Born on 10 October 1959 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Hajia Bola Muinat Shagaya has become one of Nigeria’s most influential businesswomen and a respected patron of fashion and the arts. Over four decades, she has built a diversified business empire and inspired generations of entrepreneurs—especially women—who look to her as proof that discipline, innovation, and vision can break barriers.
Early Life and Education
Shagaya was born into a culturally rich family. Her father, Alhaji Saliman Batuta, was a prominent Yoruba Muslim, while her mother, Adut Makur, had roots in Sudan—a blend of heritage that gave Shagaya a cosmopolitan outlook from an early age.
She attended schools in Nigeria before earning a degree in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Later, she undertook further studies in business and finance in the United States—reports often mention Armstrong College in California—though public records do not clarify whether this was a formal degree or executive-level coursework. The combination of Nigerian and international training laid the foundation for her future in banking and business.
From Banker to Business Mogul
Shagaya’s professional life began in Nigeria’s banking sector, including a stint at the Central Bank of Nigeria. These early years deepened her understanding of finance and economic policy, skills that would prove vital as she pivoted to entrepreneurship.
In the early 1980s she founded Bolmus Group International, which grew into a diversified conglomerate with interests in oil and gas, real estate, banking, and photography. One of its key subsidiaries, Practoil Limited, became a major importer and distributor of base oil for lubricants—cementing Shagaya’s position as a significant player in Nigeria’s energy industry.
Beyond oil and gas, she invested heavily in real estate, developing high-value properties in Nigeria’s major cities. Her ventures in banking and photography further demonstrated her ability to identify profitable markets and adapt to changing economic climates.
Patron of Fashion and Culture
While she is celebrated for her business acumen, Hajia Bola Shagaya is equally renowned as a style icon and patron of Nigerian fashion. She serves as a patron of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), consistently supporting local designers and advocating for the global recognition of Nigerian craftsmanship. Her personal elegance and commitment to promoting African fashion have made her a cultural influencer well beyond business circles.
Family and Personal Life
Despite the demands of managing a large business empire, Shagaya is known for her deep commitment to family. She is married to Alhaji Shagaya, and together they have six children. Friends and colleagues often remark on her ability to balance her roles as a mother, wife, and corporate leader—a balance that reinforces her image as both a powerful executive and a devoted matriarch.
Legacy and Impact
Hajia Bola Shagaya’s life embodies the possibilities open to those with ambition and strategic vision. Her work has generated employment opportunities, driven economic growth, and inspired women across Africa to enter industries once considered the preserve of men.
She remains a key figure in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, not only for her wealth and influence but also for her role in elevating Nigerian fashion and proving that cultural identity can be a source of global recognition.
Current Status
As of today, Hajia Bola Shagaya is alive and continues to be active in business and philanthropy. There is no public record of her death; instead, she continues to mentor young entrepreneurs and play a visible role in Nigeria’s commercial and cultural sectors.
Sources
Forbes Africa – “Bola Shagaya: Nigeria’s Billionaire Businesswoman and Fashion Icon”
Vanguard Nigeria – “Profile of Hajia Bola Shagaya”
Hajia Bola Shagaya’s journey—from a banker in Ilorin to a billionaire business magnate and fashion patron—remains a compelling example of how determination and strategic vision can shape not only personal success but also the economic and cultural identity of a nation.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, on Friday, urged motorists who are participating in the fasting periods, to ensure that they take rest at intervals, to avoid road crashes.
The FRSC Commander in-charge of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway corridor, Mr Nasir Mohammed, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ota.
He noted that the advice had become expedient following the commencement of fasting periods by both Christian and Muslim faithfuls.
NAN reports that Catholic faithfuls had commenced lenten season with the distribution of Ash on Wednesday, which period is marked by 40 days fasting.
In the same vein, Muslim faithfuls had also began observation of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, which period is also marked by fasting.
Mohammed urged motorists to be cautious of fatigue and possible dehydration during the fasting periods, and ensure that they take hours of rest before returning to the steering.
He also warned motorists against over speeding and wrongful overtaking, which could lead to tragedy, adding that drivers must strictly adhere to all safety rules while on the road.
“We are appealing to motorists, especially Muslims and Christians who are fasting, to always observe the rest after every four hours of driving, to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
“Also, all motorists are enjoined to drive to stay alive; Wishing all safer roads and fuller life.” he said.
Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye has disclosed that the Nigerian Tiktoker, simply identified as Mirable, has been admitted to a State-owned health facility, and is currently receiving comprehensive medical attention.
Adeleye added that an investigation had begun and the survivor is presently receiving psychosocial support, and is responding positively to medical treatment.
The commissioner stated this on Thursday night shortly after visiting the survivor at the health facility, in the company of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and the Medical Director of the facility.
According to her, the visit was aimed at assessing the survivor’s condition and ensuring that appropriate medical and welfare interventions were promptly administered.
The Commissioner praised the personnel at the State-owned medical facility and the State Ministry of Justice for their quick response, as well as the Nigeria Police Force and Ogun State Police Command for their rapid and timely action as soon as the case was transferred to the State.
“This structured approach is intended to protect the survivor’s welfare while guaranteeing that investigations are conducted professionally, thoroughly, and strictly on the basis of verifiable evidence”, Adeleye said.
She added that detailed examinations and all required clinical procedures are being carried out in line with established standards for managing cases of alleged sexual assault, while the security agency is carrying out their investigation simultaneously.
“The welfare, dignity, and safety of every survivor remains our utmost priority. The Prince Dapo Abiodun led- administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence, stressing that “while we stand firmly with survivors, we are equally guided by due process.
“Investigations must be evidence-based, transparent, and fair to all parties involved, even as whosoever is found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
She urged residents to steer clear of speculative narratives or sensational commentary that could compromise due process while assuring them that the State Government would get to the bottom of the issue to ascertain the veracity of the claim.
Meanwhile, she assured members of the public that further updates would be communicated at the appropriate time as credible findings emerge from ongoing investigations.
Nigerian TikToker, known simply as Mirabel has finally opened up on the allegation of rape she earlier raised in a viral video.
It was recalls that the content creator, with the username @mirab351 had, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by an unknown man at her residence in Ogun State.
She claimed that the alleged rapist inflicted an injury on her privates with a blade.
Her story generated reactions across social media, causing the Nigeria Police to swing into action.
Some netizens, however, expressed scepticism on the factuality of the allegation, stating that the stories were not adding up.
But the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said on Thursday that the command was investigating the matter.
However, Mirabel, who opened up to Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, VDM said she had been into drugs and could be hallucinating.
