Politician, Businessman & Philanthropist Marks Birthday with Visually-Impaired Students
For Nigerians of a certain age, the name ‘Peller’ will always evoke a certain aura and mystique. The name first came to national attention and prominence with the exploits of the late ‘Professor’ Peller, who was one of Africa’s most renowned practitioners of the magical arts. Originally known as Moshood Folorunsho Abiola, Professor Peller, who hailed from the town of Iseyin in Oyo State, began his working life as a trader and rose to become a representative of GBO, before pursuing his interest in magic. For a year and a half, he honed his skills in the arts of illusion at a School of Magical Arts in India, and from 1966, performed his magical tricks to enraptured audiences in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, becoming a household name across abd beyond the borders of the country. His glittering career was, however, tragically cut short when he was assassinated in 1997.
There is nothing magical or illusive about the career of his son, the Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, who until recently was a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives representating the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola federal constituency of Oyo State. But that career is no less glittering and impactful. A businessman, industrialist and rising political star, Peller has always been upfront about his love for humanity which, like every true love, shows itself in the act of giving.
His recent birthday, when he turned 48, presented yet another opportunity for Hon. Peller to bring the benefits of his philanthropy to a set of beneficiaries that has always occupied a special place in his heart, namely, the students and residents of the Pacelli School for The Blind & Partially Sighted Children – in continuation of his decade-long practice of spending the most special occasions of his life with society’s most vulnerable individuals and groups, and bringing joy and inspiration to them in the face of their unique challenges.
As on previous occasions, Hon. Peller’s arrival at the school for this year’s celebrations was greeted with a palpable air of anticipation from the excited students, who knew they were in for a memorable time. In his address to the students at the occasion, the legislator spoke passionately about the importance of perseverance, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity, sharing personal anecdotes (both about himself and others who have overcome daunting obstacles with determination and focus). Urging the students to never give up on their dreams and always believe in themselves, Peller’s heartfelt message resonated powerfully with his young audience, as he called for a commitment to excellence and a burning desire to reach for the stars, no matter the enormity of their challenges.
Stressing the importance of empowerment, Hon. Peller emphasised the imperative of acquiring an education, as well as skill development and self-confidence, and expressed confidence that a brilliant future awaited his audience, their respective families and communities. Hard work and focus, he maintained, were indispensable in the quest for meaningful success.
Before he began his speech, Peller had made it clear that he had come not just to lecture, but to listen as well. He was not disappointed, as the students’ stories, dreams, and aspirations were a source of deep inspiration. He was as visibly moved as he had moved them with his genuine interest in their well-being, as well as his inspiring words. .
Another highlight of the birthday celebration was a display of the students’ artistic brilliance – which is all the more remarkable given their physical challenges ie their lack of sight. The event also saw joyful displays of musical and dance performances – with the distinguished visitor joining in, his enthusiasm matching that of his hosts. No doubt, it was an event that would linger long in their collective memories.
As the event wound to a close, Peller was full of gratitude for the welcome he had received from the entire school community, and the rewarding time he had spent in their midst. He expressed his determination to continue supporting and advocating for the rights and well-being of all persons with disabilities in our society. ‘You students of Pacelli School,’ he said in his parting remarks, ‘are the true stars of today’s celebration. Please note that your resilience, courage, and determination always serve as a beacon of light to us. In your smiles, in your laughter, … we find hope, strength, and boundless potential. Each one of you is a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of diversity … True, you are faced with sight challenges, but you can see through your minds… Eyes are just for the sight, minds for vison. Never lose sight of your goals, as you have the power to achieve anything you set your minds to.”
Those parting words might well apply to Hon. Peller’s own life-journey, and in particular his business and political odyssey. His dedication to giving back to the community, and to spreading love and positivity, is a recurring decimal in his career in business and politics. Born on May 14, 1976, Shina Abiola Peller is, as already mentioned, the son of the legendary Professor Moshood Abiola Peller and his wife, Alhaja Silifat Peller. He holds a first degree in Chemical Engineering from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho in Oyo State, which he obtained in 2002. He followed this up with a master’s degree in Business Management, also from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in 2013.
An astute businessman, Peller is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aquila Group of Companies and Club Quilox, one of the country’s most iconic nightclubs and a hub for leisure and nightlife. Equally sagacious in politics – and keenly aware of the expectations placed on him on account of his famous last name – he declared his intention to run for a seat in the federal House of Representatives in late 2018 to represent the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola federal
constituency of Oyo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). On October 5, 2018, Peller duly won the primaries, and was elected in the February 23, 2019 general election. His bid for a Senate seat on the APC platform in 2023 was, however, unsuccessful. His current party allegiance is to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In line with his philanthropic instincts, Hon. Shina Peller has always stood out for his support for youth-driven initiatives – and especially the Nigerian creative industry. He moved a number of motions on the floor of the Green Chamber on the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s creative industry, which, he has noted on many occasions, has become a driver of employment, economic growth, innovation and social cohesion, and continues to contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP.
Hon. Peller, who holds both the chieftaincy titles of Ayedero of Yorubaland and Akinrogun of Epeland (Lagos), is married to the beautiful Chief (Mrs.) Ayobola Peller, the Yeye Ayedero of Yorubaland, a chartered accountant and auditor by training and a philanthropist in her own right, whose charity organization, the Ayobola Peller Foundation, has impacted the lives of countless widows, residents of orphanage homes, schools for the handicapped, girls of secondary school age, hospitals and maternity wards in various disadvantaged locations across Nigeria, as well as advocating the involvement of well-meaning Nigerians in the quest to better the circumstances of their vulnerable compatriots. The Pellers are blessed with children, among them Naomi Peller, a budding musical artiste.
Through his philanthropy, advocacy and political involvement, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller has over the years demonstrated his commitment to Goals 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 17 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as he works with other stakeholders to support individuals, families and communities in dire need of hope and help in achieving zero poverty and hunger, good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, gender equality and human dignity through interventions, projects and activities that contribute to the attainment of a better and more sustainable future for all people.
With his unique combination of attributes, which include compassion, love for humanity, empathy, altruism and a strong sense of social responsibility, it is safe to say that at 48 years old (and counting), Hon. Shina Abiola Peller will continue to be an asset and a pillar of society in the foreseeable future – whether in the political arena or away from it.
Happy belated birthday, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller!
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