Business

Of Datkem Enterprises, corporate lies and due process

Published

3 years ago

September 17, 2023

Sahara Weekly

Of Datkem Enterprises, corporate lies and due process

By Yemi Festus Oke

IF the ongoing drama over Datkem Plaza, a structure partially demolished in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, recently, proves anything, it is the fact that many members of Nigeria’s privileged, political class like to mouth such phrases as “rule of law” and “due process” only when it suits their whims and caprices. They love the application of these concepts when they apply to others, not to themselves.

Such people really have no care for the rule of law; all they are after is personal interest. This perfectly explains why, in the aftermath of the expose on the non-existent company whose name was used by the owners of Datkem Plaza to apply for building approval in Ogun State, a certificate bearing the name “Datkem Enterprises” was hurriedly churned out by former Governor Gbenga Daniel to prove that the company is indeed real. That may deceive unsuspecting members of the public, but not anyone familiar with the basic rules guiding businesses and their registration. Pray, just how do you se “Datkem Enterprises” to prove that “Datkem Enterrpises Ltd” does exist? What kind of childish gimmick is that? How does a person of such an exalted status insult public sensibilities in this manner?

For those who care to know, Datkem Enterprises Ltd was the entity used to obtain approval for the building called Datkem Plaza. An enterprise, which is a mare business name, cannot own such a building. Such a building can only be owned by a corporate entity. It seems that from the very beginning, the owners of Datkem Plaza deliberately wanted to manipulate the system. For one, since there is no Datkem Enterprises Ltd, the name presented to obtain building approval from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, there is no address that can be traced if the building runs into any problem. It is, as such, an entity that only exists in a world that we do not know, cannot see, and cannot touch. Why does it then want to do business with real people?

The fact, till this moment, is that Datkem Enterprises Ltd was never registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); what was registered is Datkem Enterprises. This is highly disingenuous, to say the least. Whereas Datkem Enterprises Ltd would be required to have director(s) and shareholder(s), Datkem Enterprise can only be required to have a sole proprietor or partners (proprietors). A company limited by shares can sue and be sued, and own properties and other assets in its corporate name. It is a taxable legal person and pays its taxes to the Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS) in its corporate name under the Companies Income Tax Act. It requires a certificate of incorporation and other documents such as Memorandum and Articles of Association upon registration with the CAC; has a maximum of 50 shareholders, and is required to file returns at the CAC and hold annual general meetings.

Datkem Enterprises, being not a limited liability company, would not be required to meet these requirements, among many others. Unlike Datkem Enterprises Ltd, Datkem Enterprises can never be converted to a public limited company. One can go on and on, but it is inconceivable that a former governor and serving senator is ignorant of the differences between an enterprise and a limited liability company and even if he was, he had distinguished legal company around him that would have helped him. In the very remote circumstance that he failed to seek legal advice, ignorance of the law would not help him.

It is striking that when requesting for approval, the distinguished senator presented a fake, unregistered company, namely Datkem Enterprises Ltd. That looks like a deliberate attempt to cheat and deceive the general public. It can therefore be no surprise that what has been built as Datkem Plaza is not what he got approval for. As probably everyone knows, if you get government approval for a three bedroom flat but build a five-bedroom flat, you have violated the law. Somebody who has integrity should not have done that. Besides, is it any wonder that the owners of Datkem Plaza ignored the many contravention notices issued to them since 2022? Even after a stop-work notice was issued, why was work ongoing on the site at night, with deliberate intent to finish the project and make it difficult for the government to demolish without public outcry? By carrying on construction work on the site at night with intent to beat the stop-work notice and appeal to public sentiments if the government takes action against the completed building, the owners of Datkem Plaza played a dirty game. They must not be allowed to get away with it.

They lied, covering up with that lie with many more lies. Just how can somebody of such exalted status be posting a certificate for an enterprise when he applied for approval in the name of a limited liability company? Besides, his supporters should tell him to produce the approval given to him to produce the structure on ground in Ijebu Ode. If he cannot, they should keep quiet. Why use a fake name to process the application for building approval? The ordinary citizen who does this would be punished. Why shouldn’t a big politician who does same? He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. Rule of law and due process should apply to all, not only the underprivileged.

Oke wrote this through [email protected]

Related Topics:DATKEM plaza Featured Lifestyle politics

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Business

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

4 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status**

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

Thank you.

Business

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

4 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

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About Laffmattazz

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.