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What Oyo MILAD, Jemibewon, did to me over ‘Joy Girl’ advert ―Omisore
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Director General, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Foundation, Ipoola Omisore, is an ex-lawmaker and advertising guru. He told BOLA BADMUS stories of his life journey.
Can you tell us your background?
My name is Ahmed Ipoola Omisore. I was born in Ile-Ife on the 8th of July 1948 to a very large family–one of the largest families in West Africa–the Omisore family dynasty. My father was Alhaji Saliu Olayemi, the Baba Adini of Ile-Ife Muslims and the Baale of Olode town in Ife South. I attended Ansar-ul-deen Primary School in 1955, I was one of the first sets of beneficiaries of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education in the old Western Region and I left in 1960 during the Independence. I was one of the beneficiaries of the free rice, free cup, free national flag, and it was very remarkable that the year was the first time I entered Lagos to attend the first Trade Fair and Exhibition at the Bar Beach, which was organised in 1960 for the Independence ceremony by the British. And it was eye-opening for a man from the hinterland to come to the city.
attended Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife in 1962 and left in 1967. Among my mates in the college was the late Dele Giwa, who was my junior in the primary school. We met again at the college, and we left at the same time. At the college, I was one of the Literary and Debating society’s men. I was a member of the crew of the school magazine called The Touch and Dele Giwa was the editor. I remember that was the time they first introduced what we called Oral English, the phonics of today and Dele Giwa was the sole candidate for Oral English in those days. All of us cut our teeth right from our school days.
What are the earliest memories of your dad?
I knew that my father earmarked me to be a Muslim Alfa (cleric). He wanted me to attend ‘Ile kewu’ to study Arabic and he said ‘among all my children I want you to serve me.’ But luckily enough, I saw my uncle taking his own children to go and register for free primary school education, so I ran and joined them. And those were the days when your right hand must touch your left ear, or your left hand must touch your right ear, and I was lucky to scale through; I was over six years or so then. In secondary school, I remember we had what we called the American corps that were seconded to Nigeria to come and teach. We had one Mr. Epner, a West Indian tutor, who brought exposure to the hinterland, and most of us who went through that school succeeded because of the exposure; people like Dele Giwa, who became a world-famous journalist, like Biodun Sote, who is a professor at UNILAG, like Mulikatu Bello, like Lawal then, who became Controller of WAEC.
And after secondary school…
Leaving secondary school, I had the background of a son of a produce merchant. My father was a produce merchant. I worked at close range with people involved in produce inspection service, grading cocoa and palm kernel in those days which was the highlight of Nigeria’s economy then. So, I insisted on becoming a produce inspector because, in those days, produce inspector was like a Custom officer who makes more money than working as a clerk. And I was employed by the Western Nigeria Ministry of Agriculture, I think, in 1968. That was after my secondary school
I trained at Onireke, seconded to the Wharf, where I became a check tester and transferred back to Ile-Ife as a produce inspector. And in those days, it was beautiful. We were earning £198 a year, £16.10 per month. Even while I was transferred back to Lagos, we were still earning that amount. I was brilliant, I passed assimilated advancement test, which was to be taken by three-year-olds in service. I took it in one and a half years, and I passed. Then my salary went to £207 per annum amounting to £17.10 per month, and that was big. But income tax would take away one pound. While Lagos was paying heavy tax then, the other part of the country was paying less. So, taxation, introduced by Awolowo, was building Western Region then. After about three years, I travelled abroad. I first of all went to Hamburg in West Germany.
What was the motivation to travel when doing well at home?
In my family, we believe in education and as at that time, we had more than 90 Omisores in England. So, it became a culture of every Omisore, after secondary school education, to travel abroad; we have a historical background there. The Omisores, as far back as 1940, were having houses and studying there. So, most of the successful Omisores went through UK and I had to follow suit. The visa was difficult then, you normally get visa at the point of entry. So, if you get to Heathrow and they say no, you’re coming back to Lagos. It’s a greater risk than turning you down at the embassy. I had to go through West Germany, Hamburg, by ship, by rail, to London.
In Germany, I went to study journalism and I discovered that German language is very difficult. So, I chose to go to England. I arrived in England July 1971and I attempted to study insurance. A month to the time I got there, they just changed their entry qualification to OND. So, I said no. I went straight to go and study advertising which was mocked by those around me, but while I was in the college, I remember I was listening to commercials. In those days, on the radio, we used to hear advert calling our attention to one particular popular product people should buy if they wanted to cook, so I like the poetic method and all that.
What really fired your imagination?
I said, “who are those doing this radio adverts?” They said it was advertising people and that was what motivated me to say, “I wanted to study it.” I like things that are literary and imaginative.
So, I joined London Polytechnic, Moorgate for a three-year course. I was quite serious and I had an uncle that told me, “You have to face your studies.” So, I followed them to the library on Saturdays and on Sundays and within six months, I finished the one-year course. So, I now checked the condition of entry for that course, nothing says that you must pass part one before you go to part two.
I said, “I can try part two now.” I looked at it and I went to correspondence school, Rapid Results College, ICS. I took correspondence; I did that at home. The reason why I took that correspondence was actually because of the English teachers. I couldn’t hear them well and I always say, “pardon, pardon” and the whole class will burst out laughing. They knew I am an African and most of them normally made sure that I don’t hear them. So, I now devised a method of reading ahead of the class.
Second year, I went to attend one of the classes. When I finished that subject and I was to go out, they asked “won’t you wait for the next subject?” I said, “I had passed it.” And my classmates then were already in the industry and were top advertising men in their companies. So they said, “What do you mean?” I said, I passed it and I brought out the results sheet. They said this man had done an illegal thing. I read the conditions and nothing says otherwise. The lecturer then replied that “it is true; nothing says he cannot do it.” They went to the institute to find out, the institute said nothing stops me from doing so and that is why if you go to my school in the UK today, my name is still engraved on an 11-storey building as winner of Best African Student Award.
Nigerian Tribune
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Nigeria @ 66: Olotu Akpodiete Felicitates Nigerians, Deltans, U3 Constituents, Says Better Days Ahead
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary, the Executive Director of Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP, has felicitated with Nigerians, Deltans and the people of Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency (U3) on the historic occasion.
In his Independence Day message released on Wednesday, Dr. Akpodiete congratulated citizens for their resilience, unity and unwavering faith in the Nigerian project despite years of challenges.
He said 66 years of nationhood is a testament to the strength and diversity of the Nigerian people, noting that though the journey has been rough, the future holds greater promise if citizens remain united and hopeful.
“On behalf of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, I heartily felicitate with all Nigerians, Deltans and my beloved people of U3 on the occasion of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. We have come a long way as a nation, and despite our challenges, we have remained one indivisible people,” he said.
Dr. Akpodiete urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, stressing that nation-building is a collective responsibility that requires patience, patriotism and sacrifice from all.
He particularly called on the youths of U3 and Delta State to remain law-abiding and optimistic, assuring them that a greater Nigeria is achievable.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Foundation’s Executive Director said Nigerians have another golden opportunity to shape the future of the country by electing credible, competent and people-oriented leaders at all levels.
According to him, “As we celebrate Nigeria @ 66, we must remember that the destiny of this nation is in our hands. The 2027 general election is around the corner and it presents us with another opportunity to select new leaders who will truly serve the people and build the greater Nigeria we all desire. Let us keep faith, get involved, and choose wisely.”
He prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for Nigeria, Delta State and the U3 Federal Constituency, and wished all citizens a joyful Independence celebration.
The Coalition for Good Governance in Nigeria (CGGN) has issued a formal and complete retraction of its earlier statement demanding the resignation or suspension of Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).
In a statement dated 29 September 2026 and signed by Salisu Mohammed, the group said the assertions contained in its previous release were inaccurate, incomplete and not supported by verifiable evidence, and that it was therefore withdrawing the statement in its entirety.
“The Coalition for Good Governance in Nigeria (CGGN) hereby issues this formal and complete retraction of its earlier statement calling for the resignation or suspension of Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin,” the group declared.
“Upon rigorous internal review, further engagement with relevant documents, and careful consideration of additional facts that have since come to light, the Coalition has determined that the assertions contained in that earlier statement were inaccurate, incomplete, and not supported by verifiable evidence.
“We therefore withdraw the statement in its entirety.”
CGGN specifically withdrew its earlier characterisation of NAICOM’s regulatory actions during the recapitalisation exercise as unlawful.
It also retracted claims relating to alleged unlawful demands, forced transfers of capital into CBN escrow accounts, and the collection of funds for consultants who were never engaged.
The group further abandoned its assertion that Omosehin’s continued presence in office constituted a “clear and present danger” to the insurance sector or an affront to accountability.
“The characterisation of NAICOM’s regulatory actions during the ongoing recapitalisation exercise as unlawful or lacking legal foundation was erroneous,” the statement said.
“Claims relating to alleged ‘unlawful demands,’ forced transfers into escrow accounts contrary to statute, and the collection of funds for consultants who were ‘never engaged’ have been found to be based on incomplete information and misapprehension of the applicable legal and regulatory framework.”
The Coalition expressed regret over any distress, reputational harm or public anxiety its earlier statement may have caused Omosehin, NAICOM staff, insurance operators, policyholders and the general public.
It offered an unreserved apology for publishing claims that subsequent scrutiny had shown to be incorrect.
CGGN stressed that good governance requires not only the courage to raise concerns but also the integrity to correct the record when those concerns prove misplaced.
“The Coalition regrets any distress, reputational harm, or unnecessary public anxiety that the earlier statement may have caused Mr. Omosehin, the management and staff of NAICOM, operators in the insurance industry, policyholders, and the general public,” the group stated.
“We unreservedly apologise for the publication of claims that subsequent scrutiny has shown to be incorrect.
“Good governance requires not only the courage to speak when concerns arise, but also the integrity to correct the record when those concerns are shown to be misplaced.”
As a result, the Coalition formally retracted every demand for Omosehin’s immediate resignation or suspension.
It also withdrew any suggestion that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy should take disciplinary action against him on the basis of the earlier petition narrative.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the strengthening of Nigeria’s financial services sector, while recognising the critical role of an independent insurance regulator.
“We therefore retract, without reservation, every demand for the immediate resignation or suspension of the Commissioner for Insurance,” the statement continued.
“We further withdraw any suggestion that the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy should take disciplinary action against him on the basis of the earlier petition narrative.”
CGGN said nothing in the retraction diminished its interest in the orderly and lawful conduct of the recapitalisation exercise.
It simply corrected the record where the organisation had previously fallen short.
The Coalition urged all stakeholders to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Federal Ministry of Finance and NAICOM to discharge their statutory mandates without the distraction of unsubstantiated public campaigns.
“The Coalition reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s financial services sector,” the group added.
“We recognise the critical role of an independent and professional insurance regulator in protecting policyholders, attracting investment, and safeguarding systemic stability.
“Nothing in this retraction diminishes our ongoing interest in the orderly and lawful conduct of the recapitalisation exercise; it simply corrects the record where we previously fell short.”
In closing, CGGN said the retraction was issued in the public interest and in the spirit of fairness and accuracy that must always guide civic advocacy.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government has congratulated the Government and people of Botswana on the country’s 60th Independence Anniversary, praising its progress since gaining independence in 1966.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the government conveyed Nigeria’s warm felicitations to Batswana as the country marked the milestone.
Nigeria’s congratulatory message was conveyed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria.
The government said Botswana’s journey since independence on September 30, 1966, had been marked by significant progress in nation-building.
“Nigeria recognises the remarkable progress Botswana has made in its nation-building journey since independence on 30 September 1966, and commends its Government and people for their resilience, dedication and courage in advancing national development over the decades,” the minister said.
Nigeria described its relationship with Botswana as longstanding, cordial and mutually beneficial, built around shared values and interests, mutual respect and a commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
According to the statement, bilateral relations between both countries have expanded over the years across political, economic and socio-cultural spheres.
The relationship has also been supported by institutional engagement and growing people-to-people exchanges, particularly through the Nigeria-Botswana Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation.
At the multilateral level, Nigeria said it continued to work closely with Botswana within the United Nations, African Union and Commonwealth of Nations.
It said both countries had contributed to efforts aimed at promoting international peace and security, sustainable development and a stronger multilateral system.
Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its friendship and solidarity with Botswana while deepening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The Federal Government extended its best wishes to Botswana’s President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, as well as the government and people of the country.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu wished Botswana continued “peace, stability, prosperity and progress” as it entered a new chapter of its post-independence journey.
Nigeria @ 66: Olotu Akpodiete Felicitates Nigerians, Deltans, U3 Constituents, Says Better Days Ahead
CGGN Issues Unreserved Apology, Retracts Allegations Against NAICOM CEO
Nigeria Celebrates Botswana at 60, Pledges Stronger Bilateral Ties
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