Business

How Tonto Dikeh has kept me from celebrating with my son on his birthday – Husband, Olakunle Churchill reveals

Published

9 years ago

February 16, 2017

Toast Magazine Media crew finally met Dr. Olakunle Churchill after several attempts in his new Ikoyi office, Lagos and below are the interview excerpt from the moments with the philanthropist

Toast• Your Foundation has been in the news since last year, what is your motivation for doing this?

Churchill: Well, it’s something we are passionate about. Big Church Foundation is basically designed to empower and provide charity functions. Started it from Ghana before cutting across states in Nigeria and beyond‎

Toast•‎ Besides What we Know, can we be privileged to get to know you in person?

Churchill : There is nothing much to know about me, My name is Olakunle Churchill, the Chairman of Big Church Group and other subsidiaries including Big Church Foundation

Toast• With your mega expenditure during your 4- day Walk For Love” charity campaign incomoration of United Nation World Disability ‎Day, calls for Concern, How is your Foundation Funded?

Churchill: Yes, that was a memorable charity event. Am glad it was successful. Atleast a lot of the physically challenged were empowered, we lectured them on how to discover ability in disability. Our income comes from favour, goodwill, besides 10% of our profit or revenue from Big Church Group is transferred to charity to the foundation charity account.

Toast •Recently, your househelp ‎or domestic staff disclosed to an online media that you had issues with wife and you have not been at home just after your December foundation project last year

Churchill: Every family has its ups and downs but I would not want to talk about my family.

Toast• It was said that after You left home, you were Alleged of having affair with your Female PA?

Churchill : Well, it’s funny to me, because I don’t have female personal Assistant, My PA is Mr Paul, who has been working with me over the years. Besides, it was a sponsored blackmail.

Toast• Gist had it that your wife Tonto Dikeh Churchill caused uproar in your mother’s home, i.e her mother- inlaw, when she was alleged to have pushed her down and broke everything in her house within 2 hours due to her marijuana reactions

Churchill: These issues are private to me and my family.

Toast: Rumour Has that because of domestic violence from you that your wife moved out with your son?

Churchill: I wonder where they got such gist from? I don’t believe my wife will say that, besides I frown against such even my foundation preach against domestic violence in some of our charity awareness campaigns. It is obvious that all these channelled attacks are targeted to drag my image and what I believe in to the mud. Well, the truth is that I have never raised my hands against my wife. I have evidence of CCTV Cameras in my mums house when this happened. It can be replayed if you what us to go that far.

Toast: The news earlier today posted and deleted by one Uche Maduagwu that you have relationship with Bobrisky and Swanky Jerry? What is your take on that?

Churchill: Truly, I did not see it posted because am not a social media person, but got wind of it later. It’s sincerely beats my imagination to think of such relationship…well, don’t know Bobrisky but got to know Swanky Jerry through my wife. I believe whoever my wife likes as a friend, I also take as a family friend. Am too busy to think of such unpleasant issues, let alone cooking up defence.

Toast: Your Son’s One Year birthday is few days from now, do you have plans to celebrate it? Guess you will be celebrating him with your wife?

Churchill: Oh! My son, I sure miss him so much. I have planned a worthwhile birthday party for him with friends and family members but it’s sad to say that all effort to reach him proved abortive, and this is affecting my business and emotions, The mum won’t pick calls and the nanny,Our son has been with the mother and not at home for now. I truly, should not be granting this interview if this is all about my family. Am very optimistic that the family will unite together for King Andrea birthday even though channels to reach my wife is temporarily off.

Toast •How Do You perceived all these happening in your family

Churchill: I see nothing in it, it’s a phase of life. Since it does not affect my cheques and savings. But I truly want to call on bloggers or on social media addicts to verify facts before assuming. Every marriage has good and bad moments, it’s just unfortunate that I recently discovered that the alledged marriage instability is making headlines on some media platforms. Please Tonto Dikeh fans and well wishers take it easy on her, guess she is still adjusting to motherhood. With time, it will be well.

Toast • The news had it that your son owns his own company Kindred Realtors, a real estate firm, don’t you think his is too young?

Churchill : (laugh), the company Kindred Realtor was actually one of my companies before I changed it to our son’s name after his birth. I feel it’s one of his benefit to start building up a brand for him as he grows.

Toast • Back To Your Projects, the Big Church Foundation fearlessly stormed war ravaged Southern Kaduna to provide Aid- the KADA massacre?

Churchill: Well, To God be the grace, we went, we touched life and we came back inspite of the Killings. It was a sad experience, they needed food, shelter, medications, *sobs*. I just Thank God, many of them smiled with our presence.

Toast • Big Church Foundation was Loud by December with Billboard Season Greeting and Scholarship in UNIBUJA? Tell us about it?

Churchill: The season greeting was the foundation decision which I guess it was good at that time. It was appreciating our clients, partners, foreign colleagues, fans etc Well, for the scholarship it’s part of the scheme in the Big Church Foundation. The Big Church Scholarship scheme is a project which offers sponsored education for the beneficiaries across different level of academic qualification or levels. Yes, we were in Unibuja recently, we discussed with the Senate and unveiled some of the students beneficiaries.‎

Toast • Your Foundation has bagged some Major awards including West Africa Philanthropy Award, how do you feel?

Churchill : Every award is appreciated. No one is bigger than the other. We feel humbled to be recognised by several brands. It’s not our making but God. It’s exciting when you touch lives and you are remembered.

Toast • Which Projects is Big Foundation Up to Now?

Churchill: This will be a long and busy year. We have lines of charity projects, peace events, Summits and project sponsorships with visible impacts. Our team is putting everything in place, but will let it out soon. But we will amongst other things empower 36,000 youths through the Big Church Foundation empowerment scheme. We shall empower 1,000 youths from the 36 states through skill equisitions, financial business supports, loans etc.

Toast • You bagged a Doctorate Honours from Republic of Benin University, so which do you prefer to be addressed? Ambassador or Dr?

Churchill : Well, it’s not about the title, if my name is attached to any title you call me, I will answer. Even without title. *smiles*

Toast • Sir, it been great talking with, any last word?

Churchill : The adage of the old says ” He that washes his hands well, can eat with elders”…Remain focus, determined and be consistent. We pray we spread the gospel of love and charity as far as we can.‎

Source: Toast Magazine‎

Business

WFA APPOINTS GLOBAL BRAND EXECUTIVES TO EXPANDED LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Published

2 days ago

April 21, 2026

Sahara Weekly

WFA APPOINTS GLOBAL BRAND EXECUTIVES TO EXPANDED LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

STOCKHOLM — The World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) has announced the appointment of senior executives from leading global brands to its Executive Committee, in a move aimed at strengthening its global influence and industry coordination.

The appointments were unveiled during the WFA Global Marketer Week held in Stockholm.

The new members, drawn from top multinational corporations, include executives from Driscoll’s, Haleon, IKEA and Nissan. They join an already influential body comprising marketing and corporate affairs leaders from major companies such as Best Buy, Danone, Diageo, Grab, Kenvue and Tata Group.

Also joining the Executive Committee are representatives of key advertiser bodies, including Josh Faulks, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Association of National Advertisers; Simon Michaelides, Director General of the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers; and O’tega Ogra, Vice President of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria and Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Digital Communications, Engagement and New Media Strategy.

WFA President David Wheldon and Deputy President Philip Myers of Ferrero will continue in their roles, alongside all regional vice presidents.

The newly appointed members are:

Jiunn Shih, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Driscoll’s

Silas-Lewis Meilus, Global Head of Media Operations, Haleon

Joel Renkema, Global Head of Insights, IKEA

José Román, Corporate Executive, Global Sales and Marketing, Nissan

Josh Faulks, CEO, AANA

Simon Michaelides, Director General, ISBA

O’tega Ogra, Vice President, ADVAN

Industry observers say the expanded committee reflects WFA’s commitment to deeper global collaboration and stronger representation across regions and sectors within the marketing and advertising ecosystem.

Business

FORENSIC INVESTIGATION REVEALS FABRICATED X ACCOUNT TARGETING INEC CHAIRMAN – CPS

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

Sahara Weekly

FORENSIC INVESTIGATION REVEALS FABRICATED X ACCOUNT TARGETING INEC CHAIRMAN – CPS

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Adedayo Oketola, has said that a purported X (formerly Twitter) account attributed to the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, is fake and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.

In a public statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Mr. Oketola disclosed that a comprehensive, multi-layered forensic investigation conducted by independent cybersecurity experts has conclusively established that the INEC Chairman does not operate any personal X account.

He said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) , committed to a full forensic investigation, commissioned an independent forensic cybersecurity expert, who conducted a multi-layered forensic and digital investigation using X platform data, internet archive records, OSINT tools, identity forensics and cross-platform analysis.”

Oketola stressed that all posts, replies, and screenshots linking him to the handle @joashamupitan are fraudulent, forensically unverifiable, and technically impossible.

The controversy began on April 10, 2026, when viral social media posts alleged that the Chairman made a partisan comment — “Victory is sure” — in response to another user, supported by screenshots and purported digital records.

However, the CPS said the forensic investigation uncovered clear evidence of fabrication and impersonation, highlighting the following key findings:

· No Digital Linkage: There is no connection between the disputed X account and Prof. Amupitan’s verified email addresses or phone numbers, as multiple recovery and verification attempts failed to establish any link.

· False BVN/OPay Claims: Data used to suggest ownership of the account only confirms identity and does not establish control of any social media handle, making such claims a logical fallacy.

· Timestamp Manipulation: The alleged reply “Victory is sure” was posted 13 minutes before the original tweet it responded to—an occurrence that is technically impossible and definitive proof of fabrication.

· No Historical Record: Searches on the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine showed zero evidence of the account or its alleged activity prior to April 2026.

· Non-Existence on X Platform: Live checks confirmed that the alleged reply does not exist and has never existed on the platform.

· Account Renaming Pattern: On the same day the screenshots went viral, the account was renamed @sundayvibe00, set to private, and labelled a “parody account,” indicating deliberate impersonation and damage control.

· Coordinated Multi-Platform Impersonation: At least seven fake accounts across Facebook and Instagram using the Chairman’s identity were identified, pointing to a sustained disinformation effort.

“The forensic evidence is comprehensive, multi-sourced, and unambiguous. The posts attributed to Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan on X are fabricated. The account is a clear case of impersonation,” Mr. Oketola said.

Quoting one of the independent investigators, he described the development as “a coordinated digital impersonation and disinformation campaign,” warning that advances in artificial intelligence had made it easier to fabricate misleading content.

He urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information, noting that “the fact that content goes viral does not make it authentic,” and called on media organisations to prioritise accuracy over speed.

Mr. Oketola said the independent forensic report had been referred to the law enforcement agencies for necessary action. He also appealed to law enforcement agencies to investigate the origin of the fake account and prosecute those responsible under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

He said, “Media organisations, in particular, have a duty to apply strict forensic verification standards to social media posts and screenshots before publishing them, especially when such content implicates public officials or carries serious consequences for public trust and institutional credibility. Accuracy, not speed, must guide reporting in matters of this nature.”

He reiterated that all official communications from INEC are disseminated exclusively through its verified platforms, including its website (www.inecnigeria.org), verified X account (@inecnigeria), official Facebook page, online news portal (www.inecnews.com), formal press statements from its headquarters in Abuja, and official media briefings. Any account purporting to represent the INEC Chairman in a personal capacity, he said, should be treated as fraudulent unless formally verified by the Commission.

Business

How FirstBank is investing in Its People and Building Future Leaders

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

Sahara Weekly

FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers

How FirstBank is investing in Its People and Building Future Leaders

For an average 9-5er, having a job isn’t enough. You want a career that grows with you, gives you stability, and opens doors to bigger opportunities. People everywhere are looking for workplaces that don’t just pay salaries but actually invest in their staff, helping them learn, lead, and succeed.

That’s exactly what FirstBank is doing. The Bank is building a future where every employee has the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive. Through its human capital management and development agenda, FirstBank is creating numerous pathways for staff to transform their careers and become tomorrow’s leaders.

Conversion Programme: Turning Opportunities Into Careers

Needless to say that there is no desire for the 9-5er to remain in a temporary role when they can secure a full-time career. With FirstBank’s Conversion Programme, eligible non-core employees who have served for at least one year can transition into permanent positions. This initiative ensures that hardworking staff are rewarded with stability, growth, and the chance to contribute more meaningfully to the Bank’s success.

Leadership Programmes: Grooming the Next Generation

FirstBank has designed three flagship programmes to identify and nurture high-potential talents:

FirstBank Management Associate Programme (FMAP): A 24-month fast-track initiative that grooms future middle managers. Upon completion, participants are promoted to Assistant Manager grade, regardless of their previous grade.
Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP): Focused on preparing internal middle-management talents for leadership responsibilities, ensuring the Bank’s succession pipeline remains strong.
Senior Management Development Programme (SMDP): A programme for senior managers who are proven leaders in their functions and critical to the Bank’s succession plan.

These programmes are not just training—they are career accelerators, designed to put staff on the fast lane to leadership.

FirstAcademy: Learning With Global Standards

Backing these initiatives is FirstAcademy, FirstBank’s corporate university, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Staff also benefit from partnerships with institutions like Rome Business School and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), gaining access to world-class training—often at discounted rates

A Workplace That Values People

FirstBank’s parent company, First HoldCo PLC, was named second in the Best Workplaces in Financial Services in Nigeria. The Bank remains firmly committed to responsible employment practices, ensuring that all colleagues are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

The Future Is Human

With these initiatives, FirstBank is showing that its greatest investment is its people. By empowering staff through various growth opportunities, the Bank is not just building a workforce, it is cultivating leaders who will shape the future of banking in Nigeria and beyond.