Category: Social Circuit

  • Araoyinbo scores another beautiful goal

    Araoyinbo scores another beautiful goal

    Otunba Olumide Araoyimbo, president of the Ondo State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONDOCCIMA), is a thoroughbred businessman of high repute and an astute politician.

    The influential dude is known for his Midas touch, as he continues to confound both friends and foes.

    Popularly known as Sokoto (trouser) among his large followers, Araoyinbo has scored another goal with the completion of his new three-star hotel and apartment situated in the highbrow Ijapo Estate, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    The chairman/CEO of Olart Global Plus, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and a former majority leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, has his hands in many pies including security, agriculture and hospitality.

    Self-made and hard-working, Araoyinbo can be said to have cracked the nut of his destiny early in life when he joined hands with an uncle to start a security outfit. But with so much confidence, hope and clear vision, he laid the foundation of his business.

    For him, the saying, ‘looking at a king’s mouth, you’ll think he never sucked at his mother’s breast,’ encapsulates his entire life.

    Araoyinbo’s moniker was coined for him while in secondary school because his school knicker had several patches. But with determination and dedication, Araoyinbo broke whatever pact he may have had with poverty in his school days.

    Today, the lanky serial businessman is a success that has continued to inspire several younger ones from far and near.

    The business organisation that he started with a shoestring budget has grown bigger.  He has metamorphosed into a business magnate with several awards to his credit, while his sterling profile continues to rise higher. His has become the biblical mustard seed that was sown years back, and he is now reaping bountifully.

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    And he has swiftly climbed the ladder to become a leader in the very unpredictable business climate. His unique ability to see opportunities where others see impossibility has earned her accolades from far and near, especially in the Ondo State, nay Nigeria’s business circle.

    At the moment, preparations are in high gear for the formal launch of his latest baby, Olart Hotel and Apartments, in Akure, Ondo State. Not one to do things in half measures, Araoyinbo is leaving no stone unturned in his desire to make the launch as grandiose as possible.

    Just as he is thriving in business, Araoyinbo is proving that he is indeed a man with tons of guts. He is throwing his hat into the ring to contest for the House of Representatives seat vacated by Interior Minister, Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    With his widely acknowledged performance as a lawmaker representing the good people of Akoko North West Constituency 2 and between 2015 and 2019, the people are lining up behind him to represent the people of Akoko North East/North West in the House of Representatives.

    From all indications, Araoyinbo has girded his loins for the top job. For him, it is definitely a win-win situation.

  • Okamigbo counts blessings

    Okamigbo counts blessings

    Three months after kicking off on Friday, June 30, nightlife expert and connoisseur Frank Okamigbo is counting his blessings.

    After making a remarkable statement with the launch of The Place By Papas in Ikota on Lekki Epe Expressway, his status as the expert in the nightlife business has become the talk of the town.

    Okamigbo has welcomed several guests from different parts of Lagos, Nigeria, Africa, Europe and America to his joint business venture with Kola.

    The Ikota situated nightlife hub had many music stars, society bigwigs, government dignitaries and socialites getting an experience of the new watering hole. From Tiwa Savage to many others have been spotted at the club at different times.

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    Guests at the nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights couldn’t help but heap praises on Okamigbo and his partner for creating the ambience and avenue for debonair fintech experts, banking gurus and socialites alike under one roof.

    However, those who should know were not surprised as they reeled out some of Okamigbo’s achievements in the past.

    Okamigbo’s return to the scene has sent shivers down many of his patrons’ spines as the improved version of his The Place by Papas remains the talk of the town.

    Armed with a master’s degree holder in philosophy from the University of Lagos, Okamigbo’s partnership with Adewale signifies the beginning of their second venture together after their first partnership which delivered five years of nightlife business with ‘D’ Place By Papas’ in Lekki phase 1 ended in 2018.

  • About Wahab’s ubiquitous influence

    About Wahab’s ubiquitous influence

    Tokunbo Phillip Wahab, the current Lagos Commissioner for Environment has consistently displayed competence and brilliance in all the spheres of life where he has found himself to lead.

    From his days on the campus of the University of Benin, Edo State, to his days of yore as a young lawyer, up till becoming a Managing Partner at Wall & Ace legal practitioners, Wahab has consistently displayed competence and brilliance.

    Hence, when these traits were identified by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in 2019, it was put to use under the Ministry of Education, where he held sway as the Special Adviser to the governor on education.

    With a commendable performance, it was no surprise when Sanwo-Olu decided to give Wahab higher responsibilities.

    Despite having a law background, Wahab wowed many people including politicians and technocrats with his performance as a special adviser to the governor between 2019 and 2023.

    Now, tasked with the Ministry of Environment, Wahab has hit the ground running barely a few weeks after his appointment was announced.

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    With plans for a cleaner and greener Lagos in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, Wahab has identified modes of operation and areas that require immediate attention after meeting with the various agencies, directors, permanent secretaries, and heads of agencies under the ministry he has been assigned to make a difference.

    As he continues contributing his quota to a greater Lagos, Wahab’s ubiquitous influence is being felt by all in Lagos.

    Wahab has also stressed the importance of the collective responsibility of all, in making significant contributions in the attainment of an environment that its cleanliness and greenery will be proud of to all Lagosians and visitors.

  • On Oba-elect Olowolekomoh’s benevolence

    On Oba-elect Olowolekomoh’s benevolence

    In a rare show of forgiveness, Oba-elect of Odo-Nla Kingdom, Ikorodu-Lagos, Alhaji Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi, has displayed an act of benevolence.

    Recently, he dropped the criminal charges of petty stealing and conspiracy to steal against Adesoji Omolaja and Idris Mukaila, both labourers at the building construction site of ILEDI OSUGBO (Traditional Court) of Odo-Nla.

    Both workers were arrested by the Ikorodu police on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, and were billed to appear before the Magistrates Court, Ikorodu Division on Friday, September 8, but the UK- based Oba-elect, astute businessman and philanthropist, granted them amnesty last minute, early Friday.

    According to those close to Olowolekomoh, the reason for the amnesty was borne out of the desire to give the duo a second chance to turn a new leaf.

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    “As Oba-elect, every Odo-Nla son and daughter is his kindred, and as such, there is an African proverb that says: “You beat a child with one hand and use the other hand to draw him closer”. Against this backdrop, it is pertinent to give them a second chance in life to live a better life,” a source close to the monarch dropped.

    The Iledi Oshugbo building is among other projects the Oba-elect is undertaking as part of the activities leading to his coronation as Fuwagbade of Odo-Nla Kingdom.

    Just recently, the Oba-elect Olowolekomoh completed the second mega water project in the Oshugbo area of the town.

    The Oba-elect assured that his coronation would happen very soon as the major hurdle created by man has been surmounted.

  • Akindele-Coker’s burgeoning fashion career

    Akindele-Coker’s burgeoning fashion career

    One woman, who has continued to distinguish herself from her peers is Folake Akindele-Coker, the Chief Executive Officer of Tiffany Amber Nigeria.

    Over the years, Akindele-Coker has distinguished herself from her late billionaire father, Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Akindele, who was distinguished as a billionaire industrialist trading in maritime, manufacturing, real estate, financial, and flour milling industries.

    Over the past three decades, standing out at the crown of the fashion trade and industry has become a second skin for Akindele-Coker whose prominence and dedication to her trade in Nigeria and Africa has seen her become a leading light.

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    Despite the increasing number of mediocres on the fashion scene, Akindele-Coker remains a very high mountain that others can only raise their heads to look at.

    Unlike one who makes so much noise without substance, Akindele-Coker would rather allow the works of her hand to tell her success story.

    Currently, the stage of Akindele-Coker’s operation has expanded to other parts of Africa and she’s dominating the scene after taking her gorgeous designs out for others to see.

    One thing that has continued to wow many of her fans, associates, and friends is that just like a fine wine, which gets better with age, Akindele-Coker’s expertise gets greater with the longer years she spends in the fashion industry.

  • When Okpaje’s daughter got married

    When Okpaje’s daughter got married

    Dr. Frederick Efe-Oghene Okpaje, the Executive Director of Operations of Property World Africa Network, was all smiles when his beautiful daughter Blessing got married recently.

    In the heart of Lagos, amid the hustle and bustle of city life, the wedding between Blessing and Frank Osayi unfolded like a love story dream come true.

    On a sunny afternoon, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Ajah, Lagos, Blessing and Frank Osayi exchanged marital vows as they both embarked on a journey that would forever bind their hearts together.

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    Their wedding was not just a celebration of love, it was a testament to the enduring beauty of marriage.

    The radiant bride, Blessing, dressed in a breathtaking white gown, walked down the aisle with a smile radiating pure joy. She was accompanied by her father, Dr. Okpaje, who is a prominent real estate guru in Nigeria.

    The real estate’s joy knew no bounds. His pride and happiness were palpable as he gave away his first daughter in marriage.

    The ceremony had the trappings of several dignitaries, real estate gurus, families, and friends of Dr. Okpaje and his in-laws, the Osayis.

  • Bakare turns golden

    Bakare turns golden

    Chief Ganiyu Olalekan Bakare is an accomplished man whose only goal in life is to affect his immediate environment positively, this notion is not undoubted.

    Chief Bakare stands tall as the Aro Oba of Ikate Kingdom and an environmentalist of note.

    Bakare has ventured into some projects to make his environment habitable in line with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

    The telecommunications engineer bagged his first degree at the Bayero University, Kano in Business Administration, before proceeding to Germany to further his studies at the BFH, Hamm, Germany, where he graduated as a telecommunications and electronics engineer, and later enrolled at the University of Liverpool, England for his PGD in Management.

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    As a telecoms engineer, Bakare worked for multi- international organisations such as Interface Designs, Samsung, Sun Microsystems, Ericsson, Nationwide Building Society, Swindon, amongst others before returning to Nigeria and venturing into politics in 2017 when he became the Secretary to the Apapa Local Govt Council and Chairman body of Secretaries to Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State.

    On Wednesday, September 13, Bakare turned golden when he celebrated his 50th birthday amidst pomp and ceremony.

    Some of those that took their time to celebrate and felicitate with Bakare include Oba Saheed Elegushi; Ajiroba of Elegushi land, Temitope Oyefeso; and leading author cum writer, Jide Taiwo.

  • Onas shines in Poland

    Onas shines in Poland

    The Coordinator of the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone and Chairman, ZGM Investment Group, Dr. Abbey Onas is at the forefront of reshaping the perceptions about investment in Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and his proactive policies aimed at inviting more foreign direct investments (FDI) for Nigeria, Onas, passionately urged European foreign investors to seize the burgeoning opportunities within the Ogun Guangdong free trade zone and Nigeria as a whole.

    Speaking at the 32nd Economic Forum in Karpacz, Southwestern Poland, Dr. Onas asserted that Africa should not be depicted as a challenging investment terrain, emphasizing the presence of highly educated Nigerians and Africans eager to collaborate with global partners in achieving great feats.

    Onas stirred enthusiasm among several reputable and highly successful Polish and European investors present at the summit by inviting them to explore the immense prospects and opportunities within Nigeria, using the Ogun Guangdong free trade zone as the best entry into a very profitable partnership

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    Onas, during his address, highlighted the relentless efforts of President Tinubu’s bid to foster an atmosphere conducive to business growth in the country.

    With unwavering conviction, he, therefore, urged the media to desist from portraying Nigeria as a challenging and tumultuous place for business and emphasized that the country is home to a multitude of highly skilled business people, qualified personnel legitimately eager to engage in mutually beneficial business partnerships with investors.

    Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s business environment, he acknowledged that while some investors might be tempted to wait for some years before investing out of fear or doubt, the pace with which the present administration is working on securing foreign interests might mean they will miss out on the available opportunities in a few years’ time and urged that the perfect time to invest in Nigeria is NOW.

    He briefly cited President Tinubu’s remarkable track record of the economic transformation of Lagos State as evidence of the speed of Nigeria’s potential for economic growth and stability.

  • Abdulkareem counts blessings

    Abdulkareem counts blessings

    City lawyer and the Chief Executive Officer of Jags Procurement, Barrister Abiola Abdulkareem is one in whom many are pleased.

    For Abdulkareem, building Nigeria and making communities better for the good of all has always been his focus.

    The House of Reps candidate under the APC for Ekiti, Isin, Irepodun, and Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara State has gotten the mandate to serve in a capacity that will be prosperous for the country.

    Recently, friends, associates, and family members filled his space with congratulatory messages some days ago.

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    The reason for the joy and well wishes was his appointment as a Special Adviser, Civil Service Affairs to the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa.

    Those, who are in the know, insist that Abdulkareem is the right peg for the job, saying his brilliance, kindness, and dedication to work would bring his wealth of experience to support his principal and also promote the ministry.

    Popularly known as ‘Jagunlabi’, Abdulkareem’s Jagunlabi Foundation has catered for many youths in the areas of sports, empowerment, health, and job creation.

  • Esama of Benin celebrates

    Esama of Benin celebrates

    Sir Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion loves to display wealth and conviviality amidst grand opulence.

    The generous billionaire loves to live the good life but one thing about him that never changes is his golden heart which earned him the title the Esama of Benin Kingdom which means (Son of the People); a title that availed him as the go-to person when anyone within the kingdom needs help among other aid.

    Ever since his ascension to that office, he has since stayed above board playing his fatherly role. If there is one thing the well-travelled magnate is thankful for is his creator granting him good health and wealth with a thriving empire that would outlive him. So at every opportunity for him to celebrate his birthday, he does not leave any stone unrolled. In fact, he will spare no cost to enable him to make the necessary noise to the high heavens.

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    In celebration of his 89th birthday, the cosmopolitan culture and tradition connoisseur has been hell-bent on painting the city of Benin red since September 1 with a series of activities marking his birthday. His birthday will not be forgotten in a hurry as he plans to pamper himself with the aesthetic display of rich African culture amidst fanfare. He started with an Intercessory prayer ministry prayer session, a novelty football match among other activities. On September 10, he had a thanksgiving at his church in Okada, Benin where he alongside his children and grandchildren converged on the ArchAngel Gabriel Catholic Church, Sapele Road,  to thank God for the gift of life.

    On Monday September 11, at his 1-24 Okada Avenue, GRA Benin city palatial mansion under a tastefully built marquee, the Lion of  Okada hosted one of the biggest soiree in town that locked everywhere down. Those spotted at the soiree and dinner were: Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Feliz Omobude,Senator Ben Obi, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Caroline Ekanem, Tom Ikimi, Bisi Olatilo, Chief Lucky Igbinedion  and a host of others.