Business
UNVEILING THE MAN, OTUNBA ROTIMI PASEDA , his Agenda for Good Governance in Ogun State +His love for Garri and many more
They called him Pasewonda; others called him Omo – Iya teacher, while in political clime he is best known as ORP, but his real name is Olatunde Rotimi Paseda.
Sometimes, he is described as ‘Arole Awolowo’ (the heir apparent of the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo) because of his belief in Awo’s political ideologies of free education, free and Qualitative healthcare, job opportunities and rural /urban integration, but today Otunba (Prince) Rotimi Paseda is the only man sustaining the political legacy of Pa. Obafemi Awolowo which is the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
At the sound of his name exudes humility. He is a mentor, philanthropist, father and grand father.
Prince Olatunde Rotimi Paseda hails from Omu-Ijebu in Ogun State, he is a UK/Mexico based business tycoon. He came from a family of five, his mother was a retired teacher in public service and his dad was a store keeper at PZ, Paterzon Zokalis Nigeria Limited in the 60s. He started his career in PZ and ended his career in PZ. He was the longest service staff at that point. Today, he is well-known as Omo Iya Teacher.
Paseda attended Baptist Academy for his O’level at Ikorodu, Lagos state. He thereafter travelled abroad for his University education. He attended the University of London, UK where he studied Transport Management and later got his Masters Degree in Tourism and Recreation Management from University of Cardiff, Wales.
He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Transport, United Kingdom, and worked briefly as European Air Tour Operator with Euro Skylup International before establishing Skylink Travels and Tours over twenty-five years ago. This was his commencement of his self-employment venture in the United Kingdom and World wide.
Afterwards, he established his own company in UK which is currently being managed by his wife.
Along the line, he stumbled into a company in Mexico that manufactures heavy duty equipments. He recognizes the opportunity, bought into it and it became one of his main businesses. It is a big firm in Mexico and he is one of the three partners in the company. He is also into fire engines construction, which sells mostly in Eastern Europe, and Asia and Latin America. He has successfully established two engineering firms that are into fabrication and building of heavy machinery; they manufacture water tankers, fire engines, garbage /compacting trucks and the likes and they are doing very well.
Otunba Paseda owns four major companies across the world (UK, US, and Latin America). In Nigeria, he owns a couple of hotels spread across different parts of the country, little wonder, he was recently awarded alongside President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Olusegun Osoba as Most Influential Industrialist among 100 Most Influential Ogun Indigenes Still Leaving.
One important principle that had helped him in life and which is always with him is MODESTY. He was not at anytime, right from his youthful days been swayed by peer pressure. The Yoruba adage “Ranti Omo Eniti Iwo Nse” interpreted as “Know The Son of Whom You Are” as been the guiding principle in the life of Otunba Rotimi Paseda.
God has given this man a special grace in life, so he knows his onions, he knows his place and where cap fits him. He has set a limit for himself and what the Yoruba called “OMOLUABI” could be found in him. His recent introduction into Yoruba Patriots Movement, a Pan-Yoruba freedom group was not incidental. For him, moderation is the key. But in the real sense of things, it has a lot to do with upbringing. Growing under the roof of parents who were strict disciplinarians to the core, waywardness was a taboo at home so Prince Rotimi Paseda was made to see and live life in the right perspective.
Paseda’s mother would always weep on his neck, most times to remind him of where he is coming from. She pitiably emphasized this and would always remind him of what she went through in life in an attempt to consciously inject virtues and values in her dear son.
This made the young Otunba Rotimi Paseda vowed never to put his dear mother to shame, but to make her proud. When Otunba Rotimi Paseda was given birth to and being the son, he became everything to his dear parents who loved him with passion. This is an inspiration to all parents.
Prince Olatunde Rotimi Paseda is the legend behind Paseda Legacy Foundation, an NGO he established as a way of helping the needy and also to give back to the society.
His immense contributions to the development of Omu earned him the chieftaincy title of the Otunba Adeneye 1 of Omu-Ijebu, he was also installed as the Garkuwan Hausawan (the man of the masses) of Ogun State by the Hausa communities in Ogun State and the friend of the Igbos in the state, (Ezi Onyi Ndigbo). Would you now agree with me, Paseda is a man of all tribes?
The determination to succeed against so many odds encouraged Prince Paseda to forge ahead. He believes that if he can succeed out there in the UK, he should be responsible to his people at home by contributing his quota to the development of his home state, Ogun state and Nigeria at large.
ORP has fondly called is a strong advocate of job creation for millions of Nigerians, who need a means of survival. He believes that with the kind of manpower Nigeria has, it’s quite disheartening to realize that we are yet to unleash the potentials of our zealous youthful generation.
This made him contest, although unsuccessful for the Governor of Ogun state in the 2015 general elections alongside Senator Ibikunle Amosun of APC and Gboyega Nasir Isiaka of the Peoples Democratic Party. He is the major financier of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Nigeria and he personally believes in Awolowo’s ideology of free education, free health care, cheap housing scheme and rural integration, etc.
Otunba Rotimi Paseda is married to Chief (Mrs.) Yeye Vivian Oritsejamene and the union is blessed with children who are doing well in their respective field of endeavors.
However, there is one astonishing fact about this Ijebu-born politician that is unknown to many. What many people do not know about Rotimi Paseda is that, he loves drinking cassava flakes “garri” as you called it in local parlance with smoke fish (eja yiyan) .
Not only does he likes garri, but he has made it part of his life wherever he goes. At any point Paseda travels out of the country, Garri is number one item Madam Vivian packaged in his suitcase.
Otunba Paseda finds it unstable to eat outside the country without taking garri as his breakfast before any other food item. Garri mixed with iced block and roasted Guinea fowl, sauce with fresh tomato and dry pepper are sure combination of what makes delicious food for this Ijebu man.
To many, Paseda only dress sense is white, but unknown to them, he wears Polo T-shirt and other casual clothes whenever he wants to unwind.
Another exciting fact that will shock many is that, Paseda is sportmania. He owns an amateur football club named Paseda Legacy Football Club, registered under Paseda Legacy Foundation. Though, the launching process is still underway.
Although, he is a socialite per excellence, but his best alcoholic drink is Water, while he also detaste smoking.
Not known to many about Otunba Paseda is that, he embraces all religions. Despite being a Prophet in the Celestial grapevine, he has special passion for Islam and its faithful, little wonder, he named himself Muhammodu Taofeek.
His love for Muslim Duah remain uncouched as no fewer than 50 people have benefited from his self sponsorship programme to Mecca for their Holy Pilgrimage, while the Christian faithful have also drank from his olive branch.
Paseda’s kind of politics is unmatched, as he remain among many, the only politician that walk his talk. He preaches youths involvement in governance and has demonstrated that in his little capacity as the Executive Chairman of Paseda Legacy Foundation.
In fulfillment of his plans for the youths, Otunba Paseda donated the sum of N10 million Naira to some youths who trained under his skill acquisition programme, powered by Ultimate Achievers Initiatives to start their business.
Also, no fewer than 50 indigent students benefited from his free scholarship scheme across higher institutions in the state.
On his Agenda for Good Governance, Otunba Paseda who addressed a mammoth crowd at Ibafo area of Ogun State recently averred that, “As a seasoned entrepreneur, I have at different fora established a platform for the youths to exhibit their God-given potentials. I have taken it upon myself and an act of oath with Nigerian youths to absorb them with a mission to transform Ogun State into Eldorado of sort.
“My highly esteemed and ever dynamic youths, I salute your perseverance and doggedness, but don’t worry, your future is here and secured with me in our agenda for good governance come 2019.
“I referred to Ogun State as an enterprise not for any metaphorical analogy but to paint the picture that the fortunes or God forbid it, misfortunes of a state can be defined or determined by the type of government or people who are voted into government to paddle the state’s canoe. I can assure you that, God willing, with your support and the people’s vote come 2019, we shall together steer the ship of this state to a safe harbor.”
So, Ogun State people, I present to you, the man of many tribes. The man of the people and a grassrooter. Someone who is ready to serve but not to rule. Paseda encompasses the vision, mission and objectives of the late Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo.
Let us support Otunba Rotimi Paseda, ORP to be the next Governor of Ogun State, together we can achieve the dreams of the founding fathers.
Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji is my name, but they call me D-PRESS, I just want to make common sense #dassol
GTCO Launches “Take on Squad” Hackathon 3.0, Opens Call for Applications
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has announced the launch of “Take on Squad” Hackathon 3.0, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation, empowering talent, and supporting the development of technology-driven solutions that address real-world challenges across Africa.
Now in its third edition, the Hackathon brings together developers, designers and entrepreneurs across Nigeria in a collaborative environment to build practical solutions across key sectors including financial services, healthcare, commerce and digital inclusion. Under the theme “Smart Systems: The Intelligent Economy,” participants are challenged to design and build intelligent, data-driven solutions that transform how communities engage with money.
Applications are now open, and interested teams can find full guidelines and registration details on the official portal at https://squadco.com/hackathon.
Speaking on the initiative, Eduophon Japhet, Managing Director of HabariPay, stated: “Today’s dynamic, digitally driven world demands continuous innovation, which is shaping how economies grow, how businesses scale, and how societies evolve. Through “Take on Squad” Hackathon, we are deliberately investing in the ideas and talent that will define the future. Our objective is not simply to encourage innovation, but to enable its translation into scalable solutions that deliver real and measurable impact. This reflects GTCO’s role as a financial services platform that connects capital, capability, and creativity to drive sustainable progress.”
The social coding event remains a cornerstone of HabariPay’s mission to foster creativity and problem-solving among emerging tech talents. Competing teams will leverage Squad’s advanced APIs to create scalable digital tools that address everyday challenges faced by businesses and individuals.
Through initiatives such as this, GTCO continues to position itself at the intersection of finance, technology and enterprise, actively shaping the future of digital transformation in Africa.
About HabariPay
HabariPay Ltd is the fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), one of the largest financial services institutions in Africa with direct and indirect investments in a network of operating entities located in 10 countries across Africa and the United Kingdom.
Licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), our goal is to support SMEs, micro merchants, large corporations and other fintechs (Tech Stars) with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving digital economy and expand beyond their current market reach. HabariPay’s solutions include Squad, a full-scale digital payments toolkit to make in-person and online payments simpler, HabariPay Storefront, an e-commerce website to facilitate online purchases, Value-Added Services to help merchants access cost-effective and flexible airtime and data bundles to run their businesses, as well as a switching infrastructure that enables tech-focused businesses to optimise cost and make transactions more efficient.
HabariPay’s contributions to Accelerating Digital Acceptance in Africa have not gone unnoticed–it received Mastercard’s Innovative Mobile Payment Solution Award at TIA 2022 for its innovative payment solution, SquadPOS.
About Squad
Squad is a complete digital payments solution that is reliable, secure, and affordable, making receiving in-person and online payments simpler and convenient.
Thousands of merchants currently leverage Squad’s payment solutions for their daily business operations. Squad’s current products and service offerings include SquadPOS, Squad Payment Links, Squad Virtual Accounts, USSD, and E-Commerce Storefront.
Find out more at www.squadco.com.
Electric 8-Seater Tula Moto Keke Enters Nigerian Market, Targets Higher Operator Earnings
LAGOS — A new electric-powered tricycle with an expanded passenger capacity has been introduced into Nigeria’s urban transport sector, offering operators a potentially more profitable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional petrol-driven “keke.”
The newly launched 8-seater electric tricycle, now available in Lagos with plans for nationwide distribution, features a dual-row seating arrangement capable of accommodating up to eight passengers per trip—significantly higher than the standard three-passenger configuration common across the country.
Promoters of the innovation say the increased capacity is designed to boost daily earnings for operators, particularly amid persistent fluctuations in fuel prices. By running entirely on electric power, the vehicle eliminates dependence on petrol, reducing operating costs and shielding drivers from fuel price volatility.
According to the distributors, the tricycle is equipped with a durable battery system capable of covering extended distances on a single charge, making it suitable for commercial operations across high-traffic routes, residential estates, campuses, and marketplaces.
“The concept is straightforward—enable drivers to earn more while spending less,” a company representative stated. “With higher passenger capacity and zero fuel requirements, operators can maximise each trip without the burden of daily fuel expenses.”
Beyond its cost-saving potential, the electric keke is also said to require less maintenance than traditional models, offering additional long-term savings. Its quieter and smoother operation is expected to enhance passenger comfort and overall commuting experience.
Industry analysts note that the introduction of electric mobility solutions reflects a growing shift toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation alternatives in Nigeria, particularly in densely populated urban centres such as Lagos.
The distributors added that the product is currently available under a limited promotional offer, with delivery options across the country.
For inquiries and purchase: 📞 08153432071
📞 08035889103
Office Address:
📍 Plot 9, Block 113, Beulah Plaza,
Lekki–Epe Expressway,
Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
As transportation costs continue to rise and environmental concerns gain prominence, innovations like the electric 8-seater keke may signal an emerging transition toward more efficient and sustainable mobility solutions nationwide.
Business
A Pipeline, a Licence, and a Storm Brewing: Corruption allegations Draw global oil giant, Shell, Into Nigeria’s Reform Test
*A Pipeline, a Licence, and a Storm Brewing: Corruption allegations Draw global oil giant, Shell, Into Nigeria’s Reform Test*
By Deji Johnson and Mustapha Bello
t begins with a pipeline that should have been completed by June 2026. It widens into a regulatory dispute. And it now risks becoming a defining test of Nigeria’s gas reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At the center is a stalled 80 kilometre gas pipeline from Sagamu to Ibadan, a project backed by over 100 million dollars in investment and built on a protected Gas Distribution Licence issued under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021. The licence granted NGML–NIPCO exclusive rights to distribute gas within Ibadan for 25years based on Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act.
On paper, the law is clear. On the ground, the situation is anything but.
For more than three months, construction has been halted following a stop work order issued by the Oyo State Government led by former Shell Contractor and engineer, Governor Seyi Makinde. No detailed public justification has been provided that aligns with existing federal approvals already secured for the project.
What might have remained a quiet regulatory disagreement has now escalated into something far more politically charged. How?
In recent remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is of the same political party as Governor Seyi Makinde, made a pointed allegation that has since rippled across political and industry circles. He suggested that the Governor of Oyo State and Shell were in what could be described as an “unholy alliance.”
It is a serious claim. One that, if substantiated, would raise profound questions about the intersection of corporate influence, state level action, and federal law.
Neither Shell nor the Oyo State Government has publicly responded in detail to the allegation.
But the silence is now part of the story.
*THE SHELL QUESTION*
For Shell, this moment carries particular weight.
The company has operated in Nigeria for decades, building one of its most significant global portfolios in the Niger Delta. But that history is not without controversy. From corruption claims to environmental damage claims and community disputes amongst others, Shell has faced years of litigation and, in several high profile cases, adverse rulings tied to its operations in the region.
Those cases, many adjudicated in foreign courts, have shaped a negative reputation that continues to follow the company.
Now, a new question emerges.
Is Shell once again operating at the edge of Nigeria’s regulatory framework seeking to exert undue influence in circumventing Nigeria’s petroleum laws, or firmly within it?
Industry sources including a widely reported meeting between their representatives, Oyo State Government representatives and the newly appointed midstream and downstream chief executive, indicate that engagements involving Shell and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority could enable the company to enter a gas distribution zone already licensed to another operator in breach of the PIA.
If true, the implications are immediate and far reaching.
A licence meant to protect investors and investments in Nigeria’s gas space ceases to be exclusive against the dictates of the guiding laws. A framework begins to look flexible, and a reform risks appearing reversible.
To many, it seems more than just a commercial dispute and is not just about one company versus another.
Nigeria is in the middle of an energy transition where gas is expected to play a central role in powering industries, stabilising electricity supply, and reducing reliance on expensive diesel. President Bola Tinubu has emerged as a global champion of using gas as a transition fuel in Nigeria and Africa whilst rolling out elaborate but clearly defined plans to achieve it. Yet gas availability remains inconsistent, constraining power generation and limiting industrial output.
Projects like the Sagamu to Ibadan pipeline are designed to close that gap. To halt such a project is to delay not just infrastructure, but impact. To undermine its legal basis is to question the system that enabled it and to introduce competing claims within the same licensed zone is to risk regulatory confusion at a time when clarity is most needed.
This is where the issue moves from commercial to national because at stake is not only an investment, but the credibility of the reform architecture itself.
*OYO STATE AND THE FEDERAL QUESTION*
The role of the Oyo State Government adds another layer of complexity.
Energy regulation in Nigeria, particularly in the gas sector, is governed by federal law. Yet implementation often intersects with state authority, creating spaces where jurisdiction can blur.
The stop work order issued on the pipeline has become the clearest manifestation of that tension. Was it a regulatory necessity?
A precautionary measure? Or, as alleged by Minister Wike, part of a broader alignment with external interests? Without transparency, speculation fills the vacuum and the regulator must avoid finding itself mired in such allegations.
*QUESTIONS THAT WILL NOT GO AWAY*
For Shell, the questions are now direct and unavoidable:
Is Shell, a global energy giant, seeking to operate within the Ibadan gas distribution zone already licensed to NGML–NIPCO?
What assurances, if any, has it received from regulators or state actors?
How does it reconcile such actions with the exclusivity provisions of the PIA?
For the regulator, NMDPRA:
Can a Gas Distribution Licence be effectively shared, diluted, or overridden after issuance? According to Nigerian laws, the answer is No.
What precedent does this set for Nigeria’s gas infrastructure market?
For the Oyo State Government:
On what legal grounds does the stop work order stand, given federal approvals already in place?
And how does this action align with national energy priorities or the state’s gas needs?
Nigeria has spent the last two years telling a new story to the world. A story of reform, of discipline, of a country ready to compete for global capital. And it has worked so far with stability returning to Nigeria’s economy and over $20bn of energy investments looking to enter the country in the short to midterm.
But reforms are not tested in policy papers. They are tested in moments like this.
Moments where law meets influence, investment meets interference and promise meets pressure.
For Shell, long mired in issues surrounding ethical operations in Nigeria, this is more than a business decision. It is a reputational crossroads.
For Nigeria, it is something even larger. Whether the country’s laws will hold when they are most challenged or Whether its reforms will stand when they are most inconvenient or even whether Nigeria’s energy investments future will be shaped by the rules of law, adherence to regulatory protections and provisions or by unethical and corrupt relationships.
Until those questions are answered clearly, publicly, and decisively, the pipeline in Ibadan will remain more than steel in the ground.
It will remain a symbol of a country still deciding which path it truly intends to follow. Nigeria must act quickly and decisively because the world is watching.
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