Category: Social Circuit

  • Tokunbo Wahab returns for bigger task

    Tokunbo Wahab returns for bigger task

    One of Nigeria’s finest legal experts, Adetokunbo Phillip Wahab has continued to win hearts with his astute yet calm mien at every given opportunity.

    For those who know the immediate ex-Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Education, his firm belief in loyalty remains 100% or nothing.

    From his days as a student and activist on the campus of the University of Benin, TW, as he’s fondly called, is known as a loyal personality to his friends, associates, and everyone he holds dear.

    The Managing Partner at Wall & Ace Legal Practitioners has proven over the years that his legal career has earned him many accolades over the years since he eminently joined the noble profession. This, he has achieved over the years, as a result of his professionalism and loyalty to his clients.

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    Joining politics, TW took a leave of absence from his legal firm to concentrate on the national call to duty to take Lagos to an enviable height with Governor Sanwo-Olu which he has done in the last four years.

    Wahab’s firm belief in his boss and total commitment to succeeding with him has earned him a place of gold in the hearts of many in his position as one of the Governor’s many aides.

    Now, TW’s hard work and loyalty have paid off as he has been charged with a more arduous task as an in-coming commissioner in Lagos State.

    After his name was submitted to the Lagos Assembly for confirmation, TW was able to win the hearts of the Lagos lawmakers with his presentation and deft responses when queries were raised.

    Those who know him well say it is not a surprise that he was confirmed by the lawmaking chamber because his boyish yet brilliant aura and gentle mien are always charming.

  • Between Gumsu Abacha and Kemi Roza Junga

    Between Gumsu Abacha and Kemi Roza Junga

    Fatima Gumsu Abacha, the wife of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, is one woman whose act of humility and generosity is second to none.

    Gumsu is one woman after many people’s hearts. Aside from her enthralling beauty at 47 years of age, the Yobe State First Lady is consistently giving back to humanity and her people at every given opportunity.

    It’s no doubt that Gumsu has a lot of friends in her close-knit circle but one friend that distinguishes herself from the lot is Kemi Roza Junga.

    Roza Junga is a bi-racial, who was born in Poland but grew up in Nigeria and Germany. It was during her growing up days in Nigeria that her path crossed with Gumsu and the two struck a friendship that has witnessed many years and tides yet remained unbroken.

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    According to those in the know, Gumsu and Kemi Roza are so fond of each other that a week barely passes without the two checking up or reaching out to one another even though they live in different climes.

    While Kemi Roza lives in Germany, where she thrives as a sworn and authorised interpreter, Gumsu lives in Nigeria with her husband, who is the first citizen of Yobe State.

    One of the similarities between Kemi Roza, who is an authorised translator for English, Yoruba, and Pidgin, and Gumsu is their love for learning, studying, and reading. Those close to the two friends say they are both voracious readers, whose knowledge of many things wow those who meet them for the first time.

  • Late Ado Bayero’s daughter documents dad’s memories

    Late Ado Bayero’s daughter documents dad’s memories

    The late Emir Ado Bayero ascended the throne as Kano’s 13th Fulani Emir and 56th ruler on October 22, 1963. Hence, the story of his life and reign should ordinarily make any list of prospective subjects for documentaries a clear favourite.

    The revered monarch, who, prior to his ascension to the throne, was a successful businessman, banker, police officer, legislator, and diplomat, was a key player in the Nigerian political landscape.

    As an emir during Nigeria’s First Republic, he was not only known as one of the primary witnesses to the political turmoil that preceded the 30-month-long Civil War but he was also praised for bringing calm and stability to Kano during this and subsequent crises.

    Hence, it’s no surprise when Zainab Jummai Ado-Bayero, one of the daughters of the late and Kano’s longest-reigning emir decided to document her father’s reign with lofty memories.

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    The documentary film about the late Ado Bayero was produced independently by Zainab, who is working on hitting the big screen with the project.

    Zainab has admitted that the idea to make a documentary film about her late dad was entirely her mom’s idea. And so Zainab did owing to her firm belief in her mother’s words and her lifelong passion for films, history, and novels.

    Zainab is looking at making her debut in the motion picture world with the soon-to-be-released over-two-hour-long documentary film entitled ‘My Father, The Emir: A Portrait of Ado Bayero.’

    In her words, Zainab explains her preference for a documentary over a biopic on her father saying she believes her viewers will get not only to see the real shots of her late father – as photographs and archival footage – but also hear his voice.

  • Celebrity fashionista Aramanda gets royal blessings

    Celebrity fashionista Aramanda gets royal blessings

    Founder and CEO of Aramanda, Araoluwa Popoola, has continued to position himself as one of the best fashion designers to emerge from Nigeria, flying the tricolour of the nation’s flag around the world.

    On August 13, Araoluwa spread his tentacles as he launched a new showroom at the Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi, Lagos. The project was exhibited with a theme ‘Unveiling the Mystery of Power and Style’ to offer a perfect combination of his exceptional craftsmanship and finest fabrics to clients.

    The remarkable event had scores of eminent personalities, business titans, celebrities, and well-wishers gathered to experience the latest world of Aramanda, a place where only the most discerning exist.

    Among the distinguished guests are His Royal Majesty, Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III; Ara’s mother, Olori Oluwafemi Popoola; The Osi of Egbaland, High Chief Bode Mustapha; and ex-AIG Tunji Alapini.

    The cutting of the ribbon was done by the well-respected monarch, Oba Elegushi, who blessed the newly fashionable store with prayers and declared it open to the public.

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    The ceremony was supported by Martell Cognac and guests enjoyed  drinks, food, and music.

    For over a decade, Araoluwa, who started his fashion line in Ibadan, has continued to break boundaries, styling kings, queens, celebrities, top politicians, as well as influential people around the world. Among his clients are the Mayor of Houston, Texas, Sylvester Turner;  Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; comedian Ali Baba; D’banj, and a host of others.

    The fashionista believed that fashion was a powerful call for self-expression and not just about wearing clothes. With his artistic prowess, Ara promised to keep telling the authentic story of his clients to the world so they could break free from social norms.

  • On Tomide Olukuade’s passion

    On Tomide Olukuade’s passion

    Tomide Olukuade has registered himself as a global thinker and creative powerhouse with pioneering initiatives and platforms across media, communications, entertainment, and gender.

    To many, he’s the foremost ‘He for She’ advocate and his passion for pan-African women’s success remains a reference point at every given opportunity.

    In the lead-up to the fifth edition of SPILL, Speaking Intelligently, Ladies Lead, Olukuade has opined that the plethora of issues Africa is faced with can only be resolved when the African society takes full advantage of her human resources.

    Olukuade pointed out that “events on the continent have shown that it is not the oil wells, the diamond mines, or our titanium-rich soil that hold the answers to the numerous challenges we have, particularly the problem of enduring poverty.”

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    He opined that the problem of Africa can only be fixed by her people, when the full complement of her human resources are engaged, not leaving the women behind.

    According to him, a society that refuses to acknowledge or make room for the contribution of women will run around in circles and record little or no development. Inclusivity, he said, should not be reduced to a fancy or politically correct word being bandied around without any substantial action.

    Olukuade, whose book, ‘The Best Men Are Woman Wrappers’, is a light-hearted reflection on the power arrangement between men and women, advises that Africa should cast a glance backward in order to authentically advance into the future.

  • Chief Kola Jamodu bows out in style

    Chief Kola Jamodu bows out in style

    Chief Kola Jamodu, the former chairman, Nigerian Breweries Plc has bowed out of active service in style.

    Penultimate Wednesday, an elegant send-forth dinner was held in honour of Chief Jamodu (CFR) who retired recently as the brewery’s Chairman.

    The event was held at The Jewel Aeida, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, and was attended by top government functionaries, captains of industries, notable personalities, as well as families and friends.

    The send-forth ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who represented the Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki.

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    Other dignitaries who attended the event include former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Joseph Sanusi; former Inspector General of Police, Musiliu Smith; former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; and his wife Onari Duke; former Governor of Ekiti State and Former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; former Minister of Finance, Mrs Nenadi Usman; former Chairman Nigerian Breweries Plc, Elder Felix Ohiwerei; Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye; Director General, MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir; Chairman, Presidential Committee on Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele; Chairman, Channels Media Group, John Momoh among others.

    Dignitaries in attendance at the send-forth ceremony gave an outpouring of commendation and paid glowing tributes to Chief Jamodu for his significant contribution to the company’s growth and business performance over the years.

    Dr. Hamzat described Chief Jamodu as a man of immense wisdom whose ideas and input would be a reference point at this critical time when the Nigerian economy is facing turbulence.

    In the same vein, Governor Obaseki congratulated Chief Jamodu describing him as a shining light of the corporate world and a firm believer in industrialization, for demonstrating exemplary leadership throughout his career in the private and public sectors.

    His dynamic leadership and footprints in the company’s history of winning with Nigeria were further narrated in a documentary introduced by Sade Morgan, Corporate Affairs Director.

    A significant highlight of the event was the ceremonial passing of the baton of leadership from Chief Jamodu to the new chairman, Asue Ighodalo, marking the beginning of a new era for Nigerian Breweries Plc.

    Also, NB MD/CEO, Hans Essaadi expressed the company’s unreserved confidence that Ighodalo will continue to build on the legacy of Chief Jamodu and take the company to even greater heights.

    Chief Jamodu, a former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, served Nigerian Breweries Plc with distinction for 17 years, spending 15 years as board chairman, and retired on April 30, 2023.

  • Abolaji bags ECOWAS, Nelson Mandela Leadership Awards

    Abolaji bags ECOWAS, Nelson Mandela Leadership Awards

    Adeola Abolaji, a trailblazing young leader, has garnered two prestigious accolades, cementing his commitment to regional development and humanitarian endeavors.

    He was not only named the ECOWAS Youth Ambassador, he was also bestowed with the esteemed Nelson Mandela Leadership Award in a ceremony held in Lagos Nigeria.

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recognized Abolaji’s outstanding dedication to fostering cross-border collaboration and socio-economic progress within the region. His unwavering advocacy for youth empowerment, gender equality, and sustainable development has earned him the title of ECOWAS Youth Ambassador.

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    In addition to the ECOWAS accolade, Abolaji received the revered Nelson Mandela Leadership Award for his exceptional contributions to humanitarian causes. The award underscores her tireless efforts in advancing education, healthcare accessibility, and socio-cultural integration across Nigeria and Africa at large.

    Abolaji’s journey as a catalyst for positive change has been remarkable. His work transcends borders and resonates with the values epitomised by Nelson Mandela – justice, equality, and unity.

    His initiatives have impacted countless lives, igniting hope and inspiring others to join the path of service.

    In his acceptance speech, Abolaji expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasised the collective responsibility to uplift communities. “These awards are not just a celebration of my efforts, but a call to action for us all to build a brighter, inclusive future together,” he remarked.

    As an ECOWAS Youth Ambassador and recipient of the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award, Adeola Abolaji will undoubtedly continue to be a beacon of inspiration for young leaders across the region.

    His journey exemplifies the potential of youth-driven initiatives to drive sustainable change and create a legacy that echoes the indomitable spirit of Nelson Mandela.

  • About Olori Atuwatse’s tenacious implementation

    About Olori Atuwatse’s tenacious implementation

    Olori Ivie Atuwatse III of the Warri Kingdom is a woman of few but laudable parts.

    Her passion varies from children to women, education, development, and support to her husband, the 21st Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

    Those close to the Warri palace would readily tell you for free that Olori Ivie is as passionate about the people of Warri and its environs as she is about children’s education and development.

    To ensure her passion is matched with action and brought into reality, she employs a tagline she refers to as ‘tenacious implementation.’

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    For her, no stone must be left untouched when education and developmental projects are involved, and aside from going to all lengths to ensure children get adequate education, succour, and development, she continually seeks ways of working with government and legislative arms to make policies and legislatures that will ensure the policies implement and bring to fruition all plans and projects.

    She’s described as a leader who possesses a heart of service to rule and reign with kindness. A rare royal with the hands of a skilled waiter, attending to the needs of her people,  doing one project at a time.

    Olori Ivie is said to have continuously lent her hands to reach the people through initiatives like ‘The Wuwu Ore Initiative,’ ‘The Love Garden,’ ‘The STEM Innovation Lab,’ ‘The Soup Kitchen,’ and many others.

     In 2022, she launched the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Innovation Lab.

    Through the initiative, she is able to develop and empower the African child and the African mind. All these she does in support of her king’s reign.

    In one of her recent speeches at an Education Summit, she urged all attendees to remember the two words, ‘tenacious implementing.’

    “We have to keep in mind that for education to be effective we must prepare our children for the future and not for our past. Investing in early childhood development doesn’t only benefit the children but also the societies. Oftentimes, when we talk about investing in education, people focus on building better schools, infrastructure, etc less than we talk about policies. Whilst it is good for us to develop purpose-built schools, it is most ‘importanter” to implement these policies,” she said.

    OLORI Ivie Atuwatse III of the Warri Kingdom is a woman of few but laudable parts.

    Her passion varies from children to women, education, development, and support to her husband, the 21st Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

    Those close to the Warri palace would readily tell you for free that Olori Ivie is as passionate about the people of Warri and its environs as she is about children’s education and development.

    To ensure her passion is matched with action and brought into reality, she employs a tagline she refers to as ‘tenacious implementation.’

    For her, no stone must be left untouched when education and developmental projects are involved, and aside from going to all lengths to ensure children get adequate education, succour, and development, she continually seeks ways of working with government and legislative arms to make policies and legislatures that will ensure the policies implement and bring to fruition all plans and projects.

    She’s described as a leader who possesses a heart of service to rule and reign with kindness. A rare royal with the hands of a skilled waiter, attending to the needs of her people,  doing one project at a time.

    Olori Ivie is said to have continuously lent her hands to reach the people through initiatives like ‘The Wuwu Ore Initiative,’ ‘The Love Garden,’ ‘The STEM Innovation Lab,’ ‘The Soup Kitchen,’ and many others.

     In 2022, she launched the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Innovation Lab.

    Through the initiative, she is able to develop and empower the African child and the African mind. All these she does in support of her king’s reign.

    In one of her recent speeches at an Education Summit, she urged all attendees to remember the two words, ‘tenacious implementing.’

    “We have to keep in mind that for education to be effective we must prepare our children for the future and not for our past. Investing in early childhood development doesn’t only benefit the children but also the societies. Oftentimes, when we talk about investing in education, people focus on building better schools, infrastructure, etc less than we talk about policies. Whilst it is good for us to develop purpose-built schools, it is most ‘importanter” to implement these policies,” she said.

  • When Bamidele Samson turned 80

    When Bamidele Samson turned 80

    Bovas Group is a popular Nigerian company that prides itself as a one-stop energy company in the country having played in the Nigerian oil sector since 1980 when it started operations as an indigenous independent petroleum marketing company.

    The group’s managing director and chief executive officer, Victoria Adunola Samson is mostly the face of the industrious brand but only those close to the oil-rich family will tell you that the man behind the thriving business is Arch Bamildele Olusegun Samson, who is also the Chairman of BOVAS Group.

    Easily, one could wonder what BOVAS readily means since it appears more like an acronym. Social Circuit can tell you for free that it is the initials of the power couple! The full meaning of BOVAS for those who do not know is Bamidele Olusegun Victoria Adunola Samson.

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    And so, after 43 years of building an indigenous brand, the family thought it wise to celebrate the patriarch as he turned 80.

    And the 80th birthday, which was anchored by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, left memorable moments in the minds of attendees that came out in large numbers to celebrate a remarkable and beloved icon in Ibadan, Oyo State. King Sunny Ade was also on hand to serenade the guests and attendees with his Juju brand of music.

    In attendance were Governors of Oyo and Osun states, Governor Seyi Makinde and Governor Ademola Adeleke; Obalufe, Oba Olaniyi Adediwura; Chief Mutiat Ladoja; Senator Sarafadeen Alli; and Comrade Ademola Babalola.

  • Awujale seals future ahead of 90th birthday

    Awujale seals future ahead of 90th birthday

    The imperial majesty and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, is a revered monarch, who has continued to live his life filled with legacies and exemplary actions.

    His reign, like his emergence and personality, has been a first in many ways. He commands so much respect from all and sundry and not one Ijebu-born, home or abroad, will stand wherever or whenever you try as little as denigrate or speak ill of the revered Awujale.

    From Nigerian lawyer, philanthropist, and centenarian, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, billionaire and mogul, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., and Fuji maestro and high chief, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal Omogbolahan, the essence, personality, and institution, which the Awujale stand for and represent should never be toyed with – that is how high Oba Adetona is revered.

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    Known as a strict personality yet a loving father to all, who will stand and uphold the traditional institution, Awujale has sealed the future by giving an opportunity for the history of his emergence and ascendancy to the throne to be documented in visuals for youths and generations yet unborn.

    Those, who should know revealed that man about-town cum politician, Abisoye Fagade and a host of other silent investors have hooked serial biopic film producer Seun Oloketuyi to produce a film to document the life and times of Awujale to date ahead of his 90th birthday celebrations.

    It was further told by palace sources that the enviable monarch has given his nod for the feature, which is currently in the production stages.

    Big names in the Nigerian film and music industries including Sola Sobowale, Antar Laniyan, Mr Macaroni, Kolade Onanuga, and more have been engaged in the execution of the project.