Three Nigerians—Adebayo Ogunlesi ($1.7 billion), Tope Awotona ($1.4 billion), and Wemimo Abbey ($1 billion) stand tall among the honorees of the 2024 Forbes BLK 50 list.

Wemimo Abbey

From the bustling streets of Lagos to the financial hubs of New York, Wemimo Abbey’s journey is a masterclass in redefining possibility. As the co-founder and co-CEO of Esusu, a fintech powerhouse, Abbey has revolutionized the concept of credit access for millions. Esusu’s groundbreaking model reports rent payments to credit bureaus, helping tenants improve their credit histories—an innovation that now spans over 20,000 residences and impacts 1.8 million Americans.

Tope Awotona

Tope Awotona’s rise to prominence is a tale of grit, persistence, and an unyielding desire to simplify the complexities of modern life. Born in Lagos and uprooted to Atlanta at the age of fifteen, Awotona’s path was far from conventional. A tech enthusiast who studied computer technology at the University of Georgia before pivoting to business and management information, his journey was marked by failures before triumph.

After a series of unsuccessful startups, Awotona found himself frustrated by the inefficiency of scheduling meetings—a simple yet universal pain point. In 2013, he took a bold leap, cashing in his 401(k) to launch Calendly, a scheduling software that would disrupt the industry. What began as a personal frustration became a global phenomenon. By 2021, private investors valued Calendly at an astounding $3 billion, and Awotona raised $350 million to expand the business further.

Adebayo Ogunlesi

If leadership could be personified, it would wear the name Adebayo Ogunlesi. A scholar, strategist, and business titan, Ogunlesi’s ascent to global prominence is a testament to brilliance honed by experience. Born in Nigeria and armed with degrees from Oxford (Bachelor of Arts), Harvard Law School (Juris Doctor), and Harvard Business School (MBA), Ogunlesi’s academic pedigree set the stage for a storied career.

His professional journey began in the chambers of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, where he clerked in the early 1980s. From there, Ogunlesi transitioned to Cravath, Swaine & Moore as an attorney before spending over two decades at Credit Suisse, mastering the art of investment banking.

But his defining legacy would come in 2006 when he co-founded Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a private equity firm specializing in infrastructure investments.

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In a year that has been nothing short of tragic, Google has unveiled a heartbreaking report revealing the top 10 most searched deaths of 2024, with three towering figures, actors Junior Pope, Mr. Ibu, and businessman Herbert Wigwe leading the somber list.

Junior Pope, who tragically claimed the top spot, was not just a beloved actor but a beacon of talent and hope to many. His untimely passing in April, following a devastating boat accident en route to River Niger in Anambra State, sent shockwaves through the nation.

Pope was on a mission to shoot a film in Asaba when the fatal accident occurred, also claiming the lives of four of other crew members.

In second place, the legendary John Okafor, better known as Mr. Ibu, was taken from us on March 2, 2024. At 62, Mr. Ibu’s death after his bedridden sickness shook the entertainment industry to its core.

Ranking third, Herbert Wigwe, a titan in Nigeria’s financial sector, was a man who touched lives far beyond his banking empire. His death causes by plane crash on February 9, 2024, left the nation in shock, as this influential banker and philanthropist had long been a pillar of strength and inspiration.

Other notable figures in the top 10 include Sisi Quadri, the cherished Yoruba actor, whose death on March 1, 2024, added another layer of grief to the already heartbreaking year.

Ifeanyi Ubah, the influential businessman and politician, also on the list followed soon after, passing away on July 27, 2024, in London due to a sudden cardiac arrest.

Another devastating loss on the list was gospel minister Aduke Gold, who tragically passed away on August 12, 2024, at the tender age of 34.

Also making the list, Veteran musician Onyeka Onwenu, at 72, succumbed to death after collapsing during a performance in Lagos on July 30, 2024.

Nollywood actor Amaechi Muonagor, at 62, who passed away on March 24, from complications related to kidney failure, made the list.

Internationally, the death of pop star Liam Payne on October 16, 2024, marked another tragic moment in a year that trended in Nigeria.

Rounding off the list, the death of Islamic singer Rukayat Gawat on September 24, 2024, was also reflected on.

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The Nigerian yoruba movie industry has been thrown into mourning as news of the passing of renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Muyideen Bello spread like wildfire.

The respected cleric, who breathed his last on Friday at the age of 83, left behind a legacy of wisdom, compassion, and faith that will be remembered for generations to come.

Adebayo Salami, Yinka Quadri, and Fausat Balogun, popularly known as Madam Saje, are among the many actors who have paid tribute to the late cleric on their Instagram pages.

The trio, who had the privilege of benefiting from Sheikh Bello’s vast knowledge and guidance, shared heartfelt messages alongside his picture, celebrating his life and legacy.

Adebayo Salami wrote;

“Sheikh MUHYDEEN Ajani Bello lived an accomplished life in the service of Allah and humanity. May Allah accept his return.”

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A post shared by Dr. Adebayo Salami (PhD) Honoris Causa (@adebayo.salami)

Yinka Quadri, reflecting on the scholar’s impact posted, “A great light has dimmed today. Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello dedicated his life to the ummah, never shying away from speaking the truth. May Allah forgive his sins and grant him the highest place in Aljannah Firdaus. Ameen.”

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A post shared by Olayinka Quadri Masomo (@realyinkaquadri)

Madam Saje shared an emotional tribute in Yoruba and Arabic, writing, “INA LI LAHI WA INA ILAEHI RAJIUN. Baba Ajani Oniwaasi Agbaye is gone. Allahu Akbar! My lovely daddy 😭😭😭😭😭😭.”

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A post shared by Abeni balogun Fausat (@sajetiologa)

Born in 1940, Sheikh Bello began preaching at the age of 10.

He received his education at I.D.C. Primary School and Mahdul Arabiy, Elekuro, excelling in Arabic and Islamic studies.

Over the decades, he gained recognition as a sought-after preacher, delivering sermons across Nigeria, the UK, the US, and other African countries.

Sheikh Bello died at his residence in Ibadan.

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Netflix, the global titan of video streaming, has officially shut down swirling rumors suggesting it might be packing its bags and exiting Nigeria.

The speculation, which had sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry, gained traction following a viral revelation by renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan.

In a widely shared video, Afolayan disclosed that Netflix had reportedly canceled several commissioned projects, leaving many to wonder about the company’s long-term commitment to Nollywood.

He expressed disappointment that, despite the global success of Nollywood films, Netflix appeared dissatisfied with their local returns.

In response to the uproar, Netflix finally addressed the speculation through an email sent to Punch via their public relations agency, Hill and Knowlton Strategies.

Edafe Onoriode, the Group Account Director, reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s creative industry.

He emphasized that Netflix had no plans to withdraw from Nollywood, instead reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing the industry’s immense potential.

“We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our members,” Netflix spokesperson stated.

For years, Netflix has been a key player in transforming Nollywood into a global powerhouse, beginning its partnership with the industry in 2016 by acquiring distribution rights for fan-favorite films.

This collaboration quickly evolved, leading to the production of original Nigerian content, most notably Top Actress and Filmmaker, Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart, the groundbreaking first Nigerian Netflix original.

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A devastating fire outbreak has ravaged the Lagos residence of renowned Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe.

The inferno ravages the swanky and palatial multi-million naira property of the award-winning actress completely destroying valuable possessions.

The despondent and heartbroken thespian confirmed the tragic occurrence on Wednesday night in a post on his Instagram page.

Aigbe expressed relief and gratitude that no lives were lost despite the huge loss.

“Devastated, but I thank God no life was lost. It is well,” she wrote, drawing an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike.

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A post shared by MERCY AIGBE ADEOTI (@realmercyaigbe)

Meanwhile, it is gathered that the disaster could have been averted, worsening the emotional and financial blow to Aigbe.

Concerned and relevant public authorities and government agencies are yet to make any announcement on the cause of the incident.

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In a gripping twist that has sent shockwaves through both the religious and secular communities, operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigerian Police are reportedly interrogating Pastor Bolaji Idowu, the Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC), in Abuja over allegations of real estate fraud and money laundering.

According to an exclusive report by SaharaReporters, citing high-ranking police sources, Pastor Idowu’s arrest marks the beginning of what appears to be a high-stakes investigation into his financial dealings.

Sources close to the matter reveal that the pastor, renowned for his vibrant ministry and motivational sermons, is currently being grilled at the FCID headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory.

“The Next Level Prayer Conference, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, has been arrested by the police, and he is being grilled in Abuja over real estate fraud and money laundering,” a top police source said, quotes by SaharaReporters.

“He is at the FCID Abuja as we speak,” another source added.

Pastor Bolaji Idowu embarked on his spiritual journey in December 2003 by founding the Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC).

Over the years, what began as a small gathering has flourished into a global ministry with multiple locations across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, touching lives far beyond its origins.

According to the official Harvesters website, the church now draws a massive audience, with over 70,000 worshippers joining its services both onsite and through online platforms.

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A fundamental rights lawsuit preferred against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, also known as Bobrisky has been thrown out by court.

The case was dismissed by the Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice Alexander Owoeye for lack of merits.

Justice Owoeye ruled that Bobrisky failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his rights violation claim.

In the suit, Bobrisky accused the EFCC of violating his fundamental rights following his arrest and trial earlier this year.

He sought a ₦200 million damages award for alleged harassment and unlawful detention.

Additionally, the Nigerian crossdresser sought a perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC and its agents from harassing, arresting, or declaring him wanted.

Delivering the judgment on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Justice Owoeye stated that Bobrisky did not show enough cause to the grant the reliefs he sought.

“Having evaluated the evidence placed before this Court by the Applicant, it is evident that the Applicant has failed to provide credible evidence to justify the award of the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought by him.”

The judge further emphasised that the claims of fundamental rights violations were not substantiated by the affidavit evidence presented.

“In the final analysis, I hold the claims of violation of fundamental rights against the 1st and 2nd Respondents were not made out of the affidavit evidence placed before this Court. The claim of the Applicant against the 1st to the 2nd Respondents hereby lacks merit and is liable to be dismissed. It is accordingly dismissed.”

The court also refused Bobrisky’s request for damages, citing lack of credible evidence.

LEADERSHIP reports that Bobrisky’s legal battle stemed from his arrest by the anti-graft agency on April 4, 2024, over alleged Naira abuse.

Following his arrest, he was convicted on April 12, 2024, by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, and sentenced to six months in prison.

In addition to suing the EFCC, Bobrisky also included the National Assembly in the case.

However, all reliefs sought against both parties were dismissed by the court.

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A devastating fire engulfed the facilities of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), popularly known as Radio Nigeria, in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The blaze, which erupted on the evening of Wednesday, November 27, reportedly started from an air conditioning unit before surging through adjoining buildings, consuming critical infrastructure, including control rooms, music archives, and radio studios.

Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, took to his official X handle (formerly Twitter) to share gripping footage of the unfolding disaster.

The video captured the terrifying scale of the blaze, with thick plumes of smoke billowing into the Lagos night sky as firefighters and emergency responders battled to contain the flames.

SEE VIDEO BELOW 

https://twitter.com/gbenga_omo/status/1861893961817993322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1861893961817993322%7Ctwgr%5E885e58c6dbfa2148ab747478d198c4a70cc1d14c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.legit.ng%2Fnigeria%2F1627663-just-fire-guts-radio-nigerias-office-lagos-video-surfaces%2F

The Emergency responders, including officers from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and firefighters, were on the scene within moments of the distress call received at 5:30 PM, according to a statement by Margaret Adeseye, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

They battled relentlessly through the night and into the early hours of Thursday, November 28.

Adeseye was quoted saying:

“The public is assured that collaborative efforts with the Federal Fire Service and other emergency responders, including the Nigerian Police, have brought the situation under control, confining the fire to the studio section of the U-shaped one-story building where it started.

“While the cause of the fire is yet unknown and no casualties have been reported, damping down of the fire embers continues.”

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Nnewi was awash with sorrow on Friday as the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South, was laid to rest in a ceremony that left the community in mourning.

The atmosphere was heavy with grief, as Ubah’s final journey began at his country home in Umuanuka, Otolo Nnewi, located in the Nnewi North Local Government Area.

His remains arrived at the family residence, drawing an outpouring of emotion from all who had gathered to bid their last farewell. From there, his body was solemnly taken to St. Peter Clever Parish Umuanuka for a funeral mass, where friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to honor a man whose impact on the region was profound.

As Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s body arrived at his sprawling compound in Nnewi, a wave of anguish swept through the gathered crowd.

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Among the distinguished guests were notable politicians and public figures, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo, former governor Peter Obi, former senator Uche Ekwunife, and many of Ubah’s fellow senators, all paying their respects to a figure who had left an indelible mark on Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

The Igbo billionaire icons, Obi Cubana, E-money, and Cubana Chiefpriest, also arrived in solidarity, their presence a tribute to Ubah’s enduring impact and the mutual respect he commanded among Nigeria’s elite.

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Ubah’s passing in July 2024 in the United Kingdom, where he had traveled to celebrate his daughter’s graduation, was an unexpected blow to the lives he had touched.

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Canadian rapper Drake has lost a staggering $355,000 following Jake Paul’s victory over boxing legend Mike Tyson.

The much-anticipated boxing match took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, after a year of heated exchanges between the two fighters.

Despite Tyson’s iconic status, it was Paul who triumphed with a unanimous decision, proving Drake’s faith in the former heavyweight champion to be misplaced.

The rapper, notorious for his sports betting habits, had placed the hefty sum on Tyson’s victory, but the result continued the streak of what fans have dubbed the “Drake Curse.”

Known for his high-profile wagers, Drake’s chosen winners often suffer defeats, whether in UFC, soccer, or basketball.

The event, which drew an impressive 65,000 spectators to the stadium, was one of the most significant pay-per-view spectacles in recent history, with some VIP tickets reportedly priced at $2 million.

While the precise figures regarding the prize money remain undisclosed, it is believed the winner of the fight will walk away with tens of millions of dollars.

Paul, who had openly stated his goal to earn $40 million and knock out a “legend,” is expected to pocket a massive payout.

Mike Tyson, who is rumored to have a purse of $20 million, is worth an estimated $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Jake Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, is valued at around $80 million.

Despite the financial stakes, both fighters have emphasized that money isn’t their primary motivation.

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