possible votes. When the Senate met later in the month, he was retained in his post as President of the Foreign Affairs Commission. Due to his years as the leader of the UJSC, Oba-Apounou remains a very popular figure. Known as "Ya Gaby" ("Ya" meaning elder), many remember him coming to the rescue of college students who did not get their student stipends on time. He was also responsible for granting scholarships to thousands of students and sending them overseas to study. Real estate and business Since joining the civil service, Oba-Apounou has heavily invested into real estate. In addition to building over twenty private residences, he also owns the Exaunel hotel chain. He was inspired to start the business in 1999, when Brazzaville was preparing to host the annual FESPAM music festival but had insufficient accommodation venues. Oba-Apounou redesigned one of his many residences and turned it into what would be the first Exaunel hotel. He has since built four additional hotels. References 1945 births Living people Members of the Senate (Republic of the Congo) Members of the National Assembly (Republic of the Congo) Government ministers of the Republic of the Congo Congolese Party of Labour politicians People from Likouala Department People from Cuvette Department