The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Rahama Babangida savours marital bliss

    Rahama Babangida savours marital bliss

    When British novelist, Jane Austin, stated that happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance, perhaps she had Rahama’s marital union in mind. Now, Rahama Babangida wakes up each morning relishing the aura of blissful matrimony and savouring the pleasure of being happily married. Presently, nothing can go wrong in her world. Basking in the glory of being an elegant spouse of the renowned Mohammed Babangida, first son of former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, Rahama’s heart is like a singing bird, whose nest is in a watered shoot and her heart.

    Rahama, who happens to be the daughter of billionaire businessman, Mohammed Indimi, is floating on cloud nine; although she has had her fair share of pains in matrimony, but she has conquered them all and is currently experiencing the joy of marriage. To show the world that her marriage is perfect and that her husband is still giddy in love with her, Rahama showed off a beautiful diamond encrusted yellow stoned ring, which was a gift from Mohammed. With a ring so exquisite and expensive, it is undeniable that Mohammed cherishes his wife and seizes every opportunity to reassure her of his love. Not only is Rahama blessed with a pretty smile, stunning figure, cosseted life and a caring husband, she is the blessed mother of four beautiful children.

  • I have over 200 pairs of shoes

    I have over 200 pairs of shoes

    Popular Nollywood actress, Remi Oshodi, better known as Surutu, to most of her adoring fans, is believed to be wild by many. But in this interview with SEGUN AJIBOYE, Assistant Editor, the actress says she is really not wild as people see her. “I’m just a normal woman who loves to express herself,” she says.  She speaks on her career, relationship with her fans and other sundry issues. Excerpts:

     

    What would you say are your biggest achievements so far?

    Talking about achievements, I cannot really point a finger at any particular one. You see, there are many of them and I thank God for His blessings.  The Lord has been good to me in every area of my life. And when you talk of achievements, just when you think you have what can be termed as the best, another door of achievement would open. So, you simply move from one achievement to another. For me, all I have to do is just to say thank you God.

    What memory of your childhood do you hold dear?

    I must confess to you that my memories of my childhood are beautiful. I remember how my parents would dot on us. It was really a happy home. Even before they had me, they were told they would have a child that would be great and popular. So, eventually when I came, it was with that revelation that they treated me.

    Okay, tell us a little about your growing up.

    As a baby, I was fun to be with. Everybody around me called me the comedian of the family because there was no dull moment with me. I was very close to my father as a child. But soon after he died, the bond and love shifted to my mother. I had real good childhood.

    Where exactly did you grow up?

    I grew up in several places. My parents lived in Mushin, Lagos Island and many other places in Lagos.

    Many people believed you lived in Benin Republic. How did you learn to speak the Egun language?

    While growing up, we had many Ajase maids in our home. My mother had about five elderly Ajase women who worked for her. It was the women who looked after me, and they spoke their native language to me all the time. So, it was natural that I picked up the language. I also speak Togolese language fluently.

    Tell us about your mother.

    My mother is a very good Christian. She is old now and doing very well.

    You behave like a Tom boy. Were you one as a child?

    Well, I grew up in a Christian home. That is all I can tell you.

    You always look happy. Has there been any particular time that you felt very unhappy?

    Believe me, I am always a happy person. I don’t allow my situation to put me down. As a human being, there are times that you experience things that bring you down, but your ability to keep going in spite of what you are going through depends on how strong you are. Sometimes, when I am down, I could just listen to music to lift me up.

    There must have been so many happy moments for you. Can you tell us some of them?

    Everything about me is about happiness. I tell you, I am always happy, no matter what the situation is.

    What is the worst thing anyone ever said to you?

    They have said many that I cannot even remember one now. As an actress, as much as I try to behave well in public and maintain a good image, but there is no way you can satisfy everybody. If you say nobody hates or would hurt you, then you must be a joker. The truth is that many bad things have been said about me. But when you are able to cope with whatever is said about you, then you just have to move on. And that is what I have done.

    What is your most-treasured possession?

    This is not funny at all, but the truth is that my most-treasured possession is my family. I don’t think there is any other thing in life that can compare with my family. This is what I want people to  know, that no matter what you have, your family is the best possession that you can ever have.

    Looking at you, are you ever scared?

    Sure! There are things that can scare me.

    So what particular thing can scare you?

    That again depends on several factors. I cannot really say to you that this thing or that thing would scare me. But I know that, like every other human being, there are things that can really get me scared.

    As a celebrity, who would pick if you had the opportunity to pick a dinner date?

    I have a friend that I would pick. I will also pick my mum and my kids.

    You mind telling us about that friend you would pick?

    I hold that close to my chest. But those are the people that I would pick for a dinner date.

    I know that most artistes live a topsy-turvy lifestyle. How have you been able to cope with this?

    The whole world is turbulent. When it treats you well, you are happy. But when it throws you down, you try and pick up yourself and move on. We have all had our low points in life. But the truth with me is that each time, I have picked myself and moved on and be a better person.

    How do you handle your male admirers?

    They are all my fans. So, I try and maintain a good relationship with all of them.

    Have you had any particular embarrassing moment with your fans?

    There are just too many experiences that I can point to. For instance, there was a day I was driving and a woman approached me. She said I was dating her husband. I was truly scared, but she burst out laughing and said her husband is an ardent fan. She told me the man was fond of me and loved watching my movies. She phoned the man, and I spoke with him. So, we try to manage such fans because you cannot afford to do without them.

    Have you ever been grabbed on the street by an ecstatic fan?

    There was a particular one; I was driving with my mum and a woman suddenly rushed at us. She said, ‘were, were’. (mad woman, mad woman). My mum was like, ‘Why did she call you mad woman?’. Experiences like this happen every day. But that is what we go through as celebrities.

    It’s been long we saw you in movies. What is the reason for this?

    I have been in and out of the country lately. That has really affected my featuring in movies. However, I still feature in movies whenever the time permits.

    Looking at you, one would simply say that you are fashionable. What informs your fashion sense?

    I am fashionable in every sense of the word. But I am not a loud dresser, I dress moderately. I wear unique things, things that set me apart from the crowd.

    Do you also love accessories?

    I love shoes and sandals. I also love gold accessories.

    Let us try and put a figure to the number of shoes that you have…

    (Laughter…) You want me to expose myself? Okay, let’s say something like over two hundred pairs. But you know it is not in my character to flaunt anything.

    I observe that you are going into politics…

    Is this because other celebrities are going into it?

    Not at all, it is something that I am convinced about. The truth is that I am even ready to break the silence. But when the time comes, the world will know all about my plans for politics.

    How has being an actress affected you?

    Well, I’ve always been myself. I don’t try to be what I am not.

    What is your best food?

    This may interest you, but my best food is eba and egusi soup. I can eat it three times in a day.

    How did you get to be known as Surutu?

    I got that from the stage anyway. It was due to the role I acted in a movie. The movie is entitled Surutu. It is about an Egun woman. She was very wild and rugged in the movie.

    You also have another name, Senami Kerewa. How did you come about this?

    You know movie producers have a way of giving you funny names. It was another name that I got for a role in a movie.

    Let me ask you this, how do you see yourself?

    People see me like a crazy woman, but I am a responsible woman that loves her kids, her family and everybody around me.

    People believe you are wild. How true is this?

    It is not true that I am wild. You may want to say that I am wild, but I know inside me that I am not wild. I am just a normal woman who loves to express herself.

    I know that you are a mortician. Do you still practise?

    I’m sorry I don’t want to speak about that.

    Why?

    It is personal, and I hope you would understand.

    But I know that you worked with a popular undertaker outfit. Was it that you lost the love for the job?

    You simply want me to speak on this. But I really wish we don’t talk on it.

    But why did you choose movie?

    This is my first love. It is something that I love to do. Perhaps, you don’t know that I was also a model when I was much younger. I was also part of the cast of the old and new Village Headmaster.

    What is your impression of the movie industry?

    The movie industry is doing very well. It is growing and we have thousands of young up and coming actors and  actresses coming into the industry every day. It can only get better.

    I know that you love your kids dearly. How tough is it training them?

    It is very challenging. You know you have to make sure that they get the best education and all that. But thank God that He has always been there for us, and there has been no form of regret about having them. They are my joy.

  • Aisha Falode holds memorial service for late son

    Aisha Falode holds memorial service for late son

    It has been a year since the only son of popular female sportscaster, Aisha Falode,  Oluwadamilola Toba aka Tyler Fray, plunged to his death on Saturday, February 15, 2014. On Sunday, February 15, 2015, the grieving mother held a thanksgiving memorial service to commemorate the death of her son. Toba was murdered in Dubai, when he was allegedly pushed down from a high building by a Saudi billionaire’s son, Faisal Aldakmary Al-Nasser.  Initially, it was reported that 19-year-old Toba died in an auto crash, But his mother, alongside the family lawyer, Barrister Festus Keyamo, embarked on a fact-finding journey to Dubai and discovered that the late rapper was thrown down from a high tower to his death after a heated argument with the said Faisal. As Aisha remembers her late son, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, activist Dr Okei Odumakin and others attended the memorial service and paid their respects. The late Toba was buried at the Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday, March 3, 2014 after a funeral service at Trinity House Church, Oniru, Victoria Island Lagos.

  • Double trouble for Alameiseigha

    Double trouble for Alameiseigha

    For the former governor of Bayelsa, Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, life began a descent drive about a decade ago when he was impeached from office. Unfortunately for the controversy-prone ex-governor, he has been hit with a double dose of trouble and is left dumbfounded by what fate has shoved his way. Few months ago, Alamieyeseigha’s son, Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha died in his prime and under questionable circumstances in Dubai.  Although the cause of the death of the 32-year-old could not be ascertained, it was learned that he was possibly strangled to death. Oyamuyefa was found dead outside his family’s apartment in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

    The ex-governor was struck with unimaginable grief as he buried his son and tried to move on with his life. While the former governor struggled to come to terms with the mysterious death of his son, his household was hit by another trouble, as the seven-month-old marriage of his son Tonbra crumbled like a stack of badly arranged cards. Less than one year ago, in July 2014, DSP Alamieyeseigh staged a high octane wedding for his son, Tonbra, who tied the knot with his ‘heartthrob’ Chikodi.

  • Olasinmi Akindele-Odumbaku emulates husband

    Olasinmi Akindele-Odumbaku, the plump and elegant wife of an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr. James Omolaja Odunmbaku, has not allowed her husband to be the only one wielding political influence in the family. She is back on the political scene. In 2007, Olasinmi had her eyes on the House of Representatives and contested for a seat in the House in Akoko Federal Constituency under Labour Party, LP. But she lost to Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, current Director-General of the National Sports Commission. Defeat has not caused Olasinmi to give up on politics, neither has it softened her resolve to contest again. Although her husband is an APC juggernaut in Lagos, with strong influence across the length and breadth of the South West, Olasinmi has moved over to the PDP. She nonetheless fervently supports her husband in every step of the way. She is recognised as one of the women leaders in PDP and is firmly on ground in the politics of her constituency.

  • There’s nothing more appealing than a nice smelling man or woman

    There’s nothing more appealing than a nice smelling man or woman

    You have in recent times been spotted in Abuja, are you planning to relocate from Lagos?

    No, not at all. My flagship store is still in Lagos as all my production goes on there, but I also have a branch which is purely retail here in Abuja that I opened last year. So I shuttle back and forth. Also in the realm of fashion and style, we were able to add ‘Grey Velvet,’ the fashion store, to our corporate success story. The circle of top fashion people and the upper class that honoured the event confirmed our pride of place in the fashion world. It is not just another fashion store, but one that parades not just my work, but the works of other famed international fashion designers; exclusive African designer packages, right there in Lekki, Lagos.

    With business offices here and there, how are you going to cope?

    Well it’s difficult but do-able. I always try and finish what I start. By God’s grace, I don’t shy away from challenges.

    Did year 2014 deliver the promises it had in store for you?

    The last two years were the most difficult years of my life. My dad passed away of cancer towards the end of 2013. So, my focus was only on him and nothing else mattered. When death stares you in the face, everything else becomes secondary. I literally went underground.

    Sorry about that, but tell us a little about your background, about your parents too.

    I grew up in three different continents around the world. My parents were both educationists. My parents were highly disciplined people, with respect for others. They had a high level of integrity. They were extremely intellectual with an unusual devotion to God. They instituted a strong moral and value system in us, and taught us the importance of personal sacrifice, integrity and contentment in all things. Their life lessons to us were worth much more than money and they loved each other to bits. My life has been a melting pot of different cultures, strong values and a strong belief in God. I’m a graduate of the London College of Fashion, where I majored in Fashion Design Technology.

    My mother has always been my biggest inspiration. With a first degree in Fashion Design/Home Economics and a PhD in Education, she was extremely fashionable, a consummate homemaker and an all-round entrepreneur. Having acquired the know-how in the fashion terrain that came natural to me, I returned to Nigeria. And it was not surprising that my studio made impressions quite early among fashion-conscious elite. My journey to being a top fashion designer came even much earlier than I thought after my return to Nigeria.

    So, where did fashion start for you? Here in Nigeria or out there in England?

    I started my line of clothing over 20 years ago in England; I started out with couture, one of my early pieces, before then moving to Nigeria 12 years ago. On return, I established myself. It was at my Ikoyi office that I consolidated. Though I was still doing individual couture pieces, I however later started a ready-to-wear line with a range of dresses, skirts, kaftans and resort wear, which took off fabulously.

    Along the line, I added a range of ethnic handbags and accessories as well as NK home accessories range with lamps, candle stands, duvet covers and beanbags. What I had in mind and what Nikki Khiran brand is today is surely a lifestyle brand, a one stop shop for you and your home needs.

    What hopes and aspirations does 2015 have for you?

    As far as I’m concerned, this is a year to re-focus, re-consolidate and re-strategise. However, my goals are between me and my God.

    The earlier months of a new year are sometimes a dull period, what activities have you lined up for this year?

    Yes, I agree that the few early months are usually a bit slow. Notwithstanding, I make my goals, plan and travel at the end of January to restock and refresh. Now that I am back few weeks later, I am more re-freshened.

    Tell us about your work, what kind of fashion designs do you do? What are the unique things about your designs?

    My main focus now is my Pret a Porter line (ready to wear). It is an opportunity for people to work and find something for day or night.

    Tell us about your clientele, what is their taste like? And are your designs available for just anybody? Tell us about the kind of persons that your clothes, fabrics and designs appeal to.

    My style is bohemian chic. The Nikki Khiran woman is confident, individualistic, graceful and elegant. I’m a modern day gypsy; I love ethereal clothing, layering, fluidity, asymmetric cuts, bold prints, and I like to do ‘sexy’ in an understated lady-like way. Our focus for Nikki Khiran woman is creativity, exclusivity and craftsmanship.

    What is wrong with today’s fashion?

    Hmm, today’s fashion? Too many people copy and very few show originality. If Ankara is in, everyone is doing beaded Ankara. It’s pretty much the same thing, beaded Ankara jackets, dresses, skirts and so on. It makes us wonder if any other fabrics exist! At the same time, there’s some serious talent out there.

    I can say that I more or less breathe fashion. My daily life is woven around the fashion world. So, fashion, to me, remains a relevant matter to today’s woman. Fashion is an expression of self and our moods. My thinking has always been that, since we all have to dress up, we might as well have fun doing it. That remains an essence that features in my pieces.

    If you were not in this profession, what other profession would you have liked to be? And what other things interest you?

    My orientation has always been geared towards the arts, right from a tender, young age. If I wasn’t a fashion designer, I would have loved to be an entertainer. But in reality, I have a small line of furnishing accessories and I do interior decorations. I love warm, cozy spaces; my surroundings actually inspire my creativity.

    Some entrepreneurs say they started business with just little capital, how much did you start your business with? Was it all about the start-up capital?

    Oh dear, I can’t possibly remember since I’ve been in business for over 20 years, but nobody gave me a lump sum to start anything. My advice is to start where you are and things will gradually buildup. Most young people don’t want to start a business until they have an injection of big cash flow. If you wait for that much, you might never get started.

    Compared with designers in Europe and America and other high fashion centres around the world, how are Nigerian top flight designers doing?

    Hmm, we are at a disadvantage because we don’t have basic infrastructure, which will always be a major drawback. But we have plenty of raw talent, and some very talented individuals, who are making the most of what we have available.

    Would you describe yourself as an introvert or extrovert, and what appeals to you as an individual?

    I’m a combination of an introvert and extrovert. I can be very outgoing, but I also value my privacy to an extreme. I value my peace of mind. I value true friendship, honesty, love and more importantly, I try to be content always. I’m simple and complex at the same time. I’m outspoken, disciplined, hardworking, God-fearing and driven by passion. But I also know how to unwind and have fun. I hate pretence. I’m soulful and original.

    And that is because I am down to earth. I laugh easily. I enjoy it. I am a freewill individual and I love being cheerful. I take out time to laugh at jokes and I readily offer jokes too when in the mood.

    Notwithstanding, I keep a serious outlook when the need arises and I am downright business-like with the approach to life. As you can see, success has not taken me away from myself. But I can also tell you that, I maybe a creative entrepreneur and a top fashion designer, but I am not all about fabrics, clothing and colours. I still find time to attend to lady’s things like going into the kitchen to cook. I love cooking because I’m someone who likes food and I could be fussy about it. I believe that I have successfully created for myself a lifestyle that complements my kind of work and gives me an opportunity of relaxation, at the same time, keeping stress at bay.

    So, how do you relax and catch your kind of fun?

    I love great music and I love to dance (Laughs). I love to be excited. I value the beauty of life. I travel a lot too. I eat out and hang out with great company, and of course, I love shopping. My shopping takes me to Dubai because it’s a melting pot of different cultures. So, I love shopping there. I also found out that I can find everything there. I love to shop in the USA for great casual wear and beddings. I go shopping in India for saris and exotic jewellery. I also shop in Italy, Paris and Spain for ‘unusual finds’ and a dose of culture and great food. Shopping is every designer’s work and pastime. Oh, I love to shop. And luckily for me, I have a crest of women items, collections that certainly traverse one fashion city to another.

    What kind of clothes and fabrics appeal to you and what types do you choose for yourself?

    Need you ask that? Of course I wear Nikki Khiran products. I always wear my own brand; if I don’t, who will? I like jersey, silk chiffon, tulle, lace and so on. I embrace all fabrics, I love vibrant colour and animal prints. I can say that my work and brand are somewhat intertwined. I am a lover and fan of my brand. I wear and model my clothes, and many say it fits me ‘like a glove,’ just as it fits my clients too.

    Shoes, what determines your choice and how many do you have?

    My shoe choice depends on my mood. I have no idea how many shoes I have (laughs). I’m not that vain, I have never counted my shoes.

    What is your take on fashion accessories? Which do you not do without? And are perfumes and make up compulsory for ladies?

    Not wearing accessories is like a woman going without makeup, you look incomplete! I personally enjoy and admire well-endowed natural beauty. I also love it as I regularly get complemented, but I am not a great fan of much make-up. And my dressing depends on my mood: which of course, depends on where I am going to at any particular time. I always have on my wrist watch, even if I’m not going out. I don’t believe a woman should go without perfume, deodorant or make-up. There’s nothing more appealing than a nice smelling man or woman, and a bit of make-up brightens the face, but not a mask of make-up, but a bit.

    When is a lady glamorous and when should a lady be glamorous?

    Glamour is subjective. I think it’s more about a woman having a sense of style and self-confidence, and knowing how to put together her look in an appealing manner.

    What vanities of life have you found difficult to resist?

    Hmm, I love a gourmet meal, exotic locations, an inviting space to live in, my perfumes, my oils, my body scrubs, and I can’t do without my skincare.

    Tell us about your kind of man?

    My ideal man would be kind, supportive, generous, God-fearing, successful, highly motivated, with a sense of fun.

    What is your view of marriage?

    My ideal marriage partner would be my best friend, brother, lover, companion all rolled in one; someone I can share things with even if the truth hurts. I hate living a lie; a lot of marriages are not based on reality.

    What does success mean to you?

    I believe that success is a state of the mind. It’s being the best you can be, at whatever it is that you are doing. In the pursuit of success however, I ensure to remember to value my peace of mind. Yes, I value my peace of mind. I value real friendship, and I try to be content at all times.

    Tell us about a few of the holidays you enjoyed most?

    Hmm, I love Dubai, I’m a shopaholic, and everything I want is there. Great food, great shopping, great spas. I love the Gambia; it’s very soothing and relaxing: Miami for its eclectic vibe. I like Asia and India, but that’s for work. America and Europe are home to me, so I don’t consider them holiday spots.

    Lastly what role does religion play in your life?

    Without God I wouldn’t be here. I’ve had challenges that would have trumped other people but I’m still standing by His Grace. I don’t carry religion on my head, but I carry God in my heart. God has been so gracious to me.

  • Ade Lexus spares a thought for orphans

    Ade Lexus spares a thought for orphans

    The true meaning of life is in finding your essence in life and to share with those who have not found theirs. Ondo State-born entrepreneur, Victor Adegbenro Adegbenro, popularly known as Ade Lexus, has not allowed fame and fortune to detach him from humanity. Few days ago, Victor, the boss of Advic Autos, added another year to his age and chose to spend his special day with orphans. He started the day by putting smiles on the faces of the motherless by donating handsomely to one of the orphanage homes in Lagos.

    His friends were not left out of the celebration, as Victor later organised a private party for them at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. In the full splendour of their urbanity, all the big boys in town turned up to celebrate with the auto merchant. Ade Lexus is credited as one of those who brought lucrative revolutionary changes to the auto business. Victor has conquered lack and has grown into a man of his own. He is one successful businessman whose lexicon does not have space for failure, detesting it greatly.

  • Peller’s son to open club in London

    Peller’s son to open club in London

    It will be stating the obvious to state that Shina Abiola, popularly known in the social space as Shina Pellers, is one of the richest and youngest entrepreneurs in the country. As the Group Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Aquila Group of Companies and CEO of Quilox Night Club, Shina’s fortune has continued to grow and his status as a business tycoon is reinstated at the dawn of each day. A year after he joined the league of club owners in Nigeria by opening the world class Club Quilox in Lagos, the young entrepreneur has decided to go international by taking Quilox to London in the next few months. Despite the massive success of Quilox, Shina is not slowing down and his plan to open one of the biggest clubs in London is in full swing.

    With great pleasure and excitement, top Nigerian artistes like Banky W and Tilla announced the soon-to-be launched Quilox in London. With so much glee and in support of the son of the popular late magician, R&B singer and EME boss took to Instagram to announce the birth of Quilox in London, when he simply wrote:” Hello‎ London” to a picture of the British flag which reads “Quilox London ” 1st May 2015, coming soon”. Since the sky was ignited with enchanting fireworks as Quilox was launched in Lagos in December 2013, it has thrived beyond expectations and as served as the hub of Island Big boys and girls who seek out classy joints to have fun. Shina Abiola Peller is happily married with a wife and kids.

  • Gbenga Elegbeleye dishes gifts to the less- privileged

    Gbenga Elegbeleye dishes gifts to the less- privileged

    St. Valentine’s Day is over. And following the celebration with varying display of love and affection, citizens are back to their normal routines. While to many, the day dedicated to celebrating love has become history, many less-privileged who benefitted from the benevolence of Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Director General of Sports Commission would not forget in a hurry how the philanthropic politician turned their otherwise bleak season of love into a bright one. Elegbeleye, the former deputy chairman of House Committee on Sports, used the day of love for what it truly was.

    In the spirit of love and sharing, he gave food items and cash to the less-privileged in celebration of St Valentine’s Day. His service to humanity is not new, and he has given many years of service in government, from being the youngest local government chairman, to service in the House of Representatives and currently the DG of Sports.

  • Mixed feelings for Julius Ihonvbere

    Mixed feelings for Julius Ihonvbere

    Professor Julius Ihonvbere, the Secretary to Edo State Government is presently faced with the dilemma of being caught between grieve and celebration. Ihonvbere was thrown into mourning with the death of his father, Chief John Ihnovbere, who died on Monday, February 2, 2015, at the age of 92. However, while still in the mourning mood, he still finds enough space to celebrate his wife who turned a year older. In the best ways he could, the late Pa Ihonvbere served his community and was the Odionwere of Aghoenlokhua (biggest quarter) in Luleha Clan. Pa Ihonvere was no slob and before his death, he worked in the health sector all his life.

    Following the creation of the defunct Mid-West State, he was transferred from Oyo, the old Western Province to Warri, and then to Central Hospital, Benin, where he was later transferred to the General Hospital, Uzebba in Owan West local Government Area and retired after attaining the retirement age. Pa Ihonvbere left behind a wife, Chief Alice Titi Ihonvbere, and four children. Burial plans for the late icon are in full swing. But just as the family is yet to come out with the burial plans for their patriarch, Professor Ihonvbere is not sparing anything to celebrate his better half, Grace Ihonvbere, who waltzed into the golden age. As she breezed into her golden age in style, her husband ensured she had what can be called a little, but classy celebration, when they hosted friends and family members to an exciting time.