ADEKUNLE SUNDAY SHOBOLA “ELELE”: THE GRASSROOTS CATALYST NEEDED TO TRANSFORM IFAKO-IJAIYE COMMUNITY

Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, one of the largest and most densely populated LGAs in Lagos State and Nigeria, stands at a critical point in its political and developmental journey. With a population of over 1 million residents, diverse communities, and growing socio-economic challenges, the LGA requires visionary, experienced, and grassroots-driven leadership to unlock its full potential.

For the dividends of democracy to be felt in every street, market, and household, constituents agree that Ifako-Ijaiye needs a formidable, dedicated, and tested representative — someone who understands the people, speaks their language, and walks with them.

THE SEARCH FOR DEPENDABLE LEADERSHIP

This informed the decision by concerned community leaders and stakeholders to set up a fact-finding Machinary. The mandate was clear: to identify a dependable, reliable, and accessible leader who can bridge the gap between government and the people, and who has a proven record of service.

After months of consultations, town hall engagements, and background checks across wards in Ifako and Ijaiye, the committee came to one conclusion. The name that kept coming up from youth groups, market women, artisans, religious leaders, and community elders was Mr. Adekunle Sunday Shobola, popularly and fondly called “Elele.”

WHO IS “ELELE”?

Adekunle Sunday Shobola better known as Elele is not new to the streets of Ifako-Ijaiye. For over two decades, he has been a visible grassroots mobilizer, democrat, philanthropist, and community peace-maker.

“Elele” is a Yoruba name that conlates to “one who comes to the aid of others.” And that is exactly what constituents say he has been doing.

According to the fact-finding report, Elele is described as:

A Philanthropist:

Known for paying school fees, supporting widows, and providing medical assistance to the less privileged without regard for party lines.

A Community Peace-maker:

Instrumental in resolving community disputes, youth clashes, and market crises through dialogue and mediation.

A Grassroots Mobilizer:

A man who attends naming ceremonies, funerals, and community meetings. He is accessible — his door is open to anyone who comes his way, regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation.

A youth leader in Ijaiye said: _“We don’t see Elele only during elections. We see him every day. When there is trouble in the community, he is there. When a student needs help, he responds. That is leadership.”

WHY IFAKO-IJAIYE NEEDS HIM NOW

Ifako-Ijaiye faces unique challenges: Education development, drainage and flooding, youth unemployment, inadequate healthcare facilities, and the need for more inclusive governance.

Stakeholders believe these challenges require a leader who is not a “visitor” to the community, but one who has lived the realities with the people.

Experience:

Elele understands the structure of local government and how to interface with state and federal agencies to attract projects.

Democratic Values:

As a democrat, he believes in consultation, inclusion, and accountability. He has consistently advocated for peaceful elections and issue-based politics.

Track Record:

Over the years, he has facilitated empowerment programs for artisans, skills acquisition for women, and scholarship support for students.

A market leader in Ifako noted: _“Politics should be about service. Elele has been serving us without a title. Imagine what he can do with the mandate of the people.”_

THE PATH TO TRANSFORMATION

Community leaders say that electing a grassroots man like Adekunle Sunday Shobola will be the catalyst needed to transform Ifako-Ijaiye. The vision, according to stakeholders, includes:

Youth and Women
Empowerment

Expanding vocational training, providing startup grants, and creating platforms for young entrepreneurs.

Healthcare and Education:

Supporting primary health centers and advocating for more classroom blocks and learning materials.

Security and Peace

Strengthening community policing and dialogue platforms to sustain the peace Ifako-Ijaiye is known for.

The belief is that a representative who is already trusted at the grassroots will find it easier to mobilize the people for government programs and also hold government accountable on their behalf.

THE PEOPLE’S CALL

As the political space begins to shape up ahead of future elections, there is a growing call across the 11 wards of Ifako-Ijaiye for Elele to answer the call to serve.

“This is not about party. This is about the people,” said a community elder.

“We need someone who has been tested and trusted. Someone who will not abandon us after election. Elele fits that description.”

The fact-finding committee concluded that the time has come for Ifako-Ijaiye to choose competence over popularity, service over rhetoric, and grassroots connection over political godfatherism.

REMARK

Ifako-Ijaiye deserves leadership that is present, practical, and people-centered. In Adekunle Sunday Shobola “Elele,” constituents say they have found a grassroots politician and democrat with the heart to serve, the experience to deliver, and the humility to listen.

As the conversation around the future of Ifako-Ijaiye continues, one message is clear from the streets: Elele is the catalyst needed to transform and represent Ifako-Ijaiye1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly under the ADC Political Platform Come 2027 General Election.

Watch out for Part 2

Wisdom: The Principal Catalyst for Breaking Evil Patterns — Dr. Chris Okafor

Wisdom: The Principal Catalyst for
Breaking Evil Patterns — Dr. Chris Okafor

…“Demonic patterns persist until someone
rises to confront and change them.”

+ Grace Nation Global also used the occasion to celebrate mothers with special prayers and thanksgiving

Understanding how to break negative cycles requires more than desire—it demands insight, discipline, and the right spiritual principles. This formed the foundation of the teaching delivered by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Worldwide, Christopher Okafor, during the Divine Intervention and Breakthrough Service held at the church’s international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.

Understanding Ungodly Patterns

Preaching in the ongoing series “Patterns,” with the subtitle “Ungodly Patterns,” Dr. Okafor explained that recurring negative experiences within families are often sustained by underlying spiritual forces and long-standing practices.
According to him, covenant practices, consistent spiritual discipline, and kingdom commitment are among the channels through which individuals can break free from such patterns.
“Demonic patterns do not end on their own,” he said. “They remain until someone rises with understanding and takes responsibility to change the narrative.”
The Role of Prayer and Spiritual Discipline
The cleric emphasized that strategic and intentional prayer is central to rewriting one’s life story. He described prayer as giving God the legal ground to intervene in human affairs.
However, he cautioned that prayer without corresponding action may delay results.

“When you pray without enforcement, results may be slow,” he noted. “But when prayer is backed by commitment, sacrifice, and alignment with God’s principles, answers come swiftly, and long-standing patterns are broken.”
Breaking Curses and Negative Cycles

Dr. Okafor further described curses as spiritual forces that keep individuals trapped in repeated cycles. He stressed that breaking such patterns requires spiritual awareness, obedience to divine instruction, and alignment with godly authority.

He also highlighted the importance of honouring both biological and spiritual guidance, noting that such alignment can play a role in overcoming entrenched limitations.

“When you follow divine instruction and remain committed,” he said, “you position yourself for freedom, and what once held your family bound begins to lose its grip.”

Service Highlights
The Divine Intervention and Breakthrough Service featured moments of deliverance, healing, miracles, restoration, and testimonies from attendees who reported positive changes in their lives.

Celebration of Mothers

The service also included a special segment dedicated to celebrating mothers across Grace Nation Global.
In his remarks, Dr. Okafor described women as pillars of society and emphasized the need to honour and appreciate their sacrifices.

He prayed for all women in the ministry, declaring that they would live to enjoy the fruits of their labour and witness the fulfillment of their destinies.

“None will die before their glory manifests,” he declared. “Every woman who has laboured will reap in joy.”
He further pronounced blessings on expectant mothers, expressing faith that by the same time next year, many would return with testimonies of fulfilled desires.

– Sunday Adeyemi

From Construction Sites to Community Service: Temitope Akinyemi Emerges as a Model of Leadership and Impact

In an era where integrity, excellence and strong moral values appear to be diminishing among many young professionals, Temitope B. Akinyemi has carved a niche for himself as a disciplined professional, visionary entrepreneur and committed political stakeholder whose influence continues to grow across multiple sectors.

Temitope Akinyemi currently serves as the Group Chief Executive of several thriving companies operating within the building, civil engineering construction and procurement sector. Known for his result-driven leadership and strategic foresight, Akinyemi has built a reputation for delivering value, fostering organisational success and driving competitive growth within Nigeria’s built industry.

With close to two decades of professional experience, Akinyemi’s career reflects a blend of technical competence and managerial excellence. He honed his professional skills while working with reputable organisations including Portland Renovations and Construction Limited, Leadway Assurance, and Pixels Digital Systems Limited.

These experiences not only sharpened his expertise but also enabled him to nurture and mentor a team of young professionals within the construction and engineering ecosystem.

Akinyemi is an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he laid the academic foundation for his career.

His commitment to continuous learning has taken him across some of the world’s most respected institutions. He attended the Owner Management Programme (OMP) jointly delivered by the Lagos Business School and Strathmore Business School in Kenya, while also earning certifications in Construction Project Management and Investment Management from the University of Cape Town.

Further strengthening his academic and professional credentials, Akinyemi obtained a Public Policy Certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in the United States, alongside certifications in Construction Management and Construction Estimation from George Brown College, Toronto, Canada. He is also currently concluding a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Energy and Sustainability at Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Spain

His professional affiliations reflect his deep engagement with the industry.

Akinyemi is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Building, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC).

Socially, he is also an active member of elite recreational institutions including the Ikoyi Club and the Ikeja Golf Club.

Beyond business and professional accomplishments, Temitope Akinyemi has steadily built a reputation as a grassroots-oriented political figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His political journey gained significant visibility in 2018 when he contested the APC House of Assembly ticket, using the opportunity to engage extensively with party members across wards while presenting a vision centred on improved welfare and holistic community development.

Although the primary contest did not culminate in electoral victory, Akinyemi’s engagement left a lasting impression within the political structure of the local government. His dedication and influence earned him a role in the Lagos State APC Campaign Committee in 2018, and later a more strategic appointment in 2022 as a member of the Presidential Campaign Committee that contributed to the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Driven by a passion for community service, Akinyemi has consistently supported vulnerable members of society through various empowerment and welfare initiatives. He regularly distributes food items, relief materials and financial assistance to elderly citizens, widows, youths and indigent children within his community, demonstrating a practical commitment to social responsibility.

In preparation for the 2023 general elections, Akinyemi also launched the Temitope Akinyemi Political Empowerment Programme, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen party structures and motivate grassroots members.

Through the programme, 183 party faithful, ward chairmen and elderly party members received financial support as recognition for their loyalty and dedication to the party.

The initiative not only reinforced party unity but also inspired new members to actively participate in the political process.

Today, Temitope B. Akinyemi stands as a blend of professional excellence, political engagement and humanitarian service a leader whose journey from the construction sector to community development initiatives reflects a consistent commitment to impact and progress.

As Nigeria continues to seek forward-thinking leaders capable of bridging business innovation with public service, Akinyemi’s trajectory offers a compelling example of how professionalism, education and grassroots connection can combine to shape meaningful leadership.

FirstHoldCo sustains growth momentum as gross earnings rise 17% to N2.6trn By Chima Nwokoji

FirstHoldCo sustains growth momentum as gross earnings rise 17% to N2.6trn

By Chima Nwokoji

FirstHoldCo Plc has sustained its growth momentum across core business segments, reporting a 17.1 percent year-on-year increase in gross earnings to ₦2.64 trillion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to ₦2.25 trillion in the corresponding period of 2024.

According to the unaudited results released by the Group, interest income rose sharply by 40.4 per cent to ₦2.29 trillion from ₦1.63 trillion in September 2024, reflecting improved asset yields and loan book expansion. Net interest income also climbed 71.7 per cent year-on-year to ₦1.5 trillion, buoyed by stronger core banking operations.

However, non-interest income declined 49.2 percent to ₦296.9 billion, while impairment charges for credit losses surged 68.6 percent to ₦288.9 billion, reflecting prudent risk provisioning in a volatile operating environment.

Operating income rose 23.2 percent to ₦1.80 trillion, though profit before tax slipped 7.3 percent to ₦566.5 billion, down from ₦610.9 billion a year earlier. Profit after tax also fell by 15.5 percent to ₦450.9 billion, largely due to reduced fair value gains and higher operating costs, which jumped 39.3 percent to ₦942.7 billion.

Despite the profit decline, the Group maintained balance sheet stability, with total assets at ₦26.4 trillion, marginally lower than ₦26.5 trillion as of December 2024. Customer deposits rose 4.2 percent year-to-date to ₦17.9 trillion, while net loans and advances increased by 9 percent to ₦9.6 trillion.

Key performance ratios show that FirstHoldCo maintained a post-tax return on average equity of 19.9 per cent and a post-tax return on assets of 2.3 percent. The Group’s cost-to-income ratio stood at 52.4 per cent, compared with 46.4 percent a year earlier, while the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio improved to 8.5 per cent from 10.2 percent in December 2024.

Group Managing Director, Adebowale (Wale) Oyedeji, described the results as a reflection of the Group’s underlying resilience and commitment to sustainable growth.

“FirstHoldCo has once again demonstrated solid earnings capability,” Oyedeji said. “Our interest and operating income grew strongly by 40.4 percent and 23.2 percent, respectively, supported by a 26.9 percent rise in fees and commission income. The decline in profit before tax was due to the normalisation of fair value gains and balance sheet strengthening initiatives.”

He noted that the Group’s strategic risk management measures were already yielding results, as seen in the improved asset quality.

On the recapitalisation of FirstBank, Oyedeji disclosed that the first phase of its private placement capital raise had been successfully executed and is awaiting final regulatory approvals.

“We expect to conclude this phase in November 2025, ensuring FirstBank’s full compliance with the new minimum capital requirements by year-end,” he said. “Subsequent capital raising rounds will further enhance our financial solutions and support value-accretive initiatives.”

Oyedeji reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to achieving its 2029 financial targets, noting that FirstHoldCo remains well-positioned to deliver stronger shareholder value through operational scalability and prudent capital management.

Seyi Tinubu: Building Success Beyond the Family Name

General Colin Powell once said, “Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.” Few modern Nigerian entrepreneurs embody this more than Oluseyi Afolabi Tinubu popularly known as Seyi Tinubu. While the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoys the encouragement of his parents, his career path proves that his achievements are built on personal ambition, resilience, and strategic innovation — not inheritance.

Contrary to popular belief, Seyi’s rise is not simply a product of political influence. Driven by a desire to earn his father’s respect, he charted his own course early, venturing into industries far from his father’s political sphere — especially marketing communication and digital enterprise.

After graduating from the Nigerian Law School and being called to the Bar, Seyi faced a choice: pursue law or carve a path in business. Choosing the boardroom, he partnered with his childhood friend Adenrele Olusoga to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. Their early venture — an online movie streaming platform — failed, but it sparked Seyi’s interest in the digital space.

That interest gave birth to Loatsad Promomedia, a leading Nigerian digital and out-of-home advertising company, co-founded with Olusoga and supported by his then-fiancée (now wife), Layal. Without financial backing from his father, they pooled resources from previous ventures, secured licensing, and quickly positioned Loatsad as a formidable player in the advertising industry.

Over the years, Seyi expanded operations with SDM Communications, pioneering several firsts in Nigeria’s digital advertising sector:

Exclusive partner for Truecaller after-call and in-app ads (2016–2018), selling over 85% of national ad inventory to top banks, FMCG brands, and real estate firms.
Among the first agencies to run Snapchat ad campaigns in Nigeria from 2015.
Exclusive reseller for Shazam Ads in Nigeria (2014–2018), facilitating high-impact campaigns for musicians and consumer brands until Apple’s acquisition ended the deal.
Strategic collaborations with WeTransfer, Admaxim, Rocketfuel, and Airpush to deliver innovative ad solutions nationwide.

Through calculated risk-taking, a willingness to learn from failure, and an unshakable determination to excel, Seyi has grown Loatsad/SDM into an industry leader with ambitions to dominate African advertising and compete globally.

His story underscores a universal business truth: success comes from vision, courage, disciplined financial planning, and a touch of divine favour — not merely from a famous name.

Tinubu receives class of 1999 govs in Aso Villa

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, hosted members of the 1999 class of governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The former governors were led to the State House by a former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori.

Details of the meeting were not disclosed as of the time of filing this report, but the visit is believed to be part of ongoing consultations by the President with key political stakeholders.

The Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun made this known in a post via his X handle on Friday.

The class of 1999 governors, who assumed office at the return of democratic rule, played significant roles in shaping Nigeria’s Fourth Republic politics.

PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu was the Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.

More to come…

Israeli strikes kil 29 in Gaza – Civil defence

Gaza’s civil defence agency said Israeli air strikes on Sunday killed at least 29 Palestinians, including six children, near a water distribution point.

The attacks came with apparent deadlock in a week of indirect talks in Qatar between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire in the territory.

Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that Gaza City was hit by several strikes overnight and in the early morning, killing eight, “including women and children” and wounding others.

An Israeli air strike hit a family home near the Nuseirat refugee camp, south of Gaza City, resulting in “10 martyrs and several injured”, Bassal said.

In central Gaza, six children were among eight people killed when a drone “hit a potable water distribution point in an area for displaced people” in the Nuseirat camp, he added.

Several other people were wounded, he said.

In the territory’s south, three people were killed when Israeli jets hit a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians in the coastal Al-Mawasi area, according to the civil defence spokesman.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which has recently intensified its operations across Gaza, more than 21 months into the war triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack.

On Saturday, the military said fighter jets had hit more than 35 “Hamas terror targets” around Beit Hanun in northern Gaza.

The vast majority of Gaza’s population of more than two million people have been displaced at least once during the war, which has created dire humanitarian conditions in the territory.

Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency and other parties.

All Political Stalwarts in Oshodi/Isolo Endorse Kendoo for Second Term

As the July 12 chairmanship election draws near in Lagos State, the political atmosphere in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area is charged with optimism and unity as all major political stakeholders have thrown their weight behind the incumbent chairman, Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede, popularly known as Kendoo.

The resounding endorsement from across party lines, community leaders, youth organizations, market associations, and residents is not just a political gesture—it is a statement of confidence in a leader whose first term has transformed one of Lagos’s most volatile and neglected areas into a symbol of progress and hope.

When Kendoo assumed office, Oshodi bore the reputation of a chaotic and unsafe zone—a place where miscreants and touts harassed residents and visitors alike, and where filth had become a daily burden. However, under his stewardship, that narrative has changed dramatically. Roads that were once riddled with potholes and impassable during rainy seasons have now been tarred and opened up for smooth movement. Major arteries in the local government, critical to commerce and daily life, have been reconstructed, boosting trade and easing transport.

More importantly, security, long absent in the area, has been restored. Through a strategic partnership with law enforcement and the introduction of community-based initiatives, Kendoo has taken back Oshodi from the hands of street gangs and criminal elements. The once-infamous hub of unrest is now a safer, more welcoming space for businesses and families alike.

Environmental sanitation, too, has received unprecedented attention. The filth that plagued markets and streets has been tackled head-on, thanks to the chairman’s aggressive clean-up campaigns and infrastructural interventions. Markets are now more organized, cleaner, and conducive for traders and customers, with improved waste management systems ensuring a healthier environment.

This is why the chorus of support for Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede’s re-election is not just political rhetoric—it is an endorsement rooted in visible transformation and tangible change. Residents now live with a renewed sense of pride in their community, and many who once avoided Oshodi now do business there with confidence.

With his achievements speaking louder than any campaign slogan, Kendoo is not just the favored candidate; he is the proven choice. As July 12 approaches, the message from Oshodi/Isolo is clear: progress must not be paused. Voters are being urged to come out en masse and re-elect a leader who has delivered on his promises and who represents continuity, stability, and sustained development.

Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede has earned another term—not through words, but through results.

Soyinka calls for investigations into Giwa, Ige, Kudirat Abiola killings

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate an urgent investigation into the unresolved and suspicious deaths of key figures associated with the June 12 pro-democracy struggle.

He said this included Dele Giwa, Bola Ige, and Kudirat Abiola.

DELE GIWA

Soyinka made this appeal on Saturday during a reflective fireside conversation with selected journalists at Freedom Park, Lagos.

The dialogue, themed, “June 12: Romancing the Embers,” was held to mark the anniversary of the annulled 1993 presidential election, a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic history that is now commemorated as a national holiday.

According to him, Tinubu should initiate a formal probe into the strange circumstances that led to the deaths of Nigerians who paid the ultimate price during the struggle for democracy to give some closure to the matter.

While commending the symbolic significance of June 12, Soyinka noted that honouring its legacy must go beyond annual rituals and speeches.

He argued that justice for those who died in the fight for democracy would lend deeper meaning to the day’s commemoration.

The playwright and activist also announced that he would be dedicating any honours or recognition bestowed upon him on June 12 to the late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti.

He said Beko was not just a defender of human rights, a champion of good governance, and a tireless campaigner for democracy, but an intelligent, resourceful, and fearless individual willing to take dare-devil risks in pursuit of justice.

Meanwhile, Soyinka described former military president Ibrahim Babangida’s memoir, ‘A Journey in Service,’ as incomplete, insisting that the retired general owes Nigerians the duty of finishing the 405-page book, which was published in February 2025 by Bookcraft Africa.

Soyinka said Babangida must write a follow-up book, as his autobiography remains unfinished.

“I called him (Babangida) and I said that your memoir is not finished. And I said, isn’t it about time that we name names in this matter? Babangida’s book should be read side by side with Professor Omo Omoruyi’s. Omoruyi was there,” Soyinka said, referring to Professor Omoruyi’s own account of the annulment, The Tale of June 12: The Betrayal of the Democratic Rights of Nigerians.

“I told him, you haven’t finished your book. You have to write another one. That’s my position,” Soyinka asserted.

It will be recalled that Professor Omoruyi was Babangida’s close friend and confidant throughout his eight-year tenure as military president.

The Nobel Laureate also described Babangida as “a general without an army.”

“We know of a certain move which he made. We know those who visited him at the time, those who added their weight to the annulment, both within the military and the civil. We know the royal fathers who went to visit and said on no account will they accept the implementation of that election.

“We know all of that. It’s not me who should write it. It’s he. He owes it to the nation,” Soyinka maintained.

Enemies of Development in Our Local Community: The Case of Oshodi

Development is a crucial goal for every community striving for a better quality of life, improved infrastructure, and sustainable economic growth. Unfortunately, many local communities continue to face setbacks due to the persistent activities of what can best be described as the “enemies of development” and Oshodi is not exempt from this challenge.

Under the leadership of Otunba Kehinde Oloyede-Almaroof, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government has witnessed a determined push toward building an egalitarian and progressive society. His administration has implemented transformative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents and uplifting the general outlook of the community.

However, it is both disheartening and unfortunate that certain individuals and groups, those who benefit from chaos, stagnation, or political mischief continue to fight against progress and development with aggressive tactics. These enemies of progress resist positive change, spread misinformation, and undermine the collective efforts of well-meaning leaders.

The remarkable transformation Oshodi has undergone in the past four years deserves recognition and appreciation. From infrastructural upgrades to community empowerment programs, the progress is visible and commendable. Rather than sowing division or resisting advancement, every stakeholder in the community must unite to protect and sustain these gains.

In conclusion, development thrives where there is unity, vision, and commitment. As Oshodi moves forward, it is the responsibility of all residents to reject the forces of regression and support the champions of positive change. The future of Oshodi depends not just on leadership, but also on the collective will of the people to resist the enemies of progress.