Musiliu Obanikoro's Son Warms Up For 2015

Says: "My Father Is My Backbone"

'Jide Obanikoro is the eldest son of Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, the Minister of State for Defence. In this interview with City People's Society Editor, TAYO FAJORIN, 'Jide talks about his plans for 2015, and other sundry issues.

How did politics start for you?

I started partisan politics in 2010, though I have been in politics since my university days. I graduated in 2006, so it has been 8 years. I went to Kings College, from there I went to US where I had my 1st degree in Political Science, and a Master’s from a university in New York. Apart from politics,I am into Logistics, Real Estate and Agriculture. I am a card-carrying member of PDP, I contested for Lagos House of Assembly, 2011 and Chairmanship in 2011 respectively.

Did you intentionally study Political Science to help your political career?

I studied Political Science because I have flair and passion for what I do. I felt my call is in serving people and making sure they all participate in changing lives, contributing my quota to the development of my community, and to the nation as a whole; being my brother’s keeper in order to have one voice and achieving it together.

Having lost in the last elections, what is the next thing for you, politically?

It has been a long time coming, 2015 is around the corner, by August and September this year, I will let my intentions known, definitely I am contesting again.

How has the relationship between you and your father been, as relating to politics?

He is the major backbone I have in politics. We have been together for years and there is nothing I don’t discuss with him. Every information I have or that he has, we always share together. We are a very good team working together.

Can you say your father has opened doors for you in politics?

Yes, my father has helped my political career a great deal. His name has opened so many doors for me. All I do is just to knock on the doors and they will be opened.

How many stronghold did you gather in the last elections?

I was very strong and strong enough to win any contender, strong enough to win the party ticket and much more to defeat the incumbent party at the polls.

Who were your contenders?

For the House of Assembly, I ran against Muyiwa Ariyo and for the Chairmanship, same Muyiwa Ariyo was there, Alhaji Idowu and some others.

Is there any project you are working on?

We always have pet projects to work on. They are the ones that are beneficial to the public but I try to keep it off the radar because I do it for God and for the people.

What’s your mum’s role in all of this?

My mum has her days when she is skeptical about my being in politics but in all, she has been supportive. She goes out of her way to make sure her son is not put to shame.

Can you share with us your background?

I am Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, a.k.a IBO. I come from a humble family. my father is Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, one time governorship aspirant in Lagos State, and former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana .I am not officially married but I have a fiancee, Fatima and blessed with children. They are doing very well and I am making sure I give them the best legacy and upkeep my father has given me. None of my siblings is into politics for now.

Does your fiancée support your going into politics?

Yes, she has no grudge against it. she is fine with me.

Chibok: Israel To Send Anti-Terrorism Experts

 

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has said in Abuja today, 11 May 2014 that he was very optimistic that with the entire international community deploying its considerable military and intelligence-gathering skills and assets in support of Nigeria’s efforts to find and rescue the abducted Chibok girls, success will soon be achieved.

In a statement by his spokesman Reuben Abati, it reads that: "Speaking in a telephone conversation with the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu who called this afternoon to convey his country’s sympathy and solidarity with Nigeria, President Jonathan welcomed the offer by Mr. Netanyahu to send a team of Israeli counter-terrorism experts to assist in the ongoing search and rescue operations.

The President briefed Mr. Netanyahu on actions already being taken by Nigeria’s armed forces and security agencies to locate and rescue the girls, saying that Nigeria would be pleased to have Israel’s globally-acknowledged anti-terrorism expertise deployed to support its ongoing operations.

Mr. Netanyahu who expressed Israel’s total condemnation of the mass abductions, said that the team of experts from his country who will soon arrive in Nigeria will work in collaboration with the teams from the United States and  Britain who are already in the country and their Nigerian counterparts to intensify the search for the girls. He reaffirmed Israel’s willingness to give the government and people of Nigeria all possible support and assistance to overcome terrorism and insecurity."  

Meet Billionaire Industrialist, Tony Elumelu's Wife

In celebration of Mothers' Day, former United Bank for Africa(UBA) MD/CEO, and founder of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu tweeted a goodwill message to all mothers: "I remember the mothers of the Chibok girls today and I pray that their joy will not be cut short. Happy mothers' day to the queen of my home, Dr. A.V. Elumelu. And to my mother, sisters and all the strong women surrounding me that have shaped who I am today".

Tony Elumelu's wife, Dr. Awele Vivien Elumelu is the Chief Executive Officer of Avon Medical Services Limited and oversees the healthcare investments of her husband's Heirs Holdings, a proprietary investment company operating a portfolio of businesses across the African continent.

She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from the University of Benin. Her experience as a medical doctor includes medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology and emergency medicine. In Nigeria, Dr Elumelu has worked with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and, in the UK, with Grantham and District Hospital, Grantham.

Popular Pastors Who Were Born Muslims

BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO

The founder of Living Faith Christian Church International(Winners' Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo was

born to a Muslim father and Christian mother.

PASTOR MATTHEW ASHIMOLOWO

He was born as Ahmed Ashimolowo in Kaduna to Muslim parents. He is the Founder/Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre(KICC).

PASTOR TUNDE BAKARE

Pastor (Dr.) 'Tunde Bakare was born to Muslim parents. He is the Founder of The LatterRain Assembly headquartered in Lagos.

REV. PAUL JINADU

Born in Lagos, the founder of the New Covenant Church, Rev. Paul Jinadu was a devout Muslim from childhood.

REV. GEORGE ADEGBOYE

His father was a Muslim, who later became a Christian. Rev. George Adegboye is the Founder of Rhema Chapel International Churches.