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Former Minister Sunday Dare Celebrates Late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2024

…Calls on Ogbomoso to compete for power in Oyo state.

Joel Ajayi

The Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland and the former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Akin Dare has joined family, friends, relatives, and good people of Ogbomosoland to celebrate the life of a veteran Civil War hero and an eminent Ogbomoso-born Nigerian Army officer, late Brigadier-General Benjamin Maja Adekunle, otherwise known as Black Scorpion.

In a statement released recently, the Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland noted that the 10th anniversary remembrance of the veteran General is not just a celebration of his history, but a reflection of the bravery and patriotism of a

man who risked his life on behalf of our country and citizens. Chief Sunday Dare acknowledged that: “As a General, he was first amongst equals, and we as his people, are proud of the legacy that he left behind”.

Chief Sunday Dare explained that the sense of purpose and commitment to something greater than one’s self, is a cornerstone of a soldier’s life, which late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle exemplified. He signposted a life of enduring symbol of bravery, and compassion. He served Nigeria well.

“The story of the battle for Nigeria’s soul and eventual unity cannot be complete without a generous mention of late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle, a.k.a Black Scorpion. He was a patriot who loved his country and gave his all. He revealed to the world that Ogbomoso’s sons and daughters were no bystanders or minions. But that, Ogbomoso sons and daughters are brilliant

and brave, courageous and compassionate, patriotic and powerful. And above all, that Ogbomoso is a land of warriors; ever ready to make necessary sacrifices for the unity of her people and her land”.

Furthermore, Chief Sunday Dare stated that: “Late General Benjamin Adekunle has joined the league of Ogbomoso icons like the late Premier of Western Region Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the late Soun Oyewunmi Ajagungbade III, the late Governor of Oyo State Otunba Alao-Akala, the late Inspector General of Police Chief Sunday Adewusi and many other heroes of democracy from Ogbomosoland who made priceless sacrifices for the unity and peace of Nigeria.

For late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle, no task was a burden and no sacrifice was too high: for he loved his people even as he understood that his call to duty carried a risk to his own life. He brought to life courage and patriotism that remains unequaled”. “Out of curiosity, I searched for the deeper meaning of a Scorpion. General

Benjamin Adekunle was nicknamed the Black Scorpion largely due to his exploits as a soldier. I found out that Scorpions are symbols of protection, transformation, independence, solitude, and intelligence.

In addition, Scorpions are also a symbol of death and rebirth, a symbol of power. We stop here. For us, the spirit of the Black Scorpion must rekindle in us the desire to lead. Not just in our land of Ogbomoso, but in our Oyo State. Let Ogbomoso no longer play the second fiddle in Oyo State. Let Ogbomoso speak with one political voice. Let Adekunle’s spirit summon us all to a new cause in this dispensation.

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Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy

Published

56 mins ago

October 6, 2025

The Gleamer

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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