……As Hamzat, Allen Onyema, Adeshina, Ajayi, Toyosi Commend Kikelomo Abati On Milestones In Media Industry
Prominent figures across Nigeria’s political, corporate, religious, and media landscapes, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Air Peace Chairman Chief Allen Onyema, Managing Director, Sahara Group, Kola Adeshina, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi, veteran broadcaster Eugenia Abu,
Founder of Rise Network, Dr Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, and others agreed on a future for Nigeria anchored in innovation, youth technology adoption, and corporate integrity, which must serve as the primary pillars of Nigeria’s future economic blueprint.
The distinguished personalities gathered on Saturday, October 10, 2026, to celebrate a major milestone for Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati and her flagship programme, Real Talk with Kike.
The high-profile event marked the 7th anniversary of the popular talk show, themed “The Future of Nigeria,” held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.
The event celebrated seven years of consistent, impactful broadcasting that tackled critical conversations on governance, policy, societal development, and leadership.
Leaders from various sectors lauded Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati for her tenacity, professional integrity, and the platform’s role in holding power to account while giving a voice to the wider society.
The multidisciplinary sessions brought together leaders from public governance, private enterprise, finance, education, and the creative sector to deliberate on the path forward for Nigeria.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who gave the keynote speech, highlighted the crucial role of transparent public leadership, systemic reforms, and citizen engagement in driving sustainable development. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Hamzat stated that the responsibility of government is to identify what is not working, explain what is being done and demonstrate measurable improvement. He added that the responsibility of business is to invest, innovate, create jobs and provide honest feedback and the responsibility of the media is to interrogate both and keep the public informed.
He noted that the Lagos State Government is committed to consistently working on transparent, consistent rules for investment, electricity, and business approvals. The government will continue to improve the processes that stand between an investment decision and a functioning business, and urged the media to “bring us the facts and practical difficulties. We will treat constructive feedback as information to improve governance, not as an attack to resist.”
Hamzat urged the private sector to first invest with a long-term commitment. Serious investors build confidence and encourage others to follow.
Second, build here, not merely sell here. Train Nigerians, develop local suppliers, strengthen domestic capacity and move more of the value chain into the country.
Third, tell government the truth. Share what works, identify what does not and help us find practical solutions. Sound policy depends on honest feedback from those who experience its consequences.
“Our future will be secured when we bring our strengths together, unite around a common purpose, and accept our shared responsibility for nation-building.
“Let us build a Nigeria where leadership inspires confidence because it delivers; where innovation creates opportunities because it solves real problems; where our culture commands global respect because we invest in our creative talent; and where the media earns public trust because it informs with courage and integrity.
“Let us build a Nigeria where a young person’s ambition is not defeated by the circumstances of birth, where an entrepreneur’s ideas are not suffocated by unnecessary barriers, and where the promise of our nation is reflected in the daily experiences of our people.
Our challenges are real. So is our potential. The question is whether we have the courage to bridge the gap between the two,” he said.
Corporate leaders, including Sahara Group GMD Kola Adesina and Mandilas Group GMD Vlassis Liakouris, examined how private enterprise, corporate governance, and innovation can stimulate economic resilience and growth. Adeshina urged Nigerians to believe in the country and its capabilities, and tasked the media with reporting what is true, especially the good things about Nigeria.
Founder of Rise Network, Dr Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, anchored conversations on the absolute necessity of investing in youth capacity, modern education, and technological empowerment to secure the country’s future.
Ecobank Nigeria Chairman, Bola Adesola, who was not available in person but sent a video clip, provided insights into financial-sector leadership and the structural discipline required for national financial health.
A central consensus was that nation-building cannot be left to government alone; it requires a deliberate synergy between public leadership, private capital, cultural influencers, and the media.
The event heavily underscored how platforms like Real Talk with Kike act as essential bridges by holding power accountable, elevating critical policy issues, and giving ordinary citizens a voice in governance.
Discussions moved beyond rhetoric, stressing that innovation, youth tech adoption, and corporate integrity must serve as the primary pillars for Nigeria’s future economic blueprint.
Aside from Hamzat, Onyema, Ajayi, and Abu, the landmark event featured key personalities, Actress Shaffy Bello, Yinka Adebayo, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, and comperes Yemi Shodimu and Riyah Abdul.
Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati eulogised her husband, Dr Reuben Abati, as her pillar who encouraged her to become who she is now. She commended him for all he has done for her and the family.
A platform titled K & R Podcast was unveiled at the ceremony to mark twenty years of Kike as staff of the convener, and staff were rewarded with various prizes, including a landed property.