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How i lost my chance of being Nigerian Vice President to Prof. Yemi Osinbajo – Bola Tinubu explains

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A National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and one of the principal actors that led the campaign to wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 elections, Chief Bola Tinubu, has revealed that when he called Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to inform him that he had been chosen to be President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate to contest the 2015 presidential election, he (Osinbajo) was a bit hesitant. It gathered that Tinubu, who made the disclosure in the book, ‘Against the Run of Play – How an incumbent president was defeated in Nigeria,’ written by the Chairman of the THISDAY Editorial Board, Mr Olusegun Adeniyi, said Osinbajo was hesitant and asked him (Tinubu) to go and intimate the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye He said: “He was a bit hesitant as he asked me to go and tell Pastor Adeboye. I replied by telling him that he needed to inform Pastor Adeboye himself, after all, there had been times when if we needed to see Pastor Adeboye, he was the one who facilitated it. “I reminded him that since the final choice was not for me to make, I should not go to Pastor Adeboye until after the announcement of his name. “So, Osinbajo went to meet Pastor Adeboye who reportedly told him, ‘if they offer you, take it’,” Tinubu said in the book which will be launched in Lagos tomorrow. The book, which also delved into the circumstances that led to Tinubu being sidelined as Buhari’s running mate in the election, despite the prior agreement both men had reached when the APC was being formed that they would contest on a joint ticket, revealed that Senate President Bukola Saraki, other APC governors and senators led the charge to stop the pairing before the party’s presidential primary in Lagos. “Buhari persisted and asked Tinubu to nominate three persons. The South-west leader sent only one name: that of his former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo,” Adeniyi wrote in his book. Tinubu offered more insight on this: “After the primary, there were series of meetings with leaders like Chief Harry Akande insisting that I should be the VP choice.

Others, for their own personal reasons, were saying I should not be the person, claiming a Muslim-Muslim ticket would not be accepted at a certain point.” When it became clear that the opposition to him as running mate was too strong, Tinubu ruled himself out by releasing a public statement; but when Buhari asked for three names, he insisted on submitting only one. “I told him that I would give him only one name that would not be mine, although I personally believed a Muslim-Muslim ticket could ensure victory. “I backed away from the position in order to offer Buhari a name I once raised with him in 2011: that of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo,” the former Lagos governor emphasised. Tinubu then went on to recall Osinbajo’s reaction when he called him to inform him that he (Tinubu) had given Buhari his name as his running mate.

However, that was just the beginning of the drama, the book continued, because there was no certainty about whether or not Buhari would make the choice. Tinubu faulted hardliner members of the CPC who “seemed to be advancing the names of Pastor Bakare and Mr Rotimi Akeredolu. I could understand but how Akeredolu became a nominee from their side was shocking to me. “I was later to find out that his connection to certain CPC figures predated his overture to me to become the ACN (Action Congress of Nigeria) candidate in the Ondo State governorship election in 2012”.

He said: “Once bitten, twice shy, they say. That explains why I did not attend the press conference. I did not want to be taken by surprise a second time in case another name other than the one I submitted was announced.” In the end, Osinbajo’s name was announced by Buhari as the presidential running mate.

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NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

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NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

 

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), the regulatory and standardization authority in the sector, has invited professionals in the hospitality, tourism,travel and allied sectors to register as mandated by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Act 2022.

A statement signed by Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, Director-General/CEO
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism reads:

“Enjoy FREE registration from December 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025! This is your chance to register as a professional or practitioner at no cost.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to solidify your presence in Nigeria’s thriving tourism industry. Visit www.nihotour.gov.ng now!

“Hurry—free registration closes on January 15, 2025. Take the first step toward advancing your career in tourism today!”

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EGC Homes Unveils Goodness and Mercy Estate, Brand Ambassador

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EGC Homes Unveils Goodness and Mercy Estate, Brand Ambassador

 

EGC Homes, a notable player in the real estate and property development sector, has made waves in the Nigerian market with its recent announcement of the launch of Goodness and Mercy Estate in Ogun, alongside other strategic initiatives.

The company emphasized its commitment to collaborating with the government to alleviate the housing deficit in Nigeria while prioritizing the well-being of residents.

In an interview with THECONSCIENCE NG, Oladapo Jimoh, the Managing Director of EGC Homes and Properties, expressed the brand’s long-term vision to bridge the housing gap and simplify the journey to homeownership.

He stated, “Current data estimates Nigeria’s housing deficit to be around 28 million units by 2024. This figure is among the largest globally and poses significant challenges, contributing to homelessness and various social issues.”

“National statistics indicate that our country faces a pressing need for approximately 700,000 new homes each year to address this deficit. As urbanization continues, these challenges are particularly evident in major cities, where affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce, forcing many into slums and informal settlements.”

The World Bank projects that Nigeria’s urban population could exceed 200 million by 2050, highlighting a potential social crisis as the lack of affordable housing leads to the rise of slums, especially in urban areas.

“As a forward-thinking and solutions-oriented company, we are dedicated to addressing these critical housing issues in partnership with the government.”

Following its successful launch in Lagos, EGC Homes has rapidly expanded its operations, acquiring a significant land bank across the southwestern region of Nigeria and enhancing its marketing strategies to effectively connect with customers.

The firm is committed to providing Nigerians with exceptional value, peace of mind, and simplifying the processes of land acquisition and homeownership.

“Our mission is to make life easier for Nigerians while assisting the government in tackling the housing deficit.”

Recently, the company introduced its premier property, the Goodness and Mercy Estate, located in Arepo and Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State, with more projects on the horizon. Its flexible payment plans and affordable property prices aim to cater to a wide audience.

Additionally, EGC Homes has appointed Titilayo Adebayo-Omotosho as its social media brand ambassador to promote the unique offerings of EGC Homes and Properties Limited to Nigerians both at home and abroad.

In her remarks, she highlighted her commitment to the vision of EGC Homes, stating, “I believe every Nigerian deserves a decent roof over their head. This aligns perfectly with the mission of EGC Homes and Properties, which is why I chose to represent the brand, promoting its exceptional estates and home packages to Nigerians and those aspiring to own homes here.”

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Optiva Capital Partners and Loft & Keys LCC Forge Strategic Partnership to Drive $500m Investments in Nigeria

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L-R Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO, Optiva Capital Partners and Chief Austin Ugochukwu Albert, Chairman, Loft & Keys LLC during the partnership agreement signing between Optiva Capital partners and Loft & keys LLC at Optiva's headquarters in Lagos

Optiva Capital Partners and Loft & Keys LCC Forge Strategic Partnership to Drive $500m Investments in Nigeria

 

Optiva Capital Partners, Africa’s leading wealth management and retention company, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Loft & Keys LLC, a renowned real estate and investment company with dominant presence in Nigeria and the Middle East.

 

The ceremony which took place over the weekend at Optiva Capital’s Corporate Headquarters, aims to boost investment in Nigeria’s hospitality and healthcare sectors on the one hand, as well as provide Nigerian investors with opportunities to invest in real estate in the UAE, particularly in Dubai.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO, Optiva Capital Partners, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership, “With Loft & Keys’ deep understanding of the Nigerian market and established networks in the Middle East, we are poised to bring $500 million in investments into Nigeria’s hospitality and healthcare industries. These funds will be strategically spread across Lagos, Abuja (FCT), Delta, and Enugu.”

 

The investment in hospitality will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Nigeria. Beyond creating employment opportunities, it will spur infrastructure development, enhance regional tourism appeal, and foster business ecosystems in Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, Enugu, and Delta. Similarly, the healthcare focus will address critical gaps in medical infrastructure, improve access to quality care, and promote health innovation—key pillars for national development.

 

The partnership According to Dr Kimemia also extends to Nigerian investors seeking opportunities in the UAE. With Loft & Keys’ expertise and extensive networks in Dubai and other Middle Eastern hubs, the collaboration will unlock access to one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.
Speaking about the partnership, Chief Austin Ugochukwu Albert, Chairman, Loft & Keys LLC, said “Optiva Capital Partners stands as Africa’s leading wealth retention company, a position that is firmly established and without question. This partnership with Loft & Keys will further solidify their dominance and create even greater opportunities for growth. As Dr. Jane Kimemia has rightly emphasized, Loft & Keys, with our extensive expertise in the Middle East, is a trusted and experienced partner”. We have a strong presence in the UAE and are actively expanding into Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the near future. Together with Optiva Capital Partners, we are committed to capturing significant market opportunities in these regions. I am confident that this partnership will foster substantial growth that will be mutually rewarding for both parties.

 

Dubai, a city widely known for its opulence and rapid development, is reportedly operating at only 30% of its projected capacity, presenting a significant growth opportunity for investors. According to industry experts, this untapped potential creates a unique window for investors to capitalize on the city’s future expansion and development.
The partnership aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 as two formidable brands, Optiva Capital Partners and Loft & Keys are committed to leveraging their collective strengths to drive impactful investments that benefit clients and communities alike.

 

L-R Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO, Optiva Capital Partners and Chief Austin Ugochukwu Albert, Chairman, Loft & Keys LLC during the partnership agreement signing between Optiva Capital partners and Loft & keys LLC at Optiva's headquarters in Lagos
About Optiva Capital Partners
Optiva Capital Partners is a premier wealth management and retention firm offering bespoke solutions in four areas of specialization – investment immigration, investment advisory, insurance, and international real estate.
About Loft & Keys LLC
Loft & Keys is an internationally recognized real estate and investment company with a robust presence in Nigeria and the UAE. The firm is dedicated to connecting investors with high-value opportunities in dynamic markets.

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