celebrity radar - gossips

Why Seyi Tinubu is not your usual silver spoon

Published

2 years ago

December 2, 2022

Why Seyi Tinubu is not your usual silver spoon By Mohammed Funsho Abdullahi.

I hate praise-singing or flattery because I believe they are traits and habits of sycophants. But every writer is also, by nature, a reporter; we always love to document our experiences, either good or bad. Hence, this piece is about my encounter with Seyi Tinubu, son of APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is about what stood out for me and, of course, my general impression of the young, successful businessman.

Economist and author, Tope Fasua once narrated how Asiwaju Bola Tinubu sought him out after reading some of his commentaries on the article he (Asiwaju) had written about some economic policies. My path to Seyi followed a similar pattern. I had written an article in which I observed that Seyi was doing a good job of upholding his father’s legacy of human cultivation which, for me, has been the biggest secret of Asiwaju’s humongous political network and powerbase.

I sent a link to the writeup to one of the closest guys around Seyi Tinubu, who also happens to be a personal friend. He obviously shared the article with Seyi and requested him to see me when next he was in Abuja. He granted his request and when, on Tuesday, my friend confirmed that he was in town, he asked me to come with him to the ‘Youth House’ to meet a man I had always admired for his breathtaking and compelling entrepreneurial success in marketing communications, a sector I also happen to have more than a passing interest.

I am, by nature, an observer rather than a researcher. Most of my writings are personal commentaries on events and people. And having observed how deeply invested Seyi Tinubu had been in his father’s campaigns for the country’s topmost job, the Presidency, I had initially planned to write about how his active involvement in the electioneering process is changing the almost established narrative of children of politicians not joining political struggles.

With captions such as “Seyi Tinubu inaugurates youth campaign office in Kano,” “Seyi Tinubu leads one million man march for Tinubu,” “Seyi Tinubu plans youth engagement forum for Tinubu,” etc dominating newspaper headlines; then you know that when the story is written about those who make Asiwaju’s victory possible, none would arguably deserve more praises and commendation than his own son. Possibly for the first time in our nation’s political history, the biological son of a politician is joining the campaign fray, jettisoning the ‘Ajebota’ practice of having children of political candidates hide away while others work their hearts out for the victory of their parents.

But beyond what is being reported in the media, what I saw on Tuesday at The Youth House clearly validated the claims Seyi made in some of his interviews, about working hard to be his own man, and how he was determined to create his own legacy and not tie himself to his “father’s apron.” I now know that those were not just mere talks. On that Tuesday, as I saw Seyi Tinubu working his hearts out, subjecting himself to a most hectic and grueling schedule and enjoying the thrill of the struggles of life which must have made his father into the accomplished political enigma he is today; I concluded that it would be most unfair for anyone to belittle the achievements of this hardworking man simply on account of his surname.

I am sure many of us must be familiar with stories of rich kids who are totally disinterested in their own progress, not to talk of those of others, parents or not. But Seyi is one of the few exceptions, he has shown that he has a large dose of fighting spirit in him, and he is working hard to take charge of his life, fully secure in the knowledge that he is not responsible for what happened before he was born. He must have resolved not to let the judgements of others, about whether or not his success was a consequence of his family name, get him down.

In one of his recollections of the lessons he learnt from his parents, Seyi once told a reporter: “That’s how my dad raised us to be. We were all told from day one: once you are done with school, that’s all we can give you.” But in truth, Seyi did get more than a good education from his father, the Jagaban. He learnt the secret of loyalty cultivation and the benefit of investing in people.

As every good student of business and management should know, the best investment, one which yields the greatest return, is in people. This is the skill that is hardest to cultivate, but one which represents the greatest source of strength for every powerful individual; and one whose core foundation is the exclusive focus on what matters which, to most people, is their welfare and wellbeing.

It is said that for a leader to earn the loyalty of his followers, he must be able to show that if they (the followers) are ready to die for him, he would at least also be willing to faint for them. A leader focuses not so much on what matters to him as a person, but rather on what matters to those who follows him. By showing concern about the wellbeing of his followers, a leader is able to cultivate loyalty and dedication. This is one secret Seyi Tinubu has mastered.

I visited him the same day he arrived Abuja, so the crowd of people I saw was quite expected. There were quite a number of groups waiting to see him, aside those with individual appointments. The Youth House witnessed a beehive of activities on the day in question, and Seyi was obviously looking very tired and overworked. When it was my turn to see him, he first explained why the meeting would have to be brief, almost apologizing that he was filling sick. But in spite of the ‘crazy’ schedule he had ran for the day and the telling effect it was having on his physical appearance; Seyi still remember to ask me, after we were done talking, whether “everything was fine with me.” I couldn’t believe someone that stressed out, and who still had a lot of people waiting to see him, would care to know how someone was faring at that busy moment. I was impressed!

I left The Youth House with the impression that Seyi is, indeed, an unusual silver spoon kid. While most rich kids are brash and arrogant, Seyi is courteous, polite and friendly. He also has one of the strongest work ethics I have seen in any young man of my generation. No doubt, beyond his success as a politician, I believe Jagaban has done a wonderful job in the home front as well, raising a man like Seyi who treats every man with dignity while living a life of inspiration and meaning.

celebrity radar - gossips

Prof. Martha Molope: A Beacon of Hope and Transformation in South Africa

Published

3 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Prof. Martha Molope: A Beacon of Hope and Transformation in South Africa

Prof. Martha Molope, a revered South African philanthropist, humanitarian, and community activist, stands as a shining example of what it means to transform adversity into opportunity. Born and raised in Seletenf Ga-Mphahlele, Limpopo, Prof. Molope’s life is a testament to the power of kindness, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to serving others.

Her inspiring journey began in the humble home of her grandmother, whose wisdom and compassion profoundly shaped her life. It was her grandmother who instilled in her the belief that true success is found in uplifting others and alleviating their struggles. This philosophy is embodied in her life’s motto: “Phela o Phedishe” (Live and Uplift Others).

With a background in education, Prof. Molope’s career is built on a foundation of empowering minds and nurturing potential. She started as a teacher, then moved on to roles as a lecturer and curriculum advisor, where she mentored and guided countless individuals toward achieving their dreams. Her passion for education extends beyond the classroom, as she continues to be a source of wisdom and encouragement for those seeking to maximize their potential.

As the founder and CEO of the Mercy and Restoration Centre and the Ramanthle Molope Foundation, Prof. Molope has cemented her role as a leader in community development. These organizations are dedicated to addressing the needs of the impoverished and marginalized, offering support, resources, and opportunities for growth. Whether through feeding schemes, educational programs, or initiatives that provide skills and employment, her organizations have become a lifeline for those in need.

Prof. Molope believes in the power of collective action and insists that every individual has the ability to make a difference. Under her leadership, the Mercy and Restoration Centre has become a symbol of hope, fostering resilience and self-reliance in vulnerable communities.

A Legacy of Compassion

Prof. Molope’s work is not merely about charity—it is about restoration. She strives to restore dignity, hope, and opportunities for those who feel forgotten by society. Her humanitarian efforts have earned her recognition as a pillar of change, both in her home province of Limpopo and across South Africa.

From her humble beginnings to her current role as a trailblazer in philanthropy and education, Prof. Martha Molope’s life reflects the profound impact that one individual can have on the lives of many. She has proven that with compassion, determination, and a commitment to empowering others, it is possible to build a better, more equitable world.

For Prof. Molope, success is not measured by wealth or accolades but by the smiles of those she helps and the communities she uplifts. Her life’s work reminds us all of the power of living with purpose and the importance of serving others.

celebrity radar - gossips

From Automobiles to Acts of Compassion: Olatunde Mukaila Lawal is Transforming Lives in South Africa

Published

1 day ago

January 22, 2025

Sahara Weekly

From Automobiles to Acts of Compassion: Olatunde Mukaila Lawal is Transforming Lives in South Africa

Olatunde Mukaila Lawal, a visionary leader and entrepreneur, is making waves both in the automotive and humanitarian sectors. As the CEO of TM Automobile Services (Ltd) and the founder of TM Foundation, Lawal has become a prominent figure in South Africa, where he has been living since relocating from Lagos in 2013. His work focuses on providing innovative automobile services while also uplifting the lives of the elderly and vulnerable through his foundation. One of his major passion is empowering people and one for such is training individuals on panel beating and others.

From Abeokuta to South Africa: A Journey of Determination

Born in Abeokuta, Nigeria, and raised in Lagos, Lawal’s journey is one of resilience and determination. In 2013, he moved to South Africa to pursue greater opportunities, eventually founding TM Automobile Services (Ltd), a full-service automotive company. With services ranging from panel beating and spray painting to fleet maintenance and brake repair, TM Automobile Services has become a trusted name in the industry.

“At TM Automobile Services, we make it happen,” says Lawal, whose business is recognized by the Retail Motor Industry Organization (RMI) for its exceptional standards. The company offers a wide range of solutions, including auto inspections, electric repairs, and tune-ups, with the aim of delivering excellence to every customer.

Vision Beyond Business: The Birth of TM Foundation

While TM Automobile Services thrives in the automotive industry, Lawal’s passion for community welfare led him to establish TM Foundation in 2019. Driven by a mission to provide essential resources, education, and care, the foundation focuses on improving the lives of children, seniors and young people in South Africa.

“Compassion is at the core of everything we do at TM Foundation,” explains Lawal. “We believe every individual deserves dignity and support, and we’re here to ensure no one feels forgotten or alone.”

What TM Foundation Does

TM Foundation offers a variety of impactful programs, including:

Social Support and Companionship: Providing care and a listening ear to those in need.

Promoting Wellness Across Ages: Focusing on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Fostering Compassion and Understanding: Building stronger bonds within communities through empathy.
These initiatives have positively impacted countless lives since the foundation’s inception, creating a legacy of hope and empowerment.

How You Can Support TM Foundation

Lawal believes that building stronger communities requires collective effort. Supporters can contribute to the foundation by:

Volunteering their time and skills.
Donating to sustain programs that benefit elders and children.
Spreading awareness about the foundation’s mission.
Contact TM Foundation:

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://tmfoundation.giving/
Phone (South Africa): +27823781398 | +27747835891
|+27 81 289 0171 | +27 69 286 4950
Phone (Nigeria): +234 813 448 0159

Driving Change Through Business and Compassion

Olatunde Mukaila Lawal is a shining example of how entrepreneurial success can coexist with a heart for humanity. Whether through TM Automobile Services or TM Foundation, his work continues to inspire and uplift, proving that one individual can indeed make a difference.

Join the movement and help Lawal create a brighter, more compassionate future for all.

Business

TM Foundation: Transforming Lives, One Generation at a Time

Published

1 day ago

January 22, 2025

Sahara Weekly

From Automobiles to Acts of Compassion: Olatunde Mukaila Lawal is Transforming Lives in South Africa

TM Foundation: Transforming Lives, One Generation at a Time

In a world where compassion is increasingly vital, TM Foundation stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Established in 2019 by the visionary Olatunde Mukaila Lawal, this South Africa-based organization is dedicated to uplifting the elderly, less privileged kids, and the vulnerable, fostering stronger communities through a mission rooted in dignity, love, and care.

Making an Impact Since 2019

TM Foundation began with a simple yet powerful goal: to create meaningful change for those often overlooked. Since its inception, the foundation has provided vital resources and emotional support to kids, seniors and young individuals, bridging the gap between generations and creating a sustainable future for all.

“We believe in the transformative power of compassion,” says Lawal. “Our work is about more than just helping—it’s about empowering people and building stronger, more resilient communities.”

A Multi-Faceted Mission

TM Foundation operates on three key pillars:

Social Support and Companionship: Ensuring no one feels forgotten, the foundation offers a caring hand and a listening ear to, kids, seniors and others in need.

Promoting Wellness Across Ages:

Through various programs, TM Foundation prioritizes physical, mental, and emotional well-being for all generations.

Fostering Compassion and Understanding: Building bridges of empathy, the foundation strengthens the fabric of communities.

These programs aim to create lasting change by addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges.

Why You Should Support TM Foundation

TM Foundation’s efforts rely on the support of individuals and businesses who share their vision. Your contribution—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word—directly impacts lives. From funding wellness programs to providing companionship for seniors, every act of kindness counts.

“Together, we can ensure no one feels forgotten or alone,” Lawal emphasizes. “It’s about leaving a legacy of compassion and empowerment.”

How to Get Involved

There are many ways to support TM Foundation:

Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to assist in their programs.
Donate: Your financial contributions help sustain their impactful initiatives.
Raise Awareness: Spread the word about TM Foundation’s mission to inspire others.

Contact TM Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tmfoundation.giving
Phone (South Africa): +27823781398 | +27 81 289 0171 | +27 69 286 4950 | +27747835891
Phone (Nigeria): +234 813 448 0159

Join TM Foundation today and become part of a movement dedicated to empowering seniors and young ones. Together, we can build a brighter, more compassionate future.