The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Ita-Giwa learns dance skills

    Ita-Giwa learns dance skills

    By Olushola Rickettes

     

    The presence of Big Brother Naija 2020 Winner, Olamilekan Agbeleshe, better known as Laycon, at the Echoes of Calabar, Victoria, Lagos, brought so much energy, fun and excitement to the restaurant.

    It was also the perfect atmosphere needed by Senator Florence Ita-Giwa’s special kind of restaurant. Although businesses and things are beginning to return to normal, the hospitality and leisure sector is yet to fully recover following the COVID-19 nightmare.

    After unveiling two new singles – ‘Wagwan’ and ‘Fall For Me’ –  to a selected audience, Laycon went ahead to teach the top politician and socialite some of his dance moves. Ita-Giwa danced along with the singer, moving her body the best way she could to the admiration of friends and associates in their corners.

    Read Also: I will not rest until Bakassi people are properly resettled -Ita-Giwa

     

    At 74, Mama Baskassi, as fondly called by friends, is not showing signs that age has got the better of her. Her fashion sense is still on point, she carries herself admirably and she still has a great aura around her.

    Her restaurant where she spends most of her free time was launched in 2019 in celebration of her 73rd birthday. Folorunso Alakija, Princess Abah Folawiyo, Ali Baba, Ini Edo, Ayo Makun, Helen Paul, Shola Sobowale, Ngozi Nwosu, Uti Nwachukwu and Ndidi Obiorah honoured her on the special occasion.

  • About Khadijat ‘Cookie’ Rabiu’s endearing persona

    About Khadijat ‘Cookie’ Rabiu’s endearing persona

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    Lost rich kids do nothing that has permanence but for humble Khadijat Rabiu with the sobriquet ‘Cookie,’ her humane disposition has crested her name in Gold. Apart from enjoying her billionaire dad, Abdul Samad Rabiu’s financial war chest, Khadijat works assiduously to build herself a business empire.

    Despite being born with a silver spoon, Cookie puts humanity above wealth. Her milk of kindness and down-to-earth personality wow those who come in contact with her. Sources revealed that Cookie’s closeness with her dad has seen her learning humility and philanthropy. Apart from shying away from the media space, Cookie is known to be a cheerful giver with no measure. Many wonder how she still lives a modest lifestyle and stays out of trouble despite her father’s wealth. Sources further said that Cookie loves to live a private life devoid of unnecessary media attention and also wants to keep touching lives silently.

    Last weekend, the Kano State-born beauty alongside her close allies Oyinkan and Amira Idris were guests at the traditional Kamu of Aminu Waziri and Azeeza Sanni Dangote in Kano state. The trio stole the show at the traditional wedding. The ever radiant and stylish Cookie stepped out looking stunning and all glammed up in a well-knitted blue flower-patterned Aso-Ebi with blue headgear and mild makeup. At the party, Cookie was seen playing, smiling, and catching up with her friends. Sources further said Cookie is one of the most sought-after spinsters up north.

  • Bruce keeps late wife’s memory alive

    Bruce keeps late wife’s memory alive

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    One year after Senator Ben Murray-Bruce became a widower, he’s yet to forget the memories of his late wife, Evelyn Murray-Bruce.

    12 months after a prolonged battle with cancer snatched Evelyn away from her lovely family, Senator Bruce is yet to come to the reality that his companion and beautiful wife of over four decades is no more.

    As tomorrow marks the first passing away anniversary of the quiet but beautiful Evelyn, sources revealed that Senator Bruce and his immediate family will be visiting the late Evelyn’s cenotaph to drop flowers and also pray for the repose of her soul. Despite the irreplaceable lacuna, the death has caused the family, they will also celebrate her for a life well spent as she has silently touched many lives. “The ‘Common Sense’ Senator is yet to get over the loss but he has been holding strong for the family. He mostly spends time with his mom and children and grandchildren now.”

    Read Also: Omo-Agege mourns Murray-Bruce’s wife

     

    A year back, Senator Bruce announced the passing away of his wife with touching words on Twitter. He wrote, “I am broken. Just lost my beautiful wife to cancer. She was my best friend for 43 years and my wife for 41 years. Cancer is real, but it shouldn’t be a death sentence – awareness, and early detection and treatment are key to survival. I miss her so so much. I’m broken. Our children are devastated, I am too. But I have to be strong for them. Please put our family in your prayers. Like the sun, my wife was a blessing and touched the lives of everyone she met. Though she’s gone, she’d remain alive in our hearts forever. I miss you, my sweetheart, and my most beautiful girl, Evelyn Murray-Bruce. Forever yours.”

  • Between Seun Oshofisan and Wale Oluwaleimu

    Seun Oshofisan and Wale Oluwaleimu are buddies whose relationship dates back to many years. The two upwardly mobile men have been around for a while on the social and entertainment scene.

    Though they both run their businesses – Oshofisan runs Richway International while Wale Oluwaleimu is a veteran showbiz practitioner – the two have one strong bond that many of their friends seem to envy.

    To further strengthen their bond, the two collaborated to invest in the hospitality sector and establish a brand name.

    The result is the highflying watering hole known as House 30. While Oshofisan works in the background, Oluwaleimu runs the business as the face. With branches in Ikeja, Victoria Island, and Lekki, the friends are the envy of many socialites.

  • Babaeko joins Cannes Lions Awards jury

    Babaeko joins Cannes Lions Awards jury

    By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

     

    X3M music boss, Steve Babaeko, has been selected as one of the jurors for the 2021 edition of the Cannes Lions Advertising Festival.

    Babaeko, who is also the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) will function as a member of the jury for the 2021 Edition of its Young Lions Creativity Awards slated for this month.

    Babaeko said he is excited by the selection for the Cannes Festivals as the role has the propensity to positively influence the younger and future generation of advertising practitioners.

    “I am extremely passionate about capacity building for generation next. As President of AAAN, one of the cornerstones of our agenda is to develop young practitioners so they can be even greater than us. That is why being on the young lions’ jury is a huge opportunity for me and our crop of young practitioners in Nigeria,” he said, adding that industry leaders as mentors and influencers must bring their mentees to speed to ensure a future for our industry.

    Expatiating on his new assignment Babaeko said the Young Lions Competitions is where the next generation of creative stars go head-to-head. “If you’re under 30 the Young Lions competition is one of the best places at the festival to celebrate your creativity on a global stage”.

     

     

  • Stephen Akintayo’s large heart

    Stephen Akintayo’s large heart

    By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

     

    According to the popular axiom which says “Education is the Bedrock of Life”; perhaps, many are not aware why Stephen Akintayo has chosen to invest heavily in education with so much gusto. According to close sources, during his formative years, he struggled alongside his four other siblings with the help of his civil servant mother in Maiduguri before having a good and quality education. As the mother will take loans to make sure they all attend school. Ever since then, he has vowed to his creator that he will help pay school fees for children whose parents can’t afford it.”

    Providence granted him his heart desires with his Stephen Akintayo Foundation, the GTex Managing director in a bid to reduce the number of out-of-school children on the streets in Nigeria, at an event in Radisson Hotel Ikeja, he awarded 50 indigent children bursary, ranging between N50,000 and N100,000.

    The property mogul paid the cheques directly to the account of the school to enable transparency, the sincerity of purpose, ensuring that the money is used primarily for tuition and not other things. He assured that the foundation will continue to protect and promote the interest of students towards having better development. He also advised the beneficiaries to remain strong and focused to become successful in their future endeavors.

  • Festus Agbongiarhuoyi’s new investment

    Festus Agbongiarhuoyi’s new investment

    By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

     

    Cosmopolitan businessman, Festus Agbongiarhuoyi, is not a greenhorn in Nigeria’s business space. Apart from being a seasoned businessman with a wealth of knowledge in the issues of finance and accounts, he loves to invest in budding talents most especially, the music business. His love for entertainment gave birth to the unveiling of his talent management company; Slim Cartel Music worldwide.

    Ever since the official launch of the label imprint, the United Arab Emirate (UAE), based statistician, is leaving no stone unturned as he is investing over N50 million to promote musical talents in Nigeria. To further show his commitment to investing in the entertainment sector, the music-preneur recently signed Benue state-born artiste; Idoko Babangida Peter, with the stage name ‘Nino Dray’ to his Slim Cartel Music Worldwide record label imprint.

    A close source said Nino Dray will be the first artist he would be investing in. The contract is a 3-year deal subject to renewal after expiration. “The budding artiste Nino Dray has released a single featuring DMW star, Peruzzi, and also released “Something” where he featured YBNL’s rave of the moment Bella Shmurda. The label is also working on signing other acts to benefit from his milk of kindness.”

     

  • How telecoms top shot Rawa died

    How telecoms top shot Rawa died

    By Olushola Ricketts

    The family of late General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Oluwole Olanrewaju Rawa, will still be hoping their beloved son and father can come back to life.

    An alumnus of Harvard Business School, Rawa reportedly slumped and died on Tuesday on his way to the hospital after he complained about dizziness.

    Social Cicuit gathered that on the fateful day, he felt unsteady and complained about chest pain. A family source stated: “He was in a car going to the hospital still chatting with his friends but then became quiet. His friend thought he was tired since he had a hectic day at work. He was said to have been brought in dead to the hospital.”

    With 15 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, the Civil Engineering graduate from the University of llorin, Kwara State, joined Celtel (now Airtel) in 2004 as Manager, Payphone Segment, Marketing Directorate Commercial Group.

    He later joined Etisalat where he held several positions until he rose to become Director, Marketing Segments and Strategy. He joined MTN as the Head Group, Consumer Operations, in 2015.

    Before death, Rawa was happily married to Jadesola with a daughter, Olayinka.

  • Oyedepo’s second son is a year older

    Oyedepo’s second son is a year older

    By Olushola Ricketts

    Being born into a strong Christian home is not as exciting as it looks on the surface as it comes with huge responsibilities. If one does a little wrong, people are always there to castigate you.

    But despite the challenges that come with being the offspring of a popular man of God like Bishop David Oyedepo, his children have not failed him. It is also glaring that all his children have decided to follow the footsteps of their father.

    On Thursday, the pastor’s second son, Isaac, turned 36 and it was an occasion to give special thanks to God for His grace and mercy upon his life.

    Isaac, who is resident pastor, Winners Chapel International, Maryland, USA, graduated from Oral Roberts University. He is passionate about grooming a generation of young godly leaders who will make a positive impact in the world.

    He was ordained by Kenneth E. Copeland alongside his elder brother David Jr. in 2007.

    Isaac married his beautiful wife, Ayomitide, in 2010, and the union has been blessed with four beautiful children.

  • Ronke Ajide, siblings remember dad

    Ronke Ajide, siblings remember dad

    By Olushola Ricketts

    Sociable Lagos-based lawyer, Rasheedat Oyeronke Ajide, and her siblings recently celebrated the 30th memorial anniversary of their late father, Alhaji Abdulraheem Adetokunboh Ajide, who died in February, 1991.

    The service held at FESTAC, Lagos was graced by top Muslim clerics, socialites and politicians, one of whom would later laud the benevolence of Ronke, the first and only daughter of the late devoted Muslim.

    The former chairman of Amuwo Odofin L.C.D.A, Ayo Adewale, recalled how Ajide gave her the first car, Toyota Yaris, he used for all his political campaigns and never returned to seek favour when he finally ran for office and won.

    Adewale said she had the opportunity to walk into his office to ask for one political favour or the other, but chose never to ask for such gratification. He added that it must have been a virtue she imbibed from her late father.

    Ronke’s siblings who also played major roles at the ceremony included Fatai Olukayode Ajide, Ahmed Olanrewaju Ajide, and Yusuf Ajide.