It was a spectacular show of glamour and opulence in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital, by the elite members of the Nigerian society, politicians, captains of industry and club members who thronged the centre of excellence for the society wedding of the daughter of Chairman, Skyrace International Freight Forwarders Company, Chief Kunle Omisore-Thomas, Ms Iyanuoluwa Omisore-Thomas and Ayomide, son of Sir (Engr.) Ayodeji Aderibigbe.
In his remarks, former Deputy Governor, Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, prayed for harmony and the blessings of God upon the couple.
Also, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife Oba, Dr Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja, II, represented by High Chief Akeem Agbaje, one of the chiefs, prayed God to grant them “joy, happiness and favour” in their marriage.
An elated Chief Omisore-Thomas couldn’t hide his joy, saying it was with great joy and gratitude that he celebrated the special union between Iyanuoluwa and her husband, Ayomide Aderibigbe. The proud father also expressed how he felt deeply honoured and excited to witness the great union between two people who found love far away in Canada.
Other dignitaries in the wedding include His Royal Majesty, Olu of Ayepe, Oba Yekeen Omisore; Oba Saka Olayigbade, Temidire Town, Osun State; members of the Executive Elite 007 Club, Nigeria, Ife Club 1 of Nigeria, Omoluabi Social Club of Nigeria, Stalad Table Tennis Club and others.
In a major push to equip young Nigerians with future-ready creative skills, O2 Academy Lagos has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Education under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS–TVET) programme, powered by the World Bank, to train youths in AI Filmmaking and Mobile Content Creation.
The initiative, officially flagged off at O2 Academy Lagos, Ojota, marks a landmark moment for Nigeria’s creative and film industry, introducing artificial intelligence to the core of content production and storytelling.
For O2 Academy, the training represents more than just a classroom initiative. It is a bridge between traditional filmmaking and emerging technology.
Princess Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, News Central’s Director of Commercial and Communications, has been named as one of the 50 most influential women in Marketing and Communications in Nigeria by the Women in Marketing and Communications Award 2025.
The award comes on the back of her outstanding achievements as a leading Marketing and Communications thought leader across various industries over the past 20 years.
The ceremony, held recently, recognised leading women who have made significant contributions to the marketing and communications industry across Africa.
Rosemary Egabor Afolahan’s exemplary dedication, innovative strategies, and leadership in the field have set new standards for excellence. Her commitment to impactful storytelling and transformative communication has inspired many professionals and contributed to elevating the industry’s profile.
In her speech, Rosemary appreciated the selection committee of WIMCA 2025 for the recognition and the News Central team for their support and collaboration. “I am truly grateful to everyone who made this possible, and to my team for the love and support in achieving all that we continuously aspire to do. It’s always amazing to see our work get recognition, and it always pushes us to do more.”
“This honour reflects Rosemary’s passion and tireless effort to advance the marketing and communications sector,” said Mark Befe, a spokesperson for News Central Television. “We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to her continued success and influence.” The Women in Marketing and Communications Award celebrates women who break barriers, drive change, and empower others in the industry. Rosemary’s award highlights her role as a trailblazer and a source of inspiration for upcoming professionals.
Alhaji Dr. Mutiu Adewale Badmus, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Al-Haytq Travels and Tours Ltd,and Chairman and Managing Director of Freefly Travel Management turned 49 recently.
Family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond, joined in celebrating this visionary entrepreneur, humanitarian, and role model, whose impact continues to inspire hope and excellence in countless lives.
Over the years, Badmus has built an outstanding reputation as a trailblazer in the travel and tourism industry, transforming Al-Haytq Travels into one of Nigeria’s most trusted and reputable travel brands. His leadership style—anchored on integrity, innovation, and service—reflects his deep belief in hard work, faith, and the power of opportunities.
Beyond his professional achievements, Badmus has distinguished himself through philanthropy and youth empowerment initiatives that uplift communities and create pathways for others to succeed.
His unwavering support for educational development, vocational training, and charitable causes stands as a testament to his compassionate spirit and commitment to nation-building.
At 49, Badmus continues to inspire a new generation of dreamers and doers, reminding Nigerian youth that success is built on discipline, consistency, and the courage to pursue one’s purpose despite challenges. His journey from humble beginnings to national recognition underscores the values of resilience and grace that define true greatness.
Ten years ago, from her home in Lagos, Nigerian fashion entrepreneur, Toyin Popoola-Dania began Cèdre Expressions with little more than determination, culture and a vision.
What started as a passion project from home has grown into a brand that celebrates African heritage through modern fashion.
Today, the brand marks its 10th anniversary, having reimagined traditional fabrics for a new generation. Its youth-focused arm, the Cèdre Creative Academy, also celebrates five years of nurturing young creatives, providing children and young adults with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to explore their creative potential.
Cèdre Expressions was founded on the belief that culture can be contemporary. Reflecting its vibrant green and orange identity which symbols of growth, confidence, and creativity, the brand reworks Adire, Aso-oke, and Ankara into silhouettes that move seamlessly from the corporate boardroom to weekend outings and owanbe celebrations.
Over the past decade, Cèdre has gained recognition both locally and internationally. The brand has exhibited its distinctive styles and artistic innovation on several platforms, including Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), the Wear Naija runway, British Council Lagos showcases, and Oakville Canvas & Catwalk in Canada.
Unique Cèdre pieces now live in wardrobes across Africa, the UK, the US, Europe, and Canada.
In August 2020, amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cèdre launched the Cèdre Creative Academy to engage young people creatively beyond academics. The journey began with a small group of 10 students and has since run every summer, with cohorts ranging between 10 and 35 participants aged 9 to 17, alongside young adults who support as volunteers and budding mentors.
The Academy teaches sewing, styling, and digital creativity, with special touches like music-infused Fridays, making learning fun, expressive, and holistic. In 2024, students staged their first public runway showcase, “Cèdre at the Park,” where they presented their handmade pieces to family, friends, and the community.
“Impact for us isn’t about large numbers,” Toyin explains. “It’s about giving each child or youth the confidence to create, to finish something with their own hands, and to believe in their own potential.”
Through these experiences, the Academy has offered not just skills but creative empowerment, the courage for young people to see themselves as capable makers and innovators.
Running a fashion brand and academy in Nigeria comes with its share of challenges; high operational costs, infrastructural gaps, talent shortages, and fluctuating economic conditions have made consistency demanding. Yet, Cèdre has pressed on, holding programs every year without fail and keeping its vision alive, even when parents were hesitant to embrace creative training as an extracurricular activity.
“Every summer, no matter the challenges, we’ve shown up. That’s what legacy looks like to me, not perfection, but consistency,” Toyin says.
Beyond professional challenges, Toyin has also found personal ways to connect creativity with legacy. In July 2025, the same month as her birthday, she lost her father. As a way of keeping some of his clothes as living memories, she began transforming them into timeless, redefined pieces. It is both a personal act of remembrance and an invitation for others to see fashion as a way of carrying legacy forward.
“Every thread carries a story,” she reflects. “Reworking my dad’s clothes has shown me how creativity can turn grief into something lasting and meaningful.”
In 2025, Cèdre extended its influence with Styled to Lead, a media platform that reframes style as a tool for leadership, confidence, and presence. Styled to Lead connects fashion to professional identity and has quickly carved out space in conversations around culture and corporate life.
The next decade for Cèdre Expressions promises to build on the wins of the last ten years. The brand is exploring new frontiers in fabric innovation, continuing to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and design.
Through the Academy, the vision is to deepen partnerships with schools. Having already worked with two primary schools and one secondary school, Cèdre hopes to see fashion design formally recognised as a standard extracurricular activity in Nigerian schools, giving children and young people early pathways into creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride.
Ten years in, Cèdre Expressions remains what it was on day one: a Lagos story stitched with culture, ambition, and resilience. Only now, its reach stretches across borders, its Academy nurtures the next generation, and its founder is shaping a future where African creativity is both celebrated and sustained.
An unknown trait exists among three Lagosians and not many people know about it. Only a few close aides and friends know about the trait that exists among economist and former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Sabit Adeyemi Ikuforiji; the incumbent Commissioner for Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Philips Wahab; and His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II.
According to those in the know, Ikuforiji and Wahab share the same Epe descent and have been good friends even before politics. Wahab, on the other hand is known to be from royal houses, hence, his relationship with monarchs transcends his political and professional life. The three were spotted earlier in the year together having close conversations at a social gathering.
Wahab, we gathered, is the youngest amongst the trio but their relationship transcends age and political position. The three have a common penchant for development and they have individually ensured that there are developments in their different corners in Lagos state in every area and form.
Thirty-Nine-Year-Old Bella Disu has, over a decade, built a name for herself as a Nigerian business executive, arts enthusiast, and philanthropist with over 14 years of professional experience across industries.
According to those in the know, Bella is the apple of her father’s eye. Her dexterity and dedication to the family’s business interest, especially with Globacom, has seen her wowing her father year upon year.
Outside being given the opportunity to lead, Bella has since immersed herself in the work and would rather focus on the job than the market noise.
For her, leadership is never about the moment but more about the mark leaders leave behind.
Hence, it was a cheering news for both Bella, her hubby and her father when on October 9, she was honoured with the conferral of a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Directors (F.CIoD).
Embracing the new chapter, Bella has reiterated her more determined commitment to leadership that endures: one defined by foresight, integrity, and meaningful contribution to both business and society.
The news of her honour has since brought smiles to the face of the business mogul, who has been able to guide his children in their own paths while also giving them the opportunity to start with family business interests.
Every October 17 has become a day that fills the sacred city of Ile-Ife, cradle of the Yoruba race and spiritual heart of an ancient civilization, with celebration and reflection as it marks the birthday ceremony of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
Though Ooni Ogunwusi isn’t one that is particular about birthdays, his subjects, family and people of Ile Ife always use the opportunity to celebrate the monarch whose journey is defined by purpose, peace, and profound cultural rebirth.
As the esteemed monarch marked his 51st birthday, October 17 didn’t just come like another year, it afforded several individuals the opportunity to express gratitude and display affection for the Ooni since his reign began in 2015.
Ooni Ogunwusi has stood tall as a unifier of peoples and traditions, breathing new life into the ancient institution he represents. His reign has become a shining testament to the power of cultural diplomacy restoring dignity to Yoruba heritage while building bridges across Nigeria, Africa, and the world.
At 51, Ooni Ogunwusi embodies the renaissance spirit, a modern monarch rooted deeply in ancestral wisdom, yet forward-looking in thought and action. His reign has been marked by efforts to demystify traditional leadership and make the palace an epicenter of development, dialogue, and youth empowerment. For him, royalty is not just about crowns and rituals; it is about service, vision, and impact.
Under his watch, Ile-Ife has evolved into more than a historical city; it has become a living hub of innovation, tourism, and interfaith harmony. The Ooni has consistently emphasized peace and tolerance, preaching unity among ethnic and religious groups, and urging Nigerians to rediscover the values that bind them as one family under God.
Ooni Ogunwusi’s 51 years on earth and nearly a decade on the throne tells a story of grace and responsibility. From his early entrepreneurial success to his ascension as the Arole Oduduwa, he has navigated life’s turns with courage and vision. His reign continues to inspire a new generation of Africans to believe in their culture, embrace innovation, and lead with compassion.
The silver jubilee celebration of Dr. and Mrs. Clement Oluwasegun Obadimu‘s marriage was nothing short of an unforgettable love story retold.
Marking 25 years of commitment, resilience, and partnership, the couple returned to where their journey began- Assemblies of God Church, Ikot Ibiok, Eket, Akwa Ibom State for a thanksgiving service that set the tone for a day of elegance and heartfelt surprises.
The service, which drew family, friends, and well-wishers, was filled with music, prayers, and unexpected gestures of love from the church units, who presented the couple with generous gifts they never anticipated.
From there, the celebration moved to Villa Marina Hotel’s U.J. Esuene Hall, Eket, where a red-carpet reception recreated the couple’s wedding-day entrance 25 years earlier.
Emotional tributes flowed freely, with their children presenting a special photo frame inscribed ‘THEN and NOW’ a touching reminder of the enduring beauty of their union.
The most memorable highlight of the day came when Dr. Obadimu surprised his wife with lovely gifts and poured heartfelt encomiums on her. His words, filled with gratitude and admiration, resonated deeply with the guests, teaching once again that celebrating one’s spouse with love and honor is the secret to a lasting marriage.
In the same vein Mrs. Obadimu pleasantly surprised her husband with a thoughtful 25-year service award gift, honoring his dedication, hard work, and commitment over the years a gesture that added warmth and meaning to the joyous occasion.
Dr. Obadimu, a respected pro bono lecturer at three Nigerian universities, life coach, and CEO of Mentor’s Tower, used the occasion not only to celebrate his family but also to inspire others, showing that marriage thrives when faith, love, and appreciation are placed at its center.
The Obadimus’ 25th wedding anniversary was indeed an event of epochal significance one that combined faith, family, and flamboyance in a style befitting life and lifestyle pages anywhere.
