The Nation Newspaper

Category: Celebrity

  • Tope Sonubi and Tonye Cole celebrate

    The success derived from team work is outstanding. Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success. This motto has been dedicatedly employed into birthing and building Sahara Energy, an oil firm. Twenty decades since Tope Sonubi, Tonye Cole and Ade Odunsi set up Sahara Energy, they have pooled their nerves and capital to establish what has become a formidable business and stakeholder in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Indeed, these men, with inspiring persevering spirit, have causes to celebrate. Looking back helps put things in perspective. For instance, it helped the three friends and partners appreciate their abiding luck. It also helped them understand how worse things could have been, since they started Sahara Energy two decades ago.

    As you read, the founding team of the oil energy firm are in a joyous mood. They are excited about how far they have gone. When they started out in 1996, it wasn’t an easy journey at all, but today, Sahara Energy is one of the leading privately-owned power, energy, gas and infrastructure conglomerates with active subsidiaries in the downstream, midstream, upstream, infrastructure and power sectors. Sahara Energy has presence in different locations, including Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe. Twenty years since they embarked on their business exploits, the three friends and entrepreneurs have recorded stunning achievements in their fields of endeavour; and it is for this reason that they are planning a big celebration to mark the 20th anniversary. Because of their meteoric rise on the ladder of billions, many say they are the kind of guys that you give a rope and they automatically want to become cowboys.

  • ABIKE DABIRI goes back to first love

    The first time you fall in love, it changes you forever, and no matter how hard you try, that feeling just never goes away. As a matter of fact, this may have manifested in the life of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.  The former lawmaker and journalist is ultimately expanding the scope of her passion for her ‘first love’-journalism. Abike began her career as a journalist, zeroing in on the plight of Nigerians in the rural areas and in the Diaspora before she veered into politics. She is now a publisher of a magazine, whose aim is to celebrate Nigerians in the Diaspora that are doing great in their various countries of sojourn.

    In many ways, Abike epitomises the nature of positive revolt, always at odds with the present, forever evolving. With her quiet will and calm stare, the woman is set to revolutionise the celebrity journalism. The magazine, Diaspora Quarterly, is geared to tearing down the seemingly impermeable conservatism of magazine journalism, even as the media industry groans under the harsh realities and burdens of failed magazine enterprise. The publisher, Abike, does not care how many such magazines have disappeared into the editorial waste mills of society journalism, she simply seeks to carve herself a niche within the crowded jungle of magazine publishing business. At the moment, Abike has taken a sabbatical from politics and found succour in the arms of her ‘first love’.

  • Dabota Lawson’s marriage hits the rocks

    It is generally said that marriages are made in heaven and it is the most pleasurable institution on earth. Ironically, thunder and lightning are also designed in heaven and they sometimes wreck havoc on earth. Barely two years into their marriage, the union between Dabota Lawson and billionaire businessman, Sunny Aku, has crumbled.

    The rumour of a friction in their marriage began to circulate last year, but the couple quickly tied wagging tongues, when they denied ever having problems. But latest reports have it that Dabota has walked out of her seemingly blissful union with Aku, citing incompatibility, among other ‘irreconciliable differences’. What came as a shock to those who know the couple was that they put up a façade of bliss everywhere they went during their ill-fated relationship. They were never shy to reiterate how much they were in love, holding hands and cooing into their ears and looking straight into each other’s eyes with flashes of smiles. The former beauty queen has stung into action, as she has filed for divorce against her estranged husband, claiming her marriage to the billionaire business man has been a lie.

  • Fani-Kayode welcomes FIRST SON

    Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, is knowledgeable in a variety of fields. Not only is he a lawyer and a politician, he is also an entrepreneur, writer and a poet.  However, after three failed marriages, the man, fondly called FFK, may have struck gold with his latest wife. A new chapter of his life may have been opened with his new woman, Precious Chikwendu, who recently gave birth to a son, interestingly FFK’s first son. And to the relief of Fani-Kayode, mother and baby are said to be doing just fine. Although they are not formally married yet, the two have been living together. Now, the couple is more than glad to have Kayode’s first son. FFK has five other children from previous marriages, all girls. Precious Chikwendu is former Miss Valentine and 2014 Miss United Nations. She is also an actress and a model, popularly known with the alias ‘Snow White,’ because of her very light complexion. Smitten by the former beauty queen, Fani-Kayode is allegedly sparing no expenses in treating her to the best things money can buy. As a measure of his heartfelt love for her, Fani-Kayode recently bought her a very expensive luxury car.

  • Pauline Tallen becomes grandma

    There is nothing like a grandchild to put a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. The feeling of being a grandmother is simply amazing; one moment, you are a woman, the next, you become automatically wise and prehistoric. Pauline Tallen, a former deputy governor of Plateau State, is getting used to this feeling and is basking in its glorious effects. One of her daughters that got married few years ago recently welcomed a set of triplets.

    The mother and bundles of joy are doing well. In addition to this, her only son, Adamu Richard, who tied the knot with the love of his life, the daughter of Igwe Nomeh, the king of Oruku Kingdom in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Princess Adaora Nomeh, last year, has also become a father. Pauline is one of the strongest female politicians in the country.

  • Amazing lifestyle of Biodun Fatoyinbo

    It is never in doubt that no one is given a good or a bad life. It is also true that it is up to you to make life good or bad. It is obvious that Rev. Biodun Fatoyinbo, the Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, has programmed a good life for himself. In doing this, he ensures he transforms the lives of thousands through his ministry. Rev. Fatoyinbo is no doubt a highly sought-after public speaker.

    Recently, he marked his birthday by hosting family members and close friends to an exceptional celebration in the United Arab Emirates. His exotic preference for top notch designers and state-of-the-art cars cannot be contested and he lives like a king in his Abuja home, which boasts of colourful interior and external decor. His love for the good things of life was reflected at the newly commissioned branch of the church in Dubai, where he held a thanksgiving service on his birthday. It was followed by a lavish dinner party at the seven-star Burj Al Arab Hotel and an all-white party aboard an executive yatch, with some fireworks display to wrap up the celebration. Pastor Fatoyinbo is one of the most sought-after pastors in Abuja at the moment. His church is always filled to the brim with the rich and famous.

  • When billionaires converged to celebrate Ogun @ 40

    There is a world of difference between the wealthy and the comfortable. Wealth involves the ability to fully enjoy life, while being comfortable entails the grace to go through life without experiencing excruciating lack. Last Monday, Ogun State witnessed a convergence of the wealthy; it was a perfect blend of fame, power, prominence and opulence. Lawmakers, celebrities and nobles gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the state.

    Leading the pack of the men of opulence was Dr. Mike Adenuga, the Globacom boss and Apesin of Ijebuland, who made a rare appearance at the event; Chief Kessington Adebutu; Otunba Subomi Balogun; Aare Rasak Akanni Okoya and many leading lights. They really added colour to the memorable event, especially Dr. Mike Adenuga who doesn’t grace just any event. The highly revered king, Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and Governor Ibikunle Amosun were the perfect hosts.

    This elite class was the cynosure of all eyes as everybody was trying to catch the glimpse of these rich and famous individuals. The event reached its peak when President Muhammadu Buhari made an appearance and even delivered a speech. In his speech, he expressed satisfaction with the programmes of the state, which Governor Ibikunle Amosun said would bring change to the health, housing, education and agriculture sectors, among others.

  • SOUND SULTAN SAVOURS ROLE IN ‘LOVE IS… THE MUSICAL 3’

    SOUND SULTAN SAVOURS ROLE IN ‘LOVE IS… THE MUSICAL 3’

    AS the February 5 date for the much publicised musical play, Love Is…The Musical, draws nearer, notable singer, Sound Sultan, who is making a debut in the show can’t wait for the day to come.

    The Jamgbajantiz crooner, who will be playing the celebrity friend to lead character, Juliet, noted that the show will reveal more of his artistic gift.

    He said: “I have always wanted to do something like this, not just because it is a lot of fun but also because I come from an arts background and my family is involved in theatre arts and the movie industry. ‘Love Is…The Musical’ is like a merger between my two passions. I cannot wait to get up on that stage on February 5 and show a different side of my artistic personality.”

    Directed by renowned choreographer, Ice Nweke, and produced by Limitless Mind Africa, Love Is…The Musicalis expected to feature over 40 cast and crew-members, as they plan to thrill fans at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The show is a musical account of a poet, a professional dancer and a businesswoman on a journey in search of Love. It feature the talents of Yinka Davies as a neighbourhood busybody, Sound Sultan as the celebrity friend of lead character Juliet, and Timi Dakolo as the voice of reason that tries to counsel the hearts and minds of the characters.

    In addition to the A-list trio, comedians Gordons, Igos and Emma Oh My God feature as metropolitan news reporters walking the streets of Lagos, and researching for the deep truths on the matter about love and sharing their findings. Other performers are Efe Paul The Poet, The Poet Donna and Dayo of Ijodee.

  • Gbemi Olateru, Olumofin brothers’ fight get messier

    Gbemi Olateru, Olumofin brothers’ fight get messier

    It has been a controversy-filled month in the entertainment industry. Determined to entertain the public with matters concerning their private lives, celebrities have been generating one juicy story after another. As one dust settles, another socialite mounts the sand-filled podium and begin to viciously stamp his feet.

    A few days ago, the Olumofin brothers were engaged in a confrontation with Beat FM on-air personality (OAP), Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, on the social media. Gbemi seemed to have got more than she bargained for after posting a comment on twitter insinuating that the two brothers, Joro and Doku, are wedding crashers and social ladder climbers.

    The Olumofin brothers instantly took to Instagram with insults and abusive words targeted at Gbemi. They also shared their e-mail invite to Toolz and Captain Demuren’s wedding, insisting that they are neither party crashers nor social climbers.

    While many have rebuked Joro and Dokun for using abusive words against Gbemi, others blamed the OAP for biting more than she could chew.

  • Where is Lanre Nzeribe?

    Where is Lanre Nzeribe?

    Self-reflection is one thing and self- development is another. Perhaps Lanre Nzeribe has transcended from the realm of self-reflection to the realm of self-development. The popular ladies’ man and socialite appears to have turned a new leaf, as he is no longer visible on the social radar.

    In the days of yore, the owner of defunct Lantana Taxi, an Abuja-based transport outfit, was the darling of many society women. He was once linked to high profile ladies in town. But now he has adopted a low profile lifestyle, causing many to wonder what could be happening to the dude who once bestrode the Lagos social space like a colossus.