Metro
Pelican Valley Boss, Babatunde Tells Entrepreneurs,Developers To Priotise Reputation Management
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…Says Negative Perception Fueling FDI Apathy
Real estate entrepreneur, Amb.(Dr) Babatunde Adeyemo, has urged the nation’s real estate developers and its handlers to pay attention to the country’s reputation, especially the perception of it by the Nigerians abroad, saying poor reputation management is a major force driving the brain drain, foreign direct investment apathy and youths japa syndrome.
Adeyemo expressed the concern that the nation’s army of youths appeared to have reached a junction where they no longer see or say anything good about their country, and with many of them in despair, the impression and opinions have been formed rightly or wrongly that it is only through sharp practice or brain drain, that a seemingly hopeless situation can be changed for the better.
The Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, a frontline player in Nigeria’s competitive and dynamic property markadvisedvice while fielding questions from newsmen at Abeokuta, the state capital shortly after delivering a lecture titled, “Reputation Management: The Experience In Real Estate,” during the monthly business meeting of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State chapter.
The business meeting had in attendance, communication scholar and Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof) Adeyemi Obalanlege, state chapter chairman of NIPR, Mrs Seun Boye, Vice Chairman, Mr Waheed Ogunjobi, Secretary, Mr Kunle Olayeni, former chairman, Tope Adaramola, former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Gbenga Daniel, Pastor Dare Folarin, his counterpart, Mr Kunle Somorin who served as Chief Press Secretary during Governor Dapo Abiodun’s first term in office among other dignitaries.
Adeyemo who lamented what he described as inconsistency in government land policy and bureaucratic bottlenecks as major clogs in the wheels of progress for most developers, urged the operators in the real estate business to concentrate on value-adding and always buy more time to get high returns on investment for themselves and their clients.
“The situation in the country is not making things easier for an average developer but when you know that real estate is a long-distance run, propelled by value adding, you will look like a magician.
“There are still opportunities in Nigeria for an average Nigerian youth to build a solid foundation and that is why I am here to show an average Nigerian youth that it is not over yet for them. There is hope, you can always grow in this challenging business environment.
“I will want to call on an average Nigerian youth to be patient, to persevere and build a solid foundation for growth. Definitely, things will get better with time and commitment to worthy and legitimate ventures,” he said.
In his lecture titled, “Reputation Management: The Experience In Real Estate,” he described reputation management as the practice of influencing what people think of your business or brand and emphasised that its core elements entail how others see it, how the company operates or performs and what the brand communicates about itself.
According to him, building a strong brand reputation involves monitoring what people think and say about the organization, responding to misleading information, malicious allegations, negative reviews, and generally looking out for and acting on opportunities to boost the organization’s reputation.
He warned that reputation management isn’t just about taking charge of the story around your brand, saying ‘on the contrary, it’s also about tuning in to what people, customers, and audience are saying about it.
Adeyemo said the feedback from people should be taken to heart and responded to in a way that builds trust while showcasing one’s values even as he identified online review management, Google, Yelp, and Glassdoor among others as critical tools to manage and monitor one’s or brand reputation.
He made a case for both reactive and proactive ways to manage reputation, recommending that organisation needs to respond quickly to feedback and mentions cultivating online reputation over time and avoiding public missteps.
He, however, noted that even with best efforts and strategies, people make mistakes sometimes, and the best brands also do receive some not-so-great reviews, but submitted that a strong reputation management strategy will help an organisation weather any storm that comes her way and position her brand in the best possible light.
When asked during the questions and answers session how he has been able to run a real estate business in a precarious environment without having court cases, issues with the Omoniles, Ajagungbales, and land and town planning authority, he said, “I did my research to know which land is free from Government acquisition or not. I was able to discover where we are at the Pelican Brief after two years of thorough research and due diligence. So, how I was able to do that without having myself or getting issues is that I do my due diligence very well. I make sure that all my lands do not fall on Government acquisition area and also thoroughly investigate the roots of land titleSecondlydary, I always try to get proper documentation that I need to get on the land. Also, possession–taking is very important before you make a real estate investment. Establish your presence, real estate business is a long-distance race, you can’t start and say you want to break even in three or four years, you have to add value, keep adding value, and wait for the time for the land to appreciate before you make any move.
“All these ajagungbales, they look at your dispositions, your body language too. Once they perceive you to be someone who adds value to your property and practices due diligence, you are not greedy about it, you search for the true owner (s) of the land, the root of the title to the land, it is not about getting land fraudulently and rush to do your CofO. How about the origin of the title? When you look at it, get closer to the custodians of the land, and do your research very well, it will be very very difficult for one Ajagungbale to come into your land. And that has always been one of the secrets of my achievements so far in not having any Court case or dispute in the last 15 years.”
Metro
Olufemi Ogunlolu-Shotunde Complements Abiodun’s Infrastructure Stride, Sponsors Construction of Roads From Ewekoro to Yewa North
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As part of the community social responsibility, Olufemi Ogunlolu-shotunde, through his foundation, Oluogunsho Foundation, has joined forces with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s strides on infrastructure, by sponsoring 11 kilometres of road construction and drainage, facilitated by the Asa Yabo community development association to enhance good road networks in Asa, Yobo, Lala and Agodo Roads from Ewekoro Local Government to Yewa North Local Government.
The Asa Olówó, community development association, commended Ogunlolu-Shotunde for raising their hope in the community, as commuters also hailed his commitment to development.
Olufemi Ogunlolu-Shotunde is a refined leader who has served in many roles, from career-wise to the professional world. He is a humanitarian and development-driven leader, proudly hailed from Ásà Olówó in Ewekoro Local Government Area, Ogun State.
He was born into the reputable Ogunlolu family, to Pa Sunday Ogunlolu-Shotunde (Olówó Àsà)—a lineage known for honour, service, and strong communal values.
Ogunlolu-Shotunde began his educational journey at Doland International School, Akute, Ogun State, where he completed his primary education.
He proceeded to Topmost School, Maryland, Lagos, completing his secondary education in 2002. With a strong inclination for technical excellence and global exposure, Olufemi advanced to the United Kingdom, where he studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering in London.
Following his academic pursuits, he enlisted in the British Army, serving as an Infantry Soldier. His military career was defined by discipline, bravery, and professionalism, with operational deployments across Iraq, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. These experiences refined his leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and crisis-management skills in high-pressure environments.
After an honourable discharge from the British Army in 2010, Olufemi transitioned into civilian life as a Security Consultant, delivering expert services in risk management, security operations, and strategic advisory roles.
In 2013, he further broadened his professional scope by earning a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Oil and Gas Management from the Greenwich School of Management Studies.
He also possesses strong analytical and operational expertise as a certified Data Analyst and a qualified Control Room Manager, enabling him to integrate technology, intelligence, and real-time decision-making across complex systems.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Olufemi Ogunlolu-Shotunde is deeply committed to humanitarian service and grassroots development.
He is the Founder of the Oluogunsho Foundation (Egba fún mi)—a purpose-driven foundation established to touch lives and foster sustainable development among the indigenous people of Ásà Olówó in Ewekoro Local Government Area. The foundation places special emphasis on support for the aged and widows, educational assistance across all levels of institutions, and targeted interventions aimed at uplifting vulnerable members of the community.
A passionate advocate for growth, equity, and community empowerment, Olufemi Ogunlolu-Shotunde continues to leverage his global exposure, professional expertise, and deep-rooted love for his people to drive meaningful impact and lasting development.
Metro
Ogun NUJ Chairman’s 50th Birthday Bash Turns into Heartwarming Act of Kindness for Ogun State’s Aged
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The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, marked his 50th birthday in a rare display of compassion and service, as he empowered 50 aged men and women drawn from across the State, describing the gesture as a personal thanksgiving and a call to collective humanity.
The celebrant, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, said celebrating with the aged persons is a modest way of acknowledging the demand for wisdom that the age represents and a heartfelt expression of gratitude for God’s grace, mercy, and faithfulness over the past five decades.
“Our elders represent wisdom, sacrifice, and resilience. Many laboured quietly to build families, communities, and institutions from which we benefit today, and it is therefore both a duty and an honour to recognise and support them, not just with words, but with tangible acts of compassion”, Olanrewaju disclosed.
While fondly remembering his late parents, Comrade Olanrewaju described giving to the aged as his humble way of honouring their memories, and wished they witnessed the celebration as they laid the foundation of who he has become today.
Olanrewaju further expressed deep appreciation to the 50 aged men and women who honoured his invitation, declaring that he was symbolically adopting them as his parents. “From today, I see you as my fathers and mothers. Your prayers will be constant in my life, and I will never take your presence for granted,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
He thanked members of his NUJ executive, colleagues, his immediate family, partners and well-wishers for standing by him and supporting the “Gifting the Aged” initiative, symbolising ideals of service and humanity.
Earlier, while welcoming guests at the event, the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, said the celebration was deliberately designed to go beyond merriment, noting that the NUJ Chairman chose to “give back meaningfully to society at a time many would focus solely on personal celebration.”
Comrade Adigun commended Olanrewaju’s leadership style, describing him as “a man whose golden jubilee reflects golden values of kindness, empathy and responsibility.” He said the presence of all the beneficiaries affirmed that meaningful change is possible when people come together with a shared sense of purpose.
Dignitaries and colleagues, including a National Officer of the NUJ, Comrade James Sowole, praised the celebrant for living the core values of journalism, while Comrades Abiodun Taiwo and Kemi Orunsolu, described Olanrewaju as a bridge-builder whose life at 50 has been defined by service.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Council, Abiodun Lawal, applauded the chairman for choosing the aged as the focus of his celebration, saying the gesture “sets a standard worthy of emulation.”
The emotional high point of the event came when the celebration was capped by the wife of the celebrant, Mrs Olanrewaju, who eulogised her husband, describing him as “a compassionate man who finds joy not in what he gets, but in what he gives.” She thanked God for his life and prayed for continued strength and wisdom as he journeys through the next phase of life.
The highlight of the event is the distribution of essential food packs containing rice, beans, garri, noodles and essential cooking ingredients to beneficiaries, carefully selected to sustain them for a reasonable period.
Reacting on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Adijatu Ayelabola appreciated the kind gesture of the celebrant, stressing that if well-meaning individuals can emulate this act, the world will be a better place for all to live.
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The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland; Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and the Olowu of Owu, Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola have backed the initiatives of Egba Economic Summit in constituting a Committee to prepare the New Abeokuta Master Plan which includes the 6 local governments in Ogun Central Senatorial District (Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ewekoro, Odeda, Obafemi Owode and Ifo).
The committee for the new Abeokuta Master Plan are made up of seasoned Professionals who have achieved greatness in their chosen profession and callings such as Captain Temilola Okesanjo as Chairman.
Technical and other members
1. Prof Oyesiku
2. Alhaji Waheed Kadiri
3. Engr.Bayo Adeola.
4. The President of Egba Economic Summit, Dr Gbenga Adeoye.
5. The EES Admin Secretary will serve as the secretary of the committee.
The President of EES stated that the team are competent enough to carry out their assignments without any supervision from him, and he is there merely to observe the progress and also raise money to ensure the success of the project.
The Olowu of Owu expressed his support for all the initiatives on the development of Egbaland which is Abeokuta and the 6 local governments.
He also pledged his support for all other developmental projects and the advocacy of the Egba Economic Summit.
Captain Temilola Okesanjo, who is also a foundation member of Egba Economic Summit and Chairman of the New Abeokuta Master Plan, expressed sadness about many areas in Abeokuta and insisted that development must be controlled, while some historical buildings must not be sold to boost tourism.
The President of Egba Economic Summit, Dr Gbenga Adoye, while thanking Olowu of Owu at His palace on 13th January 202,6, pleaded with him and all traditional rulers in Ogun Central to back the summit in achieving the goals set out for the next two years.
He stated that a former President of PENGASAN who is the Chairman of Ecogas and Past President of Egba Economic Summit ; Chief Shina Luwoye the Maiyegun elect of Egbaland have indicated his willingness to join the New Master Plan team both financially and to participate in the committee as a volunteer member in any way his service will be required
During the discussions, Olowu mandated the President to go ahead with his plan to get the detail cause of the delay in completing the Ajebo Idi Aba Express Road by Federal Government to reach out to the Minister of Works Engr David Umahi He explained further the Abeokuta Ajebo Express road apart from the fact that it will be a good alternative road to Ibadan from Abeokuta; it will be useful to the Newly Established Permanent site of The University of Medicine and Medical Sciences. (FUMMSA)
Olowu also expressed his worries over the state of the road from Apata in Ibadan to Abeokuta via Omi Adio, noting that at some point, there seems to be a clear difference around Ilugun Bakatari showing that the roads appear bad at the segments that fall under Ogun State and he desires that attention be paid to it by both the state and the Federal government.
The summit President highlights’ EES plan to go into the details of the 2026 budget of Ogun State to know line by line capital projects that affect the Central Senatorial District and follow the implementation up logically.
Chief Olusola Adeoye, the Osupori of Owu Kingdom, thanked the President and his team for their initiatives and agenda for the next two years.
He stated further that he knows how close Dr.Adeoye was to Late Dr Onaolapo Soleye and ask him to prepare ahead of time that some people that can be regarded as enemies of Progress will try everything possible to oppose the Vision of Egba Economic Summit and agenda for massive development advocacy for the next two years, but he must not back down on his goals and with God, nothing will be left undone among the outlined projects for the next 2 years.
In closing, the Olowu promised the Egba Economic Summit President and his team that he will work with the Alake of Egbaland to ensure that the Abeokuta New Master plan becomes a reality, the road from Idi Aba to Ajebo gets completed on time, the Abeokuta City Centre is resuscitated along with other projects to develop Egbaland covering the 6 local governments.
He also stated that right leadership is the secret of development and once selfless people are in leadership, development is guaranteed, but the reverse is the case if selfish people are in leadership and that is why he is happy with the kind of people that are members of Egba Economic Summit Group led by Dr Gbenga Adeoye who is a Lawyer and Chartered Accountant. People like Engr.Ola Sobande from Shell is an example of selfless service, Yinka Chris Coker(Immediate Past President), Bunmi Lawson and Surakatu Lateef, who are all Chartered Accountants like the President, with the combined honour of Law and Accounting.
The President and Captain Okesanjo drove round to inspect the Structures around Olumo Rock from Adagba Street in Itoko, to Sodeke, Ikija and Erunwon to identify historical structures that must be kept as tourist buildings.
All stakeholders, including the Olowu of Owu, agreed that the Egbas have a duty to ensure nobody does anything by omission or commission to obstruct development for any selfish reason(s) and anyone found doing so must be stopped by all means possible.
The President thanked Olowu for supporting the Egba Economic Summit and also commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi for Commencing Night Repairs on Sango Otta Abeokuta Ewekoro road to ease movement and promote Economic development while urging him to do something urgently on Apata Ibadan Abeokuta road and Abeokuta OGTV Ajebo road for the sake of the University of Medicine and Medical Science Permanent Site at Ajibayo and to unlock the economic potentials of towns and villages such as Ajebo, Erunwon, Owojo, Obafemi, Kajola, Alapako, Olosun, Layanran, Mosafejo, Oyebola and the areas towards Lagos Ibadan Expressway.
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