WHEN the beautiful daughter of Oyo State Governor, Bisola Kola Daisi, announced her plan to open a stop shoe store, Florence H on the Island, many did not expect less from her, having been known to have frolicked with the superstars of Hollywood, before coming to Nigeria from her US base.
The Musa Yar’adua location of the store has been playing host to those who have a knack and taste for good shoes.
KEMI Asemota is the eldest daughter of one of Nigeria’s renowned auto magnates, Chief Sonny Asemota. She used to be married to Lagos socialite Biyi Blaise before they got separated. Though she has a reputation of being tough, she is happily single and not searching. Her former hubby has outgrown his fear of getting married again and settled down with Yinka, his lover of many years and mother of his son. Kemi seems to have given marriage a wide berth.
OYIN Emelia Adenuga is one of the pretty daughters of billionaire businessman and head honcho at Globacom, Otunba Mike Adenuga Jnr. But one thing that you don’t know is that the founder and CEO of Imaginative Buying Services has an undying love for Yoruba movies. When not working, inside sources revealed, she relaxes by watching Yoruba movies.
The Adenuga belle is a graduate of University of Maryland with a B.A. in Sociology. She returned to Nigeria and began a career in the banking industry, working various positions at Equitorial Trust Bank until she earned the position of senior manager, followed by an executive director position at Consolidated Oil before she started her own business, Imaginative Buying Services, LLC.
IF information available is anything to go by, cold war may be brewing between two marketing communication giants – Jenkins Alumona of Strategic Outcomes Limited and Calixthus Okoruwa of XLR8. Those in the know squealed that Alumona’s outfit is trying to take over one of the juicy accounts that are being managed by Okoruwa’s XLR8.
Alumona was at one time Manager, Events and Sponsorships at Celtel Nigeria (formerly Econet Wireless Nigeria), Events, Sponsorships and Marketing PR Manager at Econet Wireless Nigeria, before he moved to Globacom as Head, Sponsored Assets. He later established his marketing communication company, Strategic Outcomes. On the other side, Calixthus Okoruwa has a multidisciplinary background that spans sales management, social health advocacy, journalism, advertising management and public relations in industries that include pharmaceuticals, public health, print media, international air express and logistics as well as telecommunications. He has been described as a huge reservoir of ideas and respected for his professionalism and hands-on expertise at his job.
It started as a house fellowship as two Rotarians, Rotarian Kola Ramos and the Assistant Governor of Zone 1 of District 9110 led his club members to visit few friends and associates working and/or living in Victoria Garden City since 1997.
Fifteen years down the line, the club has now outgrown its little beginning and contributed greatly to the development of its host community.
Last Sunday, dignitaries, club members, their families and associates converged on the Le Real Hotel, VGC, to witness the change in leadership.
The hall was filled to capacity with guests from different walks of life and in their various attires.
The event also offered some networking opportunities for guests.
The club’s anthem was recited to flag off the event. It was followed by a call to order of the outgoing President, Rotarian Babatunde Sowobi.
The Rotary Grace was recited, followed by the Object of Rotary and the 4-way Test.
The incoming President, Joseph Oladele Sanusi, was full of smiles. He was decked in buba and agbada, even as his wife, Chief (Mrs) Abigail, added glamour to the event. Both looked like a newly married couple.
The father of the day, Chairman of Honeywell Group,Airtel Nigeria and Fan Milk of Nigeria Plc, Dr. Oba Otudeko, was also in attendance. The event was compered by the duo of Rotarian Adegoke and Rotarian Ogunmeka.
The outgoing President, Rotarian Sowobi, gave detailed account of his stewardship during the one year of his leadership and was thankful to all for their support and commitment.
He described his successor as a well-principled man who pays attention to details, and exemplary leader with outstanding virtues.
The outgoing President decorated the new president, under the watchful eyes of Chief Segun Osunkeye.
Dignitaries at the occasion included: Professor Wale Omole, H.R.H, Oba Dokun Thompson, Admr. Peter Adeniyi (RTD), Senator Martins Kuye, Bisi Onasanya, Dr. and Mrs. Kingsley Moghalu, Mr Sunday Ehindero.
A dinner was held for the newly inaugurated Entrepreneur’s organisation. It comprised captains of industries and entrepreneurs from across the world. NWANERI NNEKA writes.
United Kingdom based global non-profit organisation, the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation has held a dinner in Lagos. The 25 year old organisation serves as a catalyst that enables entrepreneurs learn from each other, leading to greater business success and personal life. It has just been launched in Nigeria.
Its vision: to build the world’s most influential community of entrepreneurs.
The 3day event began on Wednesday October 3 with a strategy summit and this dinner was held to celebrate the successful completing of the launch.
The venue: Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. There were its representatives from some countries across the world, especially South Africa.
There was not a loud event since the guest list was restricted not to exceed the 50 man capacity seat of the hall. They interacted over cocktail. Soft melodious tunes plated in the background. There was no decoration in particular; the chairs and table overlays were all white.
The crystal lightening and table set were fit for kings and queens. They wined and dined.
The men were cute in their suits and ladies exquisite in their elegant dinner dresses. They all made traditional fashion statements, depicting their African pride by turning up dressed in native agbada. All looked vibrant and gorgeous.
There were testimonies on how the EO has affected their lives and businesses positively. The members were also taught how to manage their families properly while allowing the business run itself.
In his opening speech, the Chairman of EO Nigeria, Abdulrazaq Shittu said the institution of EO in Nigeria will afford many to create desired wealth, thereby banishing poverty from human existence.
Director of Communications for EO Nigeria, Mr Dele Agekameh, who anchored the affairs of the dinner said the organisation, having fulfilled the requirements and having successfully had a chapter launch, the dinner followed, just like is done in other parts of the world.
“Our visitors from outside the country are thrilled, happy and excited because they have had a wonderful experience here so far. So also are the members of EO. Our appearing in this this traditional regalia is deliberate to tell them that this is not a costume but our own suit, thus, giving them a living memory.
He called on support from government.
“Government should support us by tightening loose ends so that we can help Nigeria grow by changing the mindset of Nigerians. We are going to be the game changer because we have put the country in the global map of entrepreneurs and from today, the story will be coming in a positive form. jobs will be created and the economy will expand.”
It started like a joke four years ago. Penultimate Sunday, Fatimoh Danmole, a banker and her beau, Yusuf Onilogbo got engaged. The introduction was held at Adeniji Adele Housing Estate mini Hall, report OMOLOLA OLAOLUWA and AMINAT ADESINA.
The decorations in the Mini Hall of Phase 4, Adeniji Adele Housing Estate, blended with the colour of the day. The hall was decorated in pink and blue. There were sparkling lights across its length and breadth.
Guests looked resplendent in traditional and foreign attires.
It was the introduction of Fatimoh, daughter of Alhaji Balogun Danmole and her beau Yusuf Onilogbo.
The Ijebu-Imosan-born Fatimoh, a graduate of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, looked resplendent and beautiful in her gray lace attire, with pink dots and pink pair of shoes.
She caught guests’ attention, with her cheerful look throughout the event.
Yusuf, a graduate of Accounting from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, is a native of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
He looked charming as he was accompanied into the hall by his friends.
Likewise, Fatimoh was led into the hall by friends and some family members amid praise songs.
The groom was the first to be invited to the high table after introduction of the guests.
The groom and his friends prostrated in greeting his inlaws.
Prayers were said for him.
When the bride came in, she knelt to greet her parents and in-laws.
The ceremony was officiated by Mr Lawal Taofeek.
Alhaji Mustapha Suleiman delivered the lecture.
Suleiman urged the couple to live by the teachings of the Quran and take the Prophet as their role model. He urged them to respect each other’s opinion on issues.
He said prayer should be the first thing in their life as it would let them overcome challenges.
“Be prayerful because any relationship based on God will always stand the test of time,” he said.
The Chief Imam of Anwar-ul-Islam organisation, Akoka branch, Alhaji Sulaymon Uthman, urged those present to pray for the success of the marriage.
He advised the couple’s parents to see themselves as one big family so that the children could live in love and peace.
The bride’s father, Alhaji Balogun Danmole, thanked all for gracing the occasion and for their support.
Danmole described the day as a memorable one in his life.
He urged them to live together as one and communicate well.
“Religiously and culturally, the husband is the head of the family, so she must always see him as the head and be his partner in progress. Before she does anything, she must inform her husband,” he said.
Fatimoh, who works with the Guaranty Trust Bank, described her husband as a gentle, caring and jovial guy.
“I’m glad, I will be spending the rest my life with him,” she said.
Yusuf, an entrepreneur, said their relationship started about four years ago.
‘’I’m happy because my wife is the kind of woman any man would love to spend the rest of his life with. I’m happy she is mine,’’ he said.
An accountant with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Lawrence Elugbadebo, gave out his daughter, Omotayo, in marriage to Prince Olaoye, son of the Olu of Odonselu, Oba Shafi Sule, in Lagos last Saturday, writes OMOLOLA OLAOLUWA.
October 6 will remain memorable in the minds of the families of the Olu of Odonselu, Oba Shafi Sule and Mr. Lawrence Elugbadebo, an accountant with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Their children, Omotayo Temitope and Prince Olaoye Tokunbo got married last Sunday.
The ceremony began with the traditional engagement on Thursday at Grandeur Events Centre, Oregun, Lagos.
The marriage was payback time for this humble and generous man who has touched the lives of many. Dignitaries, including the top hierarchy at NNPC, turned out in large number to felicitate with him. The array of personalities spoke volume.
Oba Sule also tapped his goodwill to make the occasion memorable for his son.
Engagement over, the wedding proper took place on Saturday at Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Looking glamorous in her wedding gown, Omotayo was the cynosure of all eyes as she marched into the expansive church to say ‘I do’ to her beloved.
A quiet looking Prince Olaoye shone in a white shirt, classical suit, spectacles and a matching pair of shoes.
He hails from Ile-Ife in Osun State.
The presiding priest, Revd John Tanimonu, congratulated the couple for making their parents proud in all their endeavours.
Noting that marriage has its ups and downs, Tanimonu, who is the Chaplain of the church, said marriage laid on the foundation of God would endure all challenges. And, above all, he said, love conquers all.
Tanimonu also enjoined the couple to love each other, share their lives with each other, have the spirit of forgiveness. He charged the bride to imbibe the spirit of humility and be submissive at all times.
After a well attended church service, the wedding train moved to the Haven Events Centre, Ikeja, where they were entertained by the Elugbadebos and the Sules. The expansive hall could be described as a haven of many colours. From, the lighting, to the decoration, everything depicted opulence and affluence. There was enough food; small chops were also in abundance while drinks and champagne flowed freely. The Master of Ceremony, Olateju Oyelakin, fondly called Teju Baby Face, Segun Dangote and First Born almost sent the guests out of their seats with their humorous jokes.
A boardroom guru, academia and former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Christopher Kolade, chaired the occasion.
Known to be a man of few words, he thanked the guests for taking their time out to grace the occasion.
He asked rhetorically: “Are you happy to be here?” All responded with a resounding “yes.”
Kolade said whenever he attended a wedding, he usually observed the couple; for the couple, he scored the bride 10 for performance and the groom also 10 for his effort.
He urged the couple to always persevere and be patient with each other.
He told the groom: “You have heard the preaching in church that you must share all you have with your wife. This is not talking about property; you are going to share your time with your wife. Thus, he said out of 100, the husband must devote 75 percent to listening and 25 percent to talking”.
Kolade wished them well as they sojourn in the next phase of their lives.
After his speech, Gongo Aso crooner Abolore Akande popularly known as Nice was ushered in to serenade the couple.
Nice didn’t disappoint as he churned out various songs from his hit album to the admiration of the guests.
Rounding off the wedding was cool, calm and unassuming ‘Baba Commander’ himself, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey. Evangelist Obey was at his best. Guests danced to the Miliki master’s ever-green songs.
The Goshen Model Sanctuary of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was planted April 1998 and became an Area headquarter of the RCCG in 2001 under the leadership of Pastor Remi Tella.
Fifteen years on, the church is still growing from strength to strength. It has been able to win more souls for God.
The hope of worshippers to upgrade it came to fruition last Saturday as members of the church gathered for the dedication of the church building.
Despite being behind schedule, guests and church members waited patiently for the commencement of the programme which commenced at 4.30pm.
The arrival of the Pastor-in-charge of Lagos Province 17, Pastor David Omunagbe with his wife, Christianah, leading other senior pastors signalled the commencement of the programme.
The building was dedicated to the glory of God by the Pastor-in-charge of Region 2 Pastor Obayemi stood in for the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Pastor Joseph Obayemi amidst praise songs.
The church auditorium was in joyous mood.The cleric thanked God for the success achieved by the church and prayed that the church should be the habitation of God’s glory.
Obayemi urged Nigerians to be God fearing. The fear of God, he said, is the beginning of wisdom.
After the dedication of the building, the people also moved to the Land of Favour, Zone 7 under the same Lagos Province 17 for another dedication.
This was also anchored by Obayemi.
He sought God’s blessing on the church and its members.
The Zone 6, Pastor, Rotimi Fagbemi gave thanks to God for seeing the church through to the successful completion of the building.
Pastor Fagbemi said:“I’m so excited and glad that at last Goshen is being dedicated to the glory of God because the place has been abandoned for long and within a year there was a turn around, It is the grace of God that brought the church to this level.”
Pastor Bosun Akintobi, a Zonal Pastor, Land of Favour, Zone 7, also recounted the story of how the church started some years ago. He glorified God for the success of the project during his time as the Pastor of the zone. He said the completion took 13 months.
“By my experience as a quantity surveyor, the cost of the building is worth N75 million if quantified and most of the money was raised by members of the church and we have a congregation close to 700 and that is in one service because we run two services on Sundays. The road is one thing we have planned to do for the society. I feel great because no one can do anything except the grace is given by God,” he said.
After the building dedication as Land of Favour, awards were given to all the past Pastors-in-charge of the parish, area and zone. Pastor Omunagbe co-ordinated the event.
Among the Assistant Pastor-in-charge of Province present were Pastor Adekunle Olanrewaju (Lagos Province 8), Pastor Peter Ayoola Ishola (Lagos Province 17) and Pastor Seun Sogunro (Ogun Province 4). Other personalities include Pastors Ezekiel Owoyemi; Pastor Nireti Oladapo and John Obarinu.
ALL roads led to the sleepy town of Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State last Saturday when Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha, mother of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, marked her 80th birthday.
The celebration coincided with the dedication of a new building for St. Peters Anglican Church, Mbutu, a project facilitated by the deputy speaker.
Expectedly, her children rolled out the drums in celebration. They were joined by their friends and associates to honour mama. Dignitaries stormed the town in large number.
Imo, the Eastern heartland had never witnessed such a surge of dignitaries for one event.
Bishops and other senior members of the Anglican Church leadership were led by Revd Nicholas Okoh, the primate of Nigeria.
The primate officiated at the combined dedication and thanksgiving service.
At the service, Primate Okoh exhorted the congregation to fear God.
The service was followed by a grand reception at Ihedioha’s expansive country home.
A huge cake was unveiled for the celebrator to cut after which she was presented with beautiful paintings of her and her children.
Photographers had a hectic time trying to capture as many high profile guests as they could at the event.
After relishing in local and foreign cuisines, some guests took turn to deliver goodwill messages.
Governor Rochas Okorocha welcomed the dignitaries to the State.
Okorocha described Ihedioha as a proud son of the state.
The governor prayed God to grant the octogenarian good health.
Senate President David Mark congratulated Mrs Ihedioha for joining the Octogenarian club.
Mark thanked God for her life, adding that it took the grace of God for her to have come this far.
He hailed Ihedioha for facilitating the building of a new befitting place of worship for the Church. “The deputy speaker’s gesture to invite guests for the dedication of the new building and not to solicit fund for its erection was worth emulating,” he said.
Ihedioha described his mother’s life as exemplary and inspiring.
He recalled how she was careful to bring the children up in the fear of God and made sure that they maintained good morals.
The celebrator thanked God for His kindness.
“I am very glad and my heart is full of joy,” she said.
When asked if she harbours any regrets in life, she was quick to dismiss such thoughts, asserting that she has forgotten about anything or anyone that may have wronged her in the past.
In attendance were: Speaker Aminu Tambuwal; Governors Peter Obi of Anambra; Theodore Orji – Abia; Rotimi Amaechi – Rivers, Emmanuel Uduaghan – Delta and representatives of other governors. President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Oghiadhome. Others are Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili.
Immediate past governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim; Chief Chris Uba; Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; Major General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) and Chief Walter Ofonagoro were not left out.
They also included: Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu; Senators Ita Enang; Chris Anyanwu; Abdul Ningi; Chris Ngige; Andy Uba. From the House were its leader Mulikat Akande-Adeola; Leo Ogor; Deputy Leader, Sulaiman Kawu; Deputy Minority Leader, Samson Osagie; Minority Whip, Bimbo Daramola; Dakuku Peterside; Jones Onyereri; Ndudi Elumelu; Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Nnena Ukeje, among others.
As noted by Ihedioha in his vote of thanks their number was enough to form a quorum for plenary.
Also there were former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu; former Deputy Speakers Usman Nafada and Austin Opara.
Captains of industry, such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Tony Elumelu; Ifeanyi Uba; and Jite Okoloko were in attendance. Finance Minister and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and her aviation and education (state) counterparts, Stella Oduah and Nyesom Wike.
Heads of government agencies and parastatals present included Osita Chidoka of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC); Pat Ekeji of the National Sports Commission and Gerald Ilukwe of Galaxy Backbone. Former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji; former Director General of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) Prof Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke and former Minister of Education, Prof. Fabian Osuji were also in attendance.
Party stalwarlts were not left out. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Chairman Chief Sam Jaja; National Women Leader Chief Kema Chikwe; National Publicity Secretary Chief Olisa Metuh and former National Chairman of the party Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo were there.
Chief Chekwas Okorie of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) led a delegation of of his party to the event. Traditional rulers from the Southeast including Chairman of the traditional rulers council, Cletus Ilomuanya were there in large number.