The Nation Newspaper

Category: Celebrity

  • Ighodalos Celebrate 10th wedding anniversary

    One of Nigeria’s most successful event planners and boss of upscale events management agency, Elizabeth R, Ibidun Ighodalo, and her husband, Ituah Ighodalo, who is the founder and head pastor of the Trinity House Church, recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. The duo got married a decade ago amid controversy, coupled with heat from a disapproving public. But they have stuck together through thick and thin, slowly winning opinion over to their side. No wonder then that on their 10th anniversary, Ibidun took to Instagram to pen a powerful tribute to her husband for being a source of constant support during the trying times.

    The message by the former Face of Lux, while heartfelt, glossed over her own contributions to the stability of the marriage, which has lasted so long, unlike some other celebrity unions that seem to disintegrate in the blink of an eye. While her husband ministers to people’s souls with spiritual food, Ibidun caters to their bodies with her initiatives, one of which is designed to bring succour to those after the fruit of the womb. Having lived a decade herself childless, the graduate of Microbiology from the University of Lagos, more than most, knows how it feels to be mocked and maligned by those lucky to have children of their own. Hence, she established the Ibidun Ighodalo Foundation, which she is using to award grants for fertility treatment, such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Frozen Embryo Transfer and Intrauterine Insemination.

  • Jennifer Obayuwana moves on

    Those who are expecting beautiful diva, Jennifer Obayuwana, to remove herself from the spinster market will have a long period of waiting to do, as it seems the executive director of Polo Avenue and her boyfriend, Peter Saleh, have long said goodbye to each other.

    When the going was good between Jennifer and Peter, not a few people swallowed the idea of Jennifer finally shrugging off the cloak of spinsterhood which had clung to her like expensive perfume on an outing dress. Yet, those who swallowed the razzle dazzle of the relationship, hook, line and sinker should brace up for disappointment once again, as Jennifer’s luck seems to always runs out when it comes to men and serious affairs. After an expensive engagement between Peter and Jennifer, followed by weeks and months of even more expensive trips abroad, which were generously splashed on every nook and cranny of social media, the two have suddenly gone quiet. It is already many months past the date of the rumoured marriage and nothing has been heard from either camp. The handwriting on the wall is clear: Jennifer has packed her bags and heart from Saleh and moved on with her life.

  • Musiliu Akinsanya takes birthday celebration to France

    Popular ‘big boy’ in the Lagos transport scene, Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, has striven to prove that being a driver by trade is no hindrance to success. Indeed, such is his fame that he regularly mingles with the high and mighty at occasions and wines and dines at the high tables. This fast-rising ‘Richest Area Boy’, as he is fondly called by his underlings, loves throwing parties to flaunt his wealth and connections. And, once again, his upcoming birthday has presented him another golden opportunity to do what he does best-throw lavish shindigs for the enjoyment of all.

    And, expectedly, those in the class of the high society have already marked off March 25 2017 on their calendars as the much-anticipated birthday of MC Oluomo. The NURTW boss will be celebrating in France this time, at the Salle Bereult 17 Rue. Musicians already set for the event are Pasuma, Olamide and Small Doctor, among others. Celebrities are expected to flock to the event.

    Going by what transpired at his birthday last year, the cool transport don certainly has something up his sleeve for this year’s edition. It will be recalled that in March last year, his birthday was allegedly a ‘braless’ occasion in which top babes came without undergarments.

  • Dimeji Bankole’s latest moves

    There is a popular saying that the luckiest people are usually those who know how much of their fate to leave to chance. If former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, hasn’t come across this adage, he is at least living according to its message. The Ogun State indigene has been working assiduously behind the scenes, putting the machinery in place in a bid to mount a successful play for the state governorship and a senatorial seat when the next election cycle comes around. Bankole, who remains the youngest person to head either legislative chambers at the federal level, tasted defeat last time out when he tried unsuccessfully to win the PDP governorship ticket for his state. And like a lion that lost a contest due to overconfidence, he has emerged from the experience chastised and vowing never to repeat the same mistake twice.

    Since then, he has been underground, mapping out winning strategies, which involve the reactivation of grassroots machinery like the Dimeji Bankole Movement and Goodwill Reliance Foundation, which helped to propel him to the lower chamber. With these, as well as other moves, he hopes to have his ‘anointed’ to gun for the governorship of Ogun State, while also clinching a senatorial ticket for himself.

  • Betty Irabor prepares for 60th birthday

    Come March 25, the entire high society will be standing in line to give it up to quintessential beauty queen, Betty Irabor, as she waltzes with effortless grace into the diamond age of 60. The ageless woman has achieved what few people have been able to do, and she maintains such a level of respect among her peers that most celebrities can only dream of. Indeed, the stylish woman behind Genevieve Magazine- a fashion and lifestyle publication- is someone adored by many from both upper and lower strata of society. In just over a decade after the stunning mother of two launched Genevieve, it has quickly become the magazine of choice for the latest fashion tips and lifestyle advice. Like fine wine that only gets better with age, Betty Irabor’s profile continues to increase in leaps and bounds, in no small part due to her endearing nature and selfless commitment to humanitarian causes. Since 2005, her Genevieve Foundation has taken on the arduous task of battling cancer through the annual Pink Ball fundraiser. The not-insignificant proceeds generated each year are used to sponsor cancer patients for high-quality treatments.

    Betty has an appreciable following on social media, where she regularly drops advice on contemporary lifestyle, social and relationship issues. Her husband of 34 years, Sonny Irabor, is a household name in the broadcast/entertainment industry.

  • All set for Senator Anthony Adefuye’s daughter’s wedding

    Third republic senator, Chief Anthony Adefuye, is at the moment a happy man. He would be handing over his daughter in marriage in a few days time at an event that is sure to leave the celebrity scene talking for a long time. Chief Adefuye’s daughter, Dr Abiola Anthonia Adefuye, will, come Thursday February 9, be joined in holy matrimony with her beau, Oluwadamilola Richard Omolayole, who is also a doctor. The introduction has already taken place at the bride’s Magodo, Lagos residence. It was an occasion which those who attended still remember for its class and colour.

    The two lovebirds’ story began at the University of Lagos School of Medicine, Idi-Araba, Lagos, where they met as students before mutual affection blossomed like a rose in the summer. The white wedding will take place at the Catholic Church of the Resurrection, Magodo, to be followed by a grand reception at 10 Degrees Event Centre.

    As two members of the south west’s aristocracy, the bride’s and groom’s families are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring their children’s journey into matrimony begins with the biggest and best celebration; political and social big wigs are already penciled down for the event.

  • BISI IBIDAPO -OBE marks 40th birthday in grand style

    For actress Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, life really begins at 40. The beautiful thespian, better known as Bisi Omologbalogba, clocked 40 on January 27 and spent the day celebrating it with the babies at the Hearts of Gold Children Hospice in Surulere. Perhaps motivated by her own experience as a single mother, Bisi rallied her friends together and gave money and material items to the young ones there.

    There was also a thanksgiving service at the God of Glory Christian Church in Ikosi Ketu, Lagos. There, celebrities and colleagues in the movie industry gathered to regale her with songs and prayers for the journey ahead. Bisi, who has appeared in Yoruba hit flicks like Olabisi Omo Logbalogba, Ti Nba Tayewa and Igboran San, was all smiles at the occasion, during which popular gospel artistes, Tope Alabi and Lanre Teriba, provided uplifting music.

    The Ondo-born actress has a daughter, Destiny Anjolaoluwa, who is rumoured to be fathered by a senator. She is the owner of Magodo-based BIO Lingerie.

  • TESLIM FOLARIN bounces back

    Two-term senator, Chief Teslim Folarin, has bounced back from his long stay in the doldrums. The former Senate leader, who represented Oyo Central between 2003 and 2011, used the recent burial of his mother to announce his re emergence on the social scene after some time away from the limelight. His mother, Alhaja Sidikat Abebi, was buried amid much pomp and ceremony at The Recreation Club, Ibadan.

    Though no one is sure why he went low profile in the first place, some speculated that it must have been due to his failure to secure political office during the last elections. In that case, his mother’s burial ceremony must have presented an ample opportunity for the ex-senator to re-establish contacts with power brokers in the social and political spheres.

    Royal fathers aplenty were in attendance at the exquisite event, which was said to have had over 500 people in attendance. The monarchs included the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi, among others.

    The event was also a good opportunity for Angela Folarin, the senator’s loveable wife, to put her excellent hostess skills to good use. Those in attendance were left gushing at the level of meticulous planning that went into the event.

    Chief Folarin hails from the Baale House in Oja Igbo area of Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State. He is a ranked traditional chief, the Laguna Olubadan of Ibadanland.

  • Siju Iluyomade’s fashion sense

    Among  Nigerian women of God, few can compete with Pastor Siju Iluyomade in the fashion and influence stakes. The blindingly beautiful wife of Pastor David Iluyomade, head pastor of RCCG City of David Parish, has it all when it comes to fashion and style. She has the looks, the regal appearance, the graceful manner, the eloquent speech, the luxurious wardrobe and the ample taste in jewellery and shine things, which all come together to make her the complete package among fashionable female pastors in the country. Even though she co-presides over the richest branch of RCCG in Nigeria, the wealthy women who troop to the church every Sunday are no match for her. The elegant pastor dwarfs all of them in terms of the breadth of her accoutrements and expensive assemblage of designer accessories and exquisite wear.

    Pastor Siju is not in the fashion game to play. The fashion labels she patronizes include Zagliani, Hermes, Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Christian Louboutithe élite of the élite. Not limiting herself to making mouth-opening fashion statements, Pastor Siju, through her pet project, Arise Women, has also moved into social advocacy. She has also teamed with other powerful women in the society to champion the cause of the Nigerian woman.

  • High society mourns Shade Adeniyi

    If demise is inevitable, it is better to go forth at a ripe old age, leaving behind beautiful  legacies, many friends, loved ones and no regrets. Sadly, for people of high ambitions like Shade Adeniyi, this is not to be. Like a soaring eagle, perhaps while flying too high and too fast, something went wrong with the wings and Shade, unable to stay airborne, eventually crashed into the waiting embrace of the grim reaper.

    Since the sad incident penultimate Friday, the social scene has been awash with lamentations and mourning of the passing of a lovely woman who still had much to offer. Indeed, so full of life was she that she was even spotted penultimate Monday at the birthday bash of Lagos big boy, Dare Santana. No one who saw her there, or anywhere else, had any inkling that Shade Pupa, as she was fondly called, would soon become a memory.

    She is said to have died due to complications from ulcer. Her friends have demanded that an autopsy be conducted to ascertain the precise cause of death. But, even as this is being awaited, the social scene is united in mourning for this beautiful flower that withered too soon.