Business

Gani Adams Collected N10.6b From Jonathan, $22m from Gadaffi to enrich himself” – OPC Leaders

Published

10 years ago

February 15, 2016

Some state chairmen of the Odua’ Peoples Congress have called on the President Muhammadu Buhari led government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate Mr. Gani Adams, who they referred to as a former OPC National Coordinator.

While accusing Adams of financial impropriety, they also called on the EFCC to investigate some aides of Adams such as Ogunshola Olugbade and Femi Felix, who they referred to as his fronts.
They spoke on Sunday during a media briefing in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The OPC Kwara State Coordinator, Mr. Maruff Olanrewaju, who addressed the media conference on behalf of other six states’ coordinators was flanked by the Oyo State Coordinator, OPC, Chief Adeagbo Musediq; his Ondo State counterpart, Mr. Rotimi Akinsonwon, a member of the National Coordinating Council, Mr. Lateef Oshodi; a former National Publicity and Director of Programmes, OPC, Mr. Sunday Bankole as well as some other national and Kwara State executives of the organisation.

Olanrewaju said, the Delta State coordinator, Mr. Hakeem Agbo-ola; his Sokoto State and Kaduna State counterparts, Alhaji Yekini Salaudeen and Alhaji Rasaq Ogunsanwo respectively and that of Bayelsa State though absent were in agreement with their position.

He said, “We also call on President Muhammadu Buhari and the EFCC to investigate all Gani Adams banks accounts; Ogunshola Olugbade’s account as well as Femi Felix account from February to November 2015.

“More so, President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration should give very closed monitoring to the bank and industry sectors because how can someone within a month save more than a billion in an account without any alarm from the bankers?”
He accused Adams of planning to unleash violence in Kwara State and urged the state government, security agencies to closely monitor the activities of Adams in the state.

According to him, Adams is planning to storm Ira, Oyun Local Government on March 12 allegedly with his hoodlums.

He said Adams was removed as national coordinator of OPC because he allegedly failed the entire members of the organization and allegedly betrayed the entire Yoruba race.

He accused Adams of disrespecting Yoruba leaders including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Olanrewaju said, “Just of recent, you are all living witnesses when a former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo went to Oni of Ife, he prostrated flatly before Oni. But when Gani Adams went, he just bowed his head with hand shake to Oni. That is disrespectful.

Adams is a disgrace to Yoruba culture. When you are promoting culture and you cannot bow in front of one of the most highly respect Oba in Yoruba land that is unacceptable.”

The Kwara State OPC boss further said Adams was not financially transparent to members of the organization.

According to him, Adams had collected N1.6bn from a former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for empowerment of the members, which he did not make the members to benefit from.

He also alleged that Adams collected N9bn from Jonathan’s government allegedly to destabilize the Yoruba race as well as allegedly received take off grant from Jonathan for pipe-line surveillance contract which OPC members executed only to allegedly deceive the OPC members who he said actually executed the contract that the contract money had not been paid.

Olanrewaju said, “Adams promised our members that if Jonathan released money, each member will get between N200,000 and N250,000 as empowerment. When Jonathan released N1.6bn through Musiliu Obanikoro, for that empower, there was nothing to show for it.

“He should explain how Jonathan’s money was spent. Before the election, there was a publication by a former National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress now Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed that Adams had collected N9bn from Jonathan to disorganize the Yoruba race. We denied that but later we came to the realization that truly he collected the money.

“At the first meeting after the election, he told us that he spent N800m on OPU outside the country. Where did he get the money? He also bought some properties. After the election, he went to London to establish Odua Voice Radio, which cost him thousands of dollars. Where did he get the money from if he did not collect N9bn from Jonathan?”
According to the Kwara OPC boss, Adams collected $22m from a former leader of Libya, late Muammar Gaddafi. He further alleged that Libyans had been demanding for the refund of the money.

“Adams should explain how Jonathan’s money was spent. We demand immediate reaction to the allegation of $22m Gadaffi money. He should show to the world the registration certificate of Olokun Festival Foundation, Oodua Economic Empowerment Initiative and that of Oodua Voice Radio,” Olanrewaju said.

He also alleged that Adams became partisan and supported many governorship candidates that later failed.

He added that Adams had boasted that he would mobilize 6m votes for Jonathan from South West. He stated that even with alleged rented crowd, Adams disappointed Jonathan.
According to him, Adams supported Gadaffi against Libyans while Gadaffi later died.

Olawale who said other state coordinators of OPC were solidly behind them in their revolt to Adams challenged him to sue them if he believed that their allegations against him are untrue.

Bank

WEMA BANK CELEBRATES 81ST ANNIVERSARY AND 9TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALAT

Published

14 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

WEMA BANK CELEBRATES 81ST ANNIVERSARY AND 9TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALAT

…Set to Reward Hundreds of Customers, Launch 5 for 5 Season 5

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous national bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has simultaneously marked its 81st anniversary and the 9th anniversary of ALAT on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.

Adopting a different approach from its grand 80th anniversary celebration in 2025, Wema Bank is set to celebrate its 81st anniversary this year by giving back to its customers. The Bank’s anniversary celebration features rewards for customers on the ALAT App in celebration of ALAT at 9 as well as rewards for Wema Bank customers at the launch event for the 5th Season of the Bank’s 5 for 5 Reward Initiative, happening on the Bank’s anniversary day, May 2nd 2026.

In line with the Bank’s 81st anniversary theme, “Your Future of Possibilities, Powered by Wema Bank”, the Bank will also rollout a specialised customer success initiative dedicated to helping different demographics of its customers to map out and build the future of their dreams. From businesses to students, working class women, creatives and more, Wema Bank will provide tailored, practical and strategic insights and support that will help these unique demographics access better opportunities, receive useful support and make accelerated progress towards meeting their goals.

Commenting on the Bank’s motive behind its approach to celebrating its 81st anniversary, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, said, “The world is rapidly evolving. Digital evolution and emerging technologies continue to present newer opportunities and realities. To thrive, one must be prepared to adapt where needed and ready to leverage the possibilities ahead; and this is what we want to help our customers achieve. With millions of individuals and businesses in our care, we have a deep sense of responsibility towards helping them make meaningful progress and our 81st anniversary presents the perfect opportunity for us to deepen our efforts towards fulfilling that responsibility”.

“We are building a smarter and more secure financial future for our customers, one where banking is effortlessly aligned with their goals, intelligently anticipating their needs and proactively providing the right solutions. Beyond banking solutions, we are curating opportunities, providing platforms, building an entire ecosystem engineered in the best interests of every unique Wema Bank customer. Our goal is for our customers to grow as we grow, to always be one step ahead, and to make accelerated progress towards their future of possibilities as we journey with them”.

“To every stakeholder who has been a part of Wema Bank’s 81-year journey: our investors, regulators, partners, esteemed customers and dearest employees; this anniversary is dedicated to you, and this is why we have chosen to celebrate this way. On behalf of the entire board and management of Wema Bank, I say THANK YOU for 81 historic years. We have, we are, and we will be with you, all the way. Happy 81st Anniversary to us all”, Oseni concluded.

Wema Bank has established a proven track record of empowering lives, supporting businesses and providing tailored solutions that meet real needs. From financial support to digital solutions, unique opportunities and customised service, Wema Bank continues to show that it is a Bank that truly cares, understands and is committed to helping individuals and businesses thrive and achieve their goals.

For more information on how to tap into the rewards curated by Wema Bank, isit wemabank.com

Business

BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu Rises to Become Africa’s Second Richest Man

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

BUA’s Abdul Samad Rabiu Promises $1.5m Windfall, Goal Bonuses as Super Eagles Fly Past Algeria

BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu Rises to Become Africa’s Second Richest Man

LAGOS – In a notable reshuffle of Africa’s wealth hierarchy, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, has climbed to the position of the continent’s second richest individual. The development highlights the accelerating growth of his industrial empire and the increasing global relevance of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

Recent valuations show the billionaire businessman overtaking long-standing contenders to secure the number two spot, behind only Aliko Dangote. His rise has been driven largely by the strong market performance of his publicly listed firms, BUA Cement Plc and BUA Foods Plc, both of which have recorded significant gains on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

Rabiu’s ascent reflects years of strategic expansion and vertical integration. BUA Cement, Nigeria’s second-largest cement producer, has scaled up operations with new production lines to meet rising infrastructure demand. At the same time, BUA Foods has strengthened its leadership in key segments such as sugar, flour, and pasta, reinforcing its role in regional food supply.

Analysts note that his focus on essential goods has provided stability, helping his businesses maintain steady revenues despite broader economic fluctuations. By prioritizing domestic production, BUA Group has also reduced exposure to external shocks.

Philanthropy and Development Impact

Beyond business, Rabiu has earned global recognition for his philanthropic efforts through the ASR Africa Initiative, a $100 million annual intervention fund supporting education, healthcare, and social development across Africa.

His rise in the rankings is widely viewed as evidence of the power of African-driven industrialization—not only in building wealth but also in delivering meaningful social impact. As Africa’s economic landscape evolves, the shifting billionaire rankings underscore the growing influence of Nigeria’s private sector in shaping the continent’s future.

Bank

ZENITH BANK EXPANDS FRONTIERS WITH CÔTE D’IVOIRE SUBSIDIARY, DEEPENS FRANCOPHONE WEST AFRICA PUSH

Published

4 days ago

April 29, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ZENITH BANK EXPANDS FRONTIERS WITH CÔTE D’IVOIRE SUBSIDIARY, DEEPENS FRANCOPHONE WEST AFRICA PUSH

Zenith Bank Plc has taken a major step in its Pan-African growth journey with the official launch of its Côte d’Ivoire subsidiary, reinforcing its strategic ambition to dominate key markets across the continent.

The grand opening ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, is expected to draw top-tier government officials and regulators from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, alongside leading business executives and members of the diplomatic corps—underscoring the growing economic ties and investment flows between Anglophone and Francophone Africa.

Licensed in December 2025 by Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Finance and Budget and regulated by the UMOA Banking Commission, the new subsidiary will operate from its headquarters at SCI Wall Street, Avenue Noguès, Plateau, Abidjan—one of the region’s most important financial hubs.

The move signals a calculated expansion into Francophone West Africa and positions Zenith Bank as a key financial bridge within the West African Economic and Monetary Union. The subsidiary is designed to drive cross-border trade, offering corporate banking, trade finance, offshore banking, and structured financial solutions tailored to businesses operating across Africa and beyond.

Speaking on the milestone, Group Managing Director/CEO Adaora Umeoji said the expansion aligns with the founding vision of Chairman Jim Ovia to build a globally competitive African bank.

“The launch of Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire is a bold step in realising that vision. It opens a strategic corridor into Francophone West Africa and reinforces our commitment to facilitating trade, investment, and enterprise growth across the continent,” she stated.

The subsidiary will be led by Managing Director/CEO Cédric Tano, who brings over two decades of industry experience. He noted that the bank is entering the Ivorian market at a time of strong economic momentum and increasing regional integration.

“Our goal is to position Zenith Bank as a customer-centric institution that blends global best practices with deep local expertise, while supporting businesses with innovative financing and enabling seamless cross-border transactions,” Tano said.

Beyond Côte d’Ivoire, Zenith Bank is accelerating its expansion into Central Africa, with plans underway to enter the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, using Cameroon as a strategic gateway.
With an established presence in multiple markets—including Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the United Kingdom, France, the UAE, and China—the bank continues to strengthen its role as a conduit linking African economies to global capital and trade networks.

Founded in 1990, Zenith Bank has evolved into one of Africa’s most formidable financial institutions, maintaining the highest Tier-1 capital position in Nigeria’s banking industry for 16 consecutive years. Built on its core pillars of People, Technology, and Service, the bank has consistently delivered strong financial performance and earned widespread local and international recognition.