Category: Business Day

John Ezeobi, foremost industrialist and business tycoon, is fast becoming one of the most respected young industrialists of Igbo extraction. His story is not only about personal success but also about lessons and inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Here are four reasons young Nigerians should see him as a role model.

Ezeobi’s rise is a true reflection of resilience and vision. Coming from a middle-class family, he founded Zobis in 2006 while still a university student, starting with little savings of just ?1,350.

His first supply netted him ?8,000 in profit, which became the seed for what has now grown into Zobis Cables Nigeria Limited, a household name in the electrical manufacturing industry. From that humble beginning, he quietly built his empire, transmuting from a small-time trader into a formidable industrialist.

He is focused, unlike many of his contemporaries in this ‘Dorime’ generation who chase fame and frivolities, the 41-year-old billionaire lives a simple and disciplined lifestyle. He has consciously shunned distractions, awards, and unnecessary flamboyance, preferring to channel his energy into building sustainable businesses.

Even his memberships of social clubs are strategic, used as platforms for networking and advancing his business interests rather than for leisure. His focus and clarity of purpose remain one of his greatest assets.

He is Courageous. Few people of his age and background would dare to dream at the scale Ezeobi does. From starting as a trader in Onitsha, he took the bold step into full-scale manufacturing. Today, Zobis has offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Aba, a cable factory in Anambra sitting on a large expanse of land and a state-of-the-art corporate headquarters in Abuja.

His moves suggest a man with continental ambitions, determined to solve Africa’s electricity challenges while also diversifying into real estate, oil and gas. For him, true wealth lies in solving problems and adding value.

He is an Investor and an Employer

While many lament Nigeria’s harsh economic climate, Ezeobi continues to expand and invest. Zobis has become not just a success story but also one of Anambra’s biggest job providers. Through his businesses, countless Nigerians have found employment and training opportunities.

For him, empowerment is central to Africa’s development, and he believes strongly that investment in people, especially through jobs and skills, is the only way to transform society.

For these reasons and more, John Ezeobi stands out as a shining example for aspiring entrepreneurs, a living proof that discipline, courage, focus, and resilience can turn small beginnings into global success stories. Ezeobi’s story is indeed a great source of inspiration!

What does this 60th anniversary mean to you, and how do you reflect on Academy Press’s journey since its founding in 1965?

Sixty years is a milestone of celebration-and of gratitude. We thank God for surviving and still standing strong. We owe thanks to stakeholders, staff, loved ones-everyone who has contributed. The journey has included challenges and triumphs. Though there were many hurdles, there have also been accomplishments and milestones year by year. We remember those who had the initial vision, who laid firm foundations upon which others, like myself, have built.

What foundations did the founding fathers establish, and how have these influenced the values, culture, and evolution of Academy Press?

Our founders shared a rare mindset. They were not driven by personal wealth, but by a conviction to benefit society and to build an organisation of repute. They envisaged a printing company of world-class standard, not merely local.

That vision shaped everything: our values of quality, integrity, resilience; our culture of international competitiveness; and our refusal to limit ourselves to the local scene. These traits remain central to who we are, even now.

Looking back, what do you consider the most significant achievements of Academy Press in its growth and standing in the industry?

We have consistently maintained printing excellence; our quality and products speak for us. Turning points have included the landmark anniversaries-25, 40, 50, and now 60-each marking visible growth and endurance when many competitors have not lasted.

Financially, our turnover has grown from modest beginnings to well in excess of ?4 billion since 2006. Technologically, we began with one or two machines, many obsolete now; today we continuously modernise, acquiring some of the first equipment of its kind in Africa or Nigeria. Our staff are trained to high standards; many alumni of Academy Press have gone on to lead in other organisations. This institutional strength is a core differentiator.

As customer expectations, market demands, and technology shift, how has Academy Press adapted to stay competitive and forward-looking?

To remain world-class, we must keep pace with change. Whenever new technologies emerge, we adopt them quickly-often we lead in introducing innovations and designs we have observed internationally. We also anticipate customer preferences. Loyalty comes when clients see we are not merely responsive but proactive. By doing so, we ensure our service remains relevant and of high value.

What sets Academy Press apart in Nigeria’s printing sector, and how do you envision the company over the next five to ten years?

We are distinct in our capacity and scale. We manage both low-volume and very high-volume projects-from daily jobs to massive orders like examinations, census materials, or large educational contracts. We handle orders other presses cannot. Looking ahead, we’ll continue investing in equipment, expanding capacity, and deepening partnerships-especially with educational publishers. We want clients who go abroad for printing to know they can get equal or better quality here. Our strategy is modernisation, local capacity building, and maintaining international-standard delivery.

What key challenges does the printing and publishing sector currently face, and how is Academy Press positioned to address them?

The challenges are many:

Dependency on imports: Raw materials (paper, inks), equipment, and spare parts are often not locally produced, so we face forex volatility and supply-chain issues.

Tariffs and competition: Input materials are taxed, while finished imported books often aren’t, giving foreign competitors a price advantage.

Skill gaps: Practical, industry-specific training is scarce, so we invest in in-house training and send staff abroad to fill those gaps.

To address these, we built internal engineering capability for maintenance and fabrication, upgraded machinery, trained personnel rigorously, and adjusted margins where possible to remain competitive. Although the environment is challenging, we continually strive to find sustainable solutions.

How has innovation been integrated into operations, and what impact has it had on performance and customer satisfaction?

Innovation is embedded in how we work. We continually monitor global trends, adopt new technologies, and modernize our processes. This has led to:

Improved quality control at all levels

Faster turnaround times

Enhanced product offerings

Stronger customer trust and loyalty

Our readiness to change when change is needed has kept us relevant, efficient, and appreciated by our clients.

You’ve said innovation is key to longevity. How has Academy Press integrated innovation into its operations, and what impact has this had on performance and customer satisfaction?

At Academy Press, innovation is not a buzzword-it’s a necessity. We actively seek out new ideas and global trends to introduce to our customers. Whether it’s digital or technological innovation, we continuously modernise to stay ahead.

We don’t wait for change; we drive it. Our internal mantra is: ‘Innovate and elevate.’ This mindset ensures we remain relevant, competitive, and aligned with our customers’ evolving expectations. It also enhances customer satisfaction because they know we’re proactive, not reactive, in delivering quality solutions.

Culture plays a crucial role in sustainability. What kind of culture exists at Academy Press, and how does it support talent development and employment? Our culture is deeply rooted in strong core values: quality, trust, resilience, and integrity.

These are not just ideals-they guide everything we do.

Quality is non-negotiable. If a product doesn’t meet our standards, it doesn’t reach the customer-regardless of cost implications. We build systems that prevent quality issues from occurring in the first place.

Trust is vital, both internally and externally. Our staff understand that customer satisfaction is our top priority. Every employee aligns with our core values and knows their role in upholding them.

We also invest in people. We have internal training systems and development pathways to equip our staff with the skills needed in a modern printing environment. That commitment to human capital ensures we don’t just retain talent-we grow it.

As Academy Press celebrates 60 years, what message do you have for stakeholders-employees, clients, shareholders, and partners?

The message is simple: gratitude.We are deeply thankful to our staff, customers, shareholders, vendors, regulators, financiers-everyone who has supported us over these six decades. They’ve made this milestone possible. We also ask for their continued support as we enter a new phase. We promise to keep delivering quality products, fulfilling our commitments to government and partners, and ensuring competitive returns for shareholders. We see this as a partnership, and we intend to uphold our part of that relationship.

What are the most exciting upcoming projects or partnerships that Academy Press is exploring as part of its future strategy? What should stakeholders look forward to?

At Academy Press, we refer to our customers not just as clients but as partners-and that includes the broader society who consume our products. These relationships are central to our strategy moving forward.

We have a number of investment-driven projects in the pipeline, and we plan to deepen our partnerships across various sectors to bring these to fruition. Our commitment remains steadfast: to deliver quality service and protect the interests of our stakeholders-not only for our benefit, but for theirs as well. Our various diversification agenda in backward integration for input materials will be a game changer. More importantly is the expansion of our light packaging and label line to become full fledge venture. Our customers will have a one stop shop for their printing and packaging needs as a consequence.

For our financiers and banking partners, we greatly value the confidence they’ve placed in us, and we are committed to preserving that trust as we expand. We’re counting on their continued support for our upcoming projects.

A key area of focus is in educational publishing, particularly in the printing of evaluation books and textbooks for schools. We are encouraging publishers, especially those who currently print abroad, to place their confidence in us. We want them to know that Academy Press has the capacity, expertise, and quality standards to match-and even exceed-what is available internationally.

We are also committed to continual modernisation and capacity building, and we actively keep our partners informed about these upgrades. This transparency helps them see firsthand that partnering with us is not only viable but beneficial for their long-term goals.

Our vision for the future is a stronger, more self-reliant printing industry in Nigeria-and we are proud to be at the forefront of that transformation.

Bartholomew Bede, media aide to former Benue State governor Gabriel Suswam, has dismissed rumours that his principal is defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the claim as ‘an unholy rumour without substance.’

In a statement issued Friday, Bede said the former governor’s attendance at a dinner hosted by Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi was purely a social courtesy, not a political alignment.

‘Moments ago, I received calls from well-meaning Benuelites and leaders, alerting me to trending news suggesting that Senator Suswam has joined the APC,’ Bede said. ‘Some even claimed he would be formally received by Governor Alia at the Government House banquet. I debunk this unholy rumour with all vehemence, as it doesn’t represent Suswam’s interest or that of his supporters.’

Bede clarified that the invitation was extended to all key stakeholders in Benue, irrespective of party affiliation.

‘Two days ago, Governor Alia respectfully invited Senator Suswam, among other stakeholders, to a state banquet scheduled for October 10, 2025,’ he explained. ‘As a former governor and stakeholder in the Benue project, it was only courteous for him to attend.’

He stressed that there was no indication that the dinner was a political event or a defection ceremony.

‘The former governor advises his supporters and well-wishers to disregard this rumour,’ Bede said, calling it ‘baseless, aimless, and a lie from the deepest pit of hell.’

Lack of sleep, poor diet and environmental aggressors can all take their toll, leaving you with skin that looks as lacklustre as you probably feel. Achieving a natural, brilliant glow is simpler than you think. You don’t need a complex 10-step regimen or expensive treatments to get your best skin.

With these six easy ways, you can unlock your skin’s true radiance and let your inner light shine through.

Rest

Stress can negatively impact your skin tone, so finding ways to manage it can help improve your skin’s glow. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep to support skin regeneration and prevent dullness.You can also sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, which is gentler on your skin and can reduce friction.

Hydrate from inside out

A well-hydrated skin looks plump, smooth, and naturally dewy. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush toxins and keep your cells functioning optimally.Incorporate hydrating foods into your diet, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and berries.

Exfoliates regularly to reveal fresh skin

A buildup of dead skin cells is often the main culprit behind a dull complexion. By gently exfoliating, you sweep away the tired, outer layer to reveal the fresher, brighter skin underneath.

Wear sunscreen

Protect yourself from sun exposure by applying a good sunscreen daily to prevent tanning, dark spots, and premature aging caused by sun damage.

Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Consume fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins like berries, leafy greens, and nuts are packed with skin-loving nutrients aimed to nourish your skin health and cell turnover.

Power up with antioxidants

Your skin is constantly fighting off environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, and stress, which can lead to dullness and uneven tone. Antioxidants help fight this damage. Add a vitamin C serum to your daily routine. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and boost collagen production.

The Rule of Seven in marketing is a principle suggesting that brands engaging with a customer at least seven times are more likely to earn their trust and ultimately their business. It emphasises the importance of repeated interactions with potential customers to build familiarity, trust, and credibility over time. This principle underscores the idea that consistent communication and exposure increase the likelihood of converting leads into loyal customers.

So, how does the Rule of Seven actually work? It’s not about bombarding your prospects with repetitive messages until they cave in. Instead, it’s a strategic approach to nurturing relationships and building familiarity over time. Think of it as laying the groundwork for a meaningful connection.

Mastering the Rule of Seven: strategies to reach and convert your audience

i. Blog posts: establishing expertise and visibility

Start your journey towards the magic number by crafting blog posts that not only educate but also entertain your audience. Consistent and valuable content showcases your expertise while keeping your brand at the forefront of their minds.

ii. Social posts: engaging across platforms

Engage your audience on various social media platforms with informative content, intriguing insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your brand’s personality. Interacting with your audience in their preferred spaces helps build rapport and increases brand recognition.

iii. E-mails: personalised communication for nurturing leads

Craft personalised and relevant emails that deliver value to your subscribers. Whether it’s sharing exclusive offers, industry updates, or helpful tips, e-mails provide a direct line of communication to nurture leads and foster deeper connections.

iv. Videos: captivating audiences with dynamic content

Leverage the power of video content to convey your message in a dynamic and engaging way. From captivating product demos to heartfelt customer testimonials, videos capture attention and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Why is the Rule of Seven important in marketing?

The rule of seven holds a significant place in marketing strategies for several compelling reasons:

i. Building trust with customers

Regular interactions through various channels help establish trust with potential customers. By consistently demonstrating value and expertise, brands position themselves as reliable partners, fostering long-term relationships and brand recognition. This trust can also help overcome common objections to purchasing.

ii. Addressing diverse customer concerns

Engaging with customers multiple times provides ample opportunities to address different concerns they may have. Brands can tailor their messages to resonate with specific demographics or address varying needs, showcasing their understanding of customer challenges and solutions.

iii. Enhancing brand memorability

Multiple touchpoints ensure that the brand remains top-of-mind for customers throughout their buying journey. By repeatedly exposing customers to their message, brands increase the likelihood of being considered when it’s time to make a purchase, ultimately enhancing brand recall and recognition.

iv. Facilitating customer insights

With each interaction, brands gain valuable insights into customer behaviour and preferences. By analysing these interactions, brands can refine their marketing strategies, personalise communications, and tailor offerings to better meet customer needs.

v. Guiding customers through marketing funnels The Rule of Seven aligns with the stages of the marketing funnel, allowing brands to guide customers from awareness to conversion. By strategically targeting customers at different stages of the buying cycle, brands can nurture leads, build engagement, and drive conversions effectively.

vi. Providing feedback for continuous improvement

Regular customer interactions serve as a source of valuable feedback for brands. By actively listening to customer feedback and observing their behaviour, brands can identify areas for improvement, refine their offerings, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.

In essence, the Rule of Seven serves as a guiding principle for brands seeking to establish meaningful connections with their audience, drive engagement, and ultimately achieve marketing success.

Mastering customer interactions: tips for leveraging the Rule of Seven

Here are some practical tips to help you maximise your customer interactions and leverage the Rule of Seven in your marketing strategy:

a. Embrace diversity in communication

Expand your outreach efforts by diversifying your communication methods. Engage with your audience through various channels such as social media, email, or direct mailers. By reaching customers through different platforms, you can deepen connections and foster more personalised relationships.

b. Prioritise quality over quantity

Remember, it’s not just about bombarding customers with messages but delivering impactful content. Focus on crafting quality messages that resonate with your audience, rather than simply aiming to meet a specific quota. Quality engagement is key to building trust and loyalty.

c. Know your audience

Take the time to truly understand your customers before planning your marketing approach. By gaining insights into their preferences, behaviours, and pain points, you can tailor your interactions to better meet their needs and interests.

d. Stay informed about your competitors

Keep an eye on your competitors’ marketing strategies to stay ahead of the curve. Understanding the landscape can help you identify gaps in the market and determine which channels are most effective for reaching your target audience.

e. Utilise analytics

Leverage analytics tools to gain valuable insights into customer behaviour and engagement. Monitor metrics such as conversion rates and engagement levels to refine your approach and optimise your marketing efforts.

f. Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy

Create a well-rounded marketing strategy that covers all stages of the sales funnel. Ensure that your messaging resonates with customers at each stage, from awareness to conversion, to maximise effectiveness.

g. Foster genuine connections

The ultimate goal of the rule of seven is to build trust and connection with your audience. Add value to your interactions by providing relevant and meaningful content that resonates with your customers’ needs and interests.

Last line

Consistency is key to building and maintaining trust with your audience. Regardless of the channels you use, ensure that your messaging remains consistent and aligned with your brand identity. This helps reinforce your brand image and fosters familiarity with your audience.

A nonprofit organisation, Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSFAI), has empowered 20 young women from underserved communities in Kwara State through its flagship programme, SheGrows Digital Bootcamp.

The 10-week bootcamp was designed to tackle socio-economic barriers faced by young women by equipping them with business, digital and soft skills relevant to today’s job market.

Supported by the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), the programme also aimed to create a sustainable platform for young women to break the cycle of poverty, reduce dependence on external financial aid, and take control of their futures.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the participants, the organisation’s Executive Director, Nafisat Bakare, said the initiative provided participants with structured training sessions, mentorship, and hands-on learning activities to build competencies that would position them for self-employment or integration into the formal workforce. ‘The SheGrows Digital Bootcamp was created to empower girls and young women in underserved communities with digital, business, and life skills that enhance their employability, promote self-reliance, and foster long-term economic empowerment.

‘Over the course of the training, participants received practical instruction in areas such as social media management and advertising, graphic design, and essential life skills.

‘ Through group activities, interactive sessions, and personal assessments, they acquired foundational knowledge that can be directly applied to entrepreneurial or employment opportunities,’ she said.

Bakare added that the initiative would enable the beneficiaries to either secure decent jobs or start and scale their own ventures, thereby accessing economic opportunities, improving their livelihoods, and achieving financial independence.

The Nigerian Army has cautioned the general public against relying on unverified sources for information about its operations, following doctored images and misleading posts continue to flood digital platforms.

In a statement released on Friday, Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, emphasised that only the Army’s official social media channels should be regarded as authentic sources for updates and announcements.

According to Anele, the proliferation of misinformation poses serious risks to national security and public trust, especially when false narratives about military activities are circulated online without verification.

She said such acts can fuel panic, distort facts, and undermine the morale of troops deployed across the country.

‘The Nigerian Army urges the media and the public to confirm any report concerning its operations through our verified social media handles. This will ensure the dissemination of accurate, credible, and timely information,’ the statement read.

The official social media platforms of the Nigerian Army include: X (Twitter): @NigeriaArmyInfo and @HQNigerianArmy; Instagram: @NigerianArmyInfo and @HQNigerianArmy; Facebook: NigerianArmyInfo and HQNigerianArmy ,and YouTube: NigerianArmyInfoTV

It appealed to journalists and citizens to follow and amplify content from these verified channels as a collective effort to combat fake news and strengthen public understanding of the Army’s true engagements and contributions.

The statement added that the Nigerian Army remains committed to transparency and open communication with the media, noting that responsible reporting and digital literacy are vital in countering the influence of disinformation campaigns targeted at national institutions.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai has said that it successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack in the Ngamdu general area, following a swift response by forces on ground and reinforcement elements from 29 Task Force Brigade.

Business Day reports that the Super Camp Ngamudu the military base in Kaga local government area came heavy attacks by outlawed ISWAP fighters.

In a statement by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri on Friday.

According to him, he revealed four soldiers were killed and others sustained serious injuries by the terrorists group during a daring attack on the base.

He said, ‘The terrorists employed Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), armed drones, and command-initiated Improvised Explosive Devices, targeting troops and own platforms. Despite the intensity of the attack, troops held their ground and responded with superior firepower, inflicting significant losses on the terrorists.

‘Unfortunately, own troops recorded 4 x Killed in Action (KIA) and 5 x Wounded in Action (WIA). Additionally, some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and Gun Trucks (GTs) sustained varying degrees of damage during the encounter.

‘The terrorists attempted to prevent reinforcements and inflict further casualties by planting multiple IEDs along the Ngamdu-Damaturu Main Supply Route (MSR). This necessitated a temporary closure of the MSR, as engineers swiftly responded to clear 3 IED-laden spots. Following successful clearance, the MSR has now been reopened to both military and civilian movement.

‘In response to the attack, troops were immediately resupplied with critical logistics, including MRAP tyres and ammunition, to sustain operations and restore full mobility. Credible intelligence confirms heavy terrorist casualties, with reports indicating mass burials of about 15 bodies conveyed in pushcarts by the terrorists for burial around Bula Wura, near Wasaram.

‘As part of continued efforts to dominate the area, 29 Task Force Brigade has launched fighting patrols and exploitation operations aimed at denying the terrorists freedom of action and consolidating operational gains.

‘The gallantry and resilience of the troops have been commended and the public assured that normalcy would be sustained with operations ongoing to maintain peace and security in the area,’ the statement concluded.

Our parents were so close that when our mother died, we feared our father would barely last a year without her. They were inseparable, the kind of couple people admired and whispered about in awe. They finished each other’s sentences, shared the same room since we were children, wore matching clothes on Sundays, took evening strolls hand in hand and ate from the same plate. You could never pitch one against the other; their union was seamless. Their marriage was a model, one many aspired to have but few could ever replicate.

So, when Mama passed, we were shattered. Papa mourned with a heaviness that seemed unbearable. Neighbours, friends and church members trooped in and out of the house to console him. But in the midst of that gloom, I noticed something strange. Papa’s face lit up when a particular woman came visiting. I had never seen her before, but his whole countenance changed instantly. For those few minutes she was in the room, it was as if everything else faded away and only she existed. That spark in his eyes was impossible to miss.

She never came back after that first and only visit, but I couldn’t completely dismiss what I had noticed. Life carried on. We buried Mama and painfully adjusted to a life without her and a void that could not be filled. She had been the matriarch, the glue that bound us together, the one who always kept things in order. Those early months were hard for all of us. We worried endlessly about Papa: his health, the loneliness, the grief pressing on his shoulders.

And yet, against all our fears, Papa became the brightest and sweetest version of himself. He looked healthier than ever. He was so full of life that he barely needed his blood pressure medication. His voice carried a lightness we hadn’t heard in years. His laughter came easily, and his eyes sparkled. Instead of withering away, Papa bloomed, and for that we were deeply grateful.

Two years later, on his birthday, Papa surprised us with a family video call. His voice carried an unusual excitement. Papa’s video calls usually came with heaviness and big family announcements. I couldn’t shake off the memory of a family meeting years back, when he told us of Mama’s illness. But this time was different. With his usual gentleness but a renewed glow, Papa dropped his news: he wanted to get married!.

It was as if lightning struck. Instantly, the family was divided. Some siblings felt he had not mourned Mama enough, accusing him of dishonouring her memory. Others thought he was moving too fast, blinded by loneliness. Voices rose, tempers flared. But I stayed quiet. Unlike them, I had seen Papa closely, the sparkle in his eyes, the vigour in his steps, the way his spirit radiated life again. He was thriving. I didn’t have it in me to snuff out whatever it was that made him so alive.

My siblings pressed me to find out who this woman was. So out of duty, not curiosity, I asked him. That was when Papa, with a softness in his voice, told me the story.

Her name was Bidemi. His first love. The only woman he had ever truly loved.

This was a rude shock. I almost lost my balance on my chair. I had always thought Mama was the absolute love of his life. Wow! I couldn’t believe what I just heard, and I was desperate to hear the rest of the story.

As a young man, he and Bidemi had been inseparable. Then she left for the UK to further her studies. In her absence, Papa grew close to Mama. Although they moved in the same circles, Mama was fully aware of his relationship with Bidemi. But one night – one drunken night – changed everything. He couldn’t even recall the details, but Mama appeared weeks later, pregnant. Their families called it a blessing in disguise and urged marriage. ‘A bird in hand,’ they said, ‘is better than one abroad.’ And so Papa married Mama.

When Bidemi returned, she discovered that the man who had promised her forever was now married with a child. Their heartbreak was mutual. Yet Papa, bound by duty and honour, chose to stay with Mama. His love belonged to Bidemi, but his life belonged to another.

Papa admitted that those early years were agonising. He had to train himself to live with Mama without letting Bidemi’s name slip. He had to discipline his heart to love differently, to show loyalty and to build a respectable life. Mama knew. Deep down, she always knew Bidemi had his heart. But Papa gave her no reason to doubt his commitment. He was faithful, present, hardworking and over time their marriage grew into the admired union we all knew. What looked perfect from the outside had been forged in fire and sacrifice.

And then, after Mama’s death, fate brought Bidemi back. It wasn’t easy to rebuild trust after decades of silence. She had to be convinced that he was sincere, that this wasn’t some fleeting attempt to fill a void. Life had dealt her tough blows, and she wasn’t ready to risk being hurt again. Losing the love of her life to someone she thought was a friend, then being widowed so unexpectedly, had been more than enough pain.

But Papa wasn’t willing to let love slip away twice. This was his second chance. rare and miraculous. He intended to seize it. ‘Who in this life gets to love the same person twice?’ he asked me.

Before I left, he shared something else, something that lingered with me long after. He told me there had always been a question he wanted to ask Mama before she died, but he never dared. ‘Sometimes, what you don’t know cannot kill you,’ he muttered under his breath.

What could it have been? What question was so important that he couldn’t bring himself to ask, yet it haunted him even after Mama’s death?

That night, lying in bed, I scrolled through old family photos, reminiscing about the times we shared. Then suddenly, one particular photo caught my attention. It was our last Christmas together before Mama died. I paused, staring, and for the very first time, I noticed something I had never seen before. My eldest sibling, the firstborn, didn’t resemble the rest of us. His mannerisms had always been different, his looks distinct. Suddenly, Papa’s unasked question loomed large in my mind.

Could it be that Mama pinned a pregnancy on Papa that wasn’t his? Could that be the truth he quietly suspected but never voiced? A truth or is it a secret he chose to live with all his life?

We may never know. Or maybe one day we will.

The thought has been sitting quietly in my chest. Should I pry or just let the sleeping dog lie? My curiosity might hurt some people. It could rewrite everything we thought we knew about love, sacrifice and family. Maybe like Papa, I should let it sail.

But I will never look at my brother or remember Mama the same way again.

The story of Kehinde Kamson begins in Lagos where she was born on August 14, 1961, as a twin and the youngest of six children. Her father, Adeleke Beniah Adelaja, was principal of CMS Grammar School, while her mother, Omoba Adebayo Evangelin Adelaja, ran Eva Adelaja Secondary School. Her parents were educators and so Kehinde and her siblings learnt the values of hard work, education and entrepreneurship from the start.Kehinde attended the International Women’s Society Nursery School in Lagos, and then University of Lagos Staff School. For secondary school she went to St Anne’s School, Ibadan. She completed her A-Levels at Queens College in Lagos, and then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos and furthered her business education at Lagos Business School.

After graduating from the University of Lagos, Kehinde Kamson worked as a chartered accountant and held a role as Chief Accountant in an oil service company called Lummus Crest. During this time, she was already married to a man named Sir Yinka Olusoga Kamson, and so, decided to start a side business where she sourced fish amongst fish mongers in Lagos. Her little business was called ‘Fish Mongers’, and she ran it for 5 years before she eventually shut it down because it was bringing in little to no profits, and was entirely unsustainable.

After the unfortunate collapse of her first business, Fish Mongers, Kehinde Kamson refused to give up. Drawing on her childhood passion for baking, she launched another venture, a pastries and cakes business called Citycate – The City Caterers. Citycate quickly gained traction.

The demand was so high that Kehinde would rise as early as 3 a.m. every day to bake and deliver pastries to her clients before heading to work. As the workload intensified, she eventually left her job to devote herself fully to the growing business.Her pastries soon became a hit, particularly at the University of Lagos, where the medical school, Medilag, became her biggest market.

From there, her supply network expanded to include UTC, Leventis, and eventually, Mr Biggs. In one interview, Kehinde shared,’Mr. Biggs inspired me beyond imagination. It was not just the boost in my sales, but the impressions I had as I watched on a daily basis their sales staff counting away loads of cash. I must confess I found that cash counting sight very inspiring! The cash counting at Mr. Biggs went on the whole day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. My prayer point became, ‘Lord, make our money counting session be as long as Mr. Biggs!’Her partnership with Mr Biggs lasted for about four years before she decided to start her own fast-food restaurant, which she named Sweet Sensation Confectioneries Limited.

In 1994 she launched Sweet Sensation Confectionery Limited from a backyard shed, which used to be the gateman’s house, in Ilupeju, Lagos. Sweet Sensation started with modest beginnings selling simple meals and snacks including pastries, chicken, rice and ice cream, over time it grew into one of Nigeria’s foremost Quick Service Restaurant brands.

31 years later, the business has since grown to become one of the most successful chain of Quick Service Restaurant businesses in Nigeria with over 25 outlets across the country, over 2,000 employees and over 60 array of meals that are served daily.

Kamson has also championed innovation within her business. She has explained that innovation, quality service and keeping menus fresh have been central to staying competitive in Nigeria’s fast food sector.She is president of Restaurant and Food Services Proprietors Association of Nigeria (REFSPAN), the umbrella body for Quick Service Restaurants, and runs initiatives like the Sweet Sensation Education Support Scheme, which helps students from low income families and those with special needs, and a food security intervention to provide meals to underserved populations.

Kamson often recounts that her path has not been easy. She has also reflected on early challenges involving limited capital, balancing family responsibilities, logistics, and the constant pressure to deliver quality while remaining affordable,Through fluctuations in the market, shifts in consumer preference, and competition, her business has held on by leaning into customer experience, menu diversity, ambience, operations and adapting to changing times. The plan to launch a skill acquisition centre for undergraduates with interest in culinary skill and entrepreneurship is one of her recent moves to extend impact beyond just food business.