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” My mission In Nigeria”- US based Architect Akin Akinyemi

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Mr Akin S  Akinyemi may not ring a bell in Nigeria political cycle, but  he does back in the united state where he has been residing for more than two decades. In a chat with Sahara weekly, he informed us on why he is back to Nigeria and other sundry issue.

 

Can we meet you?

My name is Akin  Akinyemi ,I am an Architect. I attended the University of Lagos before I moved to America for my graduate studies and of course I got married. Then I decided to stay there and practice. But my heart has always been back home (Nigeria). Every now and then, I come home on a mission to accomplish some goals and go back.

When did you relocate to the states?

When I was 21 years old, I have been in the state for 31years, but I come home more often for humanitarian project.

No doubt you came from a privilege background tell us about your family?

One thing with me and what my dad taught me is that I see all human beings as the same, I never consider myself privilege, I will rather use the word comfortable ,I grow up in Ebuta meta.  we were well known; am lucky to have a supporting family while growing up.

Are your parents still alive?

My father died a long time ago when I was just seventeen years old and my mum died January this year.

What exactly do you do in America?

I Am an architect by profession, I work in a very big firm in Atlanta for four years. After my higher degree

I started my own business in the states which was rear at that time; I have been doing it for over twenty five years. Then I went into politics, I was the first elected African to a local government in the states.  It’s really a blessing to be able to do those things. What am going to talk about is my current mission, while am at home (Nigeria) this time. Right now I am teaching and also doing my doctorate degree in urban planning, the main reason while am doing that is because I have a vision in Nigeria.

I will show it to you; I have been working on it for seven years, I have met with officials here, I have presented the ideals, but you often find out that academic research is a gateway to solve another

Problem and so when I talk and write, am doing an index study.

What is your mission in Nigeria?

Am on a quest to improve Nigeria, and there are many ways to improve a country and a community; there are medical need, agricultural need etc but as for me, am focusing on my area of discipline which is Architecture, planning and building the environment. When I met with a lot of senior government officials and corporate leaders, one of the points they have with it is the fact that it’s a government job to do those things which am proposing that people should do for themselves, and why I did not disagree with them is that, the government collect revenue and taxes they need to use it wisely, and at the same time we cannot continue to wallow and suffer. We all know the condition of some Nigeria roads. We know the environmental issue with the gutter system. Why we will continue to tell the government to play their part, we also should play ours too. Thus, what am trying to do is to get people together to form an association and then approach their government  and say look, this is deplorable, we can raise some money and help to improve this condition. We just need their authorization to do that and maybe give them little token of maybe 10 percent of the cost. That’s all and then each community will have their own different approach raising the money. I have a very unique one that I will unravel with time but I felt that is do able, its controversial, its not easy but people can really do it to raise money. And again you won’t want to impose your own ideal on people even if it were a great ideal. So what am going to do is to do a research to see how people will feel by this type of thing.

What really prompted you to come up with this initiative?
The environmental hazards, unnecessary challenges and stress, unbearable atmosphere, bad roads and difficulty in locating places easily, among other challenges of our geographical settings, places or streets people encounter on daily basis, spurred me to make a research in providing a solution. Though it is the government’s responsibility, we should not fold our arms if the government is not forthcoming, but rather look for an alternative. A lot of streets and places have suffered setbacks because of absolute neglect and lack of maintenance. The interesting thing is that it doesn’t take much to make a transformation; only the will to say ‘yes we can’.
My life is testimony to that, because as a Nigerian, going abroad to establish a business; the first and only African-American minority business in North Florida and also to run for a public office in the U.S appeared impossible. But they happened. I don’t think there is a limitation to what we can do if the will is in place.

Nigeria has encountered series of challenges through environmental hazards, building dilapidation and bad roads. How will this initiative contribute to the solution of these major problems?
I am familiar with these challenges and what I discovered is that many things are missing, especially in building construction. A cement block is supposed to have the strength to carry about five-storey building, but because the quality has been diluted and there is no regulation to ensure standard, this led to the increase in building dilapidation. It is time we improved on our quality control so as to avoid further accidents. More so, there are other materials such as efun, which is also good for building constructions. This is on our shores in this country. Efun is what is used to make shield rock in the U.S. I just came from Ghana; it’s used over there  but we don’t feel like using it here. In fact, this will also minimise the cost of constructions. The initiative is not based on building alone, but my diverse knowledge could proffer solutions to this too. Nigerians needs to improve on our environment, because it tells a lot about us, especially on our health and the way we are perceived. This initiative is based on how to ensure every nook and cranny look good, neat and accessible through a collective effort in improving the quality of life without any constraints.

As a politician, how do perceive the Nigerian politics, especially with the new government?
I am so proud of Nigerian politics, though it is not perfect. Politics is not perfect in the U.S. too. I was growing up here in the 70s when our first democracy was overthrown. Our military also did a good job, even when Muritala Muhammad was assassinated. It is a welcome development that we eventually sustained our democracy till now. The political system in Nigeria is encouraging compared to other countries where one party dominates. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, we had a change of government from one political party to another. But people don’t understand how huge that maturity is when it comes to a democratic society.

How soon are you kicking off?

Like I said I have no time table for the actual project till when am done with the research in few months.

No doubt you will want to benefit from it?

Absolutely, even I personally will be proud to say I made things happen in a positive way for Nigeria; my services will be highly rewarded.

This project you are about to embark on is it a team work or just you?

Right now it is my brain child but it’s going to be run by a citizen board, each community will form an association.

Which political party do you belong to in the states?

I am a democrat.

 

 

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Fidelity Bank Plc Wins 2025 DBN Innovation Award for MSME Support

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Fidelity Bank Plc Wins 2025 DBN Innovation Award for MSME Support

 

In recognition of its exceptional contributions to innovative financial solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Fidelity Bank Plc has been awarded the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Innovation Award in the Deposit Money Bank (DMB) category.

This prestigious accolade celebrates Fidelity Bank’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by MSMEs, a vital segment in Nigeria’s economic growth.

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, commented on the award, reaffirming the bank’s dedication to empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs: “At Fidelity Bank, innovation is at the heart of our strategy to support MSMEs. This recognition underscores our commitment to developing scalable, inclusive, and technology-driven financial solutions that create positive outcomes for our nation’s entrepreneurs. We are honored to receive the DBN award and dedicate it to our loyal customers for their continued support.”

The award was presented at the 2025 Service Ambassadors’ Awards ceremony in Lagos, themed ‘Enhancing Partnership for MSME Resilience and Growth.’ Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of DBN, emphasized the importance of financial institutions in transforming unbankable ideas into viable businesses through advisory services.

“You, our partners, are acknowledged and celebrated for your outreach to entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to scale. We appreciate you for your role in converting unbankable ideas into bankable businesses,” Okpanachi stated.

He noted that the award aims to recognize partners who make a significant impact, focusing on storytelling and the positive changes they bring to Nigeria.

This award joins a series of landmark initiatives by Fidelity Bank aimed at supporting MSMEs. Earlier in May, the bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to facilitate the expansion of Nigerian MSMEs across Africa.

Additionally, Fidelity Bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos—a multifunctional facility equipped with training halls, meeting rooms, networking spaces, and studios for music, photography, and content production. This hub is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building, essential elements for strengthening Nigeria’s SME ecosystem and driving economic growth.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Fidelity Bank Plc Wins 2025 DBN Innovation Award for MSME Support

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Adron Homes Launches Grand Ileya Promo with Massive Discounts, Star Appearances & Festive Gifts

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Adron Homes Launches Grand Ileya Promo with Massive Discounts, Star Appearances & Festive Gifts

As the Ileya (Sallah) season approaches, Adron Homes, Nigeria’s leading real estate company, is again giving Nigerians a reason to celebrate beyond the festivities with the launch of its highly anticipated ILEYA/SALLAH PROMO!

This year’s celebration blends culture, community, and homeownership into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for families and individuals looking to secure their future through real estate.

With over 40 estate locations nationwide, spanning Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, Jos, and Ekiti, Adron Homes is offering a generous 30% discount on all land purchases. Even better, customers can enjoy convenient payment plans spread over 24 months, making land ownership more affordable than ever.

To mark the season of giving, Adron Homes is rolling out exciting gift rewards for customers based on their commitment levels:
•          ₦100,000 Payment – 10kg Bag of Rice or Aso Oke or Ankara
•          ₦200,000 Payment – 10kg Rice with Aso Oke or 2 Ankara
•          ₦500,000 Payment – Goat or 50kg Rice with Aso Oke or 2 Ankara
•          ₦1,000,000 Payment – Ram with Aso Oke or 2 Ankara or 50kg Rice + Goat
(Valid for lands worth ₦3M and above)
•          ₦3,000,000 Payment – 3 Rams with Aso Oke or 2 Ankara
(Valid for lands worth ₦8M and above)

This campaign is also being celebrated with the support of star brand ambassadors; Lateef Adedimeji, Ibrahim Chatta, and Femi Branch, who embody the spirit of culture, excellence, and family that Adron Homes stands for.

With a proven track record of delivering value and properties in strategic locations, Adron Homes is committed to making the dream of property ownership a reality for every Nigerian regardless of income level.

This Ileya season, the company is inviting all Nigerians to invest not just in land, but in a lifetime of security, prosperity, and generational wealth.

Visit any Adron Homes office nationwide or connect with us through our online platforms:
Website:adronhomesproperties.com

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Wear It All Luxury Opens New Abuja Boutique with Star-Studded Ceremony

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Wear It All Luxury Opens New Abuja Boutique with Star-Studded Ceremony

Wear It All Luxury Opens New Abuja Boutique with Star-Studded Ceremony

Four years after successfully reopening its flagship store in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, following a major renovation, Wear It All Luxury, the upscale fashion brand owned by renowned entrepreneur, Sodiq Babatunde Rufai, has expanded its presence with the launch of a new boutique in Abuja.

The grand opening, held on Thursday, 22nd May 2025, at Libreville Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja was a star-studded affair that brought together influential personalities from the fashion, entertainment, and business worlds. Among the high-profile guests in attendance was Afrobeats superstar Davido, whose presence added further glamour to the launch event.

Located in the heart of the capital, the new Abuja boutique is poised to offer the same top-tier fashion experience the brand is known for, curated luxury pieces, exclusive designer wear, and impeccable customer service tailored for Nigeria’s elite fashion lovers.

Speaking at the event, Sodiq Babatunde Rufai expressed his excitement about the brand’s expansion, stating, “This is more than just a store opening, it’s a statement that Nigerian fashion continues to grow and thrive. We’re proud to bring the Wear It All experience to Abuja, and we remain committed to setting the pace in luxury fashion across the country.”

The Abuja outlet joins the Lagos boutique in offering high-end fashion collections from globally recognized brands, as well as unique pieces under the Wear It All Luxury private label.

Guests were treated to a private showcase of the brand’s latest collections, light entertainment, and a luxurious atmosphere that perfectly reflected the Wear It All Luxury ethos.

As the fashion house continues to expand, industry watchers say the brand’s entry into the Abuja market marks another major milestone in Nigeria’s growing luxury fashion landscape.

Wear It All Luxury Opens New Abuja Boutique with Star-Studded Ceremony

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