The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Monalisa Chinda, Funke Akindele, Inyanya for Ita-Giwa’s Red Ball

    Monalisa Chinda, Funke Akindele, Inyanya for Ita-Giwa’s Red Ball

    IN a unique Middle East/African fusion, the Foundation for Children of Bakassi, a pet project of Senator Florence Ita-Giwa (OON), today, at the Zinnia Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, brings together the big players in the entertainment and fashion scene. Set to light up the event is none other than rave-making Kukere crooner, Iyanya Mbuk.

    Tagged Red Ball, the event will feature Nollywood stars in a fashion show where they will don the attire and design of Vlisco, a textile manufacturing firm. Packaged to be an evening of fun and excitement, some Nollywood stars who have contributed to the growth of the industry will be honoured.

    Eight years on, Senator Ita-Giwa says that she is very proud of the children of the foundation who she says would have become something else if they were not taken out of their previous environments.

    The Senator said that she finds joy in raising the children as, according to her, she is fulfilled that they are performing brilliantly in their academics.

    “I have gone to their schools for sporting events and I heard Precious Ita Giwa, Paul Ita Giwa, Robert Ita-Giwa, are all developing the talents hidden inside of them. If I did not take them out of the places they were, they would not have had such exposure,” she added.

    Other artistes expected at the event include award-winning Tuface Idibia, Tiwa Savage and Timi Dakolo. Dignitaries who will grace the occasion include Culture, Tourism and National Orientation Minister, Chief Edem Duke, actresses Monalisa Chinda, Funke Akindele, Ini Edo, Shan George and others.

  • Sola Laditi soars higher

    Sola Laditi soars higher

    FUNKY Sola Laditi, the daughter of Globacom chairman, Mike Adenuga’s pal, Niyi Adewunmi, is no doubt moving higher. After years of being in operation, the better half of Tayo Laditi, the co-owner of Liberty Digitals has revamped her upscale salon and spa, Touch of Glamour, and also added a jewelry line.

    The beautiful ebony skinned lady has a degree in Mass Communication from Harold University, United Kingdom, but she is not resting on her oars to take her business to another level amid stiff competition. Touch of Glamour is the first Nigerian salon to establish and have its own personalised debit card in association with Zenith Bank and Interswitch.

    Highly cerebral Sola, is always on point when it comes to her dress sense and she is always dazzling her admirers in classy events.

  • Here comes Independent Fashion Expo

    A new initiative tagged Independent Fashion Expo has made its debut in Lagos. A project of E-zone Africa Group, the pan-Africa event is set to host an Independent Fashion Expo and Award.

    Organisers say it will parade African top designers including Modela Couture, Steve Ray Couture, Generation Consciente (Benin) Dinal Fashion(Haiti) and some emerging designers including Sxgab Couture, Fatfate Design, Fountain Stitches on a run-way in Lagos State.

    Supported by Z-Mirage Multimedia Ltd, Lorna Nigeria Ltd, makers of Amigo/Darling Hair, Veleta Fruit Drink and MIIT Technology Services, with the primary aim of establishing the fact that raw talents originate from Africa, the show is said to be a deliberate effort to herald Nigeria’s 52nd Independence Day anniversary.

    it is expected to create a platform for budding talents and to project them to mainstream global fashion industry.

    The show, according to the convener, Oredola Adeola, will hold by 4p.m on Sunday, September 30, 2012, at Jocason Hotel Event Centre, Amje, Lagos/Abeokuta Express Way, Lagos State.

    Expected at the event are ace cinematographer, Tunde Kelani and other celebrities like Benjamin Joseph, Yinka Davies, Ayanbirin, Tunde Joseph (Host Artiste), Sound Sultan and other top music and nollywood stars.

  • Pact between Jay Jay Okocha and Tony Ezenna

    Pact between Jay Jay Okocha and Tony Ezenna

    IMO State born-businessman and CEO Orange Drugs Limited, Sir Tony Ezenna, is trying to broker a deal with one-time Nigeria’s attacking midfielder, Austin JayJay Okocha, to become the brand ambassador of his recent sachet energy drink, Extra Joss .

    Already,we gathered that talks are on between the pharmaceutical company boss and the footballer. Though we could not really ascertain how much is involved in the deal.

    We learn that the businessman and his Indonesian partner, Didik Novandi, of Kalbe International, chose Okocha for his humility and the claim that no Nigerian or African living or dead displayed the same level of skills and techniques that Okocha gave to football..

    Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo, was the ambassador of the brand in Indonesia in 2006, and the company, we gathered, is considering JayJay Okocha as the face of the brand in Nigeria

  • COSON congratulates Sound Sultan

    FOR recently celebrating twelve outstanding years in the entertainment industry, the Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, has sent its felicitations to celebrated Nigerian singer, Sound Sultan

    The Chairman of COSON, Tony Okoroji, described his success in the industry as one that has brought joy to the country. Present at a show held September 15 to celebrate the eclectic singer known as Naija Ninja during which he thrilled guests for hours, Okoroji also commended him for his effort in using his celebration at alleviating the sufferings of the needy in the society.

    “The use of your celebration to promote the interest of the needy in our society is commended. Your partnership with Oxfam aimed at tackling the hunger scourge in our nation is also highly commendable,” Okoroji said.

    He added that Sultan’s success in the entertainment industry is not a fluke but a result of hard work and dedication. “Your rise to the top and the exceptional songs that you have created over the years have brought joy to the entire nation… you have proven that your success is not by happenstance but the result of a dogged determination to leave a lasting legacy in the Nigerian entertainment scene,” he added.

  • Why I remixed ‘Oliver Twist’—Celine Dimas

    Why I remixed ‘Oliver Twist’—Celine Dimas

    Delectable Celine Dimas sent tongues wagging on the music scene when she hit the airwaves with the female version of D’Banj’s wave-making single, ‘Oliver Twist’. The Imo State-born model and actress spoke to AHMED BOULOR about her burgeoning music career and other sundry issues. 

    HOW far have you gone with works on your debut album?

    I am still working on my first album and it will be released soon; though the album is still going through fine-tuning before it is released into the music market. I also just finished recording a song titled ‘Where I am Coming From’ produced by TY Snoop; the song will be officially out in a week.

    Why did you choose to do the remix of D’Banj’s Oliver Twist?

    (Sighs) I did it for the fun of it; it was my first time in the studio and I just wanted to do something memorable. Funny enough, I heard the song for the first time in the studio where I recorded the song. It sounded like a nice song to remix and it turned out that way. We were just having fun in the studio.

    How well did the song fare?

    I didn’t really promote the song; I just had copies of the song on CD and gave them out. The song was like a test run for me in the music industry, I think a lot of people heard the song but didn’t know I did the remix because I had been in a situation where I was sitting beside some people who were talking about my song and didn’t even know me. It was a hilarious situation myself and my friend couldn’t stop laughing. It was fun…

    What about the video for the song?

    As you know, the song is not originally mine, so I didn’t do anything official concerning it. But I shot a viral video of me and my friends having fun which will be out soon.

    How do you manage to combine being a singer, songwriter, model and actress?

    The most exciting thing about me is that I multi-task, and that has helped me develop really fast. The movie jobs that I get come once in a while and since am not officially under a record label at the moment, I work at my own pace and that means I plan everything to fit into my somewhat crowded schedule.

    How were you able to develop your skill in music?

    Oh! I am still very much of a baby when it comes to music but every day is a learning process for me. I go for vocal classes every now and then and I am now working on learning how to play the key board. I strive to be good if not the best in anything I concentrate my mind on. I learn every day…

    At what point in your life did you actually discover you could sing?

    I have always been singing; as a kid growing up, I used to enjoy recording my voice and I loved singing everywhere, especially in the bathroom. I would say I discovered my talent for singing a long time ago, and am still discovering my vocal capabilities.

    What texture should your fans expect from your debut album?

    They should expect a package full of lots of fun musically! My music portrays my personality, which is fun and loving with a bit of depth to it. The texture is expected to be smooth music that will sure put its listener in a good mood.

    What other forms of arts are you drawn to?

    Like I said earlier, I am a multi-talented person and that made me recently join a group to learn how to dance and I am still very passionate about improving my acting skills.

    Were you inspired into doing music by any local or foreign artiste?

    Not really, but I love and listen to people like Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Keri Hilson, Beyonce and R. Kelly and our own Onyeka Onwenu ‘The Elegant Stallion’.

    Would you say that you have role models?

    I have a lot of role models; my Mum, Celine Dion, Beyonce, Keri Hilson, Joke Silva, Halle Berry and Oprah Winfrey.

    Have you come across any crazy male fan of yours?

    I used to have one crazy male fan who stalked me for a very long time. He tailed me for almost a year and he made it a duty to call me at 6am in the morning, requesting to visit me.

    Are you in any relationship at the moment?

    (Takes a deep breath)For now, I want to keep my affairs personal because I wouldn’t like to be misquoted. You’ll know more about that when I am ready to divulge that part of my life.

    Do you have any regrets doing music thus far?

    I’ve had no regrets thus far, but it has been challenging. No regrets.

    Are your parents in support of your music career?

    My folks are my number one fans and I never lack support from them at all times.

    How do you intend to stand-out in the very tough music scene in Nigeria?

    That would be just being myself and selling the brand Celine. I hope to make a mark with my kind of music not minding the fact that I have to contend with other equally talented artistes that are out there. I will just concentrate on being me and try not to copy too much…

    Are you signed to any record label?

    I am not yet signed to any record label at the moment but there are positive signs that I’ll be hooked soon because my album will be ready to hit the market sooner than later.

    What do you think is your selling point as a young entertainer?

    As a burgeoning artiste, I believe my uniqueness and unpredictability is my selling point, and those traits add-up to the Celine brand that I am trying to promote. I’m also good looking, I have stage presence and a good voice, and I’m a good songwriter too. I also believe in myself because I have the total package. Though I am still a baby in the industry with a lot to learn but the sky I believe, is my starting point.

  • Who wins Maltina Dance All tonight?

    Who wins Maltina Dance All tonight?

    IT will be zero hour tonight at the popular Expo center, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, as five families slog it out for a brand new car and N6 million top prize in the Maltina Dance All competition.

    The showdown in the family dance reality show will involve the Efiokwu, Green, Eghove, Boyle and Zibe families. The first and second runners up will take home N1million and N500, 000 respectively in the sixth edition of the Nigerian Breweries sponsored show, fashioned after its premium malt beverage.

    After about two months of rigorous and intensive competition process, the five families that made it to the finals proved better in a series of entertainment skills and dance communication that left out five others in a previous leg involving 10. The race started on September 2, 2012 with ten families in the picture; however, five families were unable to survive the various dance styles that were introduced in the MDA Academy: the “Wazobia” (contemporary Nigerian dances), Salsa, Pantomime,

    Out of the 10, that made it to the academy, the first set to be evicted were the Ozurumba and Nwogwugwu families; they failed to convince the judges after the Wazobia and Salsa performances. The Wazobia performance had placed the Ozurumba and Nwogwugwu families for eviction while the salsa performance placed the Okasia family as the only family up for possible eviction.

    The second phase of the show was the contemporary African and Gumboot dances. After the performance, the Amilo and Onyebuagu families were put up for possible eviction. They could however not survive at the heat and as such, were showed the door gumboot performance. At the eviction show down the four families came back to compete and the judges did what had never been done before in the history of Maltina Dance All; saving two: the Onyebuagu and Efiokwu families, and gave the audience an opportunity to vote between the Amilo and the Okasia families. The live audience voted the Okasia amily back into the academy, kicking the Amilo family out of the show.

    After the second eviction, the families were introduced to the last two dance styles which were to usher them to the grand finale – the Hip-hop and Pantomime dance styles. After the hip-hop performance, the Zibe and Okasia families were put up for eviction, making it the third time the Okasia family was up for eviction. After the Pantomime performance, the Onyebuagu and Boyle families were placed on possible eviction making it the first time the Boyle family will fall into this category.

    The Onyebuagu and Okasia families however failed to convince the judges and they were evicted from the academy setting the stage for the five remaining families to compete for the grand prize.

    Ifeoma, the representative of the Efiokwu family promised to give her best when she said “being in the grand finale is a dream come true for my family and I and by the special grace of God we are going to come out with our best dance ever.”

    According to Ngozi Nkwoji, Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, the company undertook the journey because the brand’s story has always been the story of sharing happiness within the Nigerian family and beyond, with emphasis on the values of friendship, trust, togetherness and faithfulness. “It is all about bringing the entire family together in an atmosphere of friendship and bonding with other families so that as units they can share common problems and ideas effectively throughout their time at the Academy and beyond. We are very passionate about the family institution and we will do the little we can as a responsible corporate entity to ensure that the institution continues to remain relevant because a healthy and sound family system will resonate on the Nation as a whole, the family unit is the bedrock of any society.”

    On why the brand chose dance as its consumer engagement platform, Nkwoji said dancing is a creative form of expression that transcends boundaries and it is also an art that almost everybody enjoys. She stated that this was the main reason the recently concluded auditions was done in such a way that all consumers of the brand benefited through winning prizes or making it into the Academy.

  • ‘She is understanding, wonderful’

    It was as if they were in a dancing competition.

    But for the bridal train, many would have mistaken the couple’s entry for another dance reality show.

    Former Miss Olusumbo Margaret Agbede, Chief Executive Officer Schengen Investment and Olufemi Ayodeji Adeluka, an entrepreneur, enlivened the gathering with beautiful dance steps.

    They hardly waited for the Emcee to introduce them before entering the hall amid a rousing applause.

    The Safe Land Hotel, Ile-Anu Crescent, Ijaiye, Lagos State, venue of the reception, bubbled.

    The confetti ladies and groom’s men, too, gave a good account of themselves on the dance floor.

    Their faces shone as they danced to the music dished out by the disc jockey (DJ).

    Some of the guests joined them.

    The tempo was further charged as the couple reached their seat.

    The reception featured prayers, chairman’s remark, dance, cake cutting, and couple’s first assignment, among others.

    The hall was festooned in green, brown and orange satin materials.

    Dressed in a black suit, white shirt and yellow bow tie, Olufemi, could not take his eyes off his beautiful wife.

    They were congratulated by Pastor Akinpelu Akinkunmi, who chaired the occasion.

    Akinkunmi prayed that the union be fruitful.

    He urged the couple to always put God first in everything they do, and respect each other.

    The couple cut their three-step cake of green and orange.

    Performing their first assignment, Olusumbo knelt down to feed her husband; Olufemi reciprocated by sitting her on his lap. He fed her and sealed it with a kiss.

    Afterwards, the couple hit the dance floor. They danced to the music dished out by the Himage Entertainment live band.

    Breaking the normal routine of throwing the bouquet, the bride shared it among the single ladies who came out.

    The father of the bride, Major Agbede Joseph (rtd), could not hide his joy.

    “I feel very happy today because this is a great day that the Lord has made in the life of my family. I pray that this journey they have started together would not turn sour,” he said.

    The father of the groom, a retired civil servant, Mr Nathaniel Adeluka, enjoined the couple to be “prayerful, God fearing and contented with what they have.”

    This admonition complemented the one the couple had during the solemnisation at the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) Ajala, Ijaiye Lagos.

    The church service featured exhortation and charge, exchange of vows, presentation of rings, communion, blessing of union, signing of marriage registrar and thanksgiving.

    In his sermon, Pastor James Babalola congratulated the couple and their parents.

    Marriage, the cleric said, is a union of people who understand each other.

    “You have decided to live together and I want to let you know that it will not be a bed of roses. But, in all, you should respect and treat each other right,” he said.

    He urged the bride to be submissive. To the groom, he said: “Treat her well.”

    The recessional hymn was taken as the newlyweds marched out, accompanied by their parents, bridal train, groom’s men, family members and well wishers.

    Olusumbo, who hails from Igede in Ekiti State, described her husband as “loving, caring and a down to earth person.”

    “When it comes to house chores, she is very hardworking; she is an understanding and wonderful person”, Olufemi who hails from Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, told The Nation.

  • A trumpeter’s odyssey

    HE is 81 and has spent 60 years on stage as a musician. Last Sunday, “The Evil Genius” and ace trumpeter Victor Olaiya was celebrated in Lagos. The event, tagged: “Celebrating a Victor and his trumpet,” was to mark his Diamond Jubilee on stage. The show was the brainchild by popular music promoter Femi Esho and his Evergreen Music outfit.

    When Olaiya came on stage that evening, he sparkled like a thousand stars. He showed that he has not lost his spark as he harmonised lyrics, poetry and rhythm in a unique performance that brought all to the dance floor. As the biggest masquerader, he took his turn last. The event took place four months after a similar show promoted Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun of WTS Broadcast featuring Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi and Chief Sunday Adegeye Adeyeye, alias King Sunny Ade, to renew interest in Juju music. It was tagged: ‘Oleku’.

    It was an evening of spectacular performances. Olaiya’s children; Bayode, Toba, Dupe, Iyejide, Bidemi and Biodun, backed by their father’s All Stars Band, performed some of his hit songs. The octogenarian Fatai Rolling Dollar was joined by the ‘ageless’ King Sunny Ade in a jamming session that left the audience asking for more. The guests howled as KSA entertained them with the unique dance steps which were in tune with the refrain of the talking drummer:‘Sunny Ade Ma Pami o, Owo Robbu ti won…’ (Yoruba line for Sunny Ade, please spare me your irresistible music, the therapy after the dance could be costly).

    If there was a prize for best dancer that day, Yeni Kuti, daughter of the late Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti could have gone home with the trophy. Not even the erotic dance girls on Orlando Julius’ band stimulated the audience like Yeni, whose younger brother, Femi, also performed. The Femi Esho’s Evergreen Band backed every performer. When it was Olaiya’s turn, the excitement grew.

    Wearing a cream colour shirt with red stripes atop a cream colour pant, Olaiya, was in his element; evoking memories of his cherished performances in the 60s and 70s. Brandishing his trademark white handkerchief and gyrating to the combined melody from his trumpet and the All Stars Band, Olaiya sang rendered of his hit songs.

    He sent the crowd into frenzy, with long blasting effect from his trumpet. It was a night to remember. The crowd danced and sang along, as he dished out popular tunes like; Kosowo Lode (1962), ‘Adogan’, and ‘Cherry Koko,’ among others. He displayed unusual energy for a man of his age.An evidence of a well-rehearsed event, the cord progression was faultless and so was the originality of the beats, a far cry from the present day computer generated sounds.

    Satisfied with the success of the show, Esho described it as “one of the biggest that has happened in this country geared towards celebrating our icons.” He said: “It is high time we celebrated them rather than wait for their obituary before talking about their glorious career. As you could see, ‘Celebrating a Victor and his trumpet’ brought the giants in the industry together. The event also brought to bear the versatility of the Evergreen Band that backed KSA and Femi Kuti, even without rehearsals. And as you could see, Dr. Victor Olaiya is still very strong in the art.”

    The presence of Ekiti State Deputy Governor Mrs Funmi Olayinka; wife of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola; her Ekiti State counterpart, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; former Governors Segun Osoba (Ogun) and Segun Agagu (Ondo); Lagos paramount ruler Oba Rilwan Akiolu; an essayist Prof. Adebayo Williams; Lagos State Commissioner for Environment Tunji Bello; his counterpart on Tourism, Disu Holloway; Erelu Abiola Dosumu and Senator Florence Ita Giwa, added pep to the ceremony.

    Other personalities include: Dele Ojo; Orlando Julius and wife, Latoya; Theo Lawson; Shina Bakare; Laolu Akins; Beautiful Nubia; Chief Rashid Gbadamosi, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi; Senator Ben Obi; Prince Yemisi Shylon and the compere, Yemi Shodimu.

    The highlight of the event was the public presentation of the artiste’s 75 hit songs called the ‘Heritage Compendium’. The compendium was a compilation of his works in the last 60 years. Dr. Olaiya autographed just a copy, which was bought for N150, 000 by the Ekiti State Government following an auction.

    When it was time to cut the anniversary cake, Chief Osoba, the chief launcher, invited Dame Abimbola to supervise the ceremony.

    The celebrator cut the cake with his children round him as cameramen clicked away.

    Tributes poured in for “The Evil Genius”.

    Dr. Agagu said it is a thing of joy for him “because this is one of the few occasions where we actually celebrate heroes. And one of the great heroes is Dr. Victor Olaiya. I used to know him when I was a small boy at Ibadan Grammar School. I remember how we used to steal out to the University of Ibadan just to listen to Dr. Olaiya. I know he is 20 years older than me. Today, I feel great to be here to talk about him. I also want to thank Femi Esho for the initiative to celebrate a living legend.”

    Chief Gbadamosi was full of accolades, not just for the celebrator, but also for Aremo Osoba.

    “I’m not surprised today at the height which my friend and former classmate, Aremo has attained. We his friends back then in secondary school had predicted he will go far. His brilliance earned him the alias Sir. James Robertson. I later shortened the name to Sir. James.” Both men, who were clad in white Agbada were full of admiration for each other.

    An illustrious son of Ikole in Ekiti State, Dr. Olaiya was also celebrated by two of his Kinsmen; Are Isola Filani and former Controller General of Customs Tayo Ogungbemile. Are Isola said: “We are glad to be here today to witness the honour of an illustrious son of Ikole. As a matter of fact we were sent as representatives to celebrate with our father, uncle, and brother who is celebrating a remarkable feat – 60 years on stage. Personally, I’m very proud to be associated with him. He has not only made us proud, he has made Nigeria proud with his rare talent.”

    Dr Olaiya was given some awards. Erelu Fayemi presented him the award of Omo Rere Ile Ekiti (Illustrious son of Ekiti).

    He also got Omoluabi Rere (Man of Honour); Alade Ise Orin (King of Music) and Agba (Grand Entertainer) from Osoba; Chief of Staff to Ogun State governor and Lagos State Government.

  • 50 years of blissful union

    They started their courtship in 1955 when Papa Moses Adefioye Folayan gained admission into the Ondo Divisional Teachers’ Training College, and Madam Janet Adenike was in her final year in primary school.

    The bride’s parents opposed the union, saying Pa Folayan was related to his future wife, as they have the same genealogy as royal family members in Aramoko.

    Undeterred, Papa struggled and secured the consent of Madam Janet’s grandmother, which eventually paved the way for the consummation of their union in 1962. Papa Folayan, now 81, and his wife, 74, have been married for 50 years.

    The golden jubilee anniversary of their wedding was held at St Philip’s Anglican Church, Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti Central Division.

    Their children – Mrs Folasade Ofi, an occupational health nurse; Mr. Kehinde Folayan, a Naval officer; Mr. Idowu Folayan, Civil engineer; Mrs. Bolade Jimoh, a chartered accountant; Mr Lanre Folayan – non-governmental organisation (NGO) consultant and Mrs. Olaiya Abe, a lawyer – were in attendance.

    In appreciation of their parents, they bought them a furnished house and a new car.

    Papa and Mama also showered good wishes on their children at their residence in Aramoko. This phase was marked by the cutting of the golden jubilee cake and the taking of photographs.

    Emotions ran high when Papa’s sibling, Mrs Mary Awolokun, a Federal Commissioner, Engineering Safety and Standards Regulatory Commission, Abuja, wept out of joy.

    Recalling that the celebrator, Pa Folayan, taught him in 1968 while in primary school, Ven. Jide Adebayo ,who officiated the church service, said Papa also baptised him.

    “I would have hated not coming here today to give this sermon. He (Papa Folayan) taught me in 1968 while I was in primary school. When I was checking one of my old diaries yesterday I discovered he was also the one who baptised me,” he said.

    Urging governments to do better for teachers in terms of care, he said: “It has been said that ‘no teacher, no nation’; no teacher no lawyer, engineer, or doctor. We want the government to elevate teachers and teachers themselves should do their best to complement government’s efforts.”

    He praised the couple for surviving the turbulence of 50 years to sustain the union, saying half of marriages contracted between the time they married and now had collapsed. He added that the malady of collapsed marriages had transcended boundaries.

    “Today, as we all know, it is mass wedding and mass divorce; marriage today, divorce tomorrow. As we experience it here, so they experience it overseas. Most go for divorce because they could not endure the twists and turns.

    “We should congratulate the couple for enduring the good and bad together. Their union has produced children and their children now have their own children as well,” he said.

    After the service, well wishers moved to a small section of the church distinguished for the event, a phase which witnessed dancing and thanksgiving.

    Here, the couple gave a good account of themselves as they danced, while the children showered their parents with wads of new naira notes.

    The eldest of them, Sade, could not hide her joy:

    “My parents deserve all this today. They are the reason for and pillar behind the success of every child here. You can see all of us and how we are.

    “We were raised in the way of the Lord and will never depart. I have learnt strict discipline from my father and my mother. They are epitome of humility. While we were young, we knew how she held my father. Up till now, that is the way she still holds him.

    “In that attribute of humility is a lesson for brides of today. My mother is an enduring lesson in humility. She also had time for us. Mummy was always around and tended us all to sound sure success.

    Sharing her sister’s views, Bolade, a chartered accountant, noted that while her father was the temperamental type who could flare up, mummy was the typical dove, ready to accommodate endlessly.

    She disclosed she too had some streaks of masculinity which she took from her dad who had, however, warned her to “learn from and fashion my conducts as a wife after my mother who I can describe as representing the very best of wifehood and motherhood.”

    Also in attendance were papa’s other siblings, Chief Idowu Folayan; Alara of Aramoko Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi.