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Mrs. Bolanle Ambode: A Profile in Humility

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“Man is never as tall
as when he kneels before God;
never so great, as when
he humbles himself before Him.
And the man who kneels to God
can stand up to anything”
-Louis Evans

Inspiring. Instructive. Food-for-thought. Those words kept reeling round my mental horizon, as one delved deep into the compelling persona of none other than the current First Lady of the Centre of Excellence, Lagos state, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode. And why not? Like all the biblical virtuous women she must learnt a lot from, such as Sarah, Hannah, Abigail and Esther she has had her fair share of life’s challenges but she never capitulated to their whims and caprices.

Rather, she simply turned her stumbling blocks into stepping stones. She mustered the needed courage at every twist and turn of immanent Fate, with absolute faith in God to weather the storms. Like raw iron she has been purified through the fires of affliction to assume the inner strength of steel. As reflected in the book of Isaiah 48:10 KJV: God stated that: “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction”

And by scaling over what would ordinarily have constituted the hitches and hurdles along her chequered life, she was drawn closer to God. Those challenges served as the tonic to reinvigorate her faith in Him. Now, by that special grace she stands solidly as the pillar of unflinching support behind her loving husband, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, now widely acclaimed as one of the best performing governors in the country.
The lesson to glean from this is that as Christians there are some miracles that we may not have the capacity to carry, unless we have been adequately prepared to do so. Such preparation would definitely involve having to pass through some trying times. As Henry Ford rightly puts it, “we learn more from our challenges than from our successes”.
What therefore, define her today are catchy phrases such as; “ a prayer warrior”, “an epitome of care and love as the chief host in the State Government House”, “a virtuous woman”, “a lesson in humility” and “mother to all”. For those who are close to her these words do not connote hyperbole. They are apt descriptions of her true character. According to Patricia Ennis, “A virtuous woman isn’t ruled by her passions-she passionately pursues an incomparable God.”

For instance, she has used the power of prayers to propel her husband in his quest to become the state governor. Throughout the hectic periods of campaigns back in 2014 and early 2015 she never for once stepped foot in the campaign office. She attended only important rallies and seminars but was at the background galvanizing the good women of Lagos to cast their lot for her husband. As she told them and others who offered their support, his ambition was informed by “the will of God”. She would also add that, “this is God’s project and He will see it through”. What a woman of faith!
Indeed, her legendary humility was exhibited during those trying moments when she had to personally cook the delicious meals for various visitors and members of the campaign team. She would welcome each of them with her genial smile, exuding her alluring meekness and modest lifestyle.

It is on record that even at the monthly thanksgiving service at the State House Chapel, she would lie down flat for prayers and stand up to take part in the singing of songs to which she would dance to the admiration of God and man.
It is also worth noting that she has in no small measure inspired her husband’s uncommon passion in the determined drive to rid Lagos of all forms and vestiges of crimes against women from rape to domestic violence. She is an advocate of a happy and peace-loving family being a good example of one herself.

And as part of her pet project, Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiative, (HOFOWEM) she has commenced the distribution of 175,000 educational kits, consisting of school shoes and socks to children across the State public primary schools. The Foundation had in September last year launched “ Project Bright Steps’’ for public school pupils in Lagos State, during which Mrs. Ambode make the promise. Speaking at the Central Primary School, Oba Akinjobi Ikeja, one of the venues slated for the distribution exercise, Mrs. Ambode also renewed her call to parents and well-meaning Lagosians to pay adequate attention to the welfare of school pupils in the State.
In a similar vein, she has flagged-off the State’s mass de-worming exercise for primary school pupils in the State, charging parents in the state to encourage hand-washing among their children, as well as maintain a clean and healthy environment so as to prevent them contracting worm infections..

According to her, “De-worming children helps them to develop well and boost their learning capability. This is a great advantage that cannot be ignored because good academic performance will to a large extent determine the future of a child”.
She has in addition, twice successfully hosted the coming together of all the wives of the top-notch political office holders in the state to carry them along in her dream to make governance more people-friendly.
And as one with a burning desire for one, united and peaceful country, she has
enjoined Nigerians to embrace peace and love. She said this during the past Ramadan Season “For any country to thrive, she needs love and peaceful co-existence to strengthen the social bond, and overcome any challenge confronting it as a nation. It is only when we allow love to grow in our hearts irrespective of religion, language and tribe barrier that we can collectively as a nation surmount any challenge confronting us”.

Little wonder that she has through her humility demystified the exalted office of the First Lady in Nigeria. Not for her are the apparatchiks of office. Not for her is the loudness or frivolities normally linked with such political platform but to be the true soul-mate to her hard working and resourceful husband. She is there assisting in his daily sensitive and critical leadership choices and actions, with powerful prayers.
As Proverbs 31:10 states “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies”. Stretching it further Proverbs 31:11-12 states that: “Her husband trusts her completely. With her, he has everything he needs. She does him good and not harm for as long as she lives”. She was born into the Odukomaiya family in Epe, Lagos, on February 15, 1964. She attended St. Theresa’s College, Ibadan, Oyo, for her secondary school and Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos, where she graduated in Physics/Mathematics for her first degree in 1989 and later Masters degree (MSc) in Public Administration in 1994.

Until her emergence as the Wife of the Governor of the State of Lagos, she worked as staffer of the now defunct People’s Bank of Nigeria before she left to join Instant Finance Nigeria Limited and later Aguagem Consulting. She is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rehoboth Chops and Confectioneries Limited. The Rehoboth bread is said to be very popular among Lagosians.
It would interest Nigerians to know that she and her husband were born at the same General Hospital in Epe! What a coincidence, many would exhale. But the truth of the matter is that their union is God’s own Project that can never fail.
Her life is therefore, most inspiring to the younger generation of Nigerian ladies; instructive to those praying for a brighter future and food-for-thought for all lovers of God, willing to humble themselves at His feet and who He would raise, to stand up to anything!

–Ajanaku Idowu is the S.S.A Media & Strategy to Gov. Ambode.

 

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GTCO vs. Very Dark Man: Why Nigerians Must Stop the Judgment of Emotions

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*GTCO vs. Very Dark Man: Why Nigerians Must Stop the Judgment of Emotions*

By Osho Oluwatosin

The internet has literally been on ‘fire’ since Friday following the arrest of self-acclaimed Nigerian activist, Martins Vincent, also known as Very Dark Man. He was reportedly picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for reasons yet unknown.

While it’s not the first time VeryDarkMan or any prominent Nigerian would be arrested by the EFCC — a government agency not under the authority of any private organization — it seems some Nigerians are passionately trying to push a narrative that his arrest was orchestrated by one of Nigeria’s biggest financial institutions, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO).

Although this narrative isn’t far-fetched — VDM had criticized the bank due to ‘mysterious’ deductions from his mother’s bank account for unjustifiable reasons. He approached the bank’s branch in Abuja to make an official complaint and, afterwards, he was picked up by the EFCC. But what many Nigerians have failed to realize is GTCO may not even be involved in his arrest.

VeryDarkMan was seen in the bank, quite alright, but in a CCTV released by the bank, he was seen moving out of the bank when he finished. He even had a celebrity moment with some of his followers who took pictures with him before he was arrested. So I’m wondering, what has GTB got to do with his arrest? That someone got knocked down by a vehicle after leaving church, does it mean the church orchestrated the accident? That someone got attacked after leaving a lecture room, does it mean the lecturer orchestrated it? That someone even got attacked in a courtroom, does it mean the judge orchestrated it? Absolutely not.

Although it would have been better if the EFCC had come out to clear the air regarding the reason for VDM’s arrest, because in the absence of information, rumours are bound to thrive. In fact, the commission should have actually released a statement regarding these rumours, not to vindicate GTB, but to keep Nigerians informed.

Let’s even think about it logically: what can warrant GTCO to order VDM’s arrest by the EFCC? Did he defraud GTCO? Did he steal from a GTB customer? Did he launder money through a GTB account? These are questions that should be asked before passing judgments. But Nigerians are always emotional when it comes to issues like this, and that’s why people who are culpable in serious crimes get away with anything as long as they get involved in charity or activism.

GTCO has been a very friendly organization, and in 2024 alone, the bank paid a record dividend of N8 per share. The bank is happy, shareholders are happy, customers are happy — who is Very Dark Man?

Osho Oluwatosin is a Nigerian journalist and writes from Lagos.

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Can We Have More Bankers Like Victoria Mulero? An epitome of ‘omoluabi’

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Can We Have More Bankers Like Victoria Mulero? An epitome of ‘omoluabi’

In February of this year, I needed to open a new bank account for salary purposes, as required by the management of the new company I had just joined.

I considered First Bank, Access Bank, and Sterling Bank. After some thought, I chose Sterling Bank—not because I found them superior—but because I believed they had fewer customers, which I hoped would save me from long queues and unnecessary delays.

I visited the Sterling Bank branch at Akowonjo to open the account. Unfortunately, the staff member who attended to me didn’t inspire confidence. She appeared distracted—smiling at her phone, clearly engrossed in a private chat—far from the level of professionalism one would expect in a bank setting. I had a feeling this would lead to problems down the line.

 

When my first salary was paid into the account, my suspicion was confirmed. Sterling Bank restricted access to my funds—I couldn’t transfer money or make withdrawals at the counter. I visited their Fatai Atere branch at Ladipo, Mushin to complain, where I was informed that the account opened for me was a “Kaikai” account—a type I had never heard of. Apparently, this account type is meant for individuals who lack the required documents during account creation. But I had submitted all necessary documents, so why was such an account opened for me?

Can We Have More Bankers Like Victoria Mulero? An epitome of 'omoluabi'

At the Fatai Atere branch, I was attended to by a remarkable banker named Victoria Mulero. She requested my NIN, which I didn’t have on me at the time. Rather than send me back home, she asked if I had a digital copy. I did, and she graciously gave me her email address so I could forward it to her. With that, she resolved the issue promptly and professionally.

However, the following month, in March, the same restriction happened again. I returned to the Fatai Atere branch, and once again, Victoria Mulero handled my complaint with efficiency and kindness, resolving it without delay.

I hoped the matter was finally settled, but when my April salary arrived, the restriction was imposed yet again. This time, I was beyond frustrated and ready to replace Sterling Bank as my salary account. Still, I visited the Fatai Atere branch one last time. Once more, Victoria Mulero resolved the issue with grace and determination.

This write-up is a tribute to Victoria Mulero of Sterling Bank, Fatai Atere branch. She is a rare gem—respectful, diligent, and genuinely customer-focused. She went above and beyond, following up with the Akowonjo branch through calls and emails until the matter was fully resolved. She handled every situation with patience and empathy, treating the job as if the bank belonged to her family.

To be honest, I’ve had unpleasant experiences with many bankers, especially female staff. Too often, they carry personal frustrations into the banking hall and take it out on customers. But Victoria is different. She exemplifies what true customer service should be.

We may not all be the same, but treating people with respect and kindness is a skill that can be learned—and Victoria clearly has. Let’s celebrate her for being a model professional and a beacon of hope in an industry that too often lacks empathy.

Without any fear of contradiction, I say boldly that Victoria Mulero is a good ambassador of Sterling Bank and her parents too deserve encomium for raising a well trained daughter and impacting an attitude of ‘ omoluabi’ in her. We need more of Victoria Mulero in our banking industry.

Seun Jacob Ogunbiyi
Known as Olùkọ́, the therapeutic writer and Lagos based journalist

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Air Peace Airlines’ failure to adhere to scheduled departure times results in prolonged delays …causing undue hardship for Nigerians on board

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Air Peace Airlines' failure to adhere to scheduled departure times results in prolonged delays ...causing undue hardship for Nigerians on board ~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Air Peace Airlines’ failure to adhere to scheduled departure times results in prolonged delays
…causing undue hardship for Nigerians on board

~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Traveling is undoubtedly the most effective form of education, enabling individuals to observe human quirks from diverse perspectives

On Saturday, 3rd May 2025, an Air Peace Airlines flight from Akure Airport was delayed, causing undue inconvenience to a Nigerian traveller and a prominent Nigerian man of God, an unfortunate incident that befell the nation’s citizens

Does Nigerian law consider it a criminal offense for travelers to book flights with Air Peace, a leading Nigerian airline, instead of other airlines that fail to depart on schedule, such as remaining at 10am instead of departing at 10am? Certainly, some Nigerian citizens may opt to travel with airlines like Arik, Aero, Dana, rather than Air Peace.

Air Peace Airlines' failure to adhere to scheduled departure times results in prolonged delays
...causing undue hardship for Nigerians on board
~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

It is evident that many Nigerians actually believe Air Peace airline came to rescue Nigerians from the subpar fly-and-die experience of other airlines, such as Dana, which is why many have fallen in love with Air Peace Airlines’ domestic operations

 

Air Peace Airlines’ decision to reschedule a 12:00 flight from Akure in Ondo State to 3:00 on Saturday, 3rd May 2025, has been met with disappointment from some affected Nigerian passengers, who deem this change unreasonable and unjustified.

Nigeria is hindered by self-imposed challenges that impede our collective advancement. I remain optimistic that future leadership will emerge, focusing on nuanced details that cumulatively enhance the lives of citizens, including access to housing, affordable food, petrol, quality healthcare, and a decent standard of living. The fact that we produce rice, only to have its price inflated by some, thereby rendering it unaffordable, is a pressing concern

It is baffling to me why some people or airlines deliberately provide poor services, causing undue hardship for their passengers, without taking the courtesy to apologize

How can passengers ensure they arrive at Akure Airport by 10 a.m. to catch a 12 p.m. flight from Akure to Lagos and complete check-in as usual

Only for them to fall victim to an extremely harrowing experience. The first indication was the outrage of a passenger at the Nigeria Air Peace counters. He yelled at the ticketing officials that his time had been wasted by three hours and demanded to be refunded his money, as his business was equally affected.

The scene was remarkably congested, and indeed there was an exceedingly large number of passengers traveling to Lagos on this particular Air Peace flight.Which none of them can comprehend what could cause a delay from 12 O’clock to 3:15 pm, without considering individuals with an assignment or occasion in Lagos, is so crazy and devastating.

*How Passengers suffer through endless delays waiting for Air Peace aircraft.*

Accordingly, they embarked on an extended wait after Air Peace notified them that the flight had been postponed by an hour. Ultimately, the delay proved to be three hours, with the flight arriving at 3:30 pm, followed by the commencement of boarding procedures

On a final note the Nigerian aviation industry, including airlines, can certainly improve their treatment of fellow Nigerians

Onboard passengers display concern and raise eyebrows.

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