Society & Lifestyle Archives - Page 27 of 41

China Rich List: 49 Years Old Ma Huateng owner of WeChat Push Jack Ma to 3rd

49-year-old Ma Huateng is currently the richest man in the most populous country in the world. Ma Huateng who is also called “Pony Ma” by fans, is the Chairman and Founder of Tencent Holdings, China’s biggest Internet enterprise.

Ma Huateng is currently worth $64.6bn surpassing Zhong Shanshan who is currently at $62.5bn according to the Bloomberg Billionaire’s index

Ma Huateng is also the youngest amongst the first 15 multi-billionaires in the world.

At 49 years old, he is the Chairman of Tencent, a company listed amongst the biggest companies in the world by the sheer size of its market capitalization.

Ma Huateng founded Tencent 5 years after graduating from the University of Shenzhen where he studied Computer science. He teamed up with 4 of his colleagues in school to found the business. Tencent is the internet company behind the social media giant WeChat with over 1 billion users.

Tencent’s first product (QQ) was an instant messaging app that connected early adopters of desktop computers and mobile phones. It quickly became China’s largest instant-messaging platform according to the Wall Street Journal.

The company enjoyed early success with QQ. In the coming years, it raised over $32 million in investment and went public in 2004.

In 2011, it launched its most successful product to date – the giant social media platform, wechat.com with over a billion users. In the massive Chinese online market where Facebook and WhatsApp are banned, WeChat enjoys a large share of the market. It also offers its users additional features like shopping, gaming etc.

Tencent primarily makes money from advertisement and premium subscribers.

Ma Huateng of Tencent is obviously a fan of diversified investment. The company has spread its tentacles to various areas and markets, mostly in the United States.

According To CNBC, Tencent has invested in the following companies:

1. It has a 5% stake in Tesla
2. A 10% stock swap with Spotify
3. A 10% stake in Snap

Ma Huateng is referred to as Pony Ma by his large and youthful fan base. He is not related to Alibaba founder Jack Ma; both billionaires, however, share mutual respect.

Ma Huateng is currently worth $63.4bn and is the biggest success story from the streets of Shenzhen which is often referred to as China’s Silicon Valley.

He is the latest richest man in China.

Ma Huateng and his colleagues did one simple thing. They founded a social media platform for their home country.

Ma Huateng is a strong beneficiary of the long-standing ‘China First’ policy of the Chinese Communist Party.

In a world where other countries are relying on US tech companies like Facebook and Apple for their tech products, the Chinese have always insisted on building their own and Ma Huateng is a product of such ideology.

Meet the 35-year-old German billionaire whose company manufactures Covid-19 vaccine

The race for the manufacture and sales of the Covid-19 vaccines which is arguably the most sought after product in 2021 has been on for a while. Many countries have produced their versions of the vaccine and presented it for evaluation.

One of the leading Covid-19 vaccines in the race is the AstraZeneca vaccine which has been approved in over 50 countries and mostly used in Europe.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and a host of other European countries.

HALIX, a corporate venture and spin-off of HAL Allergy, is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), based in Leiden (The Netherlands). The company is licensed for the contract manufacturing of clinical and commercial medicines according to GMP standards.

Halix B.V is a subsidiary of Halix Allergy which is under the Droege Group, an independent advisory and Investment Company founded in 1988 and under full family ownership. According to Reuters, Halix B.V was contracted to manufacture AstraZeneca vaccines. The company is managed by 35-years Old Dr Ernest Droege. His father, Walter Droege started the family business in 1988 and is the 37th richest man in Germany according to Manager Magazine. Forbes lists Walter Droege as worth $4bn.

Dr Ernest Droege took over the reins of the business from his father, Walter P. Droege in 2018. According to Bloomberg, he first studied industrial engineering at the University of Karlsruhe before eventually earning a doctorate in economics at RWTH Aachen University. He worked at Goldman Sachs for a while before joining the family business. He started as co-head of operations on the management team and worked his way up the chain.

According to Forbes, the Droege Group is active in 30 countries and generates around $12 billion in annual revenue.

NIGERIA’S TOPMOST REALTOR, MOROLA BABALOLA LAUNCH AFFORDABLE HOUSING SCHEME, CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH A BANG.

Undoubtedly, Morola Babalola is one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing Realtors and Properties Manages with the genuine good of the masses at heart, driven by the passion to see low-income earners become proud homeowners and hand them the opportunity to live among the high mighty of the society.

Little wonder why friends, families, and well-wishers on Monday, despite the day being the first day of the week, gathered to raise a glass in honour of this rare gem and philanthropist at heart, as she marked her 2021 birthday and the birth of her ‘newborn baby’: Affordable Housing Cooperative Society which is set to further put joy deep into the grassroots with affordable housing scheme.

Having worked so tirelessly to ensure the project see the light of the day, the CEO of Townsend Property Investment Company finally unveiled the scheme which is a major departure from the norm, targeted at slums to palaces and the homeless into landowners.

With this gesture, Morola has definitely shattered the Chinese wall between many Lagosians and owning properties in the State.

With this development, the mother of three made it clearly bent on seeing the somewhat neglected set of people in the society when it comes to homeownership: the okada riders, the petty traders, the slum residents, even students, boast of their own houses in Lagos.

In her presentation, Morola explained that this one of its kind society would partner with cooperatives from multinationals and small and medium enterprises.

After the official unveiling of AHCS, prayers, well wishes, and accolades were showered on the celebrant for her evident selfless gesture to the society. Friends and colleagues also told tales of Morola’s enchanting love and attitude.

Among the high profiled personalities who came to felicitate with Morola were, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Chairman, Star Petroleum, Otunba Babatunde Babalola, Honourable Gbenga Ashafa, Queen Ayo Balogun and many more.

Men are also being Harassed Sexually – US Envoy

Pics Source: Lakov Filimonov / shutterstock

The First Secretary of the United States of America Embassy in Nigeria, Madison Conoley, has said the male gender should also be considered as victims of sexual harassment while finding a solution to the scourge.

He stated this on Tuesday at Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, during an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the 16th annual conference and celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright programme.

The envoy said, “We very much support the association’s (Fulbright Alumni Association of Nigeria) efforts to address the issues in a transparent way.

“We know from empirical studies that men are not only aggressors, they are also victims of sexual harassment. If we want to solve this problem, we need the full conversation from all segments of society and all genders.”

The Vice Chancellor of Bowen University, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, said many rape cases were unconnected with substance abuse.

He said sexual harassment and substance abuse needed to be tackled squarely, adding that this would help the larger society.

The Deputy Commissioner (Legal), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Mr Adenekan Shogunle, identified concentration of power, especially in the hands of few individuals, as one of the factors responsible for cases of sexual harassment.

Shogunle said sexual harassment was not peculiar to educational institutions alone, adding that there were reports of such cases in the civil service, law enforcement agencies and judicial work force.

The immediately past Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Prof. Kayode Soremekun, said if the issue of mal-governance was not addressed, there was little that could be achieved in curbing sexual harassment.

COZA Pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo Celebrates Mum @77

The founder of Common Wealth Of Zion Assembly COZA and Erukucity-born pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo has join family, friends and well-wishers across the globe to celebrate a woman of substance Mrs Comfort Fatoyinbo, whose simplicity and approach to life inspires innumerable people to greatness, as she turns 77 on Sunday 14th of March 2021.

In his congratulatory message to the quintessential, septuagenarian, philanthropist and woman of God’s heart Mrs Comfort Fatoyinbo as “a builder of dreams, a promoter of good course, and a compassionate aged-woman, always driven by what benefits humanity.”

He furthered that the auspicious birthday of our good Mummy worth celebrations for her humanitarian contributions to a better society.

He said “I’m proud to be one of your son also associate with you on this auspicious occasion of your birthday and acknowledge your excellent track records in motherhood and philanthropy.”

“On behalf of my family and my numerous followers, I congratulate a great woman that has touched a lot of lives positively and wishes you more years of prosperity and happiness.”

Jeff Bezos’ Ex-Wife MacKenzie Scott Remarries Teacher

MacKenzie Scott, one of the richest women in the world, is off the market. The very private billionaire, who divorced Amazon founder Jeff Bezos after 25 years of marriage, has quietly wed Seattle teacher Dan Jewett, according to a blog post from the groom.

It’s unclear when the newlyweds tied the knot; Scott could not be reached for comment. The news trickled out Saturday after Jewett posted on Scott’s Giving Pledge page, and was first reported in the Wall Street Journal.

“I have been a teacher for the majority of my life, as well as a grateful student of the generosity of those around me,” he wrote. “This has meant doing my best to follow their example by passing on resources of all kinds — from time, to energy, to material possessions — when I have had them to give. And now, in a stroke of happy coincidence, I am married to one of the most generous and kind people I know — and joining her in a commitment to pass on an enormous financial wealth to serve others.”

Scott, 50, received $36 billion when her divorce was finalized two years ago. The fortune has grown to an estimated $53 billion, most of which the novelist and philanthropist has pledged to give away. Scott’s personal wealth has grown significantly during the pandemic, along with Amazon’s share price. “This pandemic has been a wrecking ball in the lives of Americans already struggling,” she wrote in a Medium post in December. “Meanwhile, it has substantially increased the wealth of billionaires.”

She apparently met Jewett through Seattle’s Lakeside School, where her children attend classes and Jewett taught high school science. The elite private school for grades 5-12 boasts Bill Gates as an alumni.

Scott shared the happy news on her author bio on Amazon’s website: “She lives in Seattle with her four children and her husband, Dan.”

In a gracious note, Bezos (who also owns The Washington Post) seems genuinely thrilled for his ex-wife: “Dan is such a great guy, and I’m happy and excited for the both of them,” he said in a statement.

It also appears that Jewett’s days in the classroom are over. In his posting, Jewett said he and Scott “are united in that understanding and in our excitement for all we have to learn from so many people working in service of others. With that as a foundation, I join with the kindest and most thoughtful person I know in making this pledge, grateful for the exceptional privilege it will be to partner in giving away assets with the potential to do so much good when shared.”

#GiveHerBetaHealth: GTBank Champions Access to Health Insurance for Women on International Women’s Day.

As the 2021 International Women’s Day (IWD21) calls on people and organisations to #choosetochallenge for a better world for women, Guaranty Trust Bank plc (GTBank) has launched an initiative, tagged #GiveHerBetaHealth, to draw attention to the need for universal essential healthcare coverage, especially for women in the informal sector. Through the initiative, the leading African financial institution is providing 1000 self-employed women with BetaHealth for a year, at no cost.

Launched in 2020, BetaHealth is a low-cost healthcare package that provides coverage for essential health services such as malaria treatments, pre and postnatal care, accidents and medical emergencies as well as life insurance, all at a subscription fee of N500 per month. Offered through more than 1000 hospitals and pharmacies nationwide, BetaHealth also provides a telemedicine service that allows the user to speak with a Doctor over the phone anytime, anywhere.

With the #GiveHerBetaHealth campaign, the Bank is calling on the general public to nominate 1000 women who will be given free BetaHealth coverage for a year. To nominate a woman, visit

giveherbetahealth.gtbank.com.

#GiveHerBetaHealth is the latest in a long line of GTBank initiatives that reflects the Bank’s commitment to extending access to critical services for everyone, irrespective of their social or economic background. The campaign focuses on empowering self-employed women in the informal sector, many of who have limited or no access to financial services and health insurance. With this campaign, the Bank is putting a spotlight on the need for universal access to essential healthcare services that is affordable for every working Nigerian, and accessible across the country.

BetaHealth is available for everyone. To buy BetaHealth for yourself or someone else, simply dial *737*52*500*50# from your mobile phone.

Sneak Picture of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s new £430million Solaris yacht

Chelsea owner ROMAN Abramovich’s new £430million superyacht is pictured in all its glory for the first time.

The 460ft Solaris, which will have eight decks including a helicopter pad, is nearing completion.

No expense has been spared and its two advanced electric engines will make it the most powerful yacht in the world.

Solaris is almost ready for sea trials and should be handed to the Chelsea owner, 54, by the summer.

A source said: “This will be the yacht of the year when she is launched later this year.”

The yacht is being built at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.

The shed it is being constructed in is larger than Buckingham Palace.

Solaris will have 48 cabins, accommodating up to 36 passengers, and a crew of 60.

But Abramovich, who already has £475million superyacht Eclipse, will not be setting sail for Britain often as he has visa issues over his Russia links.

The source added: “Details are being kept top secret but she will be a magnificent addition for the owner.

‘To give you an idea of the size of Solaris the yacht shed she is being built in is bigger and taller than Buckingham Palace so you have some idea of the dimensions.”

Real Estate Guru, Otunba Tomori Williams Installed Aare Onikoyi of Yorubaland

The ancient palace of Alaafin Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on Sunday played host to the crème de la crème of the society. It was the official coronation of Otunba Tomori Williams as Aare Onikoyi of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111.

The glamorous event, which held at Aganju Forecourt, Afin Oyo, had top celebrites, businessmen and women, captains of industries, as well as prominent politicians from far and near in attendance.

As expected of Tomori as an excellent host with high taste for good things, alongside his beautiful wife, the guests were treated into an exclusive reception, after the installation rites. Different dishes, both local and continental, as well as chosen drinks and finger foods were supplied in essence.

Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal aka K1 and the Mayegun of Yorubaland was on bandstand.

Presenting certificate of office to the newly installed chief, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi described Otunba Tomori Williams as brave successful businessman whose philantropic gestures can’t be overemphasized.

Top celebrites at the party include the likes of Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi; Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Oloyan of Oyankingdom, Oba Kelani and his Olori, Alara of Ilara Epe Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo, the Lagos/mainland council of white cap chiefs, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka Osolo, Onibogun of Ibogun, Oba Ifakayode Ajigbotifa, the oyemesi, the Akisinkun of Lagos, Mr Bisoye Fagade, Chief Olawale Audus, the Aro of Oto, representative of Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Saliu Adetunji, Mogaji Nureni Akanbi; the Aare Ona Kakanfo, Iba Gani Adams and Onishagisha of Magodo

Also on the list are Hon. Shina Peller; Ambassador Ayanlakin, Oloye Akiade Fijabi; Hon. Shina Alabi; Chief Wale Saranda; Chief (Mrs) Kadijat Bakare; Bashiru Fakorede; Mustapha Dodo and a whole lot of others.

Otunba Tomori Williams is MD/CEO T. Williams Construction Nig. Ltd., the Managing Director of Olaleye Property and Investment Ltd, MD Maintek Property and MD Olaleye New Town Developments Ltd. His various working expertise includes Real Estate Developments, Construction, Property Repossession, and Consultancy.

Picture of Barak and Michelle Obama’s $11.75million New Home

Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have purchased a seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom home in Edgartown, Massachusetts, according to reports. The price for the 29-acre estate was $11.75 million, public records show.

The property was purchased by a trust represented by attorney Ronald Rappaport, a partner at Reynolds, Rappaport, Kaplan and Hackney, according to records made available Wednesday. The trust is reportedly tied to the Obamas, but Mansion Global could not confirm the connection. Mr. Rappaport did not return requests for comment.

Gerret Conover and Thomas LeClair, partners at LandVest Martha’s Vineyard, were the listing and selling brokers for the property. Mr. Conover confirmed the sale via email, and that the property was previously owned by Wyc Grousbeck, owner of the Boston Celtics.

The sale price was more than $3 million less than the asking price for the almost 7,000-square-foot home on the Edgartown Great Pond, according to records. It was most recently listed for $14.85 million, but has seen several price cuts since it was first listed in February 2015 for $22.5 million.

Mr. Conover and Mr. LeClair took over from another agency later in May 2017, relisting the property for $19.25 million, records show. It was cut to $16.25 million in May 2018 and then again in July 2019 to $14.85 million. Both agents declined to comment further on any other details of the sale.

Mr. Grousbeck bought the estate in 1998 for $3.15 million, according to property records. He did not return requests for comment.
Rumors about the Obamas buying the Edgartown home have been swirling since the summer, when the family rented the residence, The Wall Street Journal reported at the time. Representatives for the family declined to comment.

The Obamas have summered on the Vineyard for years, and they aren’t the only politicians who are fond of the coastal New England area. The Clinton family has spent time there, and former Secretary of State and Massachusetts Senator John Kerry bought a home there in 2017. Red Gate Farm, the former estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, is currently on the market there for $65 million, according to LandVest.

The home was designed by Brandenburger Taylor Lombardo Architects from San Francisco, with multiple areas for entertaining, both indoors and out. The living room has vaulted ceilings, exposed steel beams and a stone fireplace, the listing said. There are two guest wings, and the master suite boasts a fireplace, a private sun deck and water views. There’s a chef’s kitchen with ample built-in storage and a formal circular dining room overlooks the grounds and pond.

Outside, there’s both an outdoor fireplace and screened porch with a fireplace, according to the listing. There’s also a pool and a Jacuzzi off the second-floor balcony that has expansive views of the water. The property offers direct access to the pond, and includes a boat house and a private beach front with deeded rights, as per the listing.