celebrity radar - gossips

World Bank to Partner Ogun State on Socioeconomic Development

Published

7 years ago

July 31, 2019

The World Bank has promised to assist the Ogun State Government in the areas of good governance and socio-economic development. This was made known in Abuja during a meeting between Prince Dapo Abiodun and the country representatives of the global Bank.

Going by the number of floods that have ravaged some parts of Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode and other towns across Ogun West, the state government also received some succour from the World Bank. This development was made known through a press statement issued by Kunle Somorin, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

According to Somorin, the World Bank Country Director, Rachid Benmessaoud said the global financial institution thought it wise to assist a number of people affected by the recent flooding in the state, as enunciated by the Governor, having requested for the bank’s assistance.

While granting the Governor’s request, the World Bank announced that Ogun State has been considered among other states in Nigeria that will benefit from a $900m intervention fund on ecological challenges.

The World Bank’s assistance will serve as a timely succour to the affected families and towns across the Gateway State.

Also, the bank is currently partnering with Ogun State on a number of initiatives like the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) which is aimed at providing an institutional and logistic framework for a private-public partnership engagement and in the areas of rural road construction and agricultural development.

Some of the programmes which the World Bank had keyed into include: Community and Social Development Programme; Saving One Million Lives Programme: Basic Healthcare Provision Fund; State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Programme. Others include the Rural Access and Mobility Programme, Nigeria for Women and the PPP.

According to Governor Abiodun, these are critical projects that would enhance the welfare of our people and also contribute immensely to his “focussed and qualitative governance” agenda in Ogun State.

The governor emphasised that he had outlined a number of bills to be sent to the State Assembly for approval as this would give necessary legal teeth to the proposed programmes, thereby bringing the dividends of democracy to the good people of the state. Some of these proposed laws are on the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency, the PPP to attract and secure private investments into Ogun State.

“Since infrastructural development will strengthen the investment drive of our administration, we are equally setting up a Public Works Agency to boost local capacity and also make Ogun State Security Trust Fund more vibrant since investment cannot thrive without peace and security,” Governor Abiodun said.

The Governor promised to restructure the accounting processes in the state and ensure that the unwieldy over 800 accounts he inherited are “streamlined into a reasonable one where principal officers can access a dashboard of incomes and expenditures.”

The state, he added, is reviewing its public procurement laws to ensure that transparency and accountability are maintained while ensuring fairness, equity and inclusiveness in the way government businesses are run.

The World Bank team, led by Benmessaoud, commended the foresight of the Dapo Abiodun administration, warning that it should look into the indices that made the state’s healthcare fall by 10.5% between 2015 and 2018.

“Surveys conducted in 2015 and 2018 saw Ogun State regressed by 10.5%, whereas Yobe State got $30m for its exemplary public health initiatives from the World Bank. Osun also did very well and was rewarded with $20m,” Benmessaoud revealed.

The World Bank advised that Ogun State should work towards ensuring “strong leadership and accountability” so as to reverse its dwindling fortunes in the health sector. It also noted the fact that the Ministry of Health and the Primary Healthcare Development Agency should be reinvigorated and “it is expedient to have a State Social Health Insurance Agency.”

celebrity radar - gossips

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

Published

8 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

The management and staff of Adron Homes and Properties Limited have joined family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across the globe to celebrate their Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, as he marks his 51st birthday.

In a statement released by the company, the milestone was described as a celebration of an exceptional leader whose vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial brilliance have not only transformed Adron Homes into a household name in Nigeria’s real estate sector but have also redefined affordable housing across the country.

Under his dynamic leadership, Adron Homes has continued to expand its footprint, delivering value-driven residential solutions while empowering thousands of Nigerians with opportunities for home ownership. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction has remained the driving force behind the company’s sustained growth and industry leadership.

The statement further highlighted Aare EmmanuelKing’s passion for nation-building and community development, noting his significant contributions to job creation, youth empowerment, and the promotion of socio-economic development through real estate investments.

“As a leader, mentor, and visionary, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing has consistently inspired a culture of excellence, integrity, and dedication within the organization. His ability to turn bold ideas into reality continues to position Adron Homes as a trailblazer in the industry,” the statement read.

The company expressed profound gratitude for his steadfast leadership and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and sound health as he embarks on another year of impactful achievements.

As he celebrates his 51st birthday, the entire Adron Homes family proudly honours a man whose legacy continues to shape the future of real estate in Nigeria.

Happy 51st Birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing!

celebrity radar - gossips

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Published

3 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Taofik Afolabi

The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.

Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.

The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.

Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.

In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.

celebrity radar - gossips

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Published

3 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.

From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.

Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);

Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);

Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;

Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;

Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.

Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.

The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.

” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.

To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.

Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.

The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.

The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’

Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.

” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.

The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.

Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.

” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.