celebrity radar - gossips
Celebrating Excellence: Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, the Olu of Warri, African Royalty and Change-Makers Honoured Among 100 Most Reputable Africans
Celebrating Excellence: Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, the Olu of Warri, African Royalty and Change-Makers Honoured Among 100 Most Reputable Africans
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In an inspiring convergence of tradition, leadership and excellence, the May 15th 2025 edition of the 100 Most Reputable Africans was held in South Africa, gathering visionary individuals from across the continent. Hosted by Reputation Poll International (RPI) and the Global Reputation Forum (GRF), the prestigious event recognized Africans who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and service across governance, business, culture, philanthropy and academia.
Among the celebrated personalities was His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the revered Olu of Warri, who was honoured both as a special guest of honour and as one of the award recipients. His presence brought regal dignity and spiritual gravitas to the occasion, as he represented not only the Warri Kingdom but also the long-standing cultural institutions that continue to shape Africa’s identity.
He was joined by high-profile guests and honourees such as Her Excellency Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa and former Executive Director of UN Women; Maryam Bukar Hassan, a renowned Nigerian poet and social activist; Thebe Ikalafeng, the branding guru behind Brand Africa; and a long list of distinguished professionals, including William Wilson, Vumile Msweli, Shilongo Shilongo, Byaruhanga James, Bala M. Wunti, Dr. Sindiswa Mzamo, Clariza Botha, Kenneth Raydon Sharpe, Karen Matsiko, Robert Muchinta, Chawinga, Dr. Tuma Adama Gento Kamara and Dr. Tonye Rex Idaminabo.
Representing traditional leadership across the continent, Nkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi stood in for the Zulu King and served as Chairman of the Kings in Council, underscoring the growing influence of royal institutions in the broader African renaissance.
A Majestic Keynote from the Olu of Warri
Taking centre stage as the keynote speaker, Ogiame Atuwatse III delivered a speech that captivated the audience and firmly placed culture, history and indigenous wisdom at the heart of Africa’s developmental discourse.
“Africa’s renaissance will not come from mimicking foreign models. It must be forged from within and rooted in our culture, driven by our values and led by men and women of vision and integrity,” His Majesty declared.
Ogiame Atuwatse III, who has been widely praised for his transformative reign since ascending the throne in 2021, challenged leaders to tap into Africa’s untapped social capital and indigenous institutions. He emphasized that African monarchs are not relics of a bygone era, but living custodians of wisdom, cohesion and leadership.
“Traditional institutions are not ornamental. They are foundational. The future of governance in Africa must be Afrocentric, blending modern governance with the resilience of our ancient systems,” he said to thunderous applause.
An Enlightening Fireside Chat
Following the keynote, a riveting fireside chat was held between Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Busie Matsiko, the President of the New York Africa Chamber of Commerce. The discussion focused on women’s leadership, economic empowerment and transforming Africa’s image globally.
Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka, known globally for her relentless advocacy for gender justice, remarked:
“When we empower women, we do not just change homes; we change economies. Africa’s future must be gender-inclusive if we are serious about prosperity.”
Their conversation highlighted the need for inclusive policymaking and the importance of mentorship for the next generation of African female leaders.
Goodwill Messages from Pan-African Leaders
Several notable figures shared goodwill messages, each reinforcing the necessity of collaboration, ethical leadership and visionary governance:
Ambassador Benjamin Quashie, an ECOWAS diplomat and advocate for regional integration, urged Africans to transcend nationalistic divisions:
“The unity of Africa is not a political option, it is a survival imperative.”
Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Namibian business magnate and philanthropist, emphasized integrity in leadership:
“You cannot build a continent on corruption and expect prosperity. Ethics must be the new oil of Africa.”
Mrs. Tuma Adama Gento Kamara, Sierra Leone’s trailblazing political leader, called for increased investment in education, particularly for rural girls.
Dr. Sindiswa Mzamo, a leading public health expert from South Africa, reminded participants of the importance of equitable healthcare systems in ensuring social justice.
Theme and Purpose: Articulated by Sarah Goroh
Sarah Goroh, ambassador of JetAge Nation Builders and an accomplished public affairs professional, opened the event with a stirring address on the theme and purpose of the awards.
“Africa is not lacking in excellence; it is often just uncelebrated. This event is a clarion call to recognize those who embody the Africa we aspire to create ethical, competent, resilient and transformative.”
She explained that the aim of the gala is not just celebration but also affirmation; an affirmation that Africans can define success on their own terms and build legacies of impact that resonate globally.
Reputation, Recognition and Responsibility
The “100 Most Reputable Africans” is more than just a list; it is a moral compass. Every individual honored carries a responsibility to use their platform, voice and influence to shape narratives, dismantle stereotypes and build institutions that serve the people.
As Dr. Tonye Rex Idaminabo, founder of Reputation Poll International, once said:
“Reputation is the currency of trust. In a continent often misrepresented, we must honour those whose lives inspire trust, unity and progress.”
The Legacy of Ogiame Atuwatse III
In many ways, the inclusion of Ogiame Atuwatse III among the honorees serves as a reminder that African royalty when anchored in vision, humility and service remains a powerful force for good.
Since his coronation, Ogiame has redefined kingship, blending spiritual authority with a modern understanding of diplomacy, economic development and human rights. His advocacy for education, women’s inclusion in leadership and diaspora engagement places him among Africa’s most progressive traditional rulers.
“To rule is to serve,” the Olu of Warri noted during the ceremony. “A title is meaningless unless it uplifts those beneath it.”
Final note: An Africa Worth Reputing
This 2025 gathering in South Africa was not merely a celebration, it was a clarion call to Africans everywhere: to lead with integrity, to remember their roots and to rise with purpose.
The event closed with a unifying reminder: Africa does not lack heroes, it lacks recognition of its homegrown legends. Through platforms like this, the continent begins to right that wrong.
As Ogiame Atuwatse III aptly summarized in his keynote:
“We are not just building nations; we are restoring a civilization. And that restoration begins with reputation, honour and the courage to be distinctly African.”
celebrity radar - gossips
BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu Records Africa’s Biggest Wealth Surge, Net Worth Hits $11.2bn
BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu Tops Africa’s Wealth Gains in the 2026 Forbes Rankings as His Fortune Jumps 120% to $11.2 Billion, Rising to 3rd Place; Aliko Dangote Remains No.1
Billionaire Industrialist, Philantropist, and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has emerged as Africa’s biggest wealth gainer in the 2026 Africa’s Richest People ranking published by Forbes, after his net worth rose sharply over the past year.
According to the latest Forbes list, Rabiu’s wealth surged 120 percent to $11.2 billion, representing the largest increase recorded among the continent’s billionaires in the latest ranking. The jump moves Rabiu, who is Nigerian, to third place among Africa’s richest individuals, up from sixth position a year ago.
The rise in Rabiu’s fortune was driven largely by the strong performance of BUA Cement, his flagship publicly listed company, whose shares surged by 135 percent over the past year. The rally significantly outpaced gains in the broader Nigerian Exchange, which has itself recorded strong growth amid improving investor confidence.
Forbes estimates Rabiu’s net worth at $11.2 billion, placing him behind luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert, whose fortune is estimated at $16.1 billion, and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, who retains the top position with an estimated $28.5 billion.
Rabiu’s rise underscores the growing influence of Nigeria’s industrial sector and the expanding footprint of BUA Group, which has built major operations across cement manufacturing, food processing, sugar refining, infrastructure, mining and energy.
The latest Forbes ranking also highlights a broader surge in wealth across Africa’s billionaire class. The continent’s 23 billionaires now hold a combined net worth of $126.7 billion, representing a 21 percent increase from the previous year, as major equity markets rallied and regional currencies stabilised.
Nigeria remains one of the continent’s leading centres of billionaire wealth, accounting for four individuals on the list, including Dangote, Rabiu, telecommunications magnate Mike Adenuga, and energy investor Femi Otedola.
Forbes said the 2026 ranking was calculated using stock prices and exchange rates as of March 1, 2026, with privately held companies valued using comparable industry benchmarks.
Rabiu’s leap in the ranking reflects not only the strong performance of BUA Cement but also the broader momentum of Nigeria’s capital markets and the continued expansion of large scale industrial enterprises across Africa’s largest economy.
Analysts say the development signals growing investor confidence in African manufacturing and infrastructure driven businesses, sectors that are increasingly central to the continent’s economic transformation.
celebrity radar - gossips
COAS Ties Battlefield Success to Constitutional Allegiance and Civil Authority
COAS Ties Battlefield Success to Constitutional Allegiance and Civil Authority
During his operational visit to the 4 Special Forces Command in Doma, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, delivered a stark message, intertwining the elite unit’s combat effectiveness with an unshakeable pledge of allegiance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Constitution.
While directing troops to intensify high-impact operations, the COAS made it clear that their mission is a direct expression of their constitutional oath. He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army’s primary role is to defend the nation against external aggression and provide aid to civil authority, all in strict adherence to the supreme law of the land and under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief.
This emphasis on loyalty served as a powerful backdrop to his operational directives. By linking the “decisive defeat” of terrorists to the Army’s constitutional mandate and loyalty to the President, Lt. Gen. Shaibu sought to galvanise the Special Forces, framing their upcoming engagements not just as military objectives but as a sacred duty to the democratically elected government and the nation’s founding charter. The message was clear: their fight is a fight for the Constitution and the president it empowers.
celebrity radar - gossips
Mercy Johnson Okojie, Purity Okojie Lead Campaign for Girls Tag’s All-in-One Period Care Kit
*Mercy Johnson Okojie, Purity Okojie Lead Campaign for Girls Tag’s All-in-One Period Care Kit
iBlend Services, appointed Regional Agency for Girls Tag alongside its PR and marketing firm, Eddie MPR, has officially launched Girls Tag, described as Nigeria’s first all-in-one period care pack designed for girls aged nine and above.
The initiative seeks to tackle persistent gaps in menstrual health education and access to sanitary products in Nigeria, where many girls experience their first period with little preparation or guidance. According to the promoters, Girls Tag was created to eliminate the fear, confusion, and stigma often associated with puberty, replacing them with confidence, comfort, and dignity.
Beyond hygiene, the brand positions itself as a supportive care system for both girls and parents, offering tools and language to guide families through early puberty conversations.
To strengthen its reach, Girls Tag announced a strategic ambassadorial partnership with Nollywood actress and philanthropist Mercy Johnson Okojie and her daughter, Purity Okojie. The mother-daughter collaboration is intended to reflect authenticity and relatability for Nigerian families navigating similar experiences.
Speaking on the partnership, the leadership of iBlend Services expressed confidence that the ambassadors’ real-life connection would resonate deeply with mothers and daughters nationwide.
Mercy Johnson Okojie, in her remarks, described the initiative as a natural fit, noting that puberty can be an anxious period for both parents and children. She also revealed that her newly authored puberty guide, Youberty, will be included in every Girls Tag kit. The book is designed to help boys and girls aged 10 to 13 better understand the physical and emotional changes that come with growing up.
Each Girls Tag care pack contains premium sanitary pads in various sizes, overnight period pants, panty liners, disposable sanitary bags, a discreet sanitary purse, and a copy of Youberty. The kit is tailored to support first-time and early period experiences while promoting proper hygiene and self-care.
The company disclosed that the product will be available nationwide in Q2 2026 at select retail stores, pharmacies, and malls, with direct delivery options through its website and social media handle, @girlstag.ng.
With its combined focus on education, dignity, and accessibility, Girls Tag aims to reshape menstrual health support for young girls across Nigeria.
-
society6 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news3 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
Business6 months agoGTCO increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion
-
society6 months ago“You Are Never Without Help” – Pastor Gebhardt Berndt Inspires Hope Through Empower Church (Video)