News

VIDEO: Ex-Oyo Gov Akala Paid Me N99m For His Campaign In 33 LGAs — Taye Currency

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2024

Editor

Popular Ibadan-based Fuji musician, Taye Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency, has said that the late former Oyo State Governor, Christopher Alao-Akala once paid him N99 million for the campaign he ran for him in 33 local government areas in the state.

Taye Currency said the humongous amount of money paid into his account was a major financial breakthrough he received from the ex-governor in 2011.

The singer revealed this at an event marking the annual Oshodi Day while performing as one of the guest artistes on December 27, 2023.

Alao-Akala had been widely criticised for the wastefulness of the state resources while he was revered among many as a philanthropist.

His campaign’s Director-General, Dr Kola Balogun, during his re-election bid in the governorship election in 2015 as the standard bearer of the Labour Party, said Akala was called ATM by people because he was a natural philanthropist, adding, “His style of governance made sure there was money in the pockets of his people.”

Meanwhile, speaking, the Taye Currency recounted that he had challenged Akala, who was then governor in his Ogbomoso residence about how funds meant for him were delayed by those expected to pay them for the campaign rallies done on his behalf.

The Fuji entertainer added that the courage was something he developed when he previously challenged the late Ibadan political godfather, Lamidi Adedibu of not being paid royalties as one of the popular campaign mobilisers of the state chapter’s Peoples Democratic Party and how the late politician visited his home, apologising that things will take shape after his outburst.

He said, “I want to share a story of how my life was turned around for good and how I became what I am today. In 2010, I was invited, along with many others, to join the campaign trail for the late Governor Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala. The show promoter in charge of paying me for singing during the campaign wouldn’t pay me on time. He would often delay my payment, sometimes by up to three days.

“One fortunate day, I was in the late Governor’s residence when he stepped out. I started screaming and shouting that I hadn’t been paid for my show at the campaign and that I wouldn’t be returning to perform on stage anymore.

“Akala asked me to approach him and demanded an explanation for my outburst. I told him I was owed N500,000 and had not been paid yet.

“He was surprised and then called on his First Lady, Mrs. Kemi Alao Akala, instructing her to be in charge of paying me whenever I performed on stage for the rest of the campaign.

“Akala then instructed that N99 million be paid to me straight away for campaigns in the 33 Local Government Areas of the state. That was how I made it.

“Just like that, I was shocked. After I settled everyone, I still had N60 million left,” he stressed.

Taye Currency was appointed the Culture Ambassador in the first term of Governor Seyi Makinde because of the active role he played during the governor’s campaign.

His son, Yusuf Adebisi, also won a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan South-West Constituency 1, earning him (Taye Currency) the notable tag of “Baba Honourable”.

Video: Ex-Oyo gov Akala paid me N99m for his campaign in 33 LGAs — Taye Currency
Popular Ibadan-based Fuji musician, Taye Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency, has said that the late former Oyo State Governor, Christopher Alao-Akala once paid him N99 million for the… pic.twitter.com/83S8hDfTyq
— Vanguard Newspapers (@vanguardngrnews) January 3, 2024
Advertisement

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.