The Nation Newspaper

Category: Social Circuit

  • Alapini celebrates Olalekan Belo on birthday

    Alapini celebrates Olalekan Belo on birthday

    Without any shadow of a doubt, Chief Tunji Alapini is a loyal officer who served Nigeria with pride and distinction. He’s known for taking decisive decisions that impacted various police officers during his time on the Nigerian Police Force.

    Hence, his calibre of friends and associates cuts across various sectors of the economy.

    However, of all his friends, one stands out distinctively. This friend, who has turned Alapini’s brother, is no other than Otunba Olalekan Belo, the former commissioner for Finance in Ogun State and Group Managing Director of Finance and Commercial Service Limited, a stockbroker, investment banker and an administrator.

    The bond between the two is one that is envied by many of their peers and according to those in the know, the two cherish many things in common and these include family, friendship, integrity, professionalism and dignity.

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    On Thursday, Otunba Belo celebrated his birthday and Alapini didn’t mince words in praising his friend and brother to high heavens.

    Alapini described Belo as a man of focus, purpose, integrity, and trust with humane kindness. He went on to eulogise the great Atewogbuwa of Ijebuland saying he is a friend turned brother.

    Otunba Belo is not one who cuts out for public attention, and despite his numerous developmental activities in Ijebuland, he does several philanthropic gestures without attracting attention to himself.

    As an investment banker with over 15 years of experience working with United Bank for Africa and Fidelity Bank, where he left as a General Manager in 1993 to establish the F&CSL Group, Belo made an exceptional impact that was noticed by ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel and was appointed Commissioner for Finance. Under his watch, Belo was responsible for policy formulation, budget implementation, revenue generation, and effective utilisation of statutory allocation.

  • Otubanjo remains mirror for pilots

    Otubanjo remains mirror for pilots

    One man, whose name reverberates amongst experienced pilots and remains a worthy encyclopaedic for budding pilots, is Captain Wale Otubanjo.

    Captain Otubanjo made a name for himself as a young, intelligent, professional and sociable pilot in the 80s till the early 2000s.

    The trained flight instructor in the aviation ministry before joining Nigeria Airways in 1976 as a flight captain, flew the Fokker F27, F28, Boeing 707, 737 and 747 before voluntary retirement in 2003 after over two decades in the aviation industry.

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    With a mastery of the aviation sector and a popularity that spread across different social strata and the entertainment industry, Otubanjo has always been a force to reckon with when it has to do with aviation.

    Those close to Otubanjo will readily tell you how good a father and grandfather he has been, a husband, friend and uncle.

    Friends and associates are quick to tell anyone and everyone of his support towards friends and national causes.

    He’s also notable for always giving back to the community.

  • Lanre-Badmus floats foundation

    Lanre-Badmus floats foundation

    Lifestyle consultant and CEO of Purifoy, Laide Lanre-Badmus has recently displayed another side of her personality. This time, it’s philanthropy.

    The interior designer, whose company ranks amongst the biggest in the industry, recently launched her LLB Foundation in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The launch occurred to the delight of many of her friends and admirers.

    The LLB foundation, shaped out of her initials, is targeted at young boys and girls who are sexually abused with the aim of building emotional stability, defending them while offering an opportunity and platform to heal.

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    Laide, in an emotional laden voice, recounted how she was abused by her step-dad at the age of 13 and how her mum was unable to defend her.

    “The sole purpose of LLB Foundation is to offer the victims of sexual abuse the opportunity to vent and heal, as a lot of them are carrying the baggage and have become very bitter and revengeful. We will pursue justice, so they won’t have to wait till they have the means to seek justice and we will aid them through therapy sessions and the healing process,“ she said.

    The launch was held at the Mauve 21 Event Centre in Ibadan and was attended by several dignitaries from the government, media, business and entertainment sectors.

  • Okpeaku moves notch higher

    Okpeaku moves notch higher

    Michael Okeakpu, the Chief Executive Officer of Magbet Super Slot is neither resting on his oars nor giving time for frivolities.

    In tandem with the federal government’s plea for Nigerians to invest in the country regardless of the myriad of challenges bedevilling the polity, Okpeaku has heeded the call.

    With over 20 years abroad, the suave international businessman, who runs his empire under the Michael Angelo Group, recently launched the most expensive premium sports betting platform Lagos.

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    This, according to him, is not the regular sports betting but the combination of what he has seen and experienced put into one in over 40 countries of the world which makes it the best in Africa.

    Tucked at the circle mall in Lekki, the focus as the entrepreneur explained is on the malls alone which is due to the level of investments and its targeted market as it is trying to do between medium and upper-class levels.

  • Akintayo secures future with landmark achievement

    Akintayo secures future with landmark achievement

    Serial entrepreneur and one of Africa‘s most influential investment coaches, Dr. Stephen Akintayo has secured the future of his business and family with a landmark achievement.

    What has become trendy in the last two weeks has been the realtor’s move of stepping down as the group CEO of the company to occupy an advisory role as the Chairman of Gtext Holdings.

    Just after this, Akintayo promptly appointed investment banker Rana Ijaz as the new Group CEO to pilot the affairs of the organisation going forward while seven other managers became CEOs of different arms of the conglomerate.

    However, not many know of Akintayo’s silent yet impressive journey of building a green luxury estate in the far away United States of America.

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    Akintayo, according to his associates, would in five years build the largest green luxury estate in the housing history of the United States of America.

    At a meeting with Investors and mentees recently, he shared his vision for the future of his real estate company.

    With the real estate space evolving to accommodate emerging demands of modern housing and shortages of liquidity to fund existing projects, many firms in the sector are grappling to keep afloat with scarce resources.

    Against this backdrop, the Chairman of Gtext Holdings revealed that Gtext Homes is set to build the largest green estate in the history of the United States of America.

    The green estate, which would sit on 40 acres of arable land, would also account for the largest stretch of luxury housing in the United States of America raising the bar for the fusion of luxury and technology in modern housing.

    According to Akintayo, the building designs for the project would range from mansions to apartments and single-family units standing exclusively in Houston-Texas.

  • Femi Oluwaniyi celebrates at 60

    Femi Oluwaniyi celebrates at 60

    On Saturday, November 11, all roads led to the 60th birthday celebration of Olufemi Oluwaniyi in Lekki, Lagos.

    The Osun State indigene, who grew up in Ibadan, couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear as he hosted family, friends, and associates to a feast at the Grace Garden situated inside highbrow Lekki Phase I.

    The amiable Oluwaniyi, who spotted a classic white and black dinner one-piece suit had several friends, associates, and family members eulogising his virtues.

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    The tax expert, who made his mark at the Federal Inland Revenue Service where he retired as the Coordinating Director in charge of the Tax Operations Group (TOG) in 2021, had many of his colleagues singing his praises to high heavens.

    Oluwaniyi is the co-founder and Senior Pastor of Favoured Generation Church with branches in the eastern, western, and northern regions of Nigeria.

    An avid sports lover, and a committed Christian, Oluwaniyi was ably supported by his wife, Chinyere, a Chartered Chemist, and their children at the event.

  • Jessica Nwankpa celebrates

    Jessica Nwankpa celebrates

    Jessica Nwankpa’s success can be attributed to her meticulous attention to detail, her ability to anticipate and exceed client expectations, and her unwavering commitment to excellence.

    Nwankpa is known for her exceptional organisational skills, ensuring that every event runs seamlessly from start to finish.

    The CEO of Casa De Grandeur is currently celebrating a year of remarkable achievements. As an event coordinator and model, Nwakpa has not only captured the hearts of clients but has also left an indelible mark in the event staffing industry. Her keen eye for design and fashion has also made her a sought-after fashion model, adding an extra touch of glamour to the events she coordinates.

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    Under her leadership, Casa De Grandeur has become synonymous with luxury hospitality experiences that surpass expectations. From flawless event coordination to exquisite bottle girl service, the company offers a diverse range of services that cater to every client’s needs.

    Casa De Grandeur forged a successful partnership with Seinde Signature Salon de Parfum, a prominent Nigerian perfume brand. Through this collaboration, Nwankpa and her team showcased their expertise in event coordination, ensuring that each product’s activation was executed flawlessly.

    Throughout the year, Casa De Grandeur has successfully coordinated over 100 events, cementing its reputation as a trusted and reliable event staffing company. The dedication and passion exhibited by Nwankpa have undoubtedly played a vital role in the company’s growth and success.

  • Laosun begins countdown to Oluyole Festival

    Laosun begins countdown to Oluyole Festival

    Folarin Laosun, who is the brains behind the cultural Oluyole Festival, has said he is on a mission to revive and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Ibadan.

    Laosun recently shared the inspiration behind the festival, shedding light on its objectives and the challenges encountered.

    Determined to project the city onto the cultural stage, he embarked on a journey that led to the inception of the Oluyole Festival.

    With the second edition set to be held between November 29 and December 3, this edition, according to him, promises a five-day extravaganza, featuring diverse events to engage the community and celebrate Ibadan’s cultural essence.

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    “The festival kicks off with a visit to the palace of Olubadan, followed by an art exhibition showcasing a mini-documentary on Ibadan’s history. The subsequent days feature a seminar on the significance of Ibadan, film screenings, a 48-hour film challenge, and football, and golf tournaments. The grand finale boasts a carnival procession and a special performance by a renowned local artist.”

    He urged the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde to allocate more funds to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, stressing the potential economic gains for the state.

  • Julius Rone shines like diamond

    Julius Rone shines like diamond

    Think of a billionaire businessman blessed with money, brains, confidence, oratory abilities, and the name of Julius Rone, OFR, Group Managing Director, of UTM Offshore Limited, UTMOL will pop up.

    It is definitely an incontestable fact that the serial entrepreneur is one of the few Nigerian business moguls who rub shoulders with other high-networth individuals around the world. His rich and diverse entrepreneurial journey that has helped shape

    For many years, he has been busy cutting deals beyond the shores of the continent of Africa while also proving that good things can also come out from this side of the world.  

    Once again he shone brilliantly like a diamond at the LNG shipping and terminals conference in London. The man, full of ingenuity, mesmerised his audience while he spoke about the role of policy instruments and government support for the FLNG Project such as investment incentives, and regulatory framework, where government policies can provide financial incentives such as tax breaks, grants, or subsidies to attract private investment in FLNG projects.

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    These incentives, he explained, can help reduce the overall project cost and encourage private sector participation.

    The very brilliant businessman also talks about how governments play a crucial role in creating a favourable regulatory environment for FLNG projects, which includes establishing clear guidelines for environmental protection, safety standards, and permitting processes.

     The billionaire business mogul received a standing ovation, accompanied by a deafening applause for his dazzling and awe-inspiring speech.

    Aside from his pedigree as a top-notch business strategist, it is also a gospel truth that the man, fondly called ‘King of Gas’, is also popular among other high-flying business moguls for his eloquence and articulacy.

  • Alex Nwoseh throws party as he celebrates 59th birthday

    Alex Nwoseh throws party as he celebrates 59th birthday

    Alex Olayinka Nwoseh recently turned 59 and to make the birthday a memorable one, the successful businessman and man about town hosted a bash that had the attendance of friends, family, and associates.

    This indigene of Delta State spared no cost as he hosted the crème de la crème of society and important dignitaries to celebrate the completion of a fruitful year and the beginning of a more prosperous year.

    Oftentimes, an impression of what a bash would look like begins with the venue of the event, decorations, arrangement of the event arena, and all that is usually deployed for an event.

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    However, in the case of Nwoseh’s 59th birthday bash, it was a show of class and panache. Without mincing words and, of course, not taking for granted the supportive effort of his beautiful wife, Nwoseh proved to be a great host to guests as he left a great and lasting impression on the invitees.

    Meanwhile, beyond the sound of music and beams of excitement that pervaded the ceremony arena, the gathering was more of an avenue to celebrate the grace and accomplishment of Nwoseh, a man whose grace has helped to make his dream a reality.

    Nwoseh sits atop flourishing business concerns that include Adonai Estate & Property Management, Alex Plastic Limited, Adonia Shopping Mall, and Hotel & Lodge.

    Intentional and unpretentious, the making of business guru Alex Olayinka Nwoseh is an interesting case study in human growth and development.