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Elumelu Celebrates Birthday with Fresh Commitment to Empower 3,200 African Entrepreneurs

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Elumelu Celebrates Birthday with Fresh Commitment to Empower 3,200 African Entrepreneurs

Chairman of Heirs Holdings and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Tony O. Elumelu, has reaffirmed his commitment to driving entrepreneurship across Africa with the announcement of 3,200 beneficiaries for the 2026 edition of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme.

The announcement, made in Abuja to mark his birthday, underscores Elumelu’s enduring focus on impact, purpose, and the transformative role of entrepreneurship in shaping Africa’s economic future.

In his annual reflection, Elumelu stressed that prosperity on the continent can be deliberately created and expanded through strategic investment in people. “Hope is not just a feeling, it is a system we can build,” he said, reiterating his philosophy of Africapitalism, which advocates for the private sector as a key driver of Africa’s economic and social development.

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The 2026 cohort, drawn from all 54 African countries, will each receive a non-refundable seed capital of $5,000. In addition to funding, beneficiaries will gain access to business training, mentorship, and TEF’s digital platform, TEFConnect, designed to support enterprise growth and sustainability.

Elumelu highlighted the programme’s expanding footprint, noting that since its inception, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has disbursed over $100 million to more than 24,000 entrepreneurs across the continent. He added that about 80 per cent of supported businesses have successfully scaled beyond the early stage, outperforming global benchmarks.

According to the Foundation, TEF-backed businesses have collectively generated more than $4.2 billion in revenue, created approximately 1.5 million jobs, and lifted over 2.1 million Africans out of poverty, impacting more than four million households.

A key highlight of this year’s selection is the strong representation of women, who make up 51 per cent of the beneficiaries. Elumelu described this as a reflection of merit-based selection and a testament to the growing influence of African women in entrepreneurship.

“When opportunity is accessible, African women do not simply participate, they lead,” he said.

Reflecting on the Foundation’s journey since its establishment in 2010, Elumelu reiterated its mission to democratise opportunities and scale impact by investing in Africa’s human capital. He also expressed appreciation to partners, mentors, and stakeholders for their continued support in advancing the Foundation’s vision of a self-sustaining Africa.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation remains one of Africa’s leading philanthropic organisations dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs through funding, training, mentorship, and access to networks, with the aim of fostering inclusive economic growth and reshaping the continent’s development narrative.

Elumelu Celebrates Birthday with Fresh Commitment to Empower 3,200 African Entrepreneurs

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From Police Cadet to Industrial Icon: The Story of Olatunde Badmus

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Olatunde Badmus

From Police Cadet to Industrial Icon: The Story of Olatunde Badmus

Old age is often described as a gift, but it becomes truly remarkable when it is matched with good health, purpose, and a life lived in service to others. For those who rise from struggle, achieve success, and still carry themselves with humility into later years, their lives become rare examples of resilience and grace.

Life itself is unpredictable and layered with uncertainty. Yet, within that complexity, some individuals manage to build lasting meaning not only for themselves but for entire communities. One such figure is Olatunde Badmus, whose 80-year journey reflects discipline, vision, and sustained public impact.

Born on 9 May 1946 in Akim Oda, Ghana, Badmus began life in modest circumstances as the son of an Arabic teacher. He entered public service early, becoming a cadet inspector at 21, marking the beginning of a long and evolving professional journey shaped by discipline and public duty.

From Police Service to Journalism and Public Service

In 1967, Badmus made a decisive career shift, leaving the Nigeria Police Force to pursue journalism. That decision marked the start of his transition from uniformed service to public enlightenment.

At the Daily Times Nigeria Limited, he worked as a crime reporter, covering stories with investigative depth and a strong sense of social responsibility. His reporting often extended beyond headlines, reflecting concern for vulnerable communities, including elderly residents in Osogbo.

He later trained at the Daily Times Institute of Journalism under Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi before moving into broadcasting with WNTV/WNBC, where he worked until his retirement from broadcasting in 1981.

Building Industry from Community Need

Badmus later transformed his experience in media and public engagement into industrial enterprise. Through the TUNS Group of Companies, he built a diversified business portfolio spanning poultry, manufacturing, food and beverage, water production, biscuits, confectionery, and consultancy services.

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At the centre of his business philosophy was a consistent principle: solve community problems through sustainable enterprise.

This philosophy produced two of his most notable initiatives:

  • TUNS Water, created to provide free, clean, and safe water to the community
  • TUNS Farms, established to enhance food security, create jobs, and support agricultural development

Rather than charity-based intervention, these ventures were structured as long-term economic empowerment systems rooted in local need.

Education, Media Expansion, and Early Philanthropy

Education has remained central to Badmus’ philosophy. Early in his career, he dedicated part of his income to scholarships, a practice that later expanded into broader educational support initiatives.

He also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s media infrastructure. Through TUNS International, he supplied and installed broadcast equipment for NTA stations across the Southwest and former Bendel State, helping sustain broadcast operations during critical periods.

Agriculture, Faith, and Community Development

In 1985, Badmus formally deepened his focus on agriculture, restructuring his operations into TUNS Farms (Nigeria) Limited, with an emphasis on food production and rural economic development.

Beyond business, he has also played a visible role in religious and community advancement. As a supporter of Islamic initiatives, he funded and supported spiritual infrastructure, including a modern mosque for NASFAT in Osogbo.

He also contributed to civic advocacy efforts linked to Osogbo’s development, while maintaining a long-standing commitment to supporting the elderly and vulnerable in society.

A Legacy Built on Service and Consistency

Across decades of work in policing, journalism, broadcasting, industry, and agriculture, Badmus’ guiding principle has remained consistent: service to humanity through structured impact.

His enterprises reflect a model of reinvestment in society—through jobs, infrastructure, education, and community development systems that outlive individual gain.

Even at 80, he remains active and widely respected as a key figure in Osogbo’s economic and social development narrative.

Conclusion: A Life That Still Teaches

At 80, Olatunde Badmus represents more than longevity—he represents continuity of purpose. His journey shows that success is not defined only by accumulation, but by the depth of impact left behind.

From cadet inspector to journalist, broadcaster, industrialist, and community builder, his life tells a single, consistent story: purpose sustained over time becomes legacy.

As he marks this milestone, his story continues to serve as a guide for younger Nigerians seeking to balance ambition with service, and success with responsibility.

From Police Cadet to Industrial Icon: The Story of Olatunde Badmus

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How Gunmen Attack TCN Substation in Kwara, Force Power Shutdown

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Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Power Shutdown
Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)

How Gunmen Attack TCN Substation in Kwara, Force Power Shutdown

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that heavily armed men invaded its transmission facility in Offa, Kwara State, forcing operators to shut down electricity feeders at gunpoint and temporarily disrupting power supply in parts of the state.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 7, 2026, targeted the Offa 132kV transmission substation, one of the key facilities responsible for electricity transmission within the area.

In a statement issued by TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the attackers reportedly stormed the facility, forcefully entered the control room, and held workers on duty hostage during the operation.

According to the company, the gunmen ordered the operator on duty to disconnect both the Offa and Ojoku 33kV feeders at exactly 12:45 a.m., causing a temporary power outage in Kwara State.

TCN further disclosed that the attackers demanded a total shutdown of the transmission substation and allegedly tampered with critical control switches and relay buttons within the facility.

The company stated that the 40MVA transformer at the substation was eventually shut down at about 1:07 a.m., escalating concerns over the vulnerability of Nigeria’s critical power infrastructure to security threats.

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Following the attack, the Transmission Company of Nigeria declared a force majeure on the affected facility.

However, engineers were able to restore the transformer six minutes later at about 1:13 a.m., while electricity supply through the Offa feeder resumed by 1:14 a.m. Supply to the Ojoku feeder was later restored at approximately 2:15 a.m.

TCN apologised to customers affected by the temporary disruption and assured Nigerians of its continued commitment to transmitting bulk electricity efficiently across the country.

The attack has intensified concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara State and the growing targeting of strategic national infrastructure.

The latest incident comes amid increasing reports of attacks on security formations and public facilities within the North Central region.

Recently, suspected bandits reportedly attacked a Police Mobile Force camp in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing at least three police officers during a midnight assault.

Security analysts have warned that attacks on critical facilities such as power stations could have serious implications for national security, economic activities, and public confidence in government infrastructure protection.

Residents and stakeholders have also urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance around electricity facilities and other strategic installations to prevent further attacks.

As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the invasion, while security agencies had yet to announce any arrests connected to the incident.

The development has once again highlighted concerns over the security of Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure amid persistent challenges facing the nation’s power sector.

How Gunmen Attack TCN Substation in Kwara, Force Power Shutdown

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RCCG Pastor Faces Rape, Oral Sex Allegation as Church Refuses Suspension

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Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor, Tayo Sobowale
Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor, Tayo Sobowale

RCCG Pastor Faces Rape, Oral Sex Allegation as Church Refuses Suspension

OGBOMOSO, Nigeria – The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has broken its silence on the growing sexual misconduct scandal involving one of its youth pastors in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, but has so far declined to suspend him, confirming it is awaiting the outcome of an investigation by the school authority. The embattled pastor has now been publicly identified as Tayo Sobowale, who serves at the RCCG Strongtower parish, located near the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). The controversy erupted after a female LAUTECH student confronted him mid-service in a now-viral video, accusing him of attempted rape, sexual coercion, and demanding oral sex.

In the dramatic video, which has since racked up thousands of views across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the young woman accused Pastor Sobowale of predatory behavior under the guise of pastoring. According to her narrative, the pastor allegedly asked her to buy him pounded yam and egusi soup, then invited her to his private residence – described as an “upper room” – to deliver the food. Once inside, she claimed he tried to pin her down and force himself on her. When she resisted by closing her legs, she alleged he demanded oral sex. She further claimed the pastor boasted that he had engaged in similar acts with other female members, including a “Sister Rachel,” adding that “most of the ladies are virgins.” In a stunning response captured on video, Pastor Sobowale took the microphone and said: “She has spoken right, and the story is sweet. Let me ask her…” – at which point the recording ended abruptly.

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The RCCG National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Oyegbola, confirmed to Sunday PUNCH that the church is fully aware of the allegations. However, he said the church is taking a measured approach. “I have been able to confirm that the church is aware of the allegations and is waiting for the outcome of the investigation of the school authority to know the next steps,” Oyegbola said. When pressed on whether Pastor Sobowale has been suspended pending investigation, Oyegbola declined to give a direct answer, stating only that “an allegation is being investigated.” That response has drawn criticism from some Christian circles and online commentators, who argue that RCCG should immediately step down any pastor facing credible sexual misconduct allegations.

Following the public confrontation, other female church members have reportedly come forward with similar stories. According to sources close to the church, the allegations include unwanted sexual advances, emotional coercion using pastoral authority, inappropriate touching, and exploitation of vulnerable female students. The RCCG Strongtower parish is located near LAUTECH, making it a popular church for university students seeking spiritual guidance. That proximity has raised concerns about a potential pattern of abuse targeting young female undergraduates.

Official reactions have begun to trickle in from various authorities. The LAUTECH spokesperson, Lekan Fadeyi, told the press, “I’m just hearing this for the first time; but let me find out if any such case has been reported to the school authorities.” Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, stated, “I am not aware of the incident. The state Criminal Investigation Department usually handles such cases.” In contrast, a top Christian leader, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, who is also the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Lagos State, called for a full, unbiased inquiry. “The allegations should be properly investigated and if established, whoever is found wanting should answer questions on what has really transpired. Whoever is involved should be penalised. There is no guessing about that,” he said. He also cautioned that while false allegations are possible, justice and fairness demand a thorough probe.

RCCG Pastor Faces Rape, Oral Sex Allegation as Church Refuses Suspension

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