The Nation Newspaper

Category: Celebrity

  • Deolu Adeboye celebrates

    Deolu Adeboye celebrates

    As the eldest child of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and one of the most influential religious figures in the country, Adeolu Adeboye has pretty big shoes to fill. Every word or action of his is taken as reflective of his upbringing. And this extends to celebrations. Hence it was no surprise when the CEO of Wisemen Apparel and Duchess turned a year older and celebrated in a low-key fashion.

    Not for him a grand and expensive shindig which may be construed as a frivolous display of vanity. Not for him also the preening blares of vuvuzelas and klaxons crowing of his achievements. Rather, he spent the day in the company of his close family, thanking and praising God for another year added to a wonderful life.

  • Yemi Adeola’s remarkable valedictory birthday bash at Sterling Towers

    Yemi Adeola’s remarkable valedictory birthday bash at Sterling Towers

    A midst pomp and pageantry, one of Nigeria’s finest bankers, Mr. Yemi Adeola, outgoing MD/CEO of Sterling Bank, was celebrated by staff, family, friends and well-wishers on the occasion of his 59th birthday at the imposing Sterling Towers edifice on the Marina.

    The high octane surprise birthday celebration totally caught the cerebral and amiable Chief Executive Officer unawares. It was indeed a befitting valedictory birthday celebration for the gentleman highly regarded within the Sterling Bank family as a role model, friend, father figure and big boss.

    His office was decorated overnight to ensure that nothing goes wrong as Mr. Adeola is a consistent early bird, leading by example when it comes to punctuality. The bank also leveraged its first of the type in the banking industry internal radio station, Radio One, to celebrate the banking guru. The ‘Big Boss’ was pleasantly surprised on his way to his office by the heartfelt shout-outs from family, friends and all cadre of the bank’s employee. It was a show of love for Mr. Adeola all the way from the front desk on the ground floor to his 16th Floor office which became a Mecca of sorts for excited employees.

    Indeed, it was a remarkable day to remember in the life of the ex-lecturer-turned-banker who has steered the wheel of progress of  Sterling Bank for about 10 years as the wishes and accolades kept pouring in from far and wide.

    His darling wife who was actively involved in the surprise party plan, turned up in his office at about the same time with the Nigerian Footballing Legend, Jay jay Okocha, to wish the astute banker a very happy birthday. Mr. Adeola surely had a birthday to remember.

    The Oga at the top was genuinely surprised at the show of love. In his words, “You guys really surprised me, I was not even meant to be at work today as I was scheduled to travel out of Lagos, but my family insisted I do not”.

  • No respite yet for Elizabeth Atuche

    No respite yet for Elizabeth Atuche

    While fate is often cruel to man, it sometimes fashions out happy moments. Unfortunately for Elizabeth Atuche, the happy days are few and far between. Since her husband’s travails began some time back, Elizabeth has become the main victim in her own horror movie.

    Formerly one of Nigeria’s high flying social birds, Elizabeth has had her wings clipped, at least in the social arena which she used to dominate. Ever since her husband, Francis Atuche, a former MD of the defunct Bank PHB, was fingered in cases believed to have brought the once-flourishing institution to its knees, Elizabeth has been forced to flee her comfort zone and embrace anonymity.

    These days, the former mainstay of high octane shindigs is more likely to be found in a church, seeking divine help for an end to her travails. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has turned her husband to a frequent guest of courtrooms, is however in no mood to relent as it has vowed not to rest until justice is secured.

  • Femi Otedola demonstrates love for mum

    Femi Otedola demonstrates love for mum

    For billionaire owner of Forte Oil, Femi Otedola, there is no place like home. And home, to him, is not any of his multi-billion naira mansions scattered around the world or any of his businesses that are raking in millions on a daily basis. Home is the feeble but welcoming arms of his mother within which he can always find warmth and comfort.

    Otedola is a “Mummy’s boy” and he is damn proud to be so called. The wealthy head honcho of Forte Oil walking arm in arm with his mother, Lady Doja Otedola, through the family’s Odoragunshin community in Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State, is always a sight to behold. It is like the umbilical cord has not been broken as Otedola treats his mum like a fragile piece of rare historical artefact that must be handled with care and treasured beyond words.

    Lady Doja, widow of Sir Michael Otedola of blessed memory and first lady of Lagos State in the Third Republic, still treats Femi like a kid, even though he already has adult children of his own. The tie between them is one that transcends age and the vagaries of time and circumstance. Whether it be taking her out for expensive shopping or for overseas vacations or planting a chaste kiss on her lips in a powerful statement of her significance, Otedola certainly knows how to take care of his mum.

  • Omosede Igninedion, friends honour George Weah

    Omosede Igninedion, friends honour George Weah

    Even though their family backgrounds and territorial issues proved the cog that ruined the wheels of their “happily ever after,” daughter of Esama of Benin Kingdom, Omosede Igbinedion, and the new President of Liberia, George Weah, still share the singular flame that ignited their hearts in sparks of love many moons ago.

    Although they could not stay together, they have maintained a close friendship ever since. Little wonder Omosede was in her elements as she celebrated her former flame and best friend’s ascension to the seat of Liberian president. Although she did her people’s bidding and married Benin prince Akenzua, producing a boy in the process, it was obvious that her heart was not in the marriage. Little wonder the union crumbled like a pack of cards barely two years later.

    One thing that remained constant was her devotion to George as the two remained in touch even after the latter appeared to have moved on with his own life and ventured into politics. Having finally achieved his dream of ruling Liberia, there was no way Omosede, his first love, was going to miss his inauguration.

    The beautiful daughter of Sir Gabriel Igbinedion and her friends were out in full force to show solidarity with George as they were all dressed in expensive royal blue lace as aso ebi (ceremonial uniform).

  • Titi Atiku finds her voice

    Titi Atiku finds her voice

    Many heroes are so called because of their never-say-die attitude in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. If they deserve to be celebrated, so also does Hajia Titi Atiku, the wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The dogged woman has been fighting the good but unheralded fight against human trafficking for almost two decades.

    Like an intelligent general who adapts his tactics to suit the front lines or the secondary sector, Titi fought when she was in the limelight as wife of the Vice President. And even though her husband has long left office, she keeps fighting away from public consciousness, scoring hits against human trafficking and child slavery.

    In celebration of her uncommon bravery and resolve, US-based Africa Informer magazine has chosen her as its Special Guest of Honour and Special Awardee at its 2nd International Women’s Day Conference. She is to be given the accolade of “Africa’s Most Outstanding Woman Leader 2018” in recognition of her efforts through the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Foundation (WOTCLEF).

    For Titi, it will be a recognition long overdue for the woman who has helped rescue hundreds of girls from prostitution and modern day slavery on the streets of Rome and other European cities. The august occasion will also see the launch of 18 Years of WOTCLEF: Fighting the Human Trafficking Scourge in Africa, a book that chronicles the battles she has fought and won.

  • Angela Omokore adopts low profile

    Angela Omokore adopts low profile

    While the roads were clear and the flowers were in full bloom, Angela Omokore rode the crest of fame and milked it for all it was worth. She travelled in private jets and wore expensive jewellery. Now the road is strewn with legal hurdles she must jump over. The snow is falling and Angela is left with no choice but to recoil into the warmth of her anonymous cocoon.

    Ever since the EFCC beamed its searchlight on alleged shady deals between her husband, Jide Omokore, and former petroleum minister, Diezani Allison-Maduekwe, Angela, has sought refuge in the cloak of anonymity.

    The former Zenith and Access Bank top shot was even at one time considered a likely candidate for the CEO of Access Bank. Those heady days now feel like fuzzy dreams for Angela, who is rumoured to have jetted out to a European country for obvious reasons.

  • Shina Peller under pressure

    Shina Peller under pressure

    Boss of popular Lagos hangout C, Shina Peller, is getting to know the truth in the saying that there is no hiding place for a gold fish, especially a wealthy gold fish that is also loved by the people. He is currently engaged in a game of cat and mouse with members of his constituency in Oyo State, who have been on his heels to contest for an elective office.

    The first son of the late popular ventriloquist, Professor Peller, Shina is feeling serious heat from his people in Iseyin, Oyo State. The Aquila Records boss has been told in no uncertain terms that his people are banking on him to bring further glory to their community by running for and capturing an elective post.

    The thinking seems to be that Shina, who is much loved on account of his numerous initiatives in Iseyin, would do more if he had access to the huge resources that come with elective office. It remains to be seen if the popular king of night life will buckle under the pressure and succumb to his people’s wish.

  • Classy wedding for Elegushi’s brother

    Classy wedding for Elegushi’s brother

    There are two kinds of fame: earned fame and reflected fame. One who is not famous for what he does can still be famous on account of his ties to a famous person. The latter is the case with Abdul Yekini Oyekanmi and Muibat Eniola who leveraged on their blood ties to draw the crème of high society to their high octane traditional engagement a few days ago.

    The groom, Oyekanmi, is the son of the late Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi, Kusenla II, and a younger brother of the current monarch of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi. The bride is no slouch either. She is the daughter of the current Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Lagos State, Hon. Saidat Olayinka Oladunjoye.

    Like magnets, their respective heritages attracted the movers and shakers to the Harbour Point, Victoria Island venue of the event where Fuji music maestro Wasiu Ayinde Marshall serenaded guests from the bandstand.

    Everything at the classy shindig was top notch: from the array of fabulous traditional outfits on display to the unique three-tiered blue cake.

  • Julius Rone aims high

    Julius Rone aims high

    Fuelled by the reputation he has cultivated over many years, UTM boss Julius Rone has finally ascended into the Olympian heights, becoming one of the most sought after. Titans of state with the world at their feet and power to make or mar now seek his friendship while hoping to drink from his deep well of wisdom. That much was evident when Liberia’s new president, George Weah, extended a personal invitation to him and his wife, Utibe, to attend his inauguration.

    Julius is cognizant of the wisdom that success alone cannot buy happiness or renown. Hence his devotion to strategic investments in the business world and in humanity, which have over time built up his name to the point where he has become a prophet with honour at home and abroad. Little wonder he has become the beautiful bride for heads of state on the continent.

    It is easy to see how George Weah thinks of Julius as one man possessing the Midas touch to help transform his country’s ailing business sector. The boss of UTM Group of Companies was one of the select businessmen the Liberian president invited to his inauguration in the hope that they will invest in the country’s economy.