Business
I’ve Always Merit My Roles In Movies” – ADERONKE AJENISE-ODUBORIA A.K.A ASHABI OLORISHA
Born 50-something years ago into a royal family in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Ajenise-Oduboria of ADEGORUSHEN Royal Family. Aderonke is a beautiful, highly intelligent, motivated, courageous and independent woman. Born into a well respected and comfortable family of six, 1st daughter and the 2nd child of the family, Aderonke left the shore of Nigeria to seek more knowledge and to understand more about culture, lifestyle, and security in disposal despite her great impact in the Nigeria showbiz before her departure. Her roles in the rested NTA Soap operas Village Headmaster, Tales by Moonlight & SPACS can never be over emphases. However, all these qualities makes shybellmedia’s CEO, Idris Bello fish her out from her United States of America based. Meanwhile, Aderonke has featured in several movies apart from Soaps. Moreso, Ashabi Olorisha brought her back into limelight few years ago. The cool, cute mother of one speaks extensively on her career, home, project and future via phone interview… Read more below
Good noon madam, please can we meet you?
Good Morning, my name is ADERONKE AJENISE-ODUBORISA
And who is Aderonke?
ADERONKE is very loving, humble, Caring & Go-Getter of a woman.
What does Aderonke do for a living?
I am presently studying for an associate in criminal-justice & working as a Security Personnel in USA, but still fully into my Primary career (ACTING)
Acting! What is acting to you?
Acting is me! Because it’s my life!
How did you find yourself in acting or was it acting that found you?
Humm! My brother, it’s not a jolly ride but I give God the glory. Let me start from the begging, I was a very very out-spoken & intelligent girl as child to my parent. My dad (Baba-Aade) love me like his heart. I was my dad’s personal assistant; he takes me any where & always proud of me. He loves me more than anybody in the family even more than my mum.
My dad wants me to be a lawyer, but as GOD will have it, I got into acting through his best friend.
Late Leke Ajao (Kokosari) was my dad’s friend. He will come to our house with Araosan as his apprentice then @ 38, Lagos Street Ebute metta in Lagos State,
Baba Kokosari introduced me to acting in 1977 then I was still in secondary school, Nigeria Peoples High school, Kano Street, Ebute Metta. Then we all used to assembled @ Simpson/Glover street (Domicillary Center) along with some members of Omo Awode Theater group. However, from Simpson street, we later moved to my school, Nigeria Peoples High School (Nigerpecco), at 40-46 Kano street Ebute metta, where we do practice after the close of school, mostly in the evening. This helped me so much in school as a member of Dramatic Society & that was when Baba Kokosari invited some of us to Village Headmaster Audition, I went, saw and conquer (lol).
To my uttermost surprise, I got a role & became part & parcel of Village Headmaster where I met my darling sister Funke Adepegba. I was much into Village Headmaster & some Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) soap like SPACS created by DANLADI BAKO & Tales by Moonlight etc. By the time the Village Headmaster was rested in 90s, I was in the working class, so I was on & off in the acting. Thou, I was still getting jobs through Late Justus Esiri and Enebeli Elebua who really believe in me (both I met while in Village Headmaster.
I came back fully into acting in 1994 through Late Muyideen Agboola Alade Aromire, whom I met a PR meeting and he invited me, the rest is now “A GLORIOUS STORY”
When did you leave d shore of Nigeria?
“Finally 2003”
Is Aderonke married?
NO but not searching!
Your acting career, how many movies apart from soap have you done so far?
Countless!
Can you name a few?
Ashabi Olorisha, Why me?, Oyin ni, Oke Langbodo, Akeweje, Ebiti, Imported lomo, Omo ya’lo, America Jollomy, Angelina, Olaniyonu, Alani Canselor, Malomo, Ewe ori-Omo… & More More
Which out of all the movies brings you into limelight?
“Ashabi Olorisha”
Ashabi Olorisha on location in USA
Ashabi olorisha was released when?
Year 2000
After Ashabi Olorisha you moved to London, what went down in London?
Yes, GOD founded the “Then ANTP”, London through me & many hiding talents and stars were discovered.
And what has ANTP been up to in London?
Then, it was accepted by all Africans in UK even the Nigeria Embassy recognized us.
I learn you have a son, how old is he?
Yes, He’s 21. His name is Michael Oluwaseun Opeyemi
Is he a British citizen?
Yes, but born in Nigeria
Ashabi Olorisha steps out
What is he doing in UK? Moreso, seem you live in the USA, What’s the separation all about?
He is a footballer & he’s still in school.
I live in USA thou. When I was relocating to U.S, he refused to come with me because he has been more into his football career, moreso, he loves UK because of its low rate of youth crime compare with U.S
What is Ashabi Olorisha’s next project in the USA and is she thinking of coming home soon?
Ashabi is coming home next year (2016) by GOD’s grace for a “Blockbuster movie & A Project”
Can you let the cat out of the bag a little, what’s the project all about?
There is a “BIG EVENT” coming up in U.S next year powered & packaged by Fathia entertainment which I happened to be the “PRO of that Project”. The project is bringing me & the president of Fathia entertainment to Nigeria because it involved ‘Legends’ of different sectors in Nigeria and few other continents.
Fathia entertainment, who is the brain behind it?
Olawale Yusuff
Is he a US base too?
Yes
How is the Nigeria/Yoruba movies accepted in the US?
Greatly well!
Apart from been an actress, have you produce any movie before?
Yes, I produced one while I was in UK (IISE WON) Their Doings!
Producing in Nigeria and abroad, are their difference?
Yes ooh
Can you tell us in details?
Everybody in Nigeria is professional and devoted their time & life to their career not like here that we have to work Govt & Agency jobs to survive.
Do the governments support the movie industry in the US and if yes, how do they go about it?
Yes, they do if you do it legally, like having a registered firm.
Michael Oluwaseun Opeyemi and his team mates
If I may ask, what does it take to become an actress/actor considering your experience in Nigeria, UK and America?
Good sense of belonging, dedication and hard work. However, Nigerians are great and professional too, mostly now that we have the new formation of our great TAMPPAN with the intellectuals at helm of the affairs of it, compare with U.S that some of them are still practicing the OLDEN days kind of backbiting & hatred.
Do you have any upcoming actor/actress under your tutorial like the likes of Femi Adebayo and Funke Ade Akindele’s institutes?
Yes, I have some here (USA), UK & Nigeria under the canopy of “DIVINE TOUCH ENTRAINMENT WORLD”
When was Divine touch entertainment established?
Since year 2000 with Femi Folademi & Michael Opeyemi Adeyemi
Michael Oluwaseun Opeyemi during training
Are they, (Femi Folademi & Michael Opeyemi Adeyemi) co-finder of the organization or partners?
Partners
Does Divine Touch Entertainment have any major project?
Not yet
How many students do Divine Touch has under her tutorial?
We have 58 students all together now
Wow! That’s huge for a start, if I may ask, has Ashabi Olorisha been sexually harassed before on location been home or abroad?
Not at all!
How do you secure roles?
I think I merit most of them. Thou, it’s been God and I know am hard working and focused.
What has being the challenges so far as an actress both home and abroad?
Well, I have been relegated many ways, you know if you are a very bold & principled human being, you will have so many enemies; I have GOD so I don’t care.
What will be your advice for the upcoming ones?
Do not rush, be yourself, don’t Compromise.
Its nice chatting with you, looking forward to seeing you come back home soon.
Business
BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu Rises to Become Africa’s Second Richest Man
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
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.
Business
ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative
ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”
The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.
The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.
ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.
Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.
By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.
The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.
As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.
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