News
I Lost More Than A Governor, Olawande
The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande has expressed grief over the death of Governor of Ondo state Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Gov. Akeredolu was the governor of Ondo State until his death on Wednesday following a battle with prostate cancer.
In a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Maryam Umar Yusuf, Mr Ayodele Olawande said he lost more than a governor as Akeredolu was his adviser and guardian.
According to the statement, at the wee hours of Wednesday, the bell tolled for a father figure, an adviser, a counselor, and a guardian, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN).
“Arakunrin was much more than the governor of my state. He was in the class of people who were very dear to me. He cared for me so deeply and took a special and unexplainable liking towards me. Even in the most challenging and difficult period, Arakunrin always expressed his concerns over my personal well-being, often wrapping such jokes about me getting married. It is such a regret now that I would not have a chance to do that, which he had often spoken about in his presence.
“I have always held the belief that none of us stands alone in this world and that the death of any of us affects all of us. Indeed, this is one death that affects me so significantly, especially considering the strength and courage I draw from the exemplary life of Arakunrin. This is why even in death, his legacy of principled politics and fight for justice, which he pursued through his practice of the law, and his commitment to defending the truth would remain a guiding compass throughout my public service life.
“Today, we do not mourn Arakunrin; instead, we celebrate his life of achievement and impact. We celebrate the rich life of a man who showed us, through the force of his character, that fair and transparent success is possible. His life achievements, as Ondo State Attorney General, as president of the Nigerian Bar Association and governor of Ondo state, were glaring testimonies to his well-charted life.
“During this period, I stand in prayers with Mummy, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and my dear brother and friend, Babajide Akeredolu. I pray God accepts Daddy’s return, repose his beautiful soul, and watches over his legacy.”
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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