Otedola's 4 Billion Gift: A Fresh Look at Giving Back in Nigeria

Nigerian billionaire entrepreneur Femi Otedola has given 4 billion naira to Augustine University for a new Electrical and Electronics Engineering Block. Femi Otedola stated, "As Chancellor of Augustine University, I am honored to announce my donation of #4 billion for the new Electrical and Electronics Engineering block. This is the second phase of the Dame Doja Otedola Faculty of Engineering, honoring my dear mother and the transformative power of education. Nigeria's future relies on the talent of its youth, and we must keep investing in the institutions that nurture them," he said. Although Femi Otedola did not attend university himself, he is committed to enhancing higher education in Nigeria. He is a philanthropist, especially in the education sector.

A few years ago, he made significant donations to students at the same university. For any society to be free, a solid education system must be established. Education is crucial, and everyone should have access to quality education.

Otedola made his first billion in the oil and gas sector. He founded Zenon Petroleum. He later acquired and renamed African Petroleum to Forte Oil, creating a vast network of gas stations. Other investments: Banking: He holds significant shares in major banks like Zenith Bank and FBN Holdings, and he recently bought a large stake in FBN Holdings. Real estate: He owns properties in cities including Lagos, Abuja, Dubai, London, and Monaco. He recently released his first memoir, where he discussed his business journey and family life. His autobiography is a bestseller on Amazon.

“If you think education is costly, try ignorance." Photo credits to Femi Otedola's Instagram page.

First Individual to Reach $500 Billion: Elon Musk's Financial Journey

Elon Musk is the first person ever to reach a net worth of 500 billion dollars.

Musk has achieved an incredible milestone, with his wealth briefly hitting $500 billion, making him the first individual in history to reach the half-trillion dollar mark. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who also owns the social media platform X and the AI startup xAI, saw his wealth increase as Tesla's stock rose about 14% this year, bringing his net worth to $499.1 billion after a short peak at $500 billion. The increase in Musk's wealth is mainly due to Tesla's strong market recovery. The company's shares started the year at $427.90 but fell to $220.67 during controversies surrounding Musk's short involvement in Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), before sharply rebounding. At the same time, the tech industry continues to progress around him.

A competing company, Science Corporation, recently revealed a breakthrough in neurotechnology, creating an eye chip that can restore vision through a brain-computer interface known as PRIMA. This technology, tested in a clinical trial with 38 participants at 17 locations worldwide, including London's Moorfields Eye Hospital, allowed 84% of patients to see a significant improvement in their vision after 12 months. As Musk's financial empire expands through Tesla...

He also started The Boring Company, which merges fast, cost-effective tunneling technology with an all-electric public transport system to reduce severe urban congestion and facilitate high-speed, long-distance travel. The Boring Company has constructed a 1.15-mile research and development tunnel in Hawthorne and is currently building the Vegas Loop, a public transport system at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Previously, Elon co-founded and sold PayPal, the leading internet payment system, and Zip2, one of the first online mapping and direction services.

Photos Credit: Elonofficial Instagram

The Story Behind Professor Wole Soyinka's US Visa Revocation

The US government has permanently revoked the visa of Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. According to Leadership, Soyinka revealed this during a media event in Lagos on Tuesday, October 28. He mentioned that he received the visa revocation letter last Thursday, October 23, and felt as though he was being targeted due to his opposition to the policies of US President Donald Trump.

It is worth noting that in December 2016, the famous author, poet, and playwright destroyed his Green Card following Trump's election victory for his first term. At the media event held at Freedom Park, Lagos, themed ‘Unending Saga: Idi Amin In Whiteface!’, Soyinka, who currently lives in Nigeria, read the letter from the US Consulate in Lagos.

The letter states: "Dear Mr. Soyinka, this letter serves as official notification from the United States Consulate that the non-immigrant visa listed below has been revoked in accordance with the Department of State Regulations 22 CFR 41.122 and is no longer valid for entry into the United States. Additional information became available after the visa was issued. This revocation applies only to the visa listed below. Name of visa holder: SOYINKA, WOLE • Date and place of birth: 13-JUL-1934, NIGERIA • Visa classification(symbol): B1/B2 • Date and place of visa issuance: 02-APR-2024, Lagos," the letter partially read.

He expressed that he holds no resentment regarding this situation and will continue to welcome Americans to his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as he has no issues with the people or the country. He also stated that, as a global citizen, he will persist in speaking out against racism and what he perceives as wrong in government policies, including those of Donald Trump. photo Credit: Professor Wole Soyinka's Intagram page

What is the reason for an older man

As I sat in the pastor’s office with my friend… “Why older men?” The pastor’s question surprised us, and for a moment, we looked at each other, unsure how to answer. Eventually, we concluded that older men tend to be more caring and possibly less weighed down by the pressures that younger men experience. However, as I thought about our response, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was a superficial explanation. In reality, the reasons young women choose to be with older men are complicated and diverse.

In many regions of Africa, for example, poverty can lead families to marry their daughters off to wealthier, older men, hoping for a better future. I recalled my childhood in Nigeria, where the traditions of my Muslim neighbors dictated that a baby girl’s future husband would come with gifts, a practice that seems both outdated and disturbing in today’s society. People often assume that young girls marry older men mainly for financial stability or social status. While it’s true that many do, I think the reasons are much more complex. Some young women feel societal pressure to marry, fearing they may never meet “Mr. Right.” Others might follow the examples set by those around them, thinking that marrying an older man is simply the way things are done. Still, I can’t help but question the wisdom of such decisions. How can a man who is decades older than a girl genuinely respect her as an equal partner? It’s a concerning thought, especially when I think of stories like that of Regina Daniels, a young actress married to an older man. Despite the glamour and luxury she seems to enjoy, she recently expressed her feelings of lack of freedom in her marriage and experiences of abuse. I’ve witnessed older men treating young women as if they are mere possessions, their youth taken advantage of under the pretense of love. The notion that an older man deserves happiness at the cost of a young woman’s joy.. What about the emotional impact? What about the psychological effects of marrying someone who could be your grandfather?

As I reflect on these matters, I sense a pressing need. Young women should rethink their decisions. While marrying an older man might seem attractive, the truth can be much more complex than it looks. We need to support relationships founded on mutual respect and equality, instead of those that continue cycles of control and dependency. Enough is enough. It’s time to reshape our understanding of love and partnership. I pray for every young woman in an abusive relationship, especially with older men, that you find freedom. Marriage is a wonderful thing. I hope this generation and those to follow will choose their partners wisely. Don’t marry for convenience. Marry for love and peace of mind. Everyone has the right to marry whomever they choose, but let's refrain from normalizing certain behaviors in our society. Shalom Photo credits to Regina Daniels's Instagram account.

Pastor E.A. Adeboye at Heasley Manor

The visit of Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the respected leader of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, was special. It was not just a visit; it was a reunion of friends, a celebration of faith, and the beauty of godliness. Evangelist, singer, writer Jacquelyn Heasley, a woman of great spirit and creativity, had known Pastor Adeboye for more than thirty-six years.

Their friendship grew through shared missions and many travels around the world, bonded by their strong commitment to spreading faith and hope. Jacquelyn dedicated her life to missionary work, often working alongside Pastor Adeboye, creating a partnership that went beyond simple acquaintance. The suite in the manor, carefully designed and built for the pastor and his wife during past visits, symbolized their deep friendship.

When the Adeboye family arrived, Jacquelyn felt immense joy and humility. She welcomed them with open arms, her smile shining with warmth and love. Her husband, Sam Heasley, stood proudly beside her, greeting their close family and friends who came to celebrate this important occasion. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter, heartfelt talks, and the delightful smell of a heavenly feast prepared with love. A long table was filled with a variety of delicious dishes, from exquisite delicacies to rich desserts, all made to honor their esteemed guest. Jacquelyn gave Pastor E.A. Adeboye a canvas art of her very first Split-Second Sermons that was inspired by his words he spoke to her in 1989.

As the brief afternoon visit came to a close, Jacquelyn gathered everyone for a group photo, capturing the spirit of the day—a moment frozen in time, filled with love, laughter, and unity. The smiles on their faces showed the joy of friendship and the blessings of shared faith. As the evening ended, the guests left with grateful hearts, taking with them the warmth of Heasley Manor and the treasured memories of a heavenly feast. The manor, a little paradise, had once again served its purpose as a haven. I was privileged some years ago to be a guest in Heasley Manor and enjoy the presence of God and tranquility there.

Oh what a wonderful day!

A New Era of Peace

War should belong to the past. We now live in a modern era filled with civilization and rapid progress. Instead of engaging in war, we should focus on new innovations and research that will improve the world. A Call for a War-Free World Once again, we have seen the terrible consequences of war as the conflict in Israel and Gaza ended painfully. Lives were lost, and families were separated. War brings nothing but destruction. The scripture encourages us to pursue peace with everyone and to love one another. Let us enjoy the world as our paradise, for as it is in heaven, so it should be on earth. I am relieved that the war in Israel has concluded. The Gaza conflict has deeply impacted many lives, and now it is finished. I pray for peace in Israel and the safety of Palestine and others. All the world needs is peace. As I thought about the aftermath of the conflict, I wondered if a war-free world is possible. Can humanity live together without the threat of war hanging over future generations? Can love and compassion overcome hatred and violence? These thoughts lingered in my heart and in the minds of those of us who long for a better world. It is possible to have a world free of war for the next 50 years. I reflected on how everyone shows love to a newborn. No one dislikes a baby. Yet, as that baby grows, the world can become harsh and unforgiving. Where does this hatred originate? Where has peace disappeared? We must rediscover the strength of love and empathy. The journey towards a war-free world starts with each person, each family, and each community. Families form the foundation of society. We must begin at home, teaching our children to be kind and to love one another. No one is superior to another. We are all equal in the eyes of our creator. Let's strive to be better individuals, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness for future generations. Let's unite in the quest for a world without war. May love be the guiding force that directs us toward a future founded on compassion and understanding. Remember that in tough times, love and empathy can overcome hatred and division. This is a call to create a world where love and peace are paramount - a world where the purity of a newborn can be safeguarded for generations to come.

Is Marriage for All: Who Will Marry You

My suggestion is to honor and respect your husband as both your partner and your leader. When difficulties arise, refrain from seeking help from friends; keep your issues private within your home. Otedola advised his daughter to show respect and support for her husband, saying, "You must yield to the desires and whims of your husband; he is your boss, okay?" He emphasized, "There’s no more 'daddy'; don’t call me" he added.

Before you tie the knot, ensure that you are prepared mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. A thriving marriage flourishes when both partners are stable together. It's essential that you are in agreement. Avoid marrying for superficial reasons, out of fleeting emotions, for material gain, or due to societal expectations. If you choose to marry, do it for your own sake and because marriage is a noble commitment, as the Bible highlights, and it is a rare institution. Temi Otedola's wedding reportedly cost over 14 million dollars, as per various online sources. It's a well-known fact that weddings of billionaires, regardless of how private they may be, are rarely inexpensive. Many of us often question why wealthy individuals tend to marry within their social circles, don't we? The affluent often choose partners from their own circles for a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, marriage encompasses numerous aspects, ranging from biblical foundations to traditions and cultural practices.

According to the book of Emphasis, wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands, while husbands should avoid provoking their wives (Emphasis 5:22-24). "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. No pastor, therapist, or relationship coach can mend a broken relationship that is rooted in physical abuse, infidelity, or disrespect. You might be surprised to learn that some pastors, to whom you confide your relationship issues, are dealing with their own unresolved problems at home. There was a bishop who struggled with his wife for many years because she often reminded him that without her income, they would have no food in their home. Yet, she seems to forget how her husband was once a blessing to her mother and their entire family. Some pastors even go so far as to share their marital issues with church members. To the married couples reading this, please protect your marriage by keeping your family problems private. If you need assistance for your mental health, seek out a professional relationship therapist who can guide you, but remember that the keys to a successful marriage lie within you. If a billionaire like Mr. Femi Otedola can offer such advice to his daughter on her wedding day, I believe it is worth emulating, as there should be no third party in marriage. Resolve your misunderstandings with each other. To all those facing challenges in their marriage, I pray that God brings healing and restoration to your home and shows mercy to your family. May God bless you. Image credit: Temi Otedola's Instagram