Category: Social Circuit

An apple, they say, does not fall far from its tree. Such is the best phrase to describe the personality and achievements of 36-year-old Bella Disu, daughter of Nigeria’s business icon Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. Bella, who wears several hats including Chairman, Board of Directors Abumet Nigeria Limited, Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom, CEO of Cobblestone Properties and Estates Limited, and a non-executive director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is living an exemplary lifestyle for younger ladies and women in Nigeria and Africa by extension.

In a recent chat, Bella expressed that 2022 was her year of learning, living, and giving. She said she accomplished all that she set out to do and she’s grateful for life.

The pianist also disclosed her biggest strength in life as the kindness of the heart. She further expressed that though she’s a firm and strict personality, she believes kindness is the bond that heals all and in everything she does, she tries to be kind to everyone around her.

In the same vein, Bella expressed how she devoted her time and resources to supporting the International Women’s Society through the Bella Disu foundation. For many who don’t know, Bella belongs to the Gemini zodiac sign having been born on May 29.

She says as a true Gemini, Bella in the office is different from Bella outside the office where she’s more playful and relaxed and gets her hands busy while easing off stress. If you are one of those curious about Bella’s plans for 2023, she promises to be authentic, and honest and has uncomfortable discussions with herself and people so as to propel her to more feats. Again, she hinted that she will dance more in 2023 like no one is watching.

FOR Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu, expecting nothing less than excellence from him is almost impossible because he is a near-perfectionist, who has carved a niche for himself.

The Nigerian business and banking mogul behind United Bank of Africa, Heirs Holdings, Heirs Insurance, Transcorp Holdings, Tony Elumelu Foundation, and other investments cum businesses ended 2022 on a high note. For those who don’t know, 2023 is a packed year for the man, who consistently preaches the TOE way. The year began for Elumelu in praise as his twin sons, Tony and Toby Elumelu turned 8 in the early days of the New Year. As it is, Elumelu has resumed work and has begun setting true and achievable goals for himself and his team.

Even after winning the Time 100 Impact Award as philanthropist of the year in 2022 and also being conferred with a National Merit Award as the Commander of the Order of Federal Republic CFR, the cosmopolitan billionaire is not relenting in making sure 2023 comes with a big bang as he has started planning to ensure he outdoes himself and achieves greater feats this year. Interestingly, on March 23, the stylish Elumelu will turn 60. It is unsure how he intends to mark the age milestone; sources hinted that Elumelu has many plans up his sleeves to make his entry into the world of billionaire sexagenarians.

PRINCE Dele Obaitan is one of the princes of Ososo kingdom in Edo State, Nigeria.

The guardian of Ososo Kingdom, Obaitan is the incumbent commissioner for the diaspora affairs, culture, and tourism in Edo State. Trained in Edo and the United States of America, Obaitan’s knowledge of tourism, culture, and diaspora affairs is one reason he has been performing wonders in Edo State. One of the trusted aides of Governor Godwin Obaseki, Obaitan readily takes anyone on a trip to the important and rich history and culture of the Benin and Edo people. Unknown to many, Obaitan, was a pharmaceutical sales expert, who was adored by his employers and colleagues while in the U.S. However, his success with the annual Ososo Kingdom festival has drawn so much attention to the kingdom from within Nigeria and outside the shores of Nigeria. Obaitan is quick to regale you with the richness of Edo State as well as its economic and cultural importance and the need for more people in and outside the shores to continue to embrace all that has been achieved under the Governor Obaseki administration.

ONE woman, who has consistently and continuously dedicated her life to supporting and helping others – most especially younger generations – is Laila St. Matthew-Daniel. She’s not one that courts publicity; however, her offspring and dedication to her passion have continually put her in the spotlight. This wife, mother, and grandmother keeps glowing and looking radiant at every meeting such that many young ladies seek her advice and opinion on healthy living and looking good. Unknown to many, the executive coach, leadership trainer, speaker, author, women’s rights activist, and writer will turn 70 on February 14, 2023. The new entrant of the world of amiable and sociable septuagenarians making a worthy impact in the world is the founder and president of ACTS Generation GBV, a non-governmental organization that combats domestic violence and child abuse in Nigeria. She’s also an internationally recognized personal growth and transformation expert, TEDx Speaker, and Keynote speaker. If you are one of those that consistently wonder where showbiz entrepreneur and artist management expert Funke Kuti got her beauty, don’t sweat for long, she’s one of the beautiful children of Laila.

AISHA Babangida has continued to win more souls and fans with her unfailing love for humanity. Her decision to consistently contribute towards human capacity building and more has continued to endear many to her personality and events. Toward the end of 2022, she was honoured with the award of ‘Patriot of the Year’ by the Tagwaya Foundation in Abuja. Reacting to the honour, she said, “I consistently remind myself of a quote by a great leader, John F. Kennedy, who said “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

Continuing, she wrote, “With this “I Pledge” to continue my work for humanity and to develop my nation as I believe Nigeria first, always. Tagwaye Foundation recognised me for being ‘Patriot of the Year’ during the recent launch and movie premier of its film ‘The Pledge.’ This is because you and I strongly believe that Nigeria can be great again if only we can come together as one. I was blown away by the intricate details of how our politicians handle “out matter”. I am truly proud of the individuals behind this for this exemplary leadership and very proud to receive such recognition by you.”

AYENI Adekunle, the convener of NECLive has joined dignitaries that include Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to mourn the passing of Nigerian filmmaker, humanitarian and founder of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Peace Maria Ogechi Anyiam-Osigwe.

Speaking on Anyiam-Osigwe’s passing away, Adekunle said, “Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was a true visionary. The testimonials and tributes since her sad passing are a demonstration of how impactful her life and work were and the many industries, especially Nollywood, that she helped build. She was also an early supporter of NECLive and one of our most remarkable participants. Her passing has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.”

In the same vein, the CEO of ID Africa, Femi Falodun eulogised the late creative saying, “Peace Anyiam-Osigwe’s notable contributions to the development of Nigerian film and entertainment the sector will forever be remembered and lauded.”

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was an extraordinarily talented creative and visionary leader who blessed the world with her gifts in writing, poetry, film, television, and so much more. In a remarkable career spanning over two decades, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe founded one of the most recognised awards – the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) governed by the Africa Film Academy.

ACCORDING to Mahatma Gandhi, a man’s true wealth hereafter is the good he has done to his fellowmen. Indeed, politician and businessman, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, is one of the few who have imbibed the message in Gandhi’s words. No wonder, he is ever ready to contribute generously to humanity. His charitable footprint can be seen in many landmarks as he gives freely without attracting attention to his generosity. No doubt, apart from politics and business, the other thing Chief Ogundokun is good at is the act of giving. The renowned politician and elder statesman has been in the game of giving for many decades, well, maybe this part has been underreported, deliberately though, because he doesn’t like courting the media for this reason.

During the last yuletide, the Osun State-born politician in his ever-wanted fellow feeling and spirit of the season, distributed foodstuff and gave financial support to the less privileged in his hometown, Iwo, Osun State. As disclosed, several millions of Naira was earmarked for this purpose while thousands of people that attended the event went back home with smiles on their faces. During the event, the man who is also a veteran publisher assured the needy and masses present that the food and financial support programme that he has been running on a quarterly basis since 1976 will continue as long as he lives on the surface earth and therefore tell them that they can count on him not to leave them forsaken. Present at the program includes the APC Senatorial candidate for Osun West; Dr. Hamidu Tadese, Omobola Yusuff, Fatai Abubakar among others.

ON December 24, 2022, Nigerian amazon Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika turned 60 and this gave some of her mentees and associates a glimpse into the story of the businesswoman, motivational speaker, author, and former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria. The celebration revealed some interesting details about amazon and her growing up.

Unknown to many, Awosika, who lost her father Abdul Moshood Adekola in 2020, was into sports. In fact, she was a popular student-athlete while she was a student at the Methodist Girls High School, in Yaba, Lagos. As a student-athlete, she participated in several track and field games as well as indoor sports. In fact, she was so good as a student-athlete that she was named The Rabbit for her dexterity on the tracks. Hence, to celebrate her life of impact at 60, friends and mentees surprised Awosika by building The Ibukun Awosika Sports Centre at her most beloved secondary school.

The surprise project that took about six months to execute had Tara Durotoye, Ndidi Ukaonu, Chichi Nwoko, and Bisola Runsewe spearheading it with a team of successful individuals. The beautiful project got Awosika all teary-eyed on her arrival at the site.

AMIABLE businessman who is widely known as gas king, Julius Rone is mourning. Rone and his family were thrown into a state of mourning following the passing away of his father and family’s patriarch, Chief S.S Rone, the Ogienoyibo, who was the Obazuaye of Warri and longest serving Chief.

The late Chief Rone passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022, at the age of 86. Many of Rone’s friends and associates including billionaire Stan Rerri and President Muhammadu Buhari amongst others have been sending condolences to him. According to those who should know, Rone has already begun plans towards giving his late father a superlative and befitting burial fit for a royal.

Since his demise, Julius and his relatives have been inundated with condolence messages from home and abroad. Recently, family, friends, and colleagues converged on his native land, Warri, in Delta State, to bid farewell to the man who raised wonderful children.

DR. Rahmon Adedoyin turned 66 last week but due to his incarceration, the day came and went like every other day. Though January 1 is a special day in the life of the founder of the Polytechnic Ife, Oduduwa University, Our Savior’s University United States, and Unique Citizens College (University), the 2023 birthday was not one for celebration.

Sadly, the story now is not about the educationist’s institution or his achievements, but rather his travail as he turned 66. He is currently being detained at Ilesha Correctional Center, Osun State. Though the Maye of the source is sorely being missed by his friends, families, and associates, those who know him have maintained his innocence over the death of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State MBA student, Timothy Adegoke. Those who are close to Adedoyin say there was no celebration to mark his day, unlike before when his birthday would have been marked with several activities.