The Nation Newspaper

Category: Social Circuit

  • On Otunba Randle’s leadership style

    On Otunba Randle’s leadership style

    Otunba Ayodeji Idowu Randle, a man of quality leadership and family with integrity of repute, has ascended to the presidency of The Secretariat Membership Club.

    With this feat, Otunba Randle’s emergence has ushered in a new era of promise and dedication. Otunba Randle’s reputation as a man of integrity and leadership precedes him, making him a natural choice to lead The Secretariat Membership Club into a bright future. With his vision, dedication, and commitment to excellence, Randle is poised to uphold the values of the club and ensure its continued growth and prosperity. As the new president, he stands ready to honour the trust placed in him by the members and lead the club to new heights of success.

    The club, established in 1991 as an extension of the esteemed Airline Pilots and Flight Engineers Association of Nigeria (APFEAN), has found in Randle a leader poised to guide it towards greater heights.

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    During the 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the club, Otunba Randle was elected as the new president, alongside a team of executive members who are committed to steering the club towards excellence.

    In his inaugural address, Randle expressed his unwavering commitment to the members, promising to work tirelessly with his fellow executives to elevate the club and position it for success.

    The outgoing president, Captain Gabriel Ade Ayeni encouraged members to rally behind the new leadership, emphasising the importance of unity and solidarity in propelling the club forward.

  • Bamidele Johnson prepares for late mum’s burial

    Bamidele Johnson prepares for late mum’s burial

    Weeks after the passing away of the late Mrs G.A. Johnson, the beloved mother of the Chief Operating Officer of the Strategic Outcomes Limited Group, Bamidele Johnson, preparations are on the way for her burial.

    Johnson has begun preparations towards hosting a befitting burial for his beloved mother, who passed away on January 2 at the age of 82.

    The former editor with The News Magazine and currently a seasoned media consultant has started sending out invitations ahead of the burial ceremony scheduled for April 2024.

    According to information on the burial invite, a service of songs has been scheduled to be held on April 25 at Eleven 24 Hall in the Manatan area of Ibadan, Oyo State. The funeral service is billed to hold on April 26 at the same venue while interment will be held at St Stephen’s Anglican Church Vault in the Ibalende area of Ibadan.

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    Guests of Johnson and his family are to be treated to a superb reception on April 26 at the Apex Events Hall in the Agodi area of Ibadan.

    Johnson, an impeccable wordsmith, with a knack for wittiness couldn’t hide his pain after the loss of his beloved mother but has since bounced back.

  • Ekeh redefines real estate

    Ekeh redefines real estate

    An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree is a popular axiom that says much about Ikenna Melvin Ekeh who stands out as a third-generation entrepreneur. Hailing from a lineage steeped in entrepreneurial spirit, it is clear that the handsome and amiable man did not go into business by accident. He was born into a family with a history of successful business empires.

    This son of billionaire and digital entrepreneur, Leo Stan Ekeh, the founder and Chairman of Zinox Group, it is not surprising that Ikenna has won so many laurels as a businessman.

    From a young age, he demonstrated a strong aptitude for real estate, actively contributing to the family’s property venture, Age Properties, during his college years.

    His involvement in strategic planning played a pivotal role in the company’s remarkable growth, underscoring his innate business acumen.

    This early experience laid a solid foundation for his return to the real estate sector, particularly with the advent of fractional blockchain real estate businesses.

    Ikenna, a distinguished and highly talented professional, has rapidly emerged as a leading figure among dynamic under-30 entrepreneurs revolutionising business across the African continent.

    As the visionary Founder and CEO of Invidux, a pioneering blockchain-based real estate investment platform in Nigeria, the young Ikenna is determined to propel his vision forward.

    With the ambition of building the largest tech estate investment platform in Africa by the year 2030, his leadership has already seen Invidux achieve groundbreaking success.

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    The platform swiftly garnered $490,000 in patronage just two months post-launch, following an eight-month ideation period.

    This remarkable achievement, not only attracted the attention of venture capitalists but also spotlighted Ikenna as a formidable force in the entrepreneurial world.

    As he continues to steer Invidux towards unprecedented heights, Ikenna remains steadfast in his commitment to transforming the real estate investment landscape across Africa.

    Before Invidux, Ikenna launched Just Own It, an innovative Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service under TD Africa Distributions Ltd, the largest distributor of technology and lifestyle products in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    The initiative, driven by Ikenna’s forward-thinking vision, has significantly broadened the horizon of affordable asset ownership for countless Nigerians since its inception in 2021.

  • Folakunle Oshun, Kathryn Weir reflect on TBS

    Folakunle Oshun, Kathryn Weir reflect on TBS

    Folakunle Oshun has partnered Kathryn Weir for the 2024 edition of ‘Lagos Biennial.’ The fourth edition of the exhibition is scheduled for February 3rd to 10th, in the heart of Lagos on the grounds of Tafawa Balewa Square, a site named in honour of the first Nigerian Prime Minister.

    Themed, ‘Refuge,’ the event to addresses the concept of the nation-state and critically reflects on the site of the exhibition which is the venue of Nigerian independence celebrations in 1960 and also a key venue of the Festival of Black Arts and Culture FESTAC ’77, notably hosting a concert of the great musician an activist Miriam Makeba.

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    Oshun stated that the Lagos Biennial will feature the works of 80 participants from 30 countries responding to the theme through architectural pavilions, art installations, artist talks, film screenings, projections and performances. This edition includes veteran Nigerian artists Demas Nwoko and Bruce Onabrakpeya.

    The co-artistic director of 2024 edition, Kathryn Weir said this year’s exhibition offers an opportunity to reassess the promises, disappointments, and ongoing ramifications of the nation-state model with its panoply of modes of governance under the aegis of global capital. The critical issues of this 21st century – even though global in reach – are played out in local, national, and regional spaces.

  • Kehinde Omojuyigbe takes over West Africa with Fufu factory

    Kehinde Omojuyigbe takes over West Africa with Fufu factory

    Kehinde Efevoghor Omojuyigbe is taking over several countries with her Fufu Factory. According to those who should know, Omojuyigbe’s Fufu Factory is set to scale up its operations across the country.

    Omojuyigbe told close associates that the Fufu Factory ingeniously combines age-old traditions with cutting-edge technology, ushering in a new era of fufu consumption by minimising human interaction and maximising quality assurance in the production process.

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    Omojuyigbe further explained that cassava fufu is healthier than most swallows saying studies have shown that fufu has a low glycemic index which lowers the risk of getting coronary disease and type 2 diabetes.

    The entrepreneur further noted that cassava fufu’s dietary properties ensure that it helps improve physical endurance because blood glucose levels are moderate instead of dropping when insulin is produced.

    With the Fufu Factory, which began operations in July 2023, Omojuyigbe aims to revolutionise the art of fufu production, mitigating hygienic concerns that have long cast shadows over this cherished West African delicacy.  

  • NCC Struggles: All eyes on Bosun Tijani

    NCC Struggles: All eyes on Bosun Tijani

    As global telecommunications trends change, influencing daily lives and livelihoods, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the regulatory body in Nigeria, is currently contending with a pronounced quality crisis that has overshadowed the industry’s reputation. This regression has become particularly noticeable during Prof Isa Pantami‘s leadership, leading to a substantial deviation from NCC quality standards and a concerning deterioration in service quality.

    Operators, once held accountable for maintaining stringent quality benchmarks, have experienced a lax regulatory environment, leading to a noticeable deterioration in the overall user experience for consumers.

    The NCC’s role as a watchdog for the telecommunication industry, on multiple occasions, has come under scrutiny, with industry insiders pointing to a lack of sanctions for operators failing to meet the previously established benchmarks. The consequences of this neglect are palpable, as the quality gap widens, leaving consumers frustrated and dissatisfied.

    Despite the recent launch of 5G by three operators (MTN, Airtel, and Glo), the telecommunications sector in Nigeria grapples with a significant lack of innovative products to complement this advanced technology. This scarcity in innovative offerings contrasts with previous advancements such as 4G and 3G. Particularly noticeable is the absence of device incentives to encourage 5G usage, creating a disparity that requires immediate attention.

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    Additionally, it highlights a lack of assessment on the part of the NCC and operators to comprehend the demand, while overlooking existing gaps in the telecommunications landscape. To make matters worse, the existing 4G is plagued with issues of slow connection speed.

    This technological lag not only affects the user experience but also raises questions about the industry’s preparedness for future advancements.

    Beyond technological concerns, there exists a pronounced coverage gap in underserved markets. According to NCC reports, approximately 35 million Nigerians lack access to internet or telecom services. This deficiency aligns with the World Bank’s assertion that internet access can lift 7 per cent of Nigerians out of poverty. The apparent failure of the NCC and operators to bridge this gap raises questions about their alignment with broader government objectives, particularly in addressing socioeconomic disparities.

    The sector faced neglect during the tenure of former CBN Governor Emefiele, further complicating matters. While other industries enjoyed sectoral funds exceeding 100 billion, the telecom sector struggled with credit access. Emefiele faced accusations of hindering the survival deal of Etisalat and subsequently reversing course to acquire the company.

  • Dignitaries storm Lagos Country Club for New Year party

    Dignitaries storm Lagos Country Club for New Year party

    A long list of dignitaries from different walks of life gathered for a special New Year party hosted by the executive of the Lagos Country Club.

    The dignitaries led by Seyi Adewunmi, president of the Lagos Country Club, also had the presence of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, and billionaire businessman, Sir Adebutu Kessington.

    Also in attendance were Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Honourable James Faleke, member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency; and Chairman House Committee on Finance, Brigadier General Adegoke Adetuyi, Commander, 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army; and Dr. Gabriel Ogbecie, OON, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Rainoil Group of Companies.

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    Members of the Lagos Country Club had a great time on Friday, January 26 as King Sunny Ade and his African Beats took over the bandstand for the club’s 2024 New Year Party. The musical icon, who has been a constant feature in the club’s Annual New Year Party thrilled attendees at this year’s edition.

    The New Year Party, which is the foremost family club’s signature event, was introduced about three decades ago to herald the New Year and enable members to bond in an atmosphere of love and fun.

  • Yutee Rone’s collections hit New York

    Yutee Rone’s collections hit New York

    Yutee Rone, the better half of Africa’s gas magnate, Julius Rone, is set to take over the New York fashion scene.

    Yutee, who is well recognised in the fashion world, has often been described as one of the best high-end Africa-based women’s wear designers in the creative industry.

    Despite her husband’s billions, Yutee’s enterprising soul and inventiveness, have not allowed her to be a trophy wife. Rather, she has continued to encourage her to showcase her talent to the world.

    Ever since she launched her label many years ago, Yutee has been able to make a lasting statement with her innovation in the industry, as she continues to display her uncommon ingenuity. Surely, this has helped her to successfully position her specially designed and unique structural pieces made from the finest quality fabrics and with exceptional attention to detail.

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    The strikingly beautiful woman is well known for her use of experimental fabrics and textiles, vibrant prints, and her detailed craftsmanship. She embraces sophistication, femininity, and elegance with ease. Her collections have been displayed on runways in and out of Africa where she receives standing ovations for her creativity and invention as she wowed fashion buffs with her beautiful pieces and never failed to win hearts at every fashion show.

    Again, for her outstanding accomplishment and indelible mark on the fashion world, the internationally recognised creative mind will rub shoulders with other world-class designers where she will display her collections at the New York Fashion Week 2024 on Saturday, February 10.

    The 3-day event, organised by Runway 7, will be held at the Sony Hall, one of the premiere live concert venues in New York City.

    As gathered, Yutee would be showcasing some of her most amazing collections that have given her the edge far above other competitors.

  • Morayo Alalade celebrates dad at 85

    Morayo Alalade celebrates dad at 85

    As an accounting guru, insurance broker, and socialite, Chief Muniru Olatunde Longe is used to fraternising top professionals and dignitaries.

    But the number of dignitaries that assembled for his 85th birthday celebration on Saturday, January 27 proved that he has been good to many people. The party truly glittered as guests shared memories, laughs, and even a few tears.

    It was a splurge of festivities at the Darlington Hall in Ilupeju, Lagos, where family members, friends, top government functionaries, and professional colleagues gathered to celebrate this respected elder statesman and great administrator’s landmark birthday. Also among the guests were numerous members of the Island Club, Yoruba Tennis Club and Metropolitan Club.

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    On hand were all his successful children led by London-based insurance expert Morayo Alalade and her other siblings including Bunmi Olawale, Deji Longe, and Dewunmi Edosio.

    The Alalades spared no cost in making the event a glamorous one and ensuring their beloved dad had a memorable birthday shindig. The food, drinks, and music coupled with the quality of personalities that attended the party, no doubt, made it a classic one.

    Chief Longe was born on January 26, 1939, in Lagos Island. His dad was Chief Sulaimon Longe (the 1st Aare Egbe Omo Timi of Ede) and his mother was Alhaja Nimotali Abeke Longe nee Folami. Chief Longe, the Asiwaju Aare Egbe Omo Timi of Ede attended Anwar-Ul-Islam College Agege Lagos from 1956 to 1960. He left for England in March 1962. While in London, he qualified as Chartered Accountant, Chartered Secretary, and earned his Associateship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB). He later worked in various establishments until 1967 when he started his professional career with Glanvill Enthoven. In 1969, he was seconded to Nigeria where he continued working at Glanvill Enthoven until his retirement in December 1997 as the company’s first appointed Nigerian Managing Director.

  • Wasiu Ayinde shuts down separation rumour

    Wasiu Ayinde shuts down separation rumour

    Olori Omoba of Ijebu, Chief Wasiu Ayinde Marshal Omogbolahan has shut down rumours of separation from his wife, Emmanuela Aderopo.

    After a few weeks of silence, after the rumour began spreading, K1 as the Fuji maestro is fondly called, has shut down the rumour with a shade on social media.

    Those close to the Fuji czar claimed that he had been busy with several important things including his businesses and performing for dignitaries so much that he didn’t have time to respond to baseless rumours.

    However, when it seemed the rumour was fast spreading like wildfire and gaining undue attention, he decided to go the mature route.

    K1 took to his Instagram account to dispel the rumour that all was not well between himself and his ravishingly beautiful wife.

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    He shared a picture of himself and his wife sitting together with the Ijebu monarch, HRM Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona and a cynical caption that shaded detractors, gossip and individuals bent on creating a false impression of their marriage.

    Many of the Fuji star’s fans, celebrities and more have taken to the post to felicitate with the couple about the news.

    K1  is a man known to love the good things in life. He loves his cars vintage, wines exclusive and loves his women extremely beautiful. He is a man who loves to have fun, hence, he works hard to enjoy the good things life has to offer.