Business
OLATUNDE PASEDA : A POLITICAL TACTICIAN WITH A HEART OF GOLD
By Femi Salako(Triangle News Media)
So much value is attached to names in the Nigerian society because of the fact that whatever name we bear definitely has a defining role to play in our lives. Olatunde Rotimi Paseda is one individual who has continually enjoy the ample benefits of manifold presence of God. His name has also become a household name within and outside of Ogun state because of the major character traits that he shares with the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo.
Otunba Paseda as he fondly called by his supporters is clearly a blessing to Ogun state in view of his character traits that is firmly focused on providing for the needs of the vulnerable and giving back to the society that has produced him. His involvement in politics is premised on the quest to reenact the political ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the area of harnessing state resources to meet the critical needs of the masses. Otunba Paseda has proven his mettle in world of business outside the shores of Nigeria and has left no one in doubt that he can actually achieve the same success in politics if giving the opportunity.
He is the Elisha of our time that is on assignment to reignite the laudable achievements of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Ogun state in particular and the South Western part of Nigeria at large.
Olatunde Paseda is a successful business man with entrenched interest in the United Kingdom where he has done very well for himself and family. The Omu man has successfully established engineering firms in the UK with business interests in the fabrication and building of heavy machinery; manufacturing of water tankers, fire engines, garbage/compacting trucks and the likes. Political interest of Paseda has largely been awakened by his conviction that he could conveniently leverage on his business successes in the United Kingdom to develop the people of Ogun state, the state itself and Nigeria as a nation.
Ogun state is very lucky to have a man like Olatunde Paseda who is conscious of the world of difference between a political leader and the followers; yet he has sufficiently bridged such gaps. The consciousness of this difference has always inform the image, actions, and communication mode of Otunba Paseda. The fabrication giant carries himself with an aura that never suggests that he is in anyway better than his followers; but will always elect to have an objective perspectives on wide range of issues bothering on his domain.
Rotimi Paseda sure has a gentle mien but posses a tough character traits. This has often than not helped him to take tough decisions whenever the need arises. He is never unmindful of the fact that difficult and timely decisions need be taken in certain situations if the the best interests of state and party are to be given premium consideration. Decisions of this nature are not always expected to go down well with everyone, but he had always effect them with the required firmness, authority, and finality. Olatunde Rotimi Paseda is never given to taking unilaterally decisions; rather he has made himself an advocate of collaborative decision making process that would bring about party cohesion and positive developments.
Paseda is also a model of empathy who always look out for solutions to the challenges being faced by his people. He takes it upon himself to look inward in providing pragmatic solutions to whatever problem that is encountered by any of his followers with a firm focus on forward movement.
Rotimi Paseda has proven himself as a leader who has earned the trust of his followers. He would always do a personal follow-up on all outstanding issues, pay personal visits to his supporters, and make it a point of duty to monitor the effectiveness of party policies and procedures. Paseda will never hesitate to commend party members that are worthy of commendations while reprimands would also not be spared for those that fall short of acceptable set standard of conduct for party members. Paseda is a distinct leader that would promptly identify any problem before it becomes an emergency and would not waste time to proffer effective solution.
Olatunde Paseda has established himself as a political leader who is confidence inspiring. He is also a fountain of good counsels who has helped in a great deal to shape and better the lives of so many of his supporters. He is a model of a resolute mind that will stand firm to fight for and champion all worthy causes for his followers.
Olatunde Rotimi Paseda radiates positive energy and communicates this through his thoughts and deeds. He is no doubt a man with an heart of gold and in whose veins kindness flows. This explains why he always feels genuinely concerned for other people’s welfare. Paseda is never short of practical solutions to issues and words of reassurances that edify the souls of his party members. He is a team player who abhors pessimistic thoughts that are capable of dampening the highly effective unity of purpose spirits of his supporters.
Olatunde Rotimi Paseda is one of the very few politicians around that cherishes ethical practices and believes that only diligence, reliability and honesty are the bedrock of a lasting success. He so much personifies these high moral values to a point of emulation that his integrity has never been in doubt. He would not hesitate to openly share information and avoid spin control.
ORP has no doubt proven himself as a leader that motivates followers to best performance through effective, clear and concise communication. He throws up subtle challenges to those around him by setting high and yet attainable standards for them. He would follow it up by providing the much needed support, exposure, training and latitude for the pursuance of visions, so as to attain the very height that one can possibly climb.
The 2015 gubernatorial candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria has not giving up on his dreams and visions to effect a total turn around in the body polity of Ogun state.
He still remains a strong advocate of job creation for millions of Nigerians that need a means of survival. Paseda remains unpleased with the fact that the nation in general and Ogun state in particular are yet to unleash the potentials of the youthful generation in view of the available manpower.
Olatunde Paseda is still very much itching to effect a change that will usher in an era of innovative governance, people-oriented programmes and an all inclusive government that will be based on the tested principles of the old Unity Party of Nigeria founded by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo for a guaranteed future in Ogun state.
ORP still finds the prevailing incremental development in Ogun state very much unacceptable. He believes the only and best way to go for the state is to join the league of state like neighbouring Lagos state and take the full advantage of total development which is bound to usher prosperity into the state. In the words of Olatunde Paseda, “Yes, some can argue that there are pockets of developmental projects scattered here and there in Ogun state under the present administration, but most of these developments are obviously not people-oriented and did not benefit everyone”.
The grassroot mobilizer still take exception to the prevailing governance style in Ogun state that is deliberately crafted to favour few privileged ones at expense of the larger population. Paseda still remains convinced that free education from nursery to tertiary level for all Ogun State students is achievable under the Unity Party of Nigeria. He also has his sight on provision of free health services and facilitation of integrated rural and community development in Ogun State. The Omu political tactician once lamented the health and educational states of Ogun thus: “Our tertiary institutions remain grossly underfunded and tuition fee is out of reach for majority of Ogun State students”.
Olatunde Rotimi Paseda equally remains committed to the creation of full and sustainable employment opportunities for the people of Ogun state. He is of the opinion that free education and free healthcare are no rocket science as some detractors would want to believe. According to him, “I’ve said it on different fora that achieving this is as simple as intelligent budget manipulation”.
FirstBank Makes Home Ownership Possible for Nigerians with Single-Digit Interest Rate Loan
For millions of Nigerians, homeownership has long felt like an ambition deferred. Squeezed by rising property prices, persistent double-digit inflation and high commercial lending rates, the dream of owning a home has remained just that – a dream.
But that narrative is quietly changing. Thanks to FirstBank.
The N1 Trillion Intervention Reshaping Access
In partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), FirstBank has unveiled a mortgage opportunity that could redefine access to housing finance in Nigeria.
Backed by the Federal Government’s N1trillion mortgage fund, the initiative is designed to empower Nigerians with affordable, long-term credit to own their homes.
9.75% Interest Rate in a 30% Lending Environment
MREIF is priced at 9.75% per annum, dramatically lower than prevailing commercial loan rates. Eligible Nigerians can access up to N100 million and repay within 20 years. This translates into significantly more manageable monthly repayments and greater long-term financial stability.
Built for Salary Earners, Entrepreneurs and the Diaspora
The MREIF mortgage facility has been structured to be inclusive. It is available to salary account holders, business owners and diaspora customers. Whether you are a young professional aiming to exit the rent cycle, an entrepreneur building generational stability, or you’re a Nigerian abroad looking to secure assets locally, the product opens a pathway that has historically been out of reach for many.
Taking the First Step
For those who have been waiting for the right time, this is definitely it. The question is no longer whether homeownership is possible. The real question is: will you act before the window narrows?
Visit https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ and in no time you could be the latest homeowner in town.
Alpha Morgan Bank Deepens Presence in Abuja with New Branch in Utako
Marking another milestone in its expansion drive, Alpha Morgan Bank has opened a new branch in Utako, Abuja, reinforcing its strategy of building closer institutional ties within key business communities and bringing its financial expertise closer to individuals, and enterprises driving the city’s growth.
The new branch, located at Plot 1121 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Utako, Abuja is strategically positioned to serve individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporate clients within Utako and surrounding districts.
The expansion follows the Bank’s recently concluded Economic Review Webinar held in February 2026, as the bank continues to position as a thought-leader in the financial services industry.
Speaking on the opening, Ade Buraimo, Managing Director of Alpha Morgan Bank, said the move underscores the Bank’s commitment to accessibility and service excellence.
“Proximity matters in banking. As communities grow and commercial activity expands, financial institutions also evolve to meet customers where they are. The Utako Branch allows us to deliver our services to people in that community efficiently while maintaining the high standards our customers expect,”
The Utako location will provide a full suite of retail and corporate banking services, including account opening, deposits, transfers, business banking solutions, and financial advisory support.
Customers and members of the public are invited to visit the new Utako Branch to experience the Bank’s approach to satisfying banking.
Dangote Refinery Prioritises Domestic Supply Amid Global Energy Turbulence
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Nigeria insulated from international fuel shocks as Dangote Petroleum commits to uninterrupted local delivery.”
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the domestic market, pledging to shield Nigerians from the ripple effects of ongoing global energy disruptions. The assurance, delivered in Lagos on 5 March 2026, comes as international refinery operations experience shutdowns or reduced output due to escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions, which have sent crude oil and petroleum product prices soaring worldwide.
“Our mandate remains clear: Nigeria’s local market takes precedence. In times of global supply shocks, we will continue to ensure that domestic availability of petrol, diesel, and kerosene is uninterrupted,” said Mr. Folorunsho Alakija, spokesperson for Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The refinery’s declaration arrives amid mounting concerns over fuel scarcity, triggered by export restrictions imposed by major international producers, including China, and shipping delays that have further tightened global petroleum supply chains. Industry analysts have hailed the domestic focus as a critical buffer against volatility that could otherwise push Nigeria into deeper energy insecurity.
Domestic Shield Against Global Disruption
Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil processing facility, has leveraged its multi-million-barrel refining capacity to mitigate Nigeria’s historical dependence on imported petroleum products. The company emphasised that prioritising local supply provides a strategic advantage in insulating the nation from international market shocks.
“Our refinery’s scale allows Nigeria to withstand short-term external disruptions. We have the infrastructure and capacity to meet local demand even when global supply chains falter,” explained Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, Operations Director at Dangote Refinery.
The proactive approach is particularly significant as several international refineries have either reduced throughput or temporarily halted operations, causing a global scarcity of refined products. Experts warn that without domestic cushioning, fuel prices in Nigeria could have surged sharply, exacerbating inflationary pressures in a fragile economy.
Managing Costs While Prioritising Supply
In response to rising procurement costs for crude oil amid the international crisis, Dangote Refinery introduced a modest ₦100 per litre increase in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), absorbing roughly 20 percent of the cost escalation to lessen the impact on consumers.
“We are balancing operational sustainability with affordability. While global prices have risen sharply, we have chosen to absorb a significant portion to protect Nigerian households and businesses,” noted Mr. Emmanuel Adeyemi, Chief Finance Officer.
This pricing strategy underscores the refinery’s dual focus: ensuring uninterrupted supply while cushioning the public from abrupt spikes that could destabilize economic activity. Industry observers have lauded the approach as pragmatic, considering the volatility in international oil markets.
Strategic Distribution Initiatives
Beyond refining, Dangote Petroleum has initiated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks to enhance nationwide distribution efficiency. The initiative seeks to reduce logistics costs and carbon emissions while ensuring a more reliable delivery network to petrol stations across urban and rural areas.
“Logistics is a critical part of the energy supply chain. By deploying CNG-powered trucks, we reduce dependency on expensive diesel, lower delivery costs, and improve supply reliability across the country,” explained Ms. Funke Adedoyin, Head of Logistics Operations.
This strategic move reflects a broader commitment to modernising Nigeria’s petroleum distribution infrastructure, reducing bottlenecks that have historically contributed to scarcity at retail outlets.
Implications for National Energy Security
Nigeria has historically struggled with fuel imports to meet domestic demand, making the country vulnerable to international market fluctuations. Dangote Refinery’s prioritisation of local supply mitigates this vulnerability by leveraging home-grown refining capacity, which allows for timely access to petroleum products and less reliance on foreign shipments.
“With Dangote Refinery leading local prioritisation, Nigeria is less exposed to global fuel shocks. The country is moving towards self-reliance in petroleum product supply,” commented Dr. Halima Suleiman, energy sector analyst.
Experts note that sustained operations at the refinery not only enhance energy security but also preserve foreign exchange, reduce import bills, and stabilise domestic market prices.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Market Stability
The refinery’s commitment is part of a broader corporate responsibility framework. Dangote Petroleum continues to engage with government agencies and regulatory bodies, ensuring that domestic supply is coordinated with Nigeria’s Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to prevent panic buying and market distortions.
“We are in constant consultation with the government to ensure that our supply strategies align with national economic priorities,” said Mr. Alakija.
Such collaboration helps avert artificial shortages, stabilises pump prices, and maintains confidence in the domestic fuel market. Analysts argue that this approach exemplifies how private sector capabilities can complement governmental policies to enhance national resilience.
Navigating Global Uncertainties
The refinery operates in a complex global environment, where geopolitical crises, shipping constraints, and crude oil volatility can trigger disruptions. Dangote Petroleum’s domestic-first approach positions Nigeria to weather such crises more effectively.
“Global uncertainties are unavoidable, but our infrastructure and strategy ensure that Nigerians remain insulated from immediate shocks,” said Mr. Okonkwo.
This emphasis on resilience aligns with global best practices, where national refining capacity is leveraged to protect local markets from international supply disruptions.
Stakeholder Reactions
The government, civil society, and industry stakeholders have welcomed Dangote Petroleum’s strategy. Officials from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources noted that prioritising local supply aligns with Nigeria’s energy security policies and reduces the burden of foreign exchange expenditures on crude imports.
“Dangote Refinery is demonstrating leadership. Its domestic prioritisation ensures that the Nigerian economy remains insulated during turbulent global markets,” said Dr. Tunji Olumide, Special Adviser on Energy.
Consumers have also expressed cautious optimism. Retail operators and commuters reported steadier fuel availability in Lagos and other cities, though concerns remain about sustained pricing and distribution efficiency.
The Road Ahead
While Dangote Refinery’s strategy provides immediate relief, experts argue that long-term stability requires further investments in alternative energy, diversified refining infrastructure, and strategic reserves. This ensures that Nigeria can withstand global shocks without relying excessively on imports or temporary supply adjustments.
“Short-term measures like prioritising local supply are critical, but long-term energy security demands diversification, renewables adoption, and consistent policy implementation,” said Dr. Suleiman.
The refinery is exploring additional initiatives, including expanding storage capacity, upgrading pipeline networks, and adopting technology-driven monitoring systems to ensure supply continuity across the country.
Final Take
By prioritising domestic fuel supply amid global market turbulence, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has demonstrated its role as a stabilising force in Nigeria’s energy sector. Through strategic logistics, modest pricing adjustments, and engagement with government regulators, the refinery is insulating the nation from international shocks while maintaining operational sustainability.
“Our responsibility extends beyond profitability; it’s about ensuring Nigerians have reliable access to essential fuel. We take that mandate seriously,” concluded Mr. Adeyemi.
The refinery’s actions offer a blueprint for how large-scale domestic capacity can protect national economies in times of global energy instability, underscoring the critical intersection of private sector resilience, public policy, and national energy security.
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