The Nation Newspaper

Category: Weekend Treat

  • Jani Ibrahim treads unfamiliar path

    Jani Ibrahim treads unfamiliar path

    Former Managing Director of the defunct Nigeria Airways, Jani Ibrahim, is said to be warming up for the governorship race in Kwara State. He is said to have mentioned the idea to quite a number of his friends and associates. He is said to be pursuing this ambition on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has torn into factions in the state.

    Surprisingly, those who should rally round Ibrahim are said to be taken aback by his ambition, which many of them see as nothing more than a mere illusion. But the Offa-born former Nigeria Airways boss is getting things fixed ahead of the battle for the party’s governorship ticket.

    Those allegedly eyeing the ticket include Chief John Dara, Dele Belgore, Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdul Raheem, Senator Simeon Ajibola and Senator Suilaman Ajadi. Jani is the owner of Lubcon Oil, with factories in Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia.

  • Debbie Ogunjobi in fresh marital bliss

    Debbie Ogunjobi in fresh marital bliss

    Leading female clothier and owner of Everywoman boutique, Debbie Ogunjobi, has not quite changed from the low-cut wearing, enterprising woman that thrust her into national prominence. But after going through two marriages, which produced a kid each and ended in heartbreaks, she now appears to be much wiser about life.

    Beautiful Debbie has finally pitched her tent with a widower, Pastor Jide Ojo of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Incidentally, Debbie is a member of the church and was said to be very close to Pastor Ojo and his late wife, whom she fondly called Aunty Remi.

    There have been side talks about her new-found life but Debbie would not be distracted by them, preferring to cling to her third husband like the pincers of a lobster. Even at public functions, she is always cozying up to the pastor, tweaking his fingers and shutting her ears to side talks.

  • Happy times for Edozie Madu

    Happy times for Edozie Madu

    These are joyous times for Abuja big boy, Edozie madu. He recently held a lavish dedication service for his twin children at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja.

    Edozie Madu is reputed as the founder of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), a political platform intended for youths’ participation in national development, which later metamorphosed into a political party. The self-styled youngest national party chairman in Nigerian then claimed that CDC, with its strong youth base, would give the ruling parties in Nigeria a run for their money. But for some time now, neither Madu nor his party has made any attempt to inform the populace what is happening to CDC. Has Madu given up on politics?

  • Francis Inegbeniki takes heartthrob to altar

    Francis Inegbeniki takes heartthrob to altar

    The social scene in Lagos is experiencing some feisty changes, and a watering hole on the Island is at the centre of this revival. It is none other club than Quilox, a fun spot owned by Shina Peller, son of the late popular magician, Prof. Abiola Peller.

    That the re-invigorated fun spot is one of the hottest in Lagos at the moment can hardly be disputed. It has suddenly become a point of relaxation and recreation for Lagos big boys and girls, after the lull the night club experienced a few months ago.

    Since Shina, a London-based businessman, opened the night club on Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, it has literally become a social terminus for night life freaks. The fun spot is swanky and relatively large, providing a cozy ambience with a kind of table setting that adds to its romantic theme.

  • Lanre Ogunlesi lays father-in-law to rest

    Lanre Ogunlesi lays father-in-law to rest

    Even the wealth of the wealthy offers no shield against death. Death claims the affluent just like it visits the common man. That much was evident in the recent death of Prof. Cornelius Taiwo, the father-in-law of prominent Lagos socialite, Lanre Ogunlesi. He was aged 103.

    The lawyer, author and educationist passed away quietly in his GRA, Ikeja, Lagos home, and Modupe, the dark and lovely wife of Lanre Ogunlesi, and her siblings gave their father a befitting burial. Of course, Lanre played a major role during the burial ceremony and dignitaries from all walks of life stormed Oru-Ijebu to pay their last respects to the deceased.

    The funeral ceremony boasted a kaleidoscope of guests, sumptuous local and international delicacies, choice wines and impressive eulogies to the departed soul. With the huge number of eminent Nigerians and Africans who graced the occasion, one needs not be told that Lanre, the deceased’s son-in-law, is not just a famous dude but also a respected crowd puller.

    The late Prof. Taiwo was a fellow of the Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and the Nigerian Academy of Education, among others. He bagged degrees in Literature, Mathematics and Law and was once the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin. He was also a solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    He is survived by prominent Lagos lawyer, Chief Ladi Taiwo; consultant radiologist, Dr. Bayo Taiwo, and Modupe Ogunlesi, among other children, grandchildren and great grandchildren

  • New marital life for Grace Enenmoh

    New marital life for Grace Enenmoh

    A maiden, they say, marries to please her parents, while a widow marries to please herself. Many months ago, the Group Managing Director of Ascon Oil, Grace Enenmoh, decided to shed the toga of widowhood for the garb of marital bliss. That was after she lost her beloved husband, Engr. George Enenmoh, in a plane crash, leaving her with the task of catering for their children all alone.

    All entreaties made to her to remarry initially fell on deaf ears as she stuck to her guns, insisting that the vacuum her late husband had left in her life could never be filled by another man. But several years later, the story changed and the well-built woman eventually found someone she felt could help her out of the abyss the death of her first love had plunged her into.

    Some months ago, she got married to an accountant, Bankole Olowofoyeku, in London. No longer for Grace the lonely nights as she is now enjoying a new lease of life.

  • Kojo Williams hits golden age and five

    Kojo Williams hits golden age and five

    Clocking 55 may not be something to fret about after all; it probably feels like an ecstacy, which can only be experienced when you turn 55. Kojo Williams, the scion of the Williams dynasty and former Chairman of the Nigerian Football Association (NFA), is 55, and has acquired the bragging rights to whatever ecstasy reposes in that proverbial golden age and five. Turning 55 has its perks after all. Even as the ides of youth take a last bow, life unfolds more colourfully with blossoms of closure and hope undiminished for the celebrant.

    That was why Kojo Williams observed this crucial turn in his life with total modesty and gratitude for a life full of achievements. He attained 55 a few days ago and quite a number of his friends, family and business associates were disappointed as he spoke of his desire to shun lavish celebration. He scorned any lyrical tribute in his honour, saying he would rather prefer more modest means of appreciating his attainment of 55. However, those who claim to know the man informed Celeb Watch that he’s now closer to God than ever, devoting more of his time to church activities.

  • Senator Ifeanyi Ararume over the moon

    Senator Ifeanyi Ararume over the moon

    Senator Ifeanyi Ararume is presently over the moon. Yes, he is now a grandfather, as her daughter, Amaka Benson, who is married to Yomi Benson, the son of late Chief T. O. S Benson, recently gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. And the new baby has been named Demilade. The child’s dedication has been fixed for tomorrow Sunday, April 27, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja. The Ararume and the Benson families will dig into their depth of vast socio-political contacts to make the day as remarkable and grand as possible.

    The invitation letters sent out to invitees are so beautiful that a few invitees have enthused that its quality could make anybody go green with envy. Expectedly, many people are eager to be part of the memorable celebration. Everything points to the fact that the child dedication would be classy. Celeb Watch gathered that Yomi Benson would be sparring nothing in his boundless reservoir of goodwill and resources to celebrate his woman and new baby.

  • Rasaq Okoya stages high- octane Nikkai for daughter

    Rasaq Okoya stages high- octane Nikkai for daughter

    Alhaji Rasaq Akanni Okoya, the billionaire mogul, brought together the creme de la creme of Lagos and Oyo high society at his Oluwanisola esttate, Ajah, Lagos, last week Sunday when he staged a superlative Nikkai for his daughter, Hadiza and Olamiju Alao-Akala, the son of former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Alao-Akala. The event drew a perfect blend of choice guests, ranging from technocrats, industrialists to young professionals who see the bride’s father as a role model and society heavyweight. Among the guests in attendance were Oba Adedapo Tejuosho; Otunba Subomi Balogun; Chief Rasheed Ladoja; Musiliu Smith; Justice Oguntade; Prince Samuel Adedoyin; Dame Abimbola Fashola; Mrs Opral Benson; Hajia Abbah Folawiyo; Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; Demola Seriki and many others. The couple met about one year ago and their love blossomed into marriage. If what we hear is to be believed, they are already enjoying their honey moon somewhere quiet and exquisite.

  • Omosede Igbinedion steps out with son, Prince Akenzua

    Omosede Igbinedion steps out with son, Prince Akenzua

    Omosede Igbinedion is enjoying a new lease of life at the moment. Though she is still single, but eligible suitors continue to swarm around her like butterflies over pollen nectar. Lest you think that Omosede is just another victim of over-exaggerated spinsterhood gone awry, she isn’t. In fact, the mother of one had once been married. Probably disillusioned by her unpleasant experience in wedlock, she never misses an opportunity to impress it on her friends that marriage isn’t anywhere near the top of the list of her priorities, at least for now.

    It will be recalled that Omosede was once married to Prince Aven Akenzua, the son of the Enogie of Obayanto, HRH Uyiekpen Akenza. Omosede has put the emotional trauma and all the baggage of marital heartbreak behind her in order to focus on more important endeavours like raising her son and growing her business. Omosede, who is rumoured to be having a relationship with Ayiri Emami, was recently sighted with her son, Prince Akenzua, in Milan, Italy. And from all indications, things are going on smoothly for her.