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I nearly withdrew from 2023 presidential race over Naira scarcity -Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he nearly abandoned his 2023 presidential ambition following a moment of doubt during the election campaign.

“I almost dropped the idea of running for President,” Tinubu revealed on Saturday night at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he also thanked Nigerians for their overwhelming goodwill and prayers on his 73rd birthday.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the excerpts of the President’s dpeech in a statement signed in the early hours of Sunday titled ‘President Tinubu appreciates Nigerians for birthday well wishes, reveals he nearly quit 2023 presidential race.’

Reflecting on the pressures he faced, the President recounted how a close relative visited him in the middle of the night and questioned his resolve.

 

“Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns. One came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle.

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“He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?’

“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.’”

 

Tinubu added, “I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me.

 

“When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back.”

 

In his address, the President recognised the difficulties encountered along the path to the presidency and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s progress.

Tinubu also noted that he assumed office during a period of economic challenges and had to make swift decisions, including scrapping the fuel subsidy on his inauguration day.

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“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal.

 

“The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time. That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone.

“The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future,” said Tinubu.

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded the President’s leadership style, saying his decisions have tackled issues that haunted previous administrations.

He said, “Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.

 

“These were the thorny issues that many before him sidestepped. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.

 

“And in rewriting it, Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many before him simply lacked the courage to face. But that is the thing about true leadership: it is not for those who seek comfort. It is for those who understand that the path to national greatness is lined with difficult choices.”

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio applauded the President’s “relentless passion for national development” and described him as the “most audacious president” in Nigeria’s history.

 

“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” he remarked, adding that under Tinubu’s watch, governors receive more allocation.

 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu also commended the President for supporting him politically in 2019, even though they were from different regions.

“Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him. In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment. Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” said Kalu.

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Elegance, excellence, recognition as Wale Tinubu celebrates wife’s big moment in global spotlight

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In the glittering world of high society and corporate influence, moments of genuine pride and admiration rarely go unnoticed. Such was the case when oil magnate and business leader Jubril Adewale Tinubu stepped into the spotlight to celebrate a milestone achievement by his wife, Bola Tinubu who was recently honoured at the prestigious ARISE 100 Women of Impact in Africa Awards.

The award ceremony, organised by the media powerhouse ARISE News, brought together some of Africa’s most accomplished and influential women—leaders whose contributions have left a remarkable imprint across business, governance, philanthropy, and social development. Among this distinguished league stood Mrs. Tinubu, whose recognition reflects years of quiet excellence, commitment, and purposeful impact.

For the energy tycoon, the moment was deeply personal. Known across the continent as the driving force behind the energy giant Oando Plc, the businessman is often celebrated for his boardroom brilliance and strategic leadership. Yet, beyond the corporate boardrooms and global energy deals, he was simply a proud husband applauding the achievements of the woman who stands beside him.

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Taking to social media shortly after the ceremony, Tinubu shared a touching tribute that resonated with many who admire the couple. His message was simple but heartfelt, capturing the essence of admiration and partnership. Referring to the moment as a “proud husband moment,” he congratulated his wife on the prestigious honour and praised the significance of the recognition.

The ARISE Women of Impact Awards have increasingly become one of the continent’s most respected platforms for celebrating female excellence. The initiative highlights women whose work continues to shape industries, inspire communities, and redefine leadership across Africa. For the woman , being counted among this elite group places her firmly within a circle of changemakers whose influence transcends titles and accolades.

Observers at the event noted that her recognition was not merely ceremonial but well deserved. Over the years, she has cultivated a reputation for grace, professionalism, and dedication to meaningful causes—qualities that have earned her admiration within Nigeria’s social and professional circles.

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For those who know the Tinubus, the public celebration was hardly surprising. The couple has long embodied a partnership built on mutual respect, shared ambition, and unwavering support for each other’s pursuits. While Tinubu continues to command attention in the energy sector, his wife has quietly carved out her own path of distinction.
The quiet, steady influence of a woman who commands respect without seeking the spotlight shone brightly on that memorable evening reminding many that true influence often speaks in the calmest of voices.

Beyond her professional accomplishments and social standing, the intelligent lawyer nine years ago, translated her deep concern for child protection into action with the launch of the Cece Yara Foundation, an organisation dedicated to protecting children from abuse and giving young victims a safe platform to speak out against injustice.

Over the years, the foundation has become a powerful voice in the fight against child abuse in Nigeria, offering support, counselling and advocacy for vulnerable children. Through its initiatives, many young victims have found both protection and hope.

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Through these initiatives, she has continued to demonstrate that her influence goes far beyond society circles. Her commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society has made her not only a respected figure in elite circles but also a beacon of hope for countless children and families across the country.

In a society where achievements are often measured in grand gestures and headlines, moments like this serve as a reminder that recognition carries deeper meaning when it is celebrated by those closest to us.

For the GCEO of Oando Group, the award was not just another accolade on the social calendar—it was a powerful reminder that behind every remarkable woman is a story of dedication, resilience, and a partner proud enough to celebrate her success before the world.

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2baba’s ex-wife Annie rejects single mum tag, says ‘I’m a single woman raising two kids’

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Actress Annie Idibia has rejected the single mum tag, declaring that she is “not a single mum” but “a single woman raising two kids.”

“I’M NOT A SINGLE MOM. I’M A SINGLE WOMAN RAISING TWO KIDS,” she wrote.

Although Annie did not provide additional context, her statement comes more than a year after her separation from music star 2baba with whom she shares two daughters.

The couple officially ended their marriage in 2024 after over a decade together.

Their relationship had long been in the public eye. Over the years, both faced intense scrutiny, with social media amplifying private disagreements and personal struggles.

The marriage was in the public eyes not only because of their celebrity status but also because of past controversies surrounding 2Baba’s relationships.

Before their separation, Annie and 2Baba appeared on the Netflix reality series Young, Famous & African. On the show, Annie spoke candidly about the pressures within their 12-year marriage. She addressed issues of infidelity and the emotional strain she experienced over the years.

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During the series, she reflected on the impact of 2Baba fathering five children with two other women before their marriage.

Annie described that period as deeply painful, noting that it took an emotional toll on her even after they formalised their union. Her comments at the time generated widespread debate, with many viewers sympathising with her position.

Beyond the reality show, 2Baba’s personal life has remained a frequent topic in the media. The singer has eight children with four different women, a fact that has shaped public perception of him for years.

In a recent interview with Voice of Nigeria, he described being labelled a “womaniser” as the biggest misconception about him, insisting that he is simply someone who “loves hard.”

Despite the challenges that have followed her personal life, Annie continues to build her career in film and brand partnerships.

2Baba, meanwhile, continues to perform and record music, sustaining a career that spans more than two decades.

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However, while his professional achievements remain widely respected, his private life has frequently attracted as much attention as his music.

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From Global Prestige to Grassroots Patriotism: The Inspiring Saga of Kayode Ajulo – A Life Dedicated to Service Over Self

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Kayode Ajulo

Imagine a man who rises from the bustling streets of Ibadan, Akure & Abuja armed with nothing but unyielding determination and a passion for justice, to become a beacon of hope for the oppressed across Nigeria.

This is the electrifying story of Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, OON, SAN—better known as Kayode Ajulo—a trailblazing Nigerian lawyer, civil rights activist, arbitrator, lecturer, and public servant whose life is a masterclass in blending professional brilliance with heartfelt advocacy and unshakeable political courage.

His journey isn’t just a resume; it’s a rallying cry for anyone dreaming of turning personal triumphs into collective victories, proving that true greatness lies in lifting others as you climb your own peaks.

Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2001, Ajulo didn’t waste a moment. He kicked off his professional journey at the Federal Ministry of Justice, gaining invaluable insights into the machinery of national governance. A brief but transformative tutelage at Afe Babalola’s prestigious Emmanuel Chambers in Abuja followed, sharpening his legal acumen under one of Nigeria’s finest.

Barely two years at the bar, he rose to become the Head of Chambers at Dr Tunji Abayomi & Co.‘s Abuja office, where his innovative style of practice—particularly his generous pro bono services for the vulnerable—won hearts and built unbreakable bonds with people from all walks of life.

This compassionate approach didn’t just endear him to the masses; it propelled him into the political arena, where he boldly contested for the Senate seat in Nigeria’s, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, under the Labour Party banner.

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Ajulo’s political star continued to rise as he became the youngest National Secretary of the Labour Party, a master strategist who also chaired the Ondo State Radio Vision Corporation, amplifying voices and ideas across the airwaves. Yet, in a move that showcased his integrity, he resigned from his national role, declaring his need to refocus on his legal practice and dedicate himself fully to serving humanity.

Building on his solid foundation, Ajulo pursued advanced studies: a Master of Laws in 2006 and a PhD in Workers’ Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility in 2017. These credentials fueled a career that spans continents and impacts lives profoundly. As the founder and managing partner of Kayode Ajulo & Co., Castle of Law—a high-end law firm specialising in litigation, arbitration, corporate law, and workers’ rights—he’s established a global footprint with offices in Nigeria and affiliations abroad, including the United Kingdom, his second home and where he invests wisely.

An Oxford-trained arbitrator with a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration, Ajulo’s elevation to Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the UK cements his status as a global dispute resolution expert.

His courtroom triumphs are the stuff of legends: picture him leading a pro bono defence in 2021 that overturned a death sentence for teenager Adeolu Bamiteko, accused of stealing a phone, by exposing glaring prosecutorial flaws.

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His accolades shine bright: Ondo State Advocate of the Year in 2017, the Knight of the Order of St. Paul, the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2022 from President Muhammadu Buhari, and numerous traditional titles like Bamofin of Akure Kingdom (elevated from Bamofin-Lewe) and Mayegun Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

At the heart of his mission is the Egalitarian Mission Africa, his NGO championing equality in social, political, and economic realms through bold initiatives like Free-A-Prisoner-A-Day since 2003, freeing the innocent and restoring dignity, which boasts of freeing over five thousand inmates from the gulag.

As a consultant to the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Ajulo played a starring role as a recovery consultant, spearheading the refund of Paris Club debt deductions—recovering billions of dollars for states, correcting historical over-deductions, and fueling development projects nationwide. Though media scrutiny occasionally arose, Ajulo’s clarifications have always underscored transparency and justice.

A vocal critic of corruption and a staunch advocate for rule-of-law independence, Ajulo’s political journey with the All Progressives Congress (APC) reflects his fearless spirit. His oratory prowess and mentorship have earned him monikers like “legal colossus” and “pathfinder,” inspiring peers with his confidence and grace.

On a personal level, Ajulo’s legacy blooms in his family: he is happily married to Lady Kofoworola Ajulo and he’s the proud father of three female lawyers—aged 23, 21, and 20—who are carrying the torch of legal excellence forward.

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Appointed Ondo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in February 2024 under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, he has unleashed reforms like the Anti-Land Grabbing Law, a Criminal Records Database, and digital legal services, while securing court victories for the state and his principal.

What truly sets Ajulo apart is his patriotic pivot: forsaking lucrative opportunities in Abuja, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Lagos, or London to return to Ondo State. Inspired by Ondo icons like Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, GCON, he chose grassroots impact over global glamour, applying his blessings—wealth, honours, mentorship, and recoveries—to uplift his people.

He’s the epitome of a “rooted cosmopolitan”: world-class yet homebound, proving that patriotism fuels progress.

Ajulo’s saga is more than a biography; it’s an exhilarating call to action.

In a world fixated on wealth and comfort, he reminds us that our talents are divine trusts for the greater good. By sacrificing ease for service—through pro bono heroics, billion-naira recoveries, and state-level reforms—he shows that true fulfilment comes from bridging divides, defending the vulnerable, and mentoring tomorrow’s leaders.

Let his story ignite your own: step beyond your comfort zone, wield your blessings boldly, and build a legacy that echoes eternity. In serving others, we discover our highest selves.

Kayode Ajulo this is your life!

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