[b]Prince Bola Ajibola's Passage :
Al Hikma University pays tributes to the l[/b]ate Legal Icon

...condoles Ogun State Government

Al-Hikma University, Ilorin has condoled with the Ogun State Government over the transition of International Jurist and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola.

Prince Ajibola, the Founder of Crescent University, Abeokuta, died in the early hours of Sunday, 9th April 2023, aged 89.

In a Statement signed by the University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Noah Yusuf, the late Elder Statesman was described as an exemplary philantropist, role model and pious Muslim..."who lived a life worthy of emulation by all."

The Condolence Message addressed to Ogun State Government, issued on behalf of the Founder, the Chancellor, Pro Chancellor, Management and the entire University, described the late Legal Icon as "one of the most selfless individuals to ever take Nigeria's public service."

Eulogising the former Attorney General for his devotion to the cause of Islam, the statement noted the establishment of an Islam faith-based University, Crescent University, Abeokuta in December, 2005, few months after the take-off of Al-Hikmah University.

"No doubt, his choice of "Crescent" (the Moon), which is a symbol of the Islamic religion, as the name of his University, attests to his level of religious devotion, deep spirituality and one of his greatest contributions to the propagation of Islam."

On the legacy of the late erudite Silk, the VC noted: "his philosophy about life that "wealth means nothing if it doesn't positively impact the lives of others" shall be our life-long "take-away" from his exemplary lifestyle. "

The University expresses its deep condolences to the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellecy, Dr Dapo Abiodun, the Alake of Egbaland, the Olowu of Owu and the entire people people of Ogun State on the loss of the great luminary.

Union Homes Acquisition :
ASO Savings Shareholders give Bank Management clean bill of health

say the transaction was transparent and complies with rule book

Shareholders of ASO Savings and Loans Plc have given the Management of the Mortgage Bank a clean bill of health on the way it handles the acquisition of Union Homes Savings & Loans Plc, insisting that contrary to the claims in certain quarters, the transaction followed all due processes to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

Following the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN's directive to Banks to divest their ownership of Subsidiaries in the non-core banking sector, Union Bank Plc had put out Union Homes for acquisition.

ASO Savings emerged as the successful bidder, acquiring 92 per cent ownership stake in Union Homes, through its Investment Vehicle, UH Investment Nig Ltd, with the payment of N5 Billion capital deposit to the CBN.

Following the successful acquisition of Union Homes, the Management of ASO Savings immediately commenced the integration process which is aimed at merging the acquired Union Homes with ASO Savings to form one corporate entity.

This integration process, which requires ASO Savings to take over the actual management of the affairs of Union Homes by ASO Savings' representatives drawn from its Board and Management, received the regulators' and CBN's approval.

To ensure a seamless integration process, the Executives of ASO Savings took charge of the day to day management of the newly acquired entity.

In an Advertorial, ASO Savings' Shareholders noted that the integration process was widely accepted by Union Homes staff, enabling ASO to commence the task of resuscitating the ailing firm and ultimately bringing it to profitability.

The ASO Shareholders are however disappointed by the activities of some staff who have continued to throw spanner in the works.

Said the Shareholders in the Advertorial: "A few members of Staff, masquerading as Staff Union members, had, for their selfish motives, sought to frustrate the integration process, using threats, extortion and blackmail."

The Shareholders noted further: "The inordinate demands of such group of Staff include, amongst others, a demand for payment of the sum of N1 Million to each member of the group, with a threat to disrupt the integration process and make damaging publications amongst other threats against ASO and its Executives if the demands are not met."

The antics of these few Staff not withstanding, the Shareholders, in the Advertorial throw their weight behind the management in its integration process, noting that they are "unmoved by the blackmails, threats and intimidation by these elements who are now sponsoring untrue and damaging publications against the Bank as well as inciting faceless persons to impersonate the Bank’s Minority Shareholders.."

"As Shareholders, we also affirm our total support for the Management of ASO in its efforts to resuscitate the ailing operations of Union Homes, settle its obligations to various counterparties,conclude the integration process, and transition the merged entities into an undisputed leader in the Mortgage Banking industry, " the Shareholders concluded.

Tunde Ayeni Clears Air on Adaobi Alagwu

Ordinarily, the recent series of media reports linking my name with a lady, Adaobi Alagwu, should not deserve a response from me since the section of the media that is feasting on the issue seems to be uninterested in fact finding, but mere sensationalism. But given the possibility of even some discerning readers placing some values by the story, this short clarification and disclaimer becomes necessary.

I wish to state that, indeed, Ms Adaobi Alagwu and I had a relationship, which has since ended and, as well meaning Nigerians can imagine, it was a mistake that has caused my family much pain which I regret and do not wish to continue reliving as a section of the media continues to make me do.

As a reputable businessman, industrialist and corporate player, I have no time for frivolous and sensational stories and should not be distracted by such publications.
I have since put the relationship behind me.

The issue of the baby, which has attracted much media mentions, is one that is being resolved and will be resolved in due course but which ever way it is resolved, will never mean a rekindling of the ended relationship between myself and Ms Alagwu .

I sincerely wish that the media will, with this statement of mine desist from any further maligning of my person, my family and all that I represent in the society.