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The arrest and detention of Media Room Hub publisher, Azuka Ogujiuba, on August 8, 2025, has sparked outrage within media and human rights circles, raising fresh concerns about press freedom and police abuse of power in Nigeria.

Ogujiuba, a veteran journalist and former ThisDay reporter, was invited by officers of the Nigerian Police Force at the Asokoro Division Headquarters in Abuja on August 6. She honored the invitation, flying in with her legal representative. However, after being tracked for days, she was eventually picked up and allegedly whisked away without a warrant, “like a criminal,” and unlawfully detained for three days.

According to Ogujiuba, who said she had been invited by the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), she was nevertheless held and maltreated by officers identified as Moses Jolugbo, head of the Asokoro Police Station, along with Ifeoma Ogoli and Josephine Omotere.

Police authorities said her arrest followed a petition filed by businessman Adewale Oladapo, popularly known as Biggie, who accused her of cyberbullying and defamation. But Ogujiuba insists that the real reason for her ordeal was her outlet’s publication of a court injunction in an ongoing multi-billion-naira land dispute in Lagos, a ruling that did not favor Oladapo.

The case in question involves real estate developer Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, through his company Capital Gardens Limited, who dragged Oladapo’s firm Oretol Nigeria Limited before a Lagos High Court over alleged breach of contract concerning land at Hampton Island, Osapa, Lekki. The court subsequently issued an injunction restraining Oladapo and his company from interfering with about four hectares of the disputed land pending the outcome of the substantive matter.

That ruling was widely reported across Nigerian media. Yet Ogujiuba alleges she was singled out for reprisals.

According to the report, Capital Gardens Limited and its alter ego, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, had earlier petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) through their lawyers over alleged fraudulent land transactions involving Adewale Oladapo and Oretol Nigeria Limited. The petition, which was referred to the Lagos State Police Command’s X-Squad, reportedly centered on Fraudulent Conversion of Property, Obtaining by False Pretense, and Multiple Fraudulent Alienations.

The properties in dispute were said to include four hectares of land at Hampton Island Estate, 1.5 hectares at Hampton Harbour, 8,000sqm at Hampton Bay, and 1,000sqm at Banana Island, for which payments of approximately ₦3.5 billion, ₦1.8 billion, ₦800 million, and ₦783 million, respectively, were made to Oladapo and his company. Despite invitations from the police for questioning, Oladapo allegedly failed to appear, claiming to have travelled abroad, even though he was reportedly sighted at social gatherings in Abuja.

Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, who is widely recognized for his contributions to Nigeria’s real estate sector and for philanthropic initiatives through the Kennedy Okonkwo Programme for Leadership Development and Youth Empowerment, has maintained that the petitions and court actions were necessary steps to protect both investors and genuine stakeholders from fraudulent land dealings.

Ogujiuba, however, stressed that while Oladapo has allegedly evaded police investigations, she was treated as a criminal simply for reporting a valid court ruling.

“Adewale used Moses and Ifeoma to harass me,” she said. “They maltreated me and released my address to Adewale’s lawyers, Muiz Banire Chambers. The police tracked me for Adewale, and if anything happens to me or my family, the public should hold Moses Jolugbo, Ifeoma Ogoli, Josephine Omotere, and Adewale Oladapo responsible.”

She further claimed that while in detention, she was forced to sign an apology letter, which was later circulated on blogs, discrediting her earlier publication. She said Officer Ifeoma Ogoli compelled her to sign an undertaking that the apology was not made under duress.

She added that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was unaware of her ordeal, insisting that the officers acted outside their powers. The IGP had previously warned police officers to steer clear of commercial disputes and civil transactions, raising further questions about the legality of her detention.

Human rights advocates have rallied in her defense. Kehinde, a rights representative, argued that compliance with a valid court order cannot, under any circumstances, amount to cyberbullying. He called for accountability and justice for Ogujiuba, warning that her case underscores a dangerous trend of silencing journalists through intimidation.

International press watchdogs, including the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, have also expressed concern over Ogujiuba’s treatment, warning that such harassment undermines press freedom and erodes public trust in law enforcement institutions.

As the land dispute continues in court, Ogujiuba’s ordeal has become a flashpoint in the wider conversation about the misuse of state power, the vulnerability of journalists, and the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s justice system.

• FEMI ADESINA

When you have a bachelors degree in English and Drama tucked in your belt, and follow up with higher degrees in Communication Studies up to doctoral level, you are poised to conquer the world of journalism. And that was what she did.

Dr Doyin Abiola (née Aboaba) took Nigerian journalism by storm. From Daily Sketch, to Daily Times, and then Concord Press, she was a lady of many firsts. First female to edit a national daily (National Concord), first woman to be Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of a newspaper conglomerate (Concord Press), and many other landmark achievements.

I was both privileged and fortunate to have passed through the tutelage of Dr Doyin Abiola, and became one of her editors at the Concord Press.

From Staff Writer at Vanguard Newspaper, I joined Concord in 1991 as a Senior Staff Writer, recruited by the great and inimitable Mike Awoyinfa, who was editor of the soar away Weekend Concord.

That very first year, I won the award of Best Editorial Staff at Weekend Concord, nominated by Awoyinfa. And that was my first opportunity to meet Doyin (as we called her behind her back) in her office. She congratulated me for winning the award, and put the icing on the cake by saying, “I read your stories. You are very literary.”

It takes a person of literature to recognize another one. And Doyin was one of the best we had. A couple of years later, I did one column on Ibrahim Babangida, where I said what he gave to his friend, MKO Abiola (Concord Publisher and Doyin’s husband) was “the unkindest cut of all.” I added that Babangida smiled a lot, but “there’s dagger in men’s smile. The near in blood, the nearer bloody.” Those were William Shakespeare’s words, and Dr Abiola was quite impressed.

“I love your literary allusions,” she said when she met me a couple of days after the article appeared.

Woman of iron and steel. That was Dr Abiola for you. She didn’t suffer fools gladly. If you were sloppy (a favorite word of hers) or unprofessional in any way, you got the sharp part of her tongue, or you may end up being screamed at.

The day I was appointed deputy editor of National Concord, I was presented to her in the office. She congratulated me, and said we would be working closer now. Of course, I had made it a point of duty to avoid her as much as I could as a much junior person. She told me:

“I bark a lot, but I don’t bite. If you do your work well, we will be best of friends, but if you are sloppy (that word again), we will fight. I’ll scream and shout at you.”

Fortunately for me, that never happened. Not once.

I worked as deputy editor to Dele Alake, and later Tunji Bello, when the former went into government first as Special Adviser to Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State, and later Commissioner for Information and Strategy. Eventually, I was named editor of National Concord.

Concord Press had become quite troubled by then due to the privations of the Publisher in the hands of the military. Chief MKO Abiola was held in solitary confinement for upwards of five years, simply because he claimed the mandate Nigerians freely gave him as President in June 1993, but voided by the military.

We were all waiting for Chief Abiola to come out of detention, so that the newspaper could be reflated. But it didn’t happen. He died. We kept Concord Press alive for a couple of more years, but “a cold coming we had of it.” (T.S Eliot, Journey of the Magi). The paper also died.

While a lot of people had left when the newspaper was gasping for breath and couldn’t pay salaries, I stayed, though I also could have gone to ply my trade elsewhere. That meant I saw Dr Abiola daily. I was abreast with all her efforts to resuscitate the newspaper, in honor and memory of her husband. It didn’t work.

Eventually, a senior friend and editor-in-chief of the Nigerian Tribune titles, Sir Folu Olamiti, invited me to join the editorial board of the newspaper on visiting basis. That meant I had to leave Concord Press, where I had spent 11 years.

The day I approached Dr Abiola to tell her about the offer from Nigerian Tribune, we were both crestfallen, sad that things got to that sorry turn.

“Your life has to continue. Your career has to continue. Me, I’m a wife, I can’t go anywhere, “ she said. “You have my blessings. But who knows, our paths may still cross in future.”

She added in Yoruba: “Omo atijo ni e (meaning you are a child of yesteryear). So very well brought up, so loyal. I watched how you related with the two editors you were deputy to. So loyal to them. I noticed that you never came to me to backbite or run them down in any way. You will go far in life.”

How prescient! From Tribune, I became the pioneer editor of Daily Sun, and rose to Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief of the company. From there, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed me as his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, a position I held for eight years.

All through, I was in regular touch with Dr Abiola. She had valuable pieces of advice for me whenever things got rough, and also words of commendation when we did things right.

When she turned 80 on February 1, 2023, she had personally told me a few days before. She got presidential greetings.

A doting mother, she lived with her daughter, Doyin Abiola-Tobun, in her final years. Many times when we spoke on phone, I heard her remonstrating lovingly with her grandchildren in the background. I was glad she was happy in her twilight days.

When I heard of her passing from my ‘Oga for life’ Mike Awoyinfa in the wee hours of August 6, it was a huge shock to me, though she was 82. She had seemed indestructible.

Dr Doyin Abiola showed me friendship, which lasted for life. Eternal rest grant her oh Lord.

*Adesina was editor of National Concord under Dr Abiola, and adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, 2015-2023.

Publisher of The ELITES, Kemi Akinyemi has released the inspirational biography of Mrs. Delphine Olufunmilayo Meshida, an accomplished radiographer and matriarch of the Meshida family of Akure in Ondo State.

Akinyemi, a seasoned journalist, author and former assistant editor of TheNews, said the book is about a woman of substance and steel who defied all odds to achieve greatness and impact humanity through selfless service.

This, indeed, is what the book is all about. It is not just a biography that gives a factual written account of an individual’s life, experiences and significant events, it also mirrors the colours of the time that shapes them. For instance, very peculiar events and circumstances that shaped Meshida’s life at every point in time dot the book.

Akinyemi wrote: The book, “Delphine Olufunmilayo Meshida: Ethos of Her Unfeigned Love” tells the story of a woman who rose from humble beginnings to become a reference point in her career – radiography. Not only is her story inspiring, it is intriguing as well, and it reads like fiction, with its twists and turns. Of course, the road to success was paved with hard work, dedication, sacrifices and perseverance. But through sheer determination and courage, she overcame the obstacles, achieved her goals and rose to the peak of her career.”

An unputdownable read, it’s a book the readers will find interesting because of the fateful coincidences and sheer power of the prose. One thing that makes the book stand out is how Meshida, at every turning point of her life, turns disappointments into blessings, misfortune into fortune and makes lemonades from every lemon thrown at her.”

And just as Akinyemi wrote in the foreword, describing its uniqueness, “It graphically illustrates how Meshida broke the glass ceiling against all odds and rose above patriarchy to become the success story that she is today. She is a living proof that gender does not circumscribe or limit one’s capacity to aspire for greatness and achieve it.

The book which is loaded with the intriguing circumstances that shaped Meshida’s life, was officially unveiled last weekend.

Publisher of The ELITES, Kemi Akinyemi has released the inspirational biography of Mrs. Delphine Olufunmilayo Meshida, an accomplished radiographer and matriarch of the Meshida family of Akure in Ondo State. 

Akinyemi, a seasoned journalist, author and former assistant editor of TheNews, said the book is about a woman of substance and steel who defied all odds to achieve greatness and impact humanity through selfless service.

This, indeed, is what the book is all about. It is  not  just a biography that gives a factual written account of an individual’s life, experiences  and significant events, it also mirrors the colours of the time that shapes them. For instance, very peculiar events and circumstances that shaped Meshida’s life at every point in time dot the book.

Akinyemi wrote: The book, “Delphine Olufunmilayo Meshida: Ethos of Her Unfeigned Love” tells the story of a woman who rose from humble beginnings to become a reference point in her career – radiography. Not only is her story inspiring, it is intriguing as well, and it reads like fiction, with its twists and turns. Of course, the road to success was paved with hard work, dedication, sacrifices and perseverance. But through sheer determination and courage, she overcame the obstacles, achieved her goals and rose to the peak of her career.”

An unputdownable read, it’s a book the readers will find interesting because of the fateful coincidences and sheer power of the prose. One thing that makes the book stand out is how Meshida, at every turning point of her life, turns disappointments into blessings, misfortune into fortune and makes lemonades from every lemon thrown at her.”

And just as Akinyemi wrote in the foreword, describing its uniqueness, “It graphically illustrates how Meshida broke the glass ceiling against all odds and rose above patriarchy to become the success story that she is today. She is a living proof that gender does not circumscribe or limit one’s capacity to aspire for greatness and achieve it.

The book which is loaded with the intriguing circumstances that shaped Meshida’s life, was officially unveiled last weekend. 

By Femi Babafemi

I have had the privilege of knowing Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) for about 30 years. As a young reporter, I observed from a working distance the metamorphosis of a military administrator who was unlike any other—an enigma committed as much to his work as to becoming a paragon of excellence in public administration. In an era when military governments were often distant from the people, he ironically became a man of the people in Lagos State, the very cauldron of anti-military sentiment.

Quite luckily, twenty-five years later, I found myself working with him as my direct boss. Then, and even now, he remains the quintessential beacon of leadership and inspiration. Certain men are legends: larger than life by their achievements. Gen Marwa is undoubtedly one of them. Around him, there are never-ending stories of his goodness, drive, and accomplishments. Wherever you go—from New York to Washington; from Borno to Lagos; from Kaduna to Abuja and from Lagos to Owerri—if you meet someone who has worked with him or knows him in a leadership or personal capacity, the encounter is certain to reveal new perspectives of Marwa. Each fresh recollection adds another dimension to his multifaceted personality. Despite knowing him for years, I still hear new details by the day.

Working closely with him at Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency over the past 56 months has afforded me the opportunity to reflect on his character, distil his qualities, and identify what stands him out. In that way, I also have my own stories to tell about him in a work context. I can say this without any iota of doubt or contradiction: wherever he works, the place feels the pulse of change, and he leaves a legacy that continues to echo for generations, long after his departure.

One such story comes from his tenure as Defence Adviser in New York. He had previously served briefly as Deputy Defence Adviser at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington before his recall home. His second tenure in America, as Defence Adviser at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, resonates to this day. Through his foresight and effort, he was able to secure permanent accommodation for future occupants of that role—a privilege that had not existed before him. His predecessors had been left to solve accommodation challenges on their own, but he deemed it fit that there should be an official residence for the office and was committed to make it a reality. Today, that is a lasting legacy of the office.

There was a strong sense of déjà vu earlier in February this year, when he stood with dignitaries to commission the first-ever barracks for the 35-year-old National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). What he accomplished decades ago in New York was repeated at NDLEA, where he currently serves. That is the vintage MB Marwa. His life and legacy follow a familiar arc. At DICON, he transformed what did not exist into tangible structures and systems.

In Lagos, his achievements were legendary; in recounting them, he is often elevated to an Olympian. Lagosians remember his impact vividly and with nostalgia, reveling in his legacies. The famous ‘Keke Marwa,’ now ubiquitous across the country, remains a reminder of his extraordinary administrative acumen in Lagos. His other imprints, such as restoration of security through Operation Sweep; Operation 250 Roads; the construction of many housing estates; Lagos University College of Medicine; and Eko Tourist Beach Resort, to name but a few, stand in bold relief in the state’s history. Indeed, his transformative influence extends back to his time in the old Borno State (now present day Borno and Yobe states), which is still recalled with admiration by the generation that experienced him. The establishment of State Ministry of Water Resources in Nigeria began in Borno, and its creator was the State Military Governor, the then Colonel Mohamed Buba Marwa.

Now, at NDLEA, his four and half years of leadership have been equally transformative. His vision and guidance have woken a sleeping giant by introducing reforms that are both foundational and forward-looking. Today, NDLEA’s service resonates not only nationally but regionally and globally. For Marwa, there is no magic wand—that is my summation. Yes, leadership and vision are traits he embodies, but these alone cannot adequately capture the essence of the man.

In my final conclusion, I always say: he is a man of uncommon grace, imbued with the capacity to touch lives, shape institutions, and leave an indelible mark. In that way, his name has found its place in our national book of exploits for services of enduring impact.

As he celebrates his 72nd birthday today 9th September, I am delighted to join others in wishing him a long and fulfilling life. He is a celebrated hero: with two national honours, CON and OFR, scores of chieftaincy titles across Nigeria, and four Honoris Causa, his record is a testament to a life of recognition. Our celebration of him, and his new age, is an acknowledgment of how his unwavering dedication and keen sense of service have shaped countless lives, livelihoods, and institutions across our nation.

• Femi Babafemi is the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Abuja

The Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the renowned Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, MFR, is dead.

She died on Saturday, September 6, 2025, after a brief illness. She was aged 92. 

Her death was confirmed in a statement by the school, which she established in 1991 in honour of her late daughter.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved founder, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

“Chief (Mrs.) Fowler was a true pioneer, an erudite lawyer, and a visionary educationalist who founded Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in 1991. 

“Her life was a testament to the power of empowering young women through education.

“Her guidance and motherly warmth built not just a school, but a community dedicated to excellence,” the statement partly read.

Born in Lagos on March 23, 1933, Fowler (née Moore) was educated at CMS Girls’ School in Lagos and later at Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, where she obtained her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951.

She initially pursued a teaching career before training as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Her academic ambition later led her to law at Middle Temple, where she was called to the Bar in 1962, before returning to Nigeria to be called to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.

Fowler built a career in legal practice, specialising in insurance law and consultancy.

She also contributed to public life, serving as a councillor in the Lagos City Council from 1978 to 1980, and was actively involved with the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.

Her passion for education culminated in the founding of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, which has since become one of Nigeria’s leading all-girls schools, renowned for its culture of academic excellence and leadership training.

Fowler was widowed in 2015 after the death of her husband, Professor Vidal Fowler, a surgeon and respected scholar.

In recognition of her contributions to education and society, she was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.

The school’s tribute described her as a devout Christian, lover of music, philanthropist and mentor who “will be deeply missed,” adding that “Her legacy of service, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”

FirstBank, the leading financial institution and provider of financial inclusion services in West Africa, has officially launched its FirstMonie Merchant Solution. This innovative platform is designed to enable merchants and businesses across Nigeria to seamlessly accept digital payments with efficiency and ease.

The FirstMonie Merchant Solution responds to the increasing need for dependable digital payment systems by offering a streamlined and automated onboarding process, an integrated referral system, and customizable features such as Pay with Transfer and Purchase. Additional capabilities include instant settlement, concession management with flexible and competitive pricing, automatic terminal registration, and a comprehensive suite of products spanning all pricing tiers. The solution comes equipped with pre-configured, ready-to-use POS terminals, as well as a network dashboard offering real-time monitoring, dispute resolution, and complaint management. These functionalities contribute significantly to improving the merchant experience by enhancing liquidity, accuracy, and operational control, while effectively minimizing chargebacks.

Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, remarked on the launch: “FirstMonie Merchant Solution is set to transform digital payments in Nigeria. With its advanced features and seamless onboarding, we are empowering businesses of all sizes and locations to thrive in the digital economy.”

He further emphasized that the FirstMonie Merchant Solution will enhance operational efficiency within Nigeria’s payments industry. “This is not merely a product introduction; we are simplifying payment processes and providing merchants with improved transparency, control, and speed for daily transactions. At FirstBank, our commitment remains steadfast in building financial ecosystems that offer value, convenience, and trust to all stakeholders.”

Both new and existing FirstBank account holders can access the FirstMonie Merchant Solution through a straightforward online registration at www.firstbanknigeria.com/getyourpos.

Leveraging FirstBank’s established technological infrastructure, the FirstMonie Merchant Solution demonstrates the Bank’s dedication to fostering growth and financial inclusion by delivering scalable, reliable, and user-friendly digital solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Nigerian enterprises.

Beyond enabling seamless digital payments, the FirstMonie Merchant Wallet Solution reinforces FirstBank’s commitment to the safety and security of merchant funds, a critical assurance that many Fintech alternatives do not provide.

With a heritage spanning 131 years, FirstBank continues to drive innovation in African banking. The introduction of the FirstMonie Merchant Solution reaffirms the Bank’s leadership in digital banking and underscores its mission to broaden access to financial services nationwide. Supported by a network of over 300,000 FirstMonie agents, FirstBank maintains its position at the forefront of accessible and innovative financial solutions for individuals and businesses throughout Nigeria.🇳🇬

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 59th birthday, describing him as a loyal partner whose dedication continues to justify his choice as deputy.

In a statement on Monday to celebrate the Vice President, Tinubu hailed Shettima as a “brother, co-traveller, and partner in nation-building,” praising his courage, tenacity, and belief in Nigeria’s greatness.

“Every day as Vice President, you have strengthened our work, brought fresh perspectives, and upheld our commitment to Nigerians. Your dedication reassures me that I did not make a mistake in choosing you,” the President said.

He commended Shettima’s record as two-term governor of Borno State and later as Senator, noting that he consistently proved that leadership is service, not privilege, even in challenging times.

Tinubu said Shettima’s partnership has been central to laying the foundations of the Renewed Hope Agenda, from forging global alliances to driving food security and investment reforms.

“Our bond transcends regions and traditions, united by purpose and service. You remind us of what is possible when Nigeria comes first,” he added.

The President wished the Vice President renewed vitality, wisdom, and more years of impactful service.

Below is the full text of his statement:

Today, September 2, 2025, presents me with another unique opportunity to celebrate you, my brother, partner, and Vice President, as you mark another birthday.

Since we embarked on this journey, united by the shared vision of building a more prosperous nation, your courage, sense of duty, tenacity, determination, and belief in Nigeria’s greatness have remained unshaken.

You served the people of Borno, your home state, excellently as Governor for eight years and later as Senator representing Borno Central in the National Assembly. In both roles, you showed that leadership is service, not privilege, even in the face of immense challenges.

However, your service to Nigeria, fueled by your passion for democracy, good governance, and economic development, has been even more remarkable.

I deeply appreciate your vibrancy, loyalty, partnership, and support as my deputy. In choosing you then as a partner, I selected competence and other qualities that Nigeria could depend on. 

Every day, as Vice President, you have justified that choice by strengthening our work, bringing fresh perspectives, and upholding our commitment to Nigerians. Your dedication reassures me that I did not make a mistake in choosing you as my deputy.

Together, we have begun to lay the foundations of the Renewed Hope Agenda. From securing new global partnerships across the Atlantic to driving food security and investment reforms at home, your partnership has been integral to our success. 

In the months ahead, as we unlock new trade corridors and deliver more schools, hospitals, and jobs, our partnership will continue to yield results that Nigerians can see and feel. We must continue to work towards the full realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which will foster prosperity in the country and enhance the living standards of our people.

Our relationship transcends official duties. It is a bridge across regions and traditions, united in purpose and service. You remind us of what is possible when Nigeria comes first — an example worthy of emulation by those who aspire to lead.

On this occasion of your 59th birthday, I heartily wish you renewed vitality, wisdom and more years of impact.

Happy birthday, Kashim, and many happy returns! 

Tinubu is the President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Governor of Zamfara State, Dr Dauda Lawal, on his 60th birthday today, Tuesday, 2 September, 2025.

President Tinubu commended the Governor for his dedication to the development of Zamfara and his steadfast pursuit of peace and security in the state.

While assuring Governor Lawal of the Federal Government’s continued support, the President encouraged him to remain committed to delivering good governance, fostering unity, and driving sustainable development in the state.

”Dear Governor Dauda Lawal, on behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, I wish you good health, strength, and divine wisdom as you continue to serve the people of Zamfara State and the nation,” President Tinubu added.

The legendary Italian designer built a luxury empire that stretched from his fashion lines to interior design, restaurants and hotels.

Giorgio Armani, the iconic fashion designer who had redefined luxury fashion since the late 1970s, died on September 4 at age 91. The reason for his death was not disclosed in a company press statement, but Armani had missed the Milan and Paris fashion weeks in June and July due to unspecified health issues and had reportedly been recovering at home following a hospital stay.

After starting out as a low-level buyer at a department store in Milan, Italy in the late 1950s, Armani went on to launch his own brand in 1975 and became one of the world’s leading designers and luxury fashion moguls.

Forbes estimates Armani was worth $12.1 billion at the time of his death, largely thanks to his 99.9% stake in his eponymous fashion house. The remaining 0.1% is owned by the Milan-based Giorgio Armani Foundation, which he established in 2016 to “ensure continuous guidance for the company’s future management.” The company reported EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $412 million on $2.4 billion in revenues in 2024, a 24% and 5% drop, respectively, compared to the previous year. Armani also owned a 2% stake in eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica worth $3.2 billion when he died, as well as hundreds of millions of euros worth of real estate and a $29 million yacht named Main.

“In this company, we have always felt like part of a family. Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication,” read the press statement by his family and employees. “But it is precisely in his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love.”

In a March 2021 interview with Vogue, Armani said that he planned to pass down the closely-held company to his family and closest business associate, naming his niece Roberta Armani and his right-hand man Leo Dell’Orco as his heirs. He also said that keeping the brand independently and privately owned was “not so strictly necessary,” hinting at the possibility of selling to or partnering with another company. In an interview with the Financial Times on August 29, days before his death, he said that he planned for his succession to be a “gradual transition” to Dell’Orco, members of his family and his working team.

“I always try to maintain a sense of reality and ensure that I surround myself with the right people, who understand the times in which we live,” he told Forbes in 2017 for the magazine’s 100-year-anniversary issue. “In this line of work, my team is crucial. I’m the one who decides, but I like having lots of other people with whom I can discuss ideas, as this helps with the creative process.”

Giorgio Armani was born in the northern Italian city of Piacenza in 1934, where he attended high school and studied medicine for two years at the local university before leaving to complete his military service. In 1957, he abandoned the idea of becoming a doctor and instead decamped to Milan, where he took a job as a merchandiser and window dresser at the department store La Rinascente.

He quickly developed a passion for the fashion industry, and later moved on from La Rinascente to work as a designer for high-end stylist Nino Cerruti. After years of designing for Cerruti and freelancing for other companies, he decided to set up his own fashion house in 1975 with his partner, Sergio Galeotti, who reportedly convinced him to raise funds for the new outfit by selling his Volkswagen Beetle. On July 24, 1975, the pair founded Giorgio Armani, offering lines that broke the mold by dressing women in power suits and men in women’s fabrics. In his early years as a designer, Armani began sketching his designs on a black background with a pencil and crayons, sometimes drawing directly on fabric.

His next big break came in 1980, when he was asked to design Richard Gere’s wardrobe in the blockbuster hit movie American Gigolo. Over the years, Armani expanded to offer accessories, perfume, makeup and sportswear, as well as lower-priced lines such as Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans. Tragedy struck in 1985 when his partner Sergio Galeotti died of AIDS, but Armani pressed ahead. As the business grew, so did his stature: Armani was appointed a knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Italy’s highest civilian honor, in 1987; he was later named a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 2002 and joined the French Legion of Honor in 2008. That same year, he also dipped his toes into sports ownership by acquiring the Olimpia Milano basketball team.

During his long career in fashion, Armani pioneered trends including putting haute couture shows on the internet, when he partnered with msn.com to live-stream the unveiling of his summer collection in Paris in 2007. In February 2020, he was the first major designer to cancel a fashion show due to the Covid-19 pandemic, deciding instead to host his Milan show virtually. One month later, Armani donated about $2.4 million (2 million euros) to hospitals in Milan, Rome, Bergamo, Piacenza and Versilia and to the Italian civil protection agency. Weeks after the country went into lockdown to combat the virus, Armani also converted all production at the company’s Italian factories to make medical overalls.

“As history teaches us, new opportunities are born from the deepest moments of crisis,” he told Forbes in March 2020.