The Nation Newspaper

Category: Weekend Treat

  • The other side of Waheed Sonibare

    The other side of Waheed Sonibare

    Making men look trendy is his profession. But Waheed Sonibare, the brains behind the much-talked about Twice As Nice in Nigeria has proved that he is truly an embodiment of what he does for a living. Twice As Nice stocks very expensive fashion apparels and accessories and caters exclusively for high net worth individuals, the rich and the famous. Few days ago, the fashion forward dude showed his other side by staging a workshop against rape. The workshop was organised in conjunction with Project Alert on violence against women. The road show, which paraded all the staff of Twice As Nice, was tagged “Rape is evil”.

    Rape is a very serious offence in Nigeria, and is classified as felonious. Convicted offenders risk jail terms of between seven and 14 years depending on the discretion of the judge and the nature of the offence. Recently, the Niger State House of Assembly passed into law a bill seeking to review the 14-year jail term for rape convicts to 21 years without option of fine. Some other states of the federation are also reviewing laws on rape to curb the upsurge of the heinous crime.

    According to the Nigerian penal code, “A man can be held guilty of rape if he has sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent, if consent was unlawfully obtained. And section 37 of the criminal code act, CAP 17, Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1990 opines that any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, without her consent, if the consent is obtained by force or by means of false threats or intimation of any kind or by fear of harm or by means of false or fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act or in a case of a married woman, by impersonating her husband, is guilty of an offence called rape “.

  • Gabriel Igbinedion serenades wife at 62

    Gabriel Igbinedion serenades wife at 62

    The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion, is said to have shelled out multi-million naira for a new Bently Continental GT convertible 2013 series for his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, as her birthday gift. Lady Cherry clocked 62 penultimate Sunday, and as a surprise, the Esama took his lovely wife on a journey to their London home and presented the wonderful ride to her as gift. The luxury car is parked inside the igbinedons’ London home where the family held a private party for their matriarch. The man of means presides over chains of businesses which cut across all sectors of the economy. He is the chairman of Okada Group of Companies.

  • The redefinition of Gbemi Saraki

    The redefinition of Gbemi Saraki

    Senator Gbemi Saraki, the beautiful daughter of the late godfather of Kwara politics, Senator Olushola Saraki, is presently enjoying a new status in Kwara politics. At the recent state PDP congress, held last week, Gbemi shocked other political heavy weights in the PDP when she made it clear to all that others needed rare political skill to stand shoulder to shoulder with her when political matters are on the cards. This is understandable, because she was born into politics and also spent 12 years at the National Assembly under the tutelage of the late Wazinrin of Ilorin. After the congress that lasted for two days, Senator Gbemi Saraki emerged as the state PDP leader, registering herself as a master and authority in the game. The senator made others face a crushing defeat and had their pride and political egos deeply wounded and deflated. The ever-smiling senator has revealed an innate resilience and passion that has kept her going against all odds.

  • Lanre Nzeribe, Monalisa Chinda part ways

    Lanre Nzeribe, Monalisa Chinda part ways

    It has never been in doubt that there is a thin line between love and hate. And the line between fame and infamy is even thinner. Actress Monalisa Chinda and Lanre have not only ended their romantic relationship, they have also ended their business relationship. Last week, Monalisa confirmed the story when her publicist issued an official statement.

    The statement read: “We regret to officially announce the resignation of Nollywood actress, Monalisa Chinda from Monalisa Magazine, which also marks the end of her partnership with Mr. Lanre Nzeribe, due to ‘irreconcilable differences’. Over the past few months, both parties have made concerted efforts to retain their partnership, to no avail, which led to their mutual agreement that a separation would be the best course of action.

    “Though she has, so far, committed so much time, energy and resources into the project, it is high time she moved on as she pursues renewed ethos to raise her standards of professionalism and focus on projects closer to her heart. Monalisa Chinda extends her sincere appreciation to the entire staff of the company for the great working experience. She wishes Mr. Nzeribe and the staff all the best in their future endeavours. She also wishes to express her profound gratitude to her wonderful fans for their unreserved support through the years. ”

    But despite the reason being put forward for the collapse of the love affair by Monalisa’s publicist, insiders say that it was Lanre who pushed out the divorcee mother of one. He was said to have locked Monalisa out of his business offices where Monalisa shared as Editor-in Chief of the Monalisa Magazine.

    It will be recalled that Lanre, the beefy businessman and proprietor of the now near-comatose Abuja-based Lantana Transport Services, had in the past dated former screen goddess, Liz Benson. Dhitto former NTA big girl, Grace Egbagbe.

  • Yinka Osobu, Sade Kazeem reconcile

    Yinka Osobu, Sade Kazeem reconcile

    Not a few people were shocked to their marrows when they sighted two Lagos big girls, Yinka Osobu and Sade Kazeem, together at a party recently. Although their rift endured for many years, those in the know disclosed to Celeb Watch that they were reconciled by some of their friends who brokered peace between the two friends recently. It will be recalled that while their rift lasted, concerted efforts by friends and associates were rebuffed by the duo, even as they avoided each other like a plague. While some people attributed their rancour to the husband-snatching scandal that rocked their clique and friends years ago, other sources claim they had been nursing some grudges against each other long before the news of the scandal broke.

    We gathered that Yinka, owner of thriving Lagos-based furniture interior firm, CMC, is not happy with Sade, whom she believes was against her wish to marry her lover, Tayo. The rest is now history as the two friends are now back together. They now attend A-list events regularly in Lagos.

  • Bose Adedibu slows down

    Bose Adedibu slows down

    While her husband was alive, many women in the social space always wanted to associate with her. She knew what it meant to be the heartthrob of a fiery political godfather. She also understood what it is to be courted by the lowly-placed, the high and mighty seeking innumerable favours from her husband. But no sooner did her husband died than Alhaja Bose Adedibu, widow of the late strongman of Ibadan politics, Alaafin Molete, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, began to taste the bitter pill of betrayal. In friendship, she found treason. And now it appears her whole world has come crashing down like a giant iceberg.

    The reasons are not far-fetched: no sooner the remains of her powerful husband were lowered into the grave than his friends and political associates began to desert his political empire and family. One after the other, they deserted the Adedibu family and would not want to have anything to do with the people he left behind. The situation also forced Bose to shun her late husband’s political associates, particularly those he assisted, but who later turned their backs on the family. But such dismal happenstance is now a thing of the past. In effect, Bose no longer appears in political space. It is, however, unclear how long she would keep off the political space.

  • Be more proactive: Mark, Senate urge security agencies 

    Be more proactive: Mark, Senate urge security agencies 

    President of the Senate, David Mark, yesterday condemned the bombing that left scores of citizens dead. He urged the perpetrators to rethink “because this is a needless war,” adding that “It is hard to believe that this is happening to us. No matter the anger or grievances in anybody’s mind, this war on defenceless citizens is uncalled for. This is inhuman and unarguably ungodly.” In a statement, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Kola Ologbondiyan, noted that Mark who was already at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, enroute Ibadan, Oyo State, made a  u-turn in honor  of the victims on hearing of the sordid incident. It was gathered that Mark was on his way to attend the birthday of the Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Samuel Odulana  Odugade I  on his 100 years and receive a Chieftaincy from the revered monarch. The President of the Senate sympathised with the victims and reminded Nigerians of the need to be their brothers’ keeper at all times. He also called on security operatives to collaborate with others, even as he counseled them to be more proactive in order to end the menace.

    Also, the Senate decried the latest bomb blast, describing it as callous and wicked. Its spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the bomb blast, which claimed scores of lives, is one incident by the evil minds that should prick Nigeria’s collective consciousness. The Senate, he said, is worried at the dimension the orgy of terrorists attacks and its devilish activities is assuming. Abaribe said: “The Senate bleeds also on the very harrowing fact that innocent lives of Nigerians, whose only sin is to go out to look for their daily bread, would be so slaughtered in this manner. The Senate is still bemoaning the unending massacre of our people in some states in the Northeast, the latest being the killings in Borno state on Sunday and now this one,” he said.

    The Senate also called on the security agencies to step up their game and be more proactive. He said: “The blame game should be over, the security agencies must step up their game and be more proactive. The country is indeed bleeding of the blood of her innocent ones who are daily being cut down by the evil minds. The Senate therefore consoles with the families of the dead and wishes the wounded quick recovery, while also urging Nigerians to remain steadfast as the Government intensifies effort to tackle the ugly menace.”

  • Fayose’s, Biodun Olujimi’s feud enters second phase?

    Fayose’s, Biodun Olujimi’s feud enters second phase?

    If you believe that former Ekiti State governor and PDP gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, Ayo Fayose, has made peace with his erstwhile deputy, Abiodun Olujimi, you’ll believe anything. The duo are allegedly bracing up for another round of their head-long collision, putting paid to talks that the seeming silence between the duo has finally ended their protracted ill-feelings towards each other.

    Since Fayose got the PDP ticket, many thought they will bury the hatchet and start working together again. But as things stand, there is no end in sight to the battle between them.

    It will be recalled that while the reign of Ayodele Fayose as governor of Ekiti State lasted, Biodun Olujimi was one of the powerful pillars that upheld the government. She lived the life of a powerful politician, not tolerating any opposition when matters involved Fayose. She was blindly loyal to her boss. But the romance started experiencing fits of hiccups when Fayose was dislodged from the Government House in 2007.

    With Fayose out of government, some of his aides had to also find where the pasture is greener, or at least where it would remain green. The crack between the former allies began to appear when former Governor Segun Oni appointed Biodun as Commissioner for Works.

  • Happy moment for Mobola Akinjide

    Happy moment for Mobola Akinjide

    The whirlwind that threatened to sweep away Mobola Akinjide from the social space, following her crashed marriage, has surely calmed down. In its place now is serenity and gaiety. The famous society lady has found love again, and is now married to Adedapo Ayoola, a former businessman turned pastor. Mobola is the first daughter of second republic Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide, and the elder sister of Jumoke Akinjide, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

    Mobola, who used to lead an active social lifestyle, suddenly withdrew into her cocoon and became a born again Christian. At a point, she delved into the business of importation of palm oil from Malaysia. She is now a full partner in the law firm of Akinjide and Co.

  • Ronke Sokefun on the rebound

    Ronke Sokefun on the rebound

    One thing that you will notice about Ronke Sokefun, the estranged wife of Gbenga Sokefun, these days is that she hardly appears in public without smiles on her face. Many are of the opinion that the former Oando topshot came about this new mood ever since she got an appointment as the Commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State.

    Her new office, according to sources, has afforded the dark and lovely lady to have a sense of fulfillment, particularly being able to serve her state of origin. Ronke Sokefun appears unperturbed about her single state, as she exudes joy and peace of mind, which is a luxury that another shot at marriage may deprive her.