuye, Jack Rich Tein, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa, Allen Onyema and Sen. Monday Okpebholo among other personalities.
News
Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy
Joel Ajayi
After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.
He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.
“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.
“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.
Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.
On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.
“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.
International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”
Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.
“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.
With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.
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