Lifestyle

The Road To The Past

Published

1 year ago

June 5, 2025

Last week, I wrote about the past—the glorious era of our education system. It was a time when deliberate efforts were made to engage young minds early, exposing them to diverse cultures and values through the written word. Education was not merely about passing exams; it was about shaping the mind, the character, and the society.

In the days that followed that piece, many of my contemporaries—and even some older—reached out. They shared how the article stirred a wave of nostalgia, transporting them to a forgotten past that now, through reflection, seemed nothing short of golden. One friend even reminded me of a song we used to sing with joy whenever the Aworerin journal was distributed in primary schools across the Western Region:

Aworerin dun, baba jowo ra fun mi

Aworerin dun jowo baba ra fun mi

Gbogbo wa ni, gbogbo wa ni

Gbogbo wa ni, gbogbo wa l’egbe Aworerin

We read books tailored to our environment and collective experience. Our literature reflected who we were—our values, our landscapes, our hopes. We respected our teachers, and society held them in high regard. I still remember how, at Emmanuel Primary School in Ado Ekiti, we composed an anthem for our revered headmaster, Mr. Boboye:

Mr. Boboye, Oga ile iwe wa

Ohun gbogbo la fi si ikawo re

Ma fi wa sile lai ni ireti

O dowo re, o dowo re

Mr. Boboye, o dowo re

Mr. Boboye and his colleagues carried themselves with a grace and dignity that commanded both fear and admiration. They delighted in raising children who would one day become assets to society. They were not just educators; they were moral compasses and mentors.

Above the school system were the Inspectors—next to God in the hierarchy of respect. Their visits, though occasional, were thunderous in impact. They checked lesson notes and registers, inspected pupils’ nails and teeth, and toured the school for cleanliness. Their presence instilled discipline. A pupil unable to recite “Ise ni Ogun ise, mura si ise re, ore mi…” risked the sting of the cane once they left. School inspectors, the Wole Wole (health inspector) of the big hat and short knickers, and tax collectors were the feared triad of the time. I recall a grand-uncle who once fled into the forest for three days to evade the tax man!

This, dear reader, is a pastiche of a time many have forgotten.

Permit me to dwell further on that era—a productive past where civil servants were truly civil, and public service was a noble calling. Many of the books that shaped our early understanding of society were authored by civil servants. Icons like D.O. Fagunwa and J.F. Odunjo were not just writers; they were officials in the Ministries of Education and Information. They wrote books, produced films to educate farmers about planting seasons and pest control, and traveled to towns and villages to share this knowledge.

Textbooks in science and the humanities were penned by schoolteachers and scholars in government service—not for profit, but for purpose. S.M.O Aka, M.A Ogundipe and E. Tregido in English, A.O Lawal and Adekunle Aromolaran in Economics. Awon Asa Ati Orisa Ile Yoruba by Olu Daramola and E Jeje ran us through the gamut and fine points of Yoruba culture.

Names like Pius Okigbo, Adebayo Adedeji, and others were known far and wide. Their works were to education what scripture is to faith. These were not just authors; they were torchbearers of enlightenment.

Chief Simeon Adebo, a towering figure in the Nigerian civil service, authored foundational texts in public administration. Their contributions cemented a structure of governance and civic responsibility that today seems almost mythical.

Ibadan, then the capital of the Western Region, was a publishing haven—home to Heinemann, Evans, Longman, Onibonoje Press, in the hinterland of Ekiti was Omolayo Press and Bookshop and other literary powerhouses. Almost every town had a bookstore or library. Creativity flourished. Research institutes were abundant, turning the city into a veritable laboratory of knowledge—on cocoa, palm oil, fruits , coconut, tropical plants, and more. The University of Ibadan stood tall, drawing the finest minds in pursuit of excellence.

Culture bloomed. From Ibadan to Osogbo, a new artistic renaissance took root. Poets, playwrights, carvers, painters, Adire makers—our soil yielded not just crops but genius. Theatre companies ( Alarinjo ) toured the schools, toured the country, sometimes even venturing as far as Kano. The world noticed. This was the context in which all those ‘firsts’ emerged—first television station, first stadium, first skyscraper.

This flourishing of ideas and culture in the First Republic was no accident. The colonial administrators had laid the groundwork, but it was the visionaries of the Awolowo-led Western Region who deepened the roots. Education was free and compulsory. Leaders were men of ideas, driven not by spectacle but by service. Imagine, if you will, Senator J.A.O. Odebiyi distributing hair clippers in a town square or Abraham Adesanya sharing hand-held blowers at a political rally. Impossible. These were men long on substance and short on drama.

But what of today?

Can you name a single public official who has gifted their intellect, time, or talent to the next generation through a book, a film, or a thought leadership piece? What we hear instead is a litany of scandals—officials awarding contracts to themselves, permanent secretaries racing to become billionaires, hosting ostentatious parties to mark birthdays or weddings.

The refrain across the land today is “schooling is a scam.” This isn’t just youthful disillusionment—it’s a symptom of societal decay. We now have “Associations of Yahoo Yahoo Mothers” urging their children toward wealth by any means, even ritual. One governor once established an SSCE ‘miracle center’ just to boost pass rates for political propaganda. Today, a law student can graduate without ever reading a book. Journalists show little interest in books, even when offered for free. Headmasters and teachers now find ways to extort pupils for money to do the naming ceremony of their children or roof their houses.

We are on a dangerous road. The wheels are coming off. The vehicle is veering off the highway, the engine sputtering on its last drop of fuel. As Wole Soyinka once warned, “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” In our case, silence in the face of intellectual decay may be even deadlier.

Unless—and until—we find our way back to that forgotten road, that road of values, simplicity, service, and vision, we will remain trapped in this cycle of decline.

We must return to a time when men were admired for the content of their minds, not the size of their convoys. When the written word was sacred, and teachers were heroes. When children sang songs of knowledge, and inspectors symbolized integrity, not dread.

We must call forth a new generation of writers, teachers, civil servants, and leaders who will pick up the baton and run—not for themselves, but for the children yet unborn.

For as George Santayana famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” But I would add: those who remember and choose not to act are condemned to perish alongside it.

The road to the past is not just a journey into memory; it may well be the only way forward

Thenewsnigeria.com.ng

Business

Dr. Deji Adeleke: How Davido’s Billionaire Father Built His Business Empire; Major Companies Linked to Him

Published

4 weeks ago

August 17, 2026

The Daily Voice

Dr. Deji Adeleke, the father of the globally recognized musician Davido, is not just known for his familial ties to the entertainment industry but also his immense wealth and substantial impact on Nigeria’s economic landscape. Born on March 6, 1957, in Enugu, Nigeria, Adedeji Adeleke has built a formidable empire through his business acumen and educational investments.

Adeleke’s Business Ventures
Dr. Adeleke founded Pacific Holdings Limited in 1983, which has grown into a major conglomerate in Nigeria, encompassing various sectors such as agriculture, energy, and real estate.

This company is a cornerstone of his financial success, with divisions like Pacific Farm Limited, Pacific Freightliners Limited, and Pacific Gas Company Limited contributing significantly to his wealth.

Adeleke’s Real Estate Investments
Adeleke’s real estate portfolio is vast and diversified. He owns properties across Nigeria, including high-value areas like Ikoyi, Lekki, Banana Island, and Victoria Island in Lagos. Additionally, he has invested in international properties, including a mansion in Atlanta, USA, which he acquired to celebrate his 60th birthday.

Adeleke’s University and Philanthropy
In line with his passion for education, Adeleke founded Adeleke University in Ede, Osun State, under the auspices of the Springtime Development Foundation, which he established in 1996. The university operates on the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of education and offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

His philanthropic efforts extend beyond education, impacting healthcare and community development. These initiatives not only enhance his public image but also contribute to long-term societal benefits, reinforcing his legacy as a socially responsible entrepreneur.

Adeleke’s Luxurious Lifestyle
Dr. Adeleke’s lifestyle reflects his financial success. He owns luxury cars such as a Rolls Royce Phantom and a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne, and he flies in style with his Bombardier Global Express 6000 private jet, valued at $62 million.

Adeleke’s Net Worth
Estimations of Adeleke’s net worth vary, with some sources placing it around $700 million, while others suggest it could be as high as $2 billion. His wealth is attributed to his diversified investments in real estate, stocks, and bonds, alongside the thriving operations of Pacific Holdings Limited.

Adeleke’s Family and Personal Life
Adeleke is a father to four children: Adewale, David (Davido), Sharon, and Coco Adeleke. Despite initial resistance to Davido’s music career, he eventually supported his son’s passion, even funding the establishment of a music department at Babcock University for him. Today, Davido is not only a successful musician but also a director in the family business.

Conclusion
Dr. Deji Adeleke’s story is one of remarkable success through strategic education, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. His wealth and business acumen have positioned him as one of Nigeria’s most influential figures, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic and social development. As he continues to invest and expand his empire, his legacy is set to influence future generations both within and outside Nigeria.

Adeleke’s Early Life and Education
Adeleke’s journey began in an affluent family in Lagos. He attended Ansar-ud-Deen Primary School and Seventh-Day Adventist Grammar School before moving to the United States, where he earned a degree in Finance from Western Kentucky University in 1979, followed by an MBA. Furthering his education, he obtained a Ph.D. in International Business from Pacific Columbia University, and another Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2010.

– kashgain

Lifestyle

REVEALED: 10 Most Expensive Things Erling Haaland Spends His Money On [FULL LIST]

Published

1 month ago

August 15, 2026

The Daily Voice

Erling Haaland is a 25-year-old Norwegian professional football player who’s recently been going viral for one reason or another. First, his hair looks rather goofy. Second, he’s regarded as one of the best and most dominant shooters in the world, with his extreme speed, strength, and clinical precision. And third, the guy is not only loaded but also extremely generous.

Haaland’s most expensive purchases span real estate, high-fashion style, jets, massive farewell gifts, and more, so let’s see just how rich this football legend really is.

1. The Custom Biohacking Cryotherapy Chamber — $60,000

Known for his obsessive physical recovery routines, Haaland spent a small fortune to install a state-of-the-art cryotherapy chamber directly into his home. The walk-in pod uses liquid nitrogen to drop temperatures to a freezing -140°C (-220°F) to rapidly reduce inflammation and speed up muscle recovery after games. And you know it works because of the unmatched results.

2. The 1594 Viking Saga Manuscript — $134,000

This ancient Viking Saga manuscript is the single most expensive book ever sold at an auction in Norway. Haaland and his father placed an anonymous bid to secure the only surviving, complete copy of the 1594 edition of Heimskringla (The Sagas of the Kings). He immediately donated the historical artifact to his hometown library in Bryne so the public could view it for free. He’s pretty much a national hero at this point.

3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Black Panther” Concept — $350,000

This little baby is an incredibly rare, futuristic piece of watchmaking micromechanics. Only 250 pieces have been produced worldwide. This gorgeous watch features a hand-painted, 18-carat white gold 3D sculpture of the Marvel superhero Black Panther on the dial, set into a titanium and ceramic case.

4. The Borussia Dortmund Farewell Gifts — $600,000+

When leaving German football club Borussia Dortmund for Manchester City, Haaland spent over half a million dollars on a massive parting gesture. He purchased and custom-engraved 30 luxury Rolex watches (valued at around $16,000 each) for all of his teammates, alongside 20 Omega watches (valued at roughly $5,000 each) for the team’s coaching and medical staff.

5. The Patek Philippe Nautilus “Tiffany Blue” 5711 — $2.5+ Million

While Haaland owns a massive and extremely expensive watch collection, his absolute crown jewel is the legendary timepiece Patek Philippe Nautilus “Tiffany Blue” 5711. Featuring a striking turquoise dial, only 170 units were ever made to mark the partnership between Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. While the retail price wasn’t a whole lot, it’s the secondary market that boosted the value tremendously. Acquiring one of these watches requires top-tier brand status, not to mention some really deep pockets, of which Haaland has both.

6. Luxury Apartment in Oslo — $3.28 Million

Everyone needs a home, even if they travel a lot and live in a different country. So, to maintain a permanent foothold in his home country, Haaland invested in a high-end apartment in Oslo, Norway’s capital. Located in an exclusive residential enclave, the property serves as his private base whenever he returns home for international breaks or off-season training.

7. The Bugatti Tourbillon Hypercar — $5.0 Million

You’ve heard of speedy cars and supercars, but this one’s a bit different. The ultimate masterpiece in Haaland’s densely populated garage is this ultra-exclusive hybrid hypercar, limited to just 250 units worldwide—the Bugatti Tourbillon. Replacing the legendary Bugatti Chiron, it features an 8.3-liter V16 engine running alongside three electric motors that generate a staggering 1,800 horsepower and a top speed clearing 440 km/h. This hypercar is undoubtedly Haaland’s favorite, and we can’t blame him.

8. The Pilatus PC-12 Private Jet — $5.3 Million

While he initially co-owned a smaller Piper M600, Haaland decided to upgrade his private fleet with this luxury turboprop, dubbed the “Swiss Army knife of planes.” It features a custom BMW-designed cabin interior, six high-end business-class seats, and a pressurized cabin allowing him to travel quietly and securely between international matches and family holidays. Celebrities& Entertainment News

9. The Marbella Golden Mile Villa — $7.12 Million

Haaland bought this 22,000-square-foot luxury villa, which acts as his main holiday home at the time when he was supposedly moving to Spain. The elite resort-style estate is tailor-made for his intense athletic recovery routines, complete with an outdoor swimming pool, an advanced gym, a sauna, an underground level for total privacy, and its own personal football pitch. Celebrities& Entertainment News

10. The Cheshire Countryside Estate — $8.21 Million

As if the villa in Spain weren’t enough of a flex, Halland also purchased the Cheshire Countryside Estate as his primary residence in England. This newly built 10-bedroom, four-story mansion sits on a massive property that has all you’d ever want or need, like a private lake, a huge swimming pool, horse stables, landscaped gardens, and a large treehouse. He also recently acquired planning permits to add an expansive garage to the estate, so he’ll probably be getting even more luxurious cars.

Lifestyle

FULL LIST: Breakdown of Nigerian Ambassadors’ Salaries, Allowances Revealed

Published

2 months ago

July 30, 2026

The Daily Voice

BREAKDOWN EMERGES

Nigerian ambassadors’ pay packages have come under renewed attention. Fresh figures revealed that while basic salaries remained modest, allowances significantly boosted overall compensation for diplomats posted abroad

Reports showed that total monthly take-home pay often reached several million naira, reflecting the high costs of overseas postings

According to Salary.com, as of December 2025, the average annual salary for employees at the Nigerian Embassy in the United States stood at $93,909. This translated to an approximate hourly wage of $45.

Salaries at the embassy typically ranged from $82,124 to $107,453 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and levels of experience within the organisation. Reports indicated that pay was influenced by factors such as job role, department, years of service, and location.

Nigerian Ambassador Salary Structure

Rufai Oseni of Arise TV reported that the salary of Nigerian ambassadors was governed by the Consolidated Diplomatic, Consular and Foreign Service Cadre Salary Structure (CONPSS) in the Nigerian public service. Ambassadors usually fell into the highest grade levels, GL 17 or equivalent, with additional allowances for overseas postings.

Based on government budget allocations, salary surveys, and reports on foreign service personnel costs, the basic salary was described as modest by international standards but supplemented by substantial allowances.

Basic Salary of Nigerian Ambassadors Monthly Basic Pay:

Approximately ₦800,000 to ₦1,200,000 (about $485–$727 USD).

Annual Basic Salary: ₦9.6 million to ₦14.4 million (about $5,818–$8,727 USD).

These figures were drawn from the CONPSS scale for top-tier diplomatic officers. Entry-level foreign service officers reportedly earned around ₦300,000–₦500,000 monthly, but ambassadors, being at the top of the career ladder, commanded the upper end.

The figures also aligned with general public sector pay for Grade Level 17 officers, adjusted for inflation and the 2025 minimum wage increase to ₦70,000.

Allowances and Total Compensation

Reports highlighted that basic pay alone did not reflect the full compensation package.

Nigerian ambassadors posted overseas received allowances designed to offset high living expenses, hardship, and representational duties.

Total monthly take-home pay often exceeded ₦2–5 million ($1,212–$3,030 USD), depending on the host country.

The release of estimated salaries shed light on the financial structure of Nigeria’s foreign service. While the basic salary remained modest compared to international standards, allowances ensured that ambassadors were adequately supported in their overseas postings.