WORLD INDUSTRY LEADERS

Afe Babalola remains a towering figure whose name resonates beyond law, education and philanthropy. From humble beginnings to becoming one of Africa's most revered legal luminaries and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, his life is a masterclass in hard work, vision and uncommon generosity. At over 90, he continues to inspire generations as a builder of men, institutions and legacies that will outlive him. In honour of his enduring impact, eminent personalities, friends and beneficiaries across the nation have continued to pay glowing tributes to the Aare of Ekiti. One of such heartfelt tributes comes from a woman of substance who sees in him a father, mentor and symbol of excellence...in person of Patience Ofure Key • HAPPY 97TH BIRTHDAY TO A LIVING LEGEND, AARE AFE BABALOLA On the joyous occasion of your 97th birthday, celebrated on October 18, I extend my warmest congratulations and profound admiration to Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, CON, OFR—an extraordinary legal lumina...

" There is no blessing equal to the blessing of work" — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe                 • By Mike Cerutti Osagie  I have written on High Chief Professor Mike Ozekhome  CON for ages now, to Glory of God and I can testify that he is a total gentleman brand, a good listener who talks less but acts more. A man whose word is his bond and whose presence commands both respect and inspiration. On his 69th birthday today 15th October 2026, on instinct, I felt as a Global Youth Adviser and Advocate of Success and Prosperity, I must send this work on him. Not just a birthday wish, but a blueprint. Because at 69, Ozekhome is not just celebrating age, he is celebrating impact. This year, as he marks 69 glorious years, I have distilled his success into five key secrets that you can tap on, if you truly want to rise above the ordinary. Number One:  High Chief Ozekhome is a man that loves God. Whatever he does, he puts God first. That is...

By Mike Cerutti Osagie, Richlist International  " When you empower a young girl, you do not just change her life; you secure the future of a nation."  — This timeless truth came alive at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the maiden edition of the Zenith Bank Girl-Child Empowerment Programme. The photograph that emerged from that hall is historic. At its centre stands the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, flanked by girls from selected schools in Lagos — some in simple white tops, others in blazers, ties, school uniforms and hijabs — all united by one promise. Beside her are three iconic women: Founder of Aruwa Capital Management, Adesuwa Okunbo-Rhodes; Her Majesty, the Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III; and Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mrs. Adobi Nwapa. It is not just a group picture; it is a statement of intent. For a bank that has for twenty consecutive years sponsored the NBBF/Zenith Bank Women...

• By Richlist international mag  Leading technocrats and industry experts have commended Netoidia Africa Group for its remarkable growth and impact as a diversified indigenous conglomerate driving innovation across sectors in Nigeria and beyond. The commendation came from renowned Agricultural expert Dr Abdusalam Ogbemudia, who described Netoidia Africa Group as a model of visionary entrepreneurship. According to them, the Group's subsidiaries - including Netoidia Outsourcing Limited (NOL) and its other strategic business units - have within a short period redefined excellence in human capital sourcing, outsourcing, technology, and enterprise development. Dr Abdusalam Ogbemudia noted that Netoidia Africa Group's rise mirrors the kind of strategic brilliance seen in seasoned leaders like Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who built his journey from the House of Representatives to the Senate on discipline, timing and service. He said Netoidia Africa Group has shown that with the right s...

By Mike Cerutti  & Aminu Tafawa Balewa   " In politics, noise makes headlines but timing makes history."_ Julius Malema \ In the crowded theatre of Nigerian politics where many shout to be heard, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada whispers and wins. Impeccably dressed, disarmingly calm, and politically surgical, he has turned style into strategy and patience into power — moving from the House of Representatives to the Senate not by accident, but by design. Born on 15 October 1964 in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada did not emerge from a political dynasty. His roots were modest — Abdu Zanga Primary School Keffi, Government Secondary School Miango, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa. But from those classrooms he picked up what many career politicians lack: business discipline. His early work as Senior Clerk at UBA, Procurement Officer at Benue Cement Company, and Distribution Manager at Kano Tobacco Company taught him how to manage men, money, and moments. When he entere...

• By Princess Efe Majomin & Mike Cerutti At 74, Senator Daisy Danjuma stands as a symbol of elegance, business, and purpose. She is a top politician, business magnate, and serial philanthropist of global standard. Alongside her husband, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, she has built a legacy where influence is measured not only by titles, but by lives touched. Daisy Danjuma first entered public consciousness as a trained lawyer and former banker who brought poise and substance to public service. From early on, she understood that access without impact is empty. Her political journey gave her a national platform. As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, she represented Edo South Senatorial District of Edo State from 2003 to 2007 and served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs and Youth. In that role she pushed for policies that centered women's health, education, and economic independence. It was legislation with a human face. In business, she proved th...