Category: Social Circuit

By now, we need to know that all heroes do not wear capes. Nigerian author, Funmilayo Braithwaite, might not be the ideal hero seen in movies but she is equally doing her best to eradicate malaria in society.

On November 8, Braithwaite launched her latest book, ‘End Malaria,’ a conscious effort at health promotion in the society in Abuja.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe was the chairman of the occasion and the Turaki of Ilorin, Mallam Saliu Mustapha was the chief launcher.

The National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Dr. Perpetua Uhomoibni was the keynote speaker at the launch graced by representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organisations in the health sector.

The annual Presidential Night and Induction of new members of the Association of Friends will take place on Sunday, November 14, in Lagos, and prominent businessman, Sir Kesington Adebutu, has a major role to play.

Although Adebutu is the patron of the club, other prominent guests invited for the event include Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi; the Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Elegushi; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi; the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal; the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro; the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly,  Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa; the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; the Chairman of Daar Communications Limited, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu.

The club’s Secretary, Mr. Adetayo Banjo, said the new president of the club, Dr. Adetokunbo Adedeji, and members of his executive, would be formally inaugurated.

“The Presidential Night is an annual event hosted by the Association of Friends. This edition is important to us in the club because the new president and members of his executive will formally take the oath of office on that day while 12 new members shall be admitted to the club on that day,” he stated.

Gbenga Daniel’s only daughter, Kehinde, once lived a quiet life. But all that changed following his engagement and marriage to Adebola Williams. In addition to Williams’ celebrity status, the society wedding attracted huge attention.

To celebrate his wife’s birthday, Williams held a small party, where he showered her with lots of love and affection. Selected friends, loved ones, and associates had a good time and put a smile on Kehinde’s face.

The husband wrote: “Four months before our paths crossed, I asked God in these words, ‘Where will someone find a wife in a pandemic year?’ Suffice to say that same month you posted a wedding programme your dad designed in anticipation of your wedding. I bless the day we met and bless each day of our being.

“Every day, I find new reasons why our hearts connected from that moment and I fall in love with you afresh. Thank you for being such a committed professional at work, a kind woman and loyal friend to me, a partner in purpose, a mother to our household, building and making it beautiful daily.

“Thanks for challenging me and constantly helping me fine-tune my path. Thanks for your fuel when I am running low, for graciously navigating my incredible schedules, and for keeping our doors open that everyone feels even more welcome…”

According to the celebrator, the last 12 months have been the most amazing time of her life since he was born.

She wrote on Instagram: “What a year it has been! I’ve had the most amazing 12 months since I was born and I am grateful to God for seeing me through, for His continued protection, His endless blessings, and unconditional love.”

The Iyalode of Itori land, Ogun State, Chief Mrs. Sade Balogun, has only one son, Dokun, and he gave his mother a beautiful 65th birthday experience, recently.

The birthday gig, which took place at Dokun’s restaurant, HOV Lounge, Lekki, Lagos, was also an opportunity for her friends and loved ones to celebrate the society woman.

The lounge was decorated in white and gold colours with a touch of green. HOV Lounge also has a beach centre where guests can enjoy a boat ride from the jetty, have nice delicacies, enjoy good music, and have exotic drinks.

The celebrant’s son spoke about how much he cherished her, the business trait he took from her, and her humble nature. He said he would always go the extra mile to make his mother happy.

Celebrities spotted at the party included Hajia Abba Folawiyo, HRH Yewande Onileere, Chief Mrs. Ireti Asemota, Lara Alakija, Chief Mrs. Shade Olatilo, Princess Vicky Haastrup, Chief Gbenga Obasa, Chief Mrs. Lanre Otiti, Mrs. Folake Seriki, Mrs. Stella Umuarhumi, Mrs. Bisi Abraham and Dr. Risi Alaka.

The 8th President of the African Development Bank (ADF), Akinwumi Adesina, could not hold his excitement some days ago.

In a series of tweets, Adesina expressed his satisfaction at the efforts of world leaders towards making Africa a better place.

He applauded President Joe Biden of the United States for announcing $3billion for climate adaptation; Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, for announcing $2billion to leverage greater financing for climate resilience in Africa, and Rockefeller Foundation for committing $100million to the provision of solar electricity for 250 million people in the Sahel of Africa.

The former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development is a scholar of African Agriculture and Economics with more than 20 years of experience managing successful agricultural programmes across Africa.

Before his appointment as Minister in 2011, he was Vice President of Policy & Partnerships for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), where he fostered cooperation among African governments, donors, farmers’ organisations, and the private sector to stimulate agricultural growth and unlock new opportunities for farmers.

AT 84, former Nigerian president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is not slowing down. In short, it seems the older he gets, the more vibrant he becomes.

Guess who was guest speaker on October 28, when elite Lagos club, Island Club, celebrated its 78th anniversary on October 28?

The former president, delivering a lecture to commemorate the nation’s 61st Independence Anniversary, charged members of the Club and Nigerians to adopt the INFORM acronym, which means: Interrogate, Note, Familiarise, Organise, Reform, and Maintain. He said those were ways to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

The Chairman of the club, Otunba Kehinde Shitta, said the occasion was to create awareness on nation-building and Obasanjo, as the guest speaker, was a great choice.

Sir Adeyemi Alakija, Chief Sule Gbadamosi,  Hezekiah Davis, Sir Odumegwu Ojukwu, Chief J. K. Randle, Sir. Oladosu Omololu, Ernest  Ikoli, Sir. Louis Mbanefo, and other late personalities founded Island Club on October 29, 1943.

OVER the last five years, Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has enjoined huge support from the U.S. Mission.

This year, the mission awarded festival organisers a grant to conduct two workshops – one for young animators and another for post-production creatives, in collaboration with the American Film Showcase and Global Media Makers.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum for African History and Culture is joining the festival this year to deepen its ties with the Nigerian art sector.

At a reception billed to hold on November 9 at the U.S. Consul General’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard will be delivering remarks highlighting the growing U.S.-Nigeria ties and the vast potentials of Nollywood as exporter of the African culture.

The event will bring together Nigerian film executives and creatives with their U.S. counterparts.

LIFE may not have been an easy ride for Lagos fashion designer, Data Okorodudu, but being alive, according to her, is enough reason to celebrate her 60th birthday.

Okorodudu lost her husband, Jeye, to Leukemia, over 10 years ago. But she has remained strong and successfully built her fashion brand.

She was quoted saying, “Life has taught me that if you put God first trust in all you do, you will naturally be inclined to do to others as you would want them to do to you. Secondly, surround yourself with positive thoughts and positive people. Thirdly, live, love, learn and while at it, keep your family strong and together.”

Data, a great-granddaughter of King Jaja of Opobo in Rivers State, met her husband at the University of Lagos and had all kids before she turned 30. Her husband was 25 while she was 21 when they tied the knot.

WITH the quality of people who turned out for the book launch and birthday gig of television personality, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, it is safe to say he literally hit a jackpot on October 31.

The official launch of the book was done by Chief Bode George, who doubled as chairman of the occasion, accompanied by his beautiful wife, while the review was delivered by the publisher of Ovation International magazine, Chief Dele Momodu.

Atanda-Owo’s post also gave a hint that she was shocked by the turnout.

She shared on her Instagram page: “If I should tell you that it was within my imagination, I tell you it is a lie. If I’d known I could be this honoured, I tell you it is still a lie. Waiting for the day zapped all my energy and at a point in time, I felt it should come and go. The start of the night held my head high and the entire event cast me into a spell of ‘is this Kikilomo’s day or a mini celebration of people in Nigeria?’”

Describing herself as ‘a nobody’ and that people around her made her feel adored; the convener of RealTalkWithKike thanked everyone who spent their time, money and resources on her.

Other top personalities spotted at the event included Barrister Allen Onyema, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi, Segun Oniru, Muiz Banire (SAN), Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN), Danny Kioupiurougiou, Elvi Kioupiurougiou, Olatunde Atanda-Owo, DIG Taiwo Lakanu, Yinka Adebayo, Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi, Hakeem Ogunniran, Seye Kehinde, Shaffy Bello, Lanre Dasilva Ajayi, and Yeni Kuti.

Atanda-Owo’s book, ‘Unbroken,’ is a success narrative documented by her. She shares her challenges despite having a privileged background.

IT is the time of the year to celebrate business mogul, Femi Otedola, and his daughter, Temi, is leading the celebration.

Bombarding her Instastories with photos of her, Temi said she looked up to her father who has taught her many life lessons.

She wrote in one of her posts: “Happy birthday to the man I look up to the most! Papa, you have taught me more lessons than I can count. You have shaped the woman I am today. Thank you for being the best daddy I could have ever wished for.”

She also described Otedola as her best date and thanked him for always dropping her in school.

This year’s birthday celebration is special for the Otedolas, as it was recently announced that the billionaire has emerged a major shareholder of First Bank Holdings, owners of First Bank Nigeria, after acquiring a 5.07 per cent equity stake. In addition to his birthday, this is a major feat and there is indeed a cause for celebration.

Born on November 4, 1962, the philanthropist and former chairman of Forte Oil PLC founded Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd and owned other businesses across shipping, real estate, and finance sectors.