Renowned author, cultural advocate, humanitarian, and public intellectual, Chief Abiodun Oladimeji Lasile, has been honoured with the distinguished title of International Drug-Free/WADA Ambassador at a ceremony held on Thursday at Commerce House, Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Chief Lasile, who holds the revered traditional title of Orunto Baalufe of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, is widely respected for his contributions to literature, youth development, cultural preservation, and humanitarian advocacy across Nigeria and beyond.

He is the Founder and Coordinator of The SixthSense Initiative and Sixth Sense Series Publications, organisations committed to literacy promotion, intellectual development, social advocacy, and nation-building through education and cultural consciousness.

He also serves as the Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors and is a Founding Member of the Abeokuta Polo Club.

The conferment of the International Drug-Free/WADA Ambassador recognition is a testament to Chief Lasile’s unwavering commitment to moral advocacy, youth enlightenment, healthy living, and the promotion of a drug-free society.

The honour further reflects his longstanding dedication to community development, ethical leadership, and constructive engagement with young people through literature, mentorship, and public discourse.

Speaking on the recognition, Chief Lasile expressed profound appreciation to the organisers and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for a society where discipline, education, moral consciousness, and purposeful living remain central values.

“This honour is not merely a title, but a responsibility to continue speaking against substance abuse, social decadence, and moral decline while promoting enlightenment, culture, and positive living among the younger generation,” he stated.

The event attracted dignitaries, literary figures, community leaders, youth advocates, and stakeholders from different sectors who gathered to celebrate a man whose voice and service continue to inspire social transformation and cultural pride.

by Olawale Shodeinde

Politics in Ogun Central is gradually entering a new phase, and many of us who truly understand the feelings of the people can see that this moment requires a different kind of leadership. As someone from Odeda Local Government, I strongly believe that the time has come for us to support leaders who possess proven competence, integrity, and the capacity to deliver meaningful representation. Emmanuel Adebola Sofela represents those qualities.

Across Ogun Central today, the yearning among the people is clear. Citizens are tired of politics built only on noise, personal battles, and empty promises. What our people desire is practical leadership — leadership that understands governance, the economy, business development, youth empowerment, and the everyday realities facing ordinary families. This is why many party faithful and stakeholders now see Sofela as one of the most credible and dependable aspirants for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat ahead of 2027.

Emmanuel Adebola Sofela, BSc, MBA, FCTI, FCS, FCIB, FCA, is not a politician whose reputation was built overnight. His journey reflects years of discipline, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. With educational training from respected institutions such as the University of Ilorin and the University of Lagos, coupled with his professional memberships and achievements, Sofela has consistently demonstrated intellectual depth and administrative competence.

His experience in the banking and corporate sectors speaks volumes. From serving as Divisional Director at Equatorial Trust Bank to becoming Group Treasurer at Globacom, he built a reputation for strategic financial management and organizational efficiency. These are qualities that remain extremely important at a time when public office demands accountability, prudent management of resources, and sound economic thinking.

His transition into public service as Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment in Ogun State further strengthened public confidence in his leadership ability. Under his watch, Ogun State witnessed remarkable progress in ease of doing business and investment promotion. One notable achievement was the significant improvement in Ogun State’s ranking on the national ease of doing business index. During the review conducted by the Presidential Business Enabling Environment Council (PEBEC), Ogun State moved impressively from 29th position to 5th position nationwide. This achievement did not happen by accident; it reflected deliberate reforms, strategic planning, and a leadership team focused on creating opportunities for businesses and investors.

In addition, during the 2025 fiscal year budget review, the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation openly commended the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as the best-performing ministry in terms of meeting its revenue target. Such recognition is a strong indication of effective leadership, transparency, and administrative discipline within the ministry under Sofela’s supervision.

What many people also admire about Sofela is his calm and mature approach to leadership. He is not known for unnecessary political confrontation or excessive publicity. Rather, he focuses on results, consultation, and teamwork. In today’s political climate, where division and unhealthy rivalry often weaken party structures, his ability to promote unity and cooperation is a major advantage for the APC in Ogun Central.

As he seeks to represent Ogun Central in the Senate, Sofela brings more than ambition; he brings preparation, experience, and a clear understanding of governance. Ogun Central deserves a senator who can effectively engage at the national level while remaining connected to the grassroots. Our people need representation that can attract federal presence, support local businesses, encourage youth development, improve infrastructure, and promote economic opportunities for families and communities.
Critical infrastructure such as the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway and other economic corridors within Ogun Central require stronger advocacy and federal attention. Communities across the district are equally looking for practical solutions to unemployment, poor infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities.

With his strong background in finance, commerce, administration, and investment promotion, Sofela is well-positioned to champion policies and attract partnerships capable of improving the lives of the people.

Some observers point out that he may not have spent decades in elective politics like some older political figures. However, many citizens now see that as strength rather than a weakness. Nigerians increasingly desire leaders with fresh ideas, professional credibility, humility, and the capacity to deliver results without unnecessary political drama. Sofela’s clean public image and non-controversial reputation continue to strengthen public trust in him.

As Ogun Central prepares for the political decisions ahead, this is the time for party faithful, youths, women, professionals, market leaders, and community stakeholders to unite behind credible leadership. Supporting Emmanuel Adebola Sofela is not merely about supporting an individual; it is about choosing competence, stability, and progressive representation for our district.

We must move away from politics driven by personal interests and embrace leadership built on service, fairness, and measurable performance. Ogun Central deserves thoughtful representation that can speak for the people with intelligence, dignity, and effectiveness at the national level.

With the support of the people and the unity of party stakeholders, Emmanuel Adebola Sofela can help open a new chapter of purposeful leadership for Ogun Central.

It was a weekend of nostalgia, reflection, and renewed commitment as the 1971-1975 set of Saint Peter’s College, Abeokuta, gathered for a three-day milestone event tagged “Reunion 50+1.”

The program, which concluded on Sunday, May 10, 2026, brought together classmates who have shared a bond for over 56 years, dating back to their entry into the then-all-boys institution.

The festivities reached a spiritual climax during a thanksgiving mass held at Saint John Catholic Church, Lafenwa.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Father Eric Olatunji, commended the septuagenarians for their enduring brotherhood.

In his homily, he urged the younger generation of Nigerians to emulate such spirits by identifying with their roots and consistently giving back to their alma mater.

Father Olatunji further enjoined the “Old Boys” to sustain their commonality, emphasizing that collective action is the most effective tool for personal development and the progress of their historic school.

On Saturday, the members returned to the hallowed grounds of Saint Peter’s College.

The visit served as a sobering reminder of the passage of time; the alumni observed that several school structures were in urgent need of intervention following damages caused by recent rainstorms in the Abeokuta metropolis.

Beyond inspecting the infrastructure, the set engaged in a mentorship session with current students, sharing professional insights and strategies for achieving academic excellence.

A major highlight of the visit was a lecture titled “Time is Life,” delivered by a member of the set, Deacon ‘Dara Adebimpe, a veteran journalist and peace scholar.

Deacon Adebimpe advised the students on how best to utilize the time available to them, pointing out that time is a progressive, irreplaceable, and non-renewable commodity that never moves backward.

The event was well-attended by prominent figures, including the Principals of both the Senior and Junior Schools, the National President of the Old Students Association, Elder Tunde Oyenekan, and several members of his executive committee.

The social segment of the program featured a lavish buffet dinner at the Academy Suites, Abeokuta, where members were joined by their spouses.

During the reunion plenary session, the set took far-reaching decisions aimed at improving the welfare of their classmates and executing developmental projects for the college.

Saint Peter’s College holds a storied place in Ogun State’s educational history, as it was one of only two boys’ secondary schools in Abeokuta, before it was converted into a co-educational school in 1980 under the civilian administration of the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo.