Ibadan Think Tank Group-UK honours Mogaji Wole Arisekola as Most Distinguished Ibadan Indigene.

In a remarkable and profound show of appreciation for philanthropic contributions towards Ibadan city an accolades of tribute has been given to an exceptional son of Ibadanland – Mogaji Bowale Oluwole Arisekola in London.

The Grand Ambassador of Ibadan Culture, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola has on the occasion of the successful hosting in London, of the 5th Ibadan Cultural Festival UK by the Ibadan Think Tank Group-UK, considered it a great honour to pay tribute to an extraordinary son of Ibadanland, Mogaji Bowale Oluwole Arisekola, who was deservedly honoured as the Most Distinguished Ibadan Indigene and who was also the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.

The Ibadan Think Tank Group-UK, an affiliate of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes CCII was established by the three existing Ibadan indigenous associations in London namely, the Oluyole Diamond Sisters Club UK, Oluyole Progressive Union UK and Ibadanland Development Association UK.

The establishment of the association was one of Gaphar Ojetola's major achievements as the Chairman, Ibadan Cultutal Festival in 2022 which remains an achievement which he is  personally proud of.

According to a statement made by Ambassador Ojetola, "Beyond receiving these prestigious honours, Mogaji Wole Arisekola once again demonstrated the qualities that have endeared him to countless people across Ibadanland and beyond. In a spontaneous and inspiring gesture, he took it upon himself to lead the fundraising effort during the event". 

Mogaji Wolle Arisekola is honoured for making a remarkable personal donation and encouraging other dignitaries on the high table to give generously. "He ignited a spirit of giving that resulted in the highest amount of donations ever recorded in the five-year history of the Ibadan Cultural Festival UK.", Ojetola emphasised.

Other big donors at the event were:

Hon. Dr. Saheed Mosadoluwa a.k.a Ibile.

Princess Loveth Oluwatoosin Emmanuel nee Olakulehin (who flew in from the US. ) she is also the Mother of the Day

Sen. Kola Balogun.

Mr Olatunbosun Tubi who represented the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Kola Daisi

Olori Laide Ajibola- Aare Onibon Iyalode.

Alhaji Sulaiman Ajayi. Chairman of the occasion 

Alhaja Tawa Alli 

Chief Mrs Bolupe Aramide, Aare Ago Iyalode

Mogaji Yusuf Adeleke

Dr. Akinosun

Mogaji Alli-Iwo and so many others numerous to mention.

Mogaji Wole Arisekola’s singular act reflected not only his generosity but also his unwavering commitment to the growth, unity and development of Ibadanland.

"Mogaji Wole Arisekola has consistently remained a beacon of hope and an enduring source of inspiration. Whether through human capital development, educational support, economic empowerment or philanthropy, he has touched innumerable lives. He has financed the education of many who otherwise would have been denied the opportunity to fulfil their dreams. He has facilitated employment, created opportunities and extended helping hands to countless individuals without seeking recognition or applause."

"His life exemplifies selfless service, compassion, humility and an uncommon passion for the progress of Ibadanland. It is therefore no surprise that he is deeply loved, highly respected and immensely appreciated by people from all walks of life"

Indeed, Ibadanland is richly blessed to have a patriot of his calibre—a man whose generosity speaks louder than words and whose legacy continues to inspire present and future generations.

As we celebrate his outstanding contributions, I pray that God, Almighty Allah (SWT) will continue to preserve and protect him from every evil, seen and unseen. May He surround him with divine mercy, perfect health, enduring peace and abundant happiness. May Allah grant him healthy longevity, increase him in honour, wisdom, wealth and influence, and continue to make him an instrument of blessings to humanity.

May his household continue to flourish, and may his noble contributions to Ibadanland and mankind be rewarded abundantly in this life and in the Hereafter. Ameen

Congratulations to the Chairman, ITTG-UK, Mogaji Gafar Gbadamosi and his team for this laudable achievement. We shall celebrate many more by God’s grace.

E ba n gb’omo oke….Lanti Lanti.

By Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola

Grand Ambassador of Ibadan Culture (GAIC)

NBTI wins 2026 LSGEL Entrepreneur's Innovation Award as DG/CEO Dr. K K Raji honoured with 2026 LSGEL Entrepreneur’s Legacy Award in London

*DOUBLE AWARDS*

London, United Kingdom — 18th July, 2026

The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has been honoured with the *2026 LSGEL Entrepreneur's Innovation Award*, presented by the London School of Global Entrepreneurship and Leadership (LSGEL) at the LSGEL EntrepTech 2026 Conference & Awards Ceremony held in London, United Kingdom.

In a further mark of distinction for the Agency, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kazeem Kolawole Raji FCIPM (UK), FPMA (UK), was separately conferred with the *2026 LSGEL Entrepreneur's Legacy Award*, in recognition of his personal leadership and contributions to technology innovation and national development.

The Innovation Award presented to NBTI recognises the Agency's outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions through impactful programmes such as the *NextGen Innovation Challenge*. LSGEL cited NBTI's dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators, building an ecosystem of creativity and excellence, and driving sustainable socio-economic transformation across communities.

The Legacy Award presented to Dr. Raji recognises his exceptional leadership, visionary innovation and outstanding contributions to technology innovation, entrepreneurship development and the national innovation ecosystem. LSGEL noted his continued commitment to advancing technology-driven enterprises and empowering innovators in ways that drive sustainable economic growth and national development.

Both awards were assessed across key pillars including innovation, empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership, technology incubation and commercialisation, and impact on nation-building.

This double recognition on an international stage underscores NBTI's growing reputation as a driving force behind Nigeria's technology innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. It also reflects the impact of the Agency's flagship programmes in empowering innovators and building sustainable, technology-driven enterprises nationwide.

Ibrahim Agboola

Information and Public Relations Officer

NBTI, Abuja.

ALAAFIN makes case for Yoruba indigenous knowledge as basis of development

By Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom, and the Superior Head of Yorubaland

The Alaafin of Oyo and the Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has  called for  a thorough study of the Yoruba knowledge system and society that produced the archetypal African system in Oyo, in order to provide that direction the country missed in the past.

He said the country  is at a momentous and critical stage in the.historical development of her nationhood when she is looking back, trying to re-define the system of government in order to establish a responsible and responsive government. 

In a release by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Alaafin stated this on  Tuesday at the inauguration of the Alaafin Insights of Yoruba Studies at the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.

Oba Owoade stated that  incontrovertibly, Yoruba are a major tribal group in Nigeria, as they are found in large concentration along the West African coast as well

as other major cities of the world, adding that perhaps what stands out the Yoruba

everywhere they are found is their strong attachment to their culture, religion and traditions. 

According to him, "":even with civilization, the light of culture has remained effervescent among the people.  Though modernisation has bombarded our

tradition, but like an ancient fortress built to withstand fierce military onslaughts, our living traditions and customs have remained pivot on which rests the dignity of the black man.

"" There is urgent need for the present generation not to lose grip with the link that ties them firmly with their traditions and customs.

"" The ancient city of Oyo remains the home of tradition and precisely at the spot in which the most celebrated African political system was designed, implemented and perfected to excellence. A  nation or tribe without customs is as good as a horde of gorillas ravaging the deep forests"".

He noted that the indigenous resources of Yoruba epistemology are

crafted in such a way as to shape the thoughts and worldview and also

guide daily conducts of the Yoruba people.

"" The Yoruba recognizes the need to have a society where law and order

will prevail. Quite unlike what obtains in contemporary times, Yoruba

enshrine the values and ethos of sanity in the child. As a people without physical written paraphernalia, the Yoruba starts to nurture their minds early. The implication is that as a child grows he or she learns etiquette and moral ethos, along the way’’.

Alaafin noted that pre-colonial system of government in Oyo was

constructed on an elaborate system of checks and balances which made

adequate provisions for and accommodated the culture and sensibilities

of the people that produced it.

In essence, he pointed out that it was a people’s original design to meet the wishes and aspirations of the people and their definition of development.

The Paramount Ruler pointed out that  Sango provides everyone with a rare opportunity to define his or her attitude to culture by identifying with its virtues and

in so doing  equip ourselves with an understanding of these virtues that transformed Sango from being just the fourth ruler of the kingdom of Oyo to global brand  that he has become today. 

"" In this era of African cultural re-awakening, the life, leadership, administration and government under Sango as Alaafin here in Oyo should be explored in the strictest academic tradition and the ennobling values intellectualized. The life of  Alaafin Sango would definitely be an excellent example in leadership, considering the fact that his rule of Oyo was for less than a decade"".

Alaafin went further,  "" I am disturbed at the gradual extinction of

Yoruba Customs and traditions, and how modernisation has been allowed

to bombard Yoruba traditions. As things move at the present time, it

will be disastrous if we fold our arms allowing our traditions to dwindle into oblivion in the face of permissiveness. How many Yorubabbsons and daughters can brilliantly articulate their local language?

"" It is frightening that our own language is dangling on the pit of extinction while preference is accorded foreign language, which is English. Languages often hold the only record of a people’s history, including their songs, stories, praise poetry and ancient traditions. In particular, many indigenous cultures contain a wealth o information about the local environment and its flora"".

"" The survival of threatened languages, and the indigenous knowledge

contained within, is an important aspect of maintaining biological

diversity. Languages are now becoming extinct faster than birds,

mammals, fish or plants"".

Alaafin explained that the inauguration of the Institute is more than the establishment of another academic institution, adding that ""it is a declaration of purpose , a commitment to memory, a pledge that the the language, history,  philosophy, values, and cultural treasures of the Yoruba people shall not be forgotten , neglected and diminished"".

To Oba Owoade, "" the location of this institute in Oyo is both fitting and deeply symbolic. Oyo occupies a unique  place of Yoruba history . It was from this ancient Kingdom that one of Africa's greatest Empires emerged. The Old Oyo Empire stood as a  beacon of political organisation, military strength, economic prosperity , diplomacy and cultural influence"".

The Royal Father concluded by saying  that "" Oyo is not only a Centre of political history , also a centre of learning , stressing that for generations, the City has nurtured minds and produced  leaders,  hence its it is therefore entirely appropriate that an  Institute devoted to Yoruba Studies  should find its home here"".

The colour event was attended by the academia, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders .

Highlights of the occasion was the commissioning of the Institute building by the Titan of Yorubaland, and presentation of Awards of Honour on some notable  recipients . 

Among them was the Chairman , Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, and renowned  Clergy, Arch- Bishop Prince Lawrence Ayoade Ladigbolu .

How a Brave Nigerian "Yahoo Prince" Took Yahooze to the Seat of Power in Abuja

By Mogaji Wole Arisekola

If you think you are wise, then lend me your ears and listen to the story of Ali Baba and his nine thieves.

Over the years, Nigerians have witnessed one scandal after another.

We all remember the famous NNDC "traveling miracle" during the COVID-19 lockdown.

At a time when airplanes were firmly parked on the ground and the skies looked like they had gone on holiday, a certain professor who headed the agency reportedly managed to spend N80 billion chartering what many Nigerians jokingly called "ghost aircraft."

When the National Assembly summoned him to explain the astonishing travel expenses, the professor reportedly fainted before giving satisfactory answers. Since then, he has largely disappeared from the public spotlight. Yet, as life would have it, the same man is said to be living quite comfortably somewhere, apparently enjoying the fruits of his fortune.

That, my friends, is Nigeria's version of magic: planes that never flew, journeys that never happened, and money that somehow completed the trip.

But then again, that's life. We talk, we shake our heads, and... we move on.

Then came the fuel subsidy scandal. Billions of naira were allegedly siphoned from the national treasury. The media went into overdrive, social media exploded with outrage, and Nigerians demanded accountability. Yet, after a few months, the noise died down, and the country moved on.

The controversies surrounding the Central Bank under former Governor Godwin Emefiele also generated widespread public debate, with allegations involving billions of dollars. Investigations were announced, accusations were made, and once again Nigerians waited for justice.

So, when the news broke that one Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi and the so-called "Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council" (PFIPC) had scammed the Nigerian government and Nigerians, I was not perturbed. Initially, I thought he was a friend of the real prince or a friend of the Eko mafia led by Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmale. But when the reported scandal moved beyond denial and damage control, it exposed systemic gaffes in how Nigeria safeguards the sacred institutions of governance, public finance, and diplomatic protocol. If the state is serious about protecting its reputation, the response must be an open, independent commission of inquiry.

But why the story looks so suspicious to me is that the Lagos mafia in President Tinubu's cabinet do not pick the people they perceive as poor men's call. I can give that to them. It is always good to know your value when you have the opportunity to be identified with a big man like Mr. President, especially when you have never lived in God's own country, the United States of America.

But in real context, there is a Yoruba proverb that says: Owo la nfi nko oyinbo, ise lo nmu ni gbo Hausa, eni ti ara ba de kan ki re oke Oya. (We learn the English language with money; poverty makes you speak Hausa if you are from the South; no comfortable person will relocate to the far North if you are from the Western Region.)

Going abroad to study with your family's money is good, but if you go there to hustle, there is something you never tell people.

Omo buruku abi irin iya lese. (A prodigal child walking like a tout.)

Don't let me digress from the real issue of today.

This is why I have consistently argued for more than a decade that the presidential system of government is not working for Nigeria. In my opinion, it has failed to deliver the accountability, efficiency, and development that Nigerians deserve. I believe the country should return to a regional system of government and revive the healthy competition that existed during the early years of our independence.

Two possible futures lie before us.

The first is dangerous. If the current structure continues to deepen distrust, inequality, and unresolved grievances, Nigeria could face prolonged regional conflicts capable of tearing the nation apart.

The second offers hope. We can choose mutual respect, embrace our diversity, and adopt true federalism built on meaningful regional autonomy.

No single individual can effectively govern a country as complex as Nigeria under the present structure. Our institutions are weak, our civil service lacks the discipline and independence required to uphold accountability, and too often mediocrity is rewarded while excellence is ignored.

Over the past decade, allegations of massive financial mismanagement involving key government institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and the Central Bank, have repeatedly dominated public discourse. Whether every allegation is ultimately proven or not, the recurring scandals have severely damaged public confidence in government.

The real enemies of ordinary Nigerians are not their neighbours from different ethnic groups. Too often, tribal and religious divisions are exploited by members of the political elite while public resources continue to disappear. Until Nigerians confront these realities honestly, we will continue moving in circles instead of making meaningful progress.

In my view, the greatest challenge facing Nigeria is not merely political; it is moral. Corruption has become deeply entrenched, impunity is often celebrated, and integrity has become increasingly rare. Nigeria is still searching for leaders capable of placing national interest above personal ambition.

History reminds us that things were once different. During the First Republic, the regions competed to develop their economies and improve the lives of their people. The Western Region pioneered free education, the Eastern Region became known for commerce and industrial growth, while the Northern Region built a strong agricultural economy. Regional leaders were largely accountable to their own people rather than depending almost entirely on the federal government.

Today, many state governments depend heavily on monthly allocations from Abuja. That dependence has weakened innovation, reduced accountability, and discouraged healthy competition among the states.

This is my opinion, and every Nigerian has the right to disagree. However, I believe history teaches us that unless we fundamentally restructure the federation and strengthen regional governance, we may simply be postponing a deeper national crisis.

Nigeria deserves another opportunity to succeed.

Let us seriously consider returning to a stronger regional system of government—not to divide the country, but to strengthen it. Let us build a Nigeria where every region is empowered to develop its own strengths while remaining committed to one united nation.

Only then can Nigeria truly dream again, heal again, and rebuild what decades of poor leadership and institutional failure have damaged.

Ire o.

Mogaji Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.