RYNI News

Anambra PDP governorship candidate, Jude Ezenwafor Escapes Assassination Attempt in Abuja

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen . O
20 July 2025

In a harrowing episode that underscores the deepening crisis of political violence in Nigeria, Chief Jude Ezenwafor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Anambra State, narrowly escaped death after a calculated assassination attempt in Abuja late Friday night.

The attack unfolded in the highbrow Wuse 2 district, a neighbourhood known more for its calm than chaos. Ezenwafor’s convoy was returning from what aides described as a “routine evening engagement” when unidentified gunmen launched a surprise assault, riddling his vehicle with bullets before vanishing into the night.

Witnesses reported the staccato burst of gunfire echoing through the streets, followed by the squeal of tires and the eerie silence that so often cloaks tragedy. “It was like something out of an action movie,” said a resident who lives a few blocks from the scene. “We heard gunshots—loud, rapid—and then nothing.”

Chief Ezenwafor was swiftly rushed to a private hospital under heavy security. Doctors say he sustained multiple gunshot wounds and underwent emergency surgery. Two members of his security detail were also injured in the attack and remain hospitalized. Though he sustained injuries but the PDP flag-bearer is reportedly stable and conscious.

Speaking briefly from his hospital bed in the early hours of Saturday, the visibly shaken politician recounted the ambush. “It was a near-death experience,” he said. “I was just heading home when we were attacked without warning. I’m currently in the hospital, and the doctors are preparing to operate to remove the bullets. It was clearly a deliberate attempt to eliminate me.”

Though the motive remains unconfirmed, analysts are already linking the assault to the rising tide of politically motivated violence as Nigeria hurtles toward the 2025 general elections. With no arrests yet made, the FCT Police Command has launched a manhunt for the assailants and promised a full-scale investigation.

The PDP wasted no time in condemning the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act of desperation” and warning that Nigerian democracy is under siege. Party officials have called for enhanced security for all political candidates and a firm response from law enforcement.

As tensions rise, the attempted assassination of Ezenwafor serves as a grim reminder of the dangerous path Nigerian politics is treading. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians demanding justice and calling for reforms to protect candidates and voters alike.

Ezenwafor’s supporters, meanwhile, remain hopeful that this near-tragedy will not deter him from pursuing his political ambitions — but rather, embolden his resolve.

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A Monarch’s Mission: How Oba Adédòkun Abolarin’s Free Education Vision is Rewriting the Future of Nigeria’s Poor

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen . O
18 July 2025

In the quiet hills of Oke-Ila Orangun in Osun State, a rare renaissance is unfolding—not in gold-lined palaces or high government chambers, but within the simple walls of a rural school founded by a king with a vision larger than his crown.

Oba Adédòkun Abolarin, the revered Orangun of Oke-Ila, is shattering the age-old image of monarchy as ornamental, replacing splendor with purpose. His brainchild, Abolarin College, is a tuition-free boarding school that educates Nigeria’s brilliant but impoverished children—orphans, street hawkers, and children from households where schooling is a distant dream.

These are not ordinary students—they are handpicked for their intellectual promise and leadership potential, despite their economic disadvantage. And here, they are not only given access to quality education, but also fed, clothed, housed, and mentored—completely free of charge.

“Royalty must serve, or it has no meaning,” says Oba Abolarin, a trained lawyer and former law lecturer at Nigerian universities. He doesn’t just fund the school—he teaches, counsels, and walks the school grounds daily. In a society where public schools are underfunded and UNESCO estimates over 10 million Nigerian children are out of school, his hands-on model is revolutionary.

Students at Abolarin College receive a well-rounded education: academics, ethics, leadership, and cultural literacy. They’re trained to become not just employable graduates, but nation builders. Graduates have gone on to win scholarships, gain university admission, and return to uplift their own communities—a ripple effect of transformation.

Remarkably, the king refuses school fees or donations from families. The institution runs on his personal income, occasional contributions from well-wishers, and the enduring belief that every gifted child deserves a fair shot at greatness—regardless of their background.

Many of the children come from families living under the international poverty line, yet their performances defy their circumstances. Abolarin College has become a model for merit-based educational equity, praised by NGOs and featured in educational policy forums.

In a nation grappling with poverty, broken infrastructure, and failing leadership, Oba Abolarin is quietly demonstrating what transformative governance looks like—not through decrees, but through daily sacrifice.

He’s not just teaching history—he’s making it. One brilliant, underprivileged child at a time.

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Nigerian-Born Physician, Dr Oluseyi Breaks U.S Medical Residency Records. Sweeps All 8 Awards

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen . O
18 July 2025


In a landmark moment celebrated by Nigerians and the global Black diaspora, Dr. Timileyin Oluseyi, a Nigerian-born physician based in the United States, has shattered institutional records by being the first resident in his medical residency history to win all eight prestigious awards at his graduation ceremony.

The unprecedented achievement includes top honors for clinical excellence, research, leadership, teaching, patient-centred care, professionalism, innovation, and community service—a sweep never before achieved in the residency’s existence . With performances across every academic and professional measure, Oluseyi outperformed every peer, irrespective of background or race .

But it was the heartfelt cultural salute that captured global attention: during the ceremony, both the program director and department chairman prostrated before Dr. Oluseyi in accordance with Yoruba tradition—a gesture of deep respect reserved for elders and esteemed individuals. The tribute, accredited to careful cultural research by institutional leaders, was described as a powerful testament to both his achievement and heritage .

One senior faculty member remarked, “We’ve never seen anything like this. He raised the bar for this program forever,” underscoring the magnitude of Oluseyi’s success . The emotional ceremony blended seriousness with levity when colleagues famously presented him with a wheelbarrow to “carry all his awards home,” eliciting laughter and applause .

Dr. Oluseyi’s historic feat is resonating far beyond the lecture halls. Nigerian diaspora groups, including NiDCOM, and social media platforms like Reddit and Instagram, have erupted in celebration, calling him a trailblazer and a shining example of Black excellence . Many see his success as a beacon of hope and representation for Nigerian and African youth aspiring to careers in medicine.

This moment comes at a pivotal time, as global conversations increasingly emphasize equitable recognition of Black professionals in historically non-diverse fields. Dr. Oluseyi’s story represents not just personal triumph, but a symbolic victory in dismantling stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of Black and African medical professionals.

As he embarks on his next chapter—be it further fellowship or independent practice—Dr. Timileyin Oluseyi’s unparalleled success positions him as a cultural icon, a clinical visionary, and a role model whose legacy will inspire long after he takes his final bow on stage.

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JUST IN: Tinubu Renames University of Maiduguri After Buhari in Posthumous Tribute

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen . O
17 July 2025

In a sweeping gesture of national remembrance, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renamed the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, immortalizing the late Nigerian leader barely days after his passing.

The announcement was made during a special Federal Executive Council session held Thursday, July 17, in Abuja, convened in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 14, at the age of 82 in a London hospital. He was buried two days later at his Daura residence, amid tears, tributes, and the presence of dignitaries from across the nation and beyond.

President Tinubu described the renaming as a symbolic gesture to immortalize a leader whose life, reshaped the Nigerian political landscape. He hailed Buhari’s “unwavering commitment to nationhood, integrity, and service,” adding that his legacy would now live on through the minds and futures shaped within the walls of the newly renamed Muhammadu Buhari University.

The renamed institution — now Muhammadu Buhari University stands as a citadel of tertiary learning in the heart of Nigeria’s northeastern region.

The announcement has stirred waves across the social and political spheres of the country, triggering a mix of admiration, debate, and national reflection. Whether seen as symbolic or strategic, one truth remains: Buhari’s name is now etched not only in Nigeria’s history, but in the future of its education.

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Church Scandal: RCCG Pastor Abscond with $8,000, Dumps Wife, Marries Another in the U.S.

RYNI Media: By Blessing Isiuwa
17 July 2025


In a stunning tale of betrayal cloaked in priestly robes, a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor has allegedly absconded with $8,000 meant for church missions, abandoned his wife in South Africa, and resurfaced in the United States—married to another woman.

This revelation, which has sent shockwaves through the RCCG community, was made public by Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, wife of the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, during a solemn address to RCCG men at a recent gathering.

The drama as reported by Church Times, began in Cape Town, South Africa, during a missionary trip. Pastor Adeboye recounted ministering at a makeshift parish located within an eatery—a humbling reminder of the church’s struggle in that region. As she preached, a woman suddenly began packing the chairs, signaling that the rental time had expired.

Disturbed by the disruption, she inquired about securing a permanent site for worship. The parish pastor, described as a native of Ekiti State, proposed a seemingly ingenious plan: with $8,000, the church could purchase a used vehicle and invest it in the flourishing local tourism sector. The returns, he promised, would be funneled into acquiring permanent church property.

Convinced and encouraged by the prospect of sustainable growth, Pastor Adeboye released the funds. But instead of executing the mission strategy, the pastor executed a vanishing act.

“He disappeared,” she lamented. “He left his wife behind in South Africa—confused, devastated, and nearly driven to madness. He went to America… and married another woman.”

The betrayal has raised pressing questions about moral decay among church leaders and accountability within mission structures. Church Times quoted Pastor Adeboye’s anguished plea to RCCG men: “what are we going to do?” she challenged the audience. “Shall we continue with this lying, deceitful spirit in the house of God?”

Pastor Adeboye drew a sharp contrast between the present trend of manipulation and the church’s early days of sacrifice—when she and her husband ministered under lantern light in Redemption Camp, grinding food with stones despite previously owning modern conveniences.

Her call to action was poignant: “We must return to the old path. The path where Christ leads and we follow, without compromise.”

As investigations reportedly continue behind the scenes, the unnamed pastor’s betrayal has ignited a wider discourse about integrity, greed, and the sacredness of the pastoral calling.

Faith, once lost, may be restored—but trust misused in God’s name carries a weight no stolen dollar can repay.

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Africa’s Investment Paradox: Why the Wealthy Are Looking Outward While the World Looks In

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen .O
17 July 2025


Africa, home to over 1.4 billion people and some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, is increasingly becoming the stage of a puzzling economic drama. On one side, foreign investors are pouring billions into African ventures, seeking untapped markets and long-term gains. On the other, Africa’s own wealthy elite are steadily moving their money overseas—into Western real estate, foreign stocks, and offshore accounts.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), foreign direct investment (FDI) into Africa reached $97 billion in 2021, a 147% increase from the previous year, signaling renewed global confidence in the continent’s potential. Meanwhile, the African Wealth Report 2023 by Henley & Partners reveals that over 60% of Africa’s high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) hold a significant portion of their assets outside the continent.

Why the contradiction?

The answer lies in a combination of perceived domestic risk and global financial pull factors. For many wealthy Africans, home markets are plagued by economic volatility, weak legal protections, and fragile political systems. The Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance shows that while some countries are progressing, issues like corruption, rule of law, and regulatory instability remain widespread, leading to a “flight to safety” mentality among local investors.

“Many wealthy Africans prefer the predictability of London, New York, or Dubai to the uncertainty they face in their own backyards,” says economist Dr. Bayo Akinlade. “Even profitable businesses can be destabilized overnight by policy shifts or governance failures.”

Additionally, trust in African financial institutions remains low. A World Bank survey (2022) found that nearly 40% of surveyed African entrepreneurs cited regulatory uncertainty and political interference as major barriers to local investment.

But this story isn’t just about fear—it’s also about prestige and global mobility. Offshore investments often provide elite Africans with access to global banking, residency or citizenship-by-investment programs, and elite education systems. These incentives, combined with better access to global capital markets, explain why African capital continues to flow outwards.

Ironically, while African investors look abroad, foreign investors are lining up to enter. The reasons? High returns, first-mover advantage, and long-term strategic positioning.

In private equity, for instance, African funds have delivered annual returns of 11–15%, according to a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company, outperforming many Western markets. Sectors like fintech, agritech, infrastructure, and clean energy offer robust growth potential, with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) projected to create a combined market of $3.4 trillion.

“Africa’s youth, digital adoption, and resource base make it irresistible for forward-thinking global investors,” says Maria Edwards, Senior Analyst at the IFC. “They’re playing the long game.”

This paradox reveals a key challenge for African policymakers: how to restore domestic investor confidence, stem capital flight, and build a more trustworthy investment climate.

Until then, Africa risks becoming a continent where wealth is created locally but stored abroad—while outsiders reap the rewards of a future Africans themselves hesitate to fully claim.

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Dangote’s Maritime Ambition: Africa’s Richest Man Charts Course for Nigeria’s Deepest Port

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen .O
16 July 2025

In a bold stride towards rewriting the narrative of Africa’s maritime infrastructure, billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote is setting sail on a new frontier — the construction of Nigeria’s largest and deepest seaport along the coastal stretch of Olokola in Ogun State.

This visionary project, recently filed with Nigerian authorities, aims to transform Olokola into a global export hub, seamlessly linking Dangote’s sprawling industrial empire with international markets. The strategic move will not only diversify Nigeria’s economic arteries beyond crude oil but also solidify the nation’s position on the global logistics and liquefied natural gas (LNG) map.

“This is not just about the Dangote Group. It’s about igniting a wave of private sector-led industrialisation across Africa,” Dangote said in a recent interview with Bloomberg. “When others see this, they will believe it can be done.”

The proposed port—destined to surpass the depths and scale of the Lekki Deep Sea Port—signals Dangote’s intention to centralise and streamline exports of petroleum products, fertilisers, and LNG through a custom-built infrastructure ecosystem. It marks a strategic pivot back to Olokola, once earmarked for Dangote’s oil refinery before negotiations with the government fell through, pushing the refinery to Lagos’ Lekki Peninsula.

But this new vision dwarfs past plans.

At the heart of the initiative is an audacious pipeline network stretching from the gas-rich swamps of the Niger Delta to the southwestern coastline, designed to feed LNG into export channels that could rival Nigeria LNG Limited and disrupt the continent’s energy hierarchy.

“We know where the gas is. We will bring it to the coast,” said Devakumar Edwin, vice president of the Dangote Group. “We are aiming to eclipse NLNG’s output — and redefine Africa’s role in the global gas economy.”

The project unfolds amid ongoing international expansion. Dangote is currently exporting fertilisers to countries as far afield as the United States, Brazil, and India, with plans to erect a fertiliser plant in Ethiopia. His ambition? To dethrone Qatar as the world’s top urea producer within the next 40 months, while achieving fertiliser self-sufficiency across Africa.

Meanwhile, the company’s $20 billion, 650,000 bpd refinery—the largest in Africa—has commenced operations and is already reshaping fuel distribution dynamics across the continent. Plans are also underway to construct massive fuel storage facilities in Namibia and to list the petrochemical arm on the Nigerian Stock Exchange by year’s end.

In Dangote’s world, the tides are shifting—and with them, so might the future of Africa’s industrial destiny.

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Cameroon ‘s 92 -Year – Old President Paul Biya Declares Candidacy for Eight Term

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen .O
15 July 2025


In a dramatic yet unsurprising move, Cameroon’s long-serving leader, President Paul Biya, has announced on sunday his intention to run for an unprecedented eighth term in office, extending a reign that began over four decades ago.

The nonagenarian leader made the announcement via X (formerly Twitter), posting in both English and French:
“I am a candidate for the 12 October 2025 presidential election. Rest assured that my determination to serve you is commensurate with the serious challenges facing us. Together, there are no challenges we cannot meet.”

In a formal statement titled “Declaration of Candidacy for the 12 October 2025 Presidential Election by His Excellency Paul BIYA,” the president described his decades-long leadership as a “sacred duty,” while acknowledging that “much remains to be done.” He claimed his decision was driven by widespread calls from across the nation and the diaspora urging him to stay the course.

With Biya at the helm since 1982, Cameroon has seen over four decades of uninterrupted rule, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. If re-elected, his next term could take him close to 100 years of age by its end.

Though he remains the figurehead of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM),
Biya’s latest bid comes amid growing unrest within his political circle. Two of his key allies—Employment Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary and former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari—have left his camp to pursue their own presidential ambitions under the FSNC and NUDP, respectively. Both parties had been long-standing supporters of Biya’s CPDM.

The race is also heating up on the opposition front. Maurice Kamto, Biya’s most prominent challenger from the 2018 election, is back in the ring, along with Cabral Libii, a strong voice from the Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation (CPNR). However, the opposition remains fractured and unable to rally around a single candidate—an advantage for Biya in a system known for heavily favoring incumbents.

Despite his enduring grip on power, public frustration remains high. Youth unemployment, inflation, inadequate infrastructure, and ongoing separatist violence in the Anglophone regions continue to fuel discontent.

Candidates have until July 21 to declare their intentions, but one thing is certain: Cameroon’s 2025 election promises to be both historic and deeply divisive.

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₦100 Million to Stay—But Doctors Still Choose to JAPA: A Nation Confronts its Healthcare Crisis

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen .O
15 July 2025


What if you were handed ₦100 million today—no strings attached—to stay and invest in Nigeria’s crumbling healthcare system?

That daring question, posed by the UK-based physician, one of the moderators of the summit and CEO of the Resourceful Youth Network Initiative (RYNI), Dr. Lawson Obazenu, during the National Health Summit 2025, triggered one of the most powerful and unfiltered debates of the event. Hosted in collaboration with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the virtual summit themed “The JAPA Syndrome: Brain Gain or Brain Drain?” Navigating the Future of the Nigeria Health Sector , brought together an impressive lineup of medical professionals from Nigeria and the diaspora to address one of the most pressing dilemmas in the nation’s healthcare sector: the mass exodus of health workers.

As the summit reached its peak, Dr. Obazenu challenged attendees with a bold, unfiltered prompt:
“If you had ₦100 million, would you stay and invest in Nigeria’s healthcare system—or would you still choose to JAPA?”

The virtual chat room exploded. Despite the staggering sum, a resounding majority still opted to leave.

A Mirror to the Crisis

Many doctors cited insecurity, decaying infrastructure, career stagnation, and a deep-seated mistrust in government institutions. Some lamented that even ₦100 million is no match for a system that stifles talent and punishes integrity. A few, however, stood firm on staying—insisting that with accountability, real reform, and stakeholder unity, Nigeria’s healthcare sector can still be rebuilt from within.

Leadership and Moderation

In his opening remarks, Dr. Tope Osundara, President of NARD, called the JAPA syndrome a “national emergency,” urging for collaboration between government and diaspora doctors to stem the tide. His co-moderator, Dr. Lawson Obazenu, emphasized the need for strategic reinvention:
“We can’t blame our way out of this crisis. The time has come to build bridges—between those who stayed and those who left.”

Voices from the Frontlines

Responding to the moderators’ challenge, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, past President of the World Medical Association (WMA), Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA), and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), delivered a compelling response:
“We must stop treating JAPA like a betrayal. It’s a symptom. The real disease lies in underfunding, weak governance, and systemic neglect. If India reversed brain drain through strategic investment, Nigeria can too—but we must act fast and act right.”

The current NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, echoed these sentiments, warning of a looming collapse if urgent steps aren’t taken.
“This isn’t just about losing personnel—it’s about losing the next generation of trainers, mentors, and visionaries. We must act now or risk irreparable damage.”
He called the recent government move to export doctors to Saint Lucia “morally indefensible,” given the acute shortage at home.

Prof. Temitope Esan of the National Postgraduate Medical College warned of a critical collapse in specialist training enrolment. Dr. Elizabeth Fajemirokun from the UK advocated for rotational exposure in high-standard hospitals to re-inspire resident doctors.

Diaspora Reflections

Dr. Sunday Fawole, a U.S.-based Consultant, described JAPA not as desertion but “career evolution born out of desperation.” He credited his departure to years of stalled promotions, poorly equipped hospitals, and the emotional burden of working without hope.

Dr. Solomon Oke, President of Nigerian Doctors in the UK (NDUK), shared his story of frustration, safety fears, and professional stagnation. He proposed digital platforms and structured diaspora partnerships to allow remote contribution without full repatriation.

From Pain to Purpose

In closing, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, 1st Vice President of NARD, declared:
“This summit shattered illusions and sparked a movement. For the first time, home-based and diaspora doctors are united—not by blame, but by purpose.”

Dr. Obazenu’s final words rang clear:
“This ₦100 million question was never really about money—it was about what it would take to make Nigeria worth staying for. Now we know: it’s dignity, security, and shared vision.”

As the virtual applause rang out, the message was unmistakable: JAPA may be the reality—but collective reform could still rewrite the ending.

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Two Nigerian Visionaries Shine on Forbes’ 2025 List of America’s Wealthiest Immigrants

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen .O
15 July 2025


In a testament to global ambition and entrepreneurial brilliance, two Nigerian-born innovators, Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi and Tope Awotona, have secured their places on Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s richest immigrants. The annual list, featuring 125 immigrant billionaires from 41 countries, showcases the pivotal role of immigrants in shaping the U.S. economic landscape, particularly in sectors like technology, finance, and innovation.

It’s a seismic moment not just for Nigeria, but for the entire African continent. For the first time, two Nigerian visionaries have climbed into the billionaire ranks of the world’s most competitive economy — a feat born not of inheritance, but of tenacity, daring innovation, and pure willpower.

At 77th position, Ogunlesi is no stranger to global influence. A Yale- and Harvard-trained legal and financial mastermind, he chairs Global Infrastructure Partners, a firm that controls billions in airport, energy, and transport investments. With a personal fortune estimated at $2.4 billion, the business mogul from Sagamu has shaped mega-deals in US — all while keeping his roots firmly Nigerian.

Meanwhile, Tope Awotona, the tech disruptor behind the scheduling giant Calendly, lands at 106th position with a net worth of $1.4 billion. A one-man startup army who emptied his savings to build Calendly, Awotona’s journey from the streets of Lagos to the innovation labs of Atlanta is now the blueprint for immigrant excellence in global SaaS powerhouse used by millions.

Their rise is part of a larger phenomenon: immigrants now make up 14% of America’s billionaires — but command a staggering 18% of its total billionaire wealth, according to Forbes. And it’s not just about money. This list celebrates resilience, vision, and the global citizen who builds across borders.

At the summit remains South African-born Elon Musk, whose $393.1 billion empire spans Tesla, SpaceX, and AI. Yet beyond Musk’s shadow, the emergence of Ogunlesi and Awotona signals a new dawn for African entrepreneurial influence — one that’s no longer defined by extraction or aid, but by technology, finance, and boardroom leadership.

Other notable African-born figures include Egypt’s Haim Saban ($3.1 billion), Morocco’s Marc Lasry ($1.9 billion), and Bharat Desai from Kenya ($1.6 billion).

Forbes notes that 93 percent of the immigrant billionaires are self-made, a figure that speaks volumes about the grit and resilience driving this elite group. The rise from 92 immigrant billionaires in 2022 to 115 in 2025 signals a growing “immigrant mindset” fueled by innovation, adaptability and relentless pursuit of opportunity, qualities well embodied by Ogunleai and Awotona on the world stage.

This year’s rankings don’t just spotlight wealth — they spotlight visionaries who dared to dream across oceans and borders. And as Ogunlesi and Awotona rise, they not only carry the torch for Nigeria — they illuminate a path for the next generation of global changemakers.


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