The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • At last, Oloye Alabi celebrates 70th birthday

    At last, Oloye Alabi celebrates 70th birthday

    Olushola Victor

     

    FOR Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland and the first Culture Ambassador of the National Museum and Monument, Ile Ife, Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi, it is better late than never. When everyone thought his desire to celebrate his 70 birthday in a big way had been shattered by #EndSARS protests, he pulled the trigger.

    It would be recalled that the celebration was postponed by the Alabi family out of sympathy with families of Nigerians killed and injured during the protests in the country in October.

    Recently, Alabi’s 70th birthday was held at the New International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, and it was full of glamour and elegance. He also enjoyed the support of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

  • How COVID-19 robbed Sanwo-Olu of REDAN shine

    How COVID-19 robbed Sanwo-Olu of REDAN shine

    Olushola Victor

     

    DECEMBER festivals are under attack at the moment as there are concerns that the alarming increase of COVID-19 cases may send Nigerians into another lockdown.

    Even Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has played an instrumental role in the fight against the pandemic, has been in isolation for days now after a close associate tested positive to COVID-19.

    Before he went into compulsory isolation on December 11, big plans had been made to honour the governor at the maiden edition awards of the Lagos State Chapter of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) on Sunday, December 13.

    Despite his absence at the colourful ceremony held at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, an award was still presented to Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Lagos State Commissioner for Housing,  Moruf Akinderu, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. He was honoured for his efforts in the Lagos real estate sector.

    Read Also: ‘Sanwo-Olu’s health condition improving’

    Also, the state was fully represented by Lagos Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Hamzat; Commissioner for Housing Lagos State, Moruf Akinderu Fatai, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako; Special Adviser to the governor on Housing, Mrs Toke Benson Awoyinka; Permanent Secretary Land Bureau Bode Agoro and Head of Service Lagos State, Muri Okunola.

    Others present were top real estate developers such as  REDAN President, Alhaji Aliyu Oroji Wamakko; Deputy President, REDAN, Akintoye Adeoye; Chairman of REDAN, South-West,  Debo Adejana; Sujimoto Ogundele, Dr Bisi Onasanya; Hakeem Ogunniran; Yemi Idowu; Adeyinka Adedope; Bamidele Onalaja of RevolutionPlus Property; Adetola EmmanuelKing, among others.

  • Where is Cecilia Ibru?

    Where is Cecilia Ibru?

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    At her prime as the head honcho of the defunct financial powerhouse, Oceanic Bank, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru commanded immense respect from all and  sundry. She was a socialite of high repute with a heavy financial war chest to fund her  lifestyle. She was classy, highly cerebral, cosmopolitan, stylish, and well-composed. She is well lettered in finance and economics. Her home was a mecca of sorts for favour seekers who needed one financial help or the other. She was indeed generous to a fault. During her reign, several businesses benefited from her milk of kindness until everything went south.

    During the reign of former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi in the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs Ibru was alleged to have mismanaged funds and misused her office. She was said to have given enormous loans in billions of dollars out to cronies without proper documentation and collateral. Simultaneously, she was also battling the deteriorating health of her  husband; Chief Michael Ibru. As a means of recouping the bad debts and loans, the CBN and the EFCC confiscated her choice properties in Nigeria, Dubai, and London. She could not cope with the loss. During her travails, everyone deserted her as she also battled her deteriorating health.

    Read Also: Cecilia Ibru: Senate probes N150b forfeited assets

    The sociology graduate from the University of London was thrown off balance. During her trial and sentence in 2010, Mrs Ibru also disclosed that her travails with the CBN were a witch-hunt by her detractors who are jealous of her growing influence and astronomic rise in the banking industry. After serving her 6month jail term, she withdrew completely from all social activities into her cocoon. She paid more attention to the health of her hubby and herself. Sources said she felt betrayed as those she staked her life for never came through for her.

    “She finds it hard to trust anyone again. She felt betrayed by her close associates. Those she secured loans to fund and grow their business abandoned her when she needed them the most. Her phone that used to ring endlessly, stopped.  Staying away from ‘fake people’ was the best option for her. The only friend she has is her immediate family,” another source said.

    Many of her admirers are said to be worried about her whereabouts, staying completely off the social radar even after the demise of her  husband a few years ago. Sources averred that she is currently gathering momentum, getting back her groove as an educationist. “After her ordeal, she has vowed to start all over again regardless of what it might take. She has found a new love in education. The Michael and Cecilia University she co-founded in 2015 with her husband in Delta State is gradually picking up with lots of students. She spends a lot of time with the varsity administration. She is happy with the presence of students around her, it keeps her going stronger and putting the past behind her. She also spends time looking after her adopted son,” a close family source divulged.

  • When Aziza Dangote quit spinsterhood

    When Aziza Dangote quit spinsterhood

     Oladapo Sofowora

     

    THE phrase ravishing beauty aptly describes elegant Aziza Dangote, popularly known as Nina. She can make a full-blooded man drool over her God-given beauty. She was regarded to be a look-alike of popular Indian actor, Priyanka Chopra. Within the Lagos, Abuja, and Kano metropolis, she was one of the hottest spinsters in town. Born with a silver spoon, her father Sanni Dangote, younger sibling to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, pampered her with the good things of life. In 2015, when she graduated from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom with a bachelor’s in biomedical sciences, her father threw a lavish party to celebrate her brilliant feat.

    Despite her aristocratic background, she is an epitome of kindness with a soft spot for uplifting the downtrodden. She founded a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) known as Orenda Foundation with a special interest in global health, development, and empowerment – particularly in northern Nigeria.

    The NGO is quietly empowering the womenfolk and leading advocacy for girl-child education. The affable master’s degree holder from the University of London had several high-profile men calling for her attention. The reason is unconnected to her family’s wealthy background but linked to her caring and loving nature. Despite pressure from high profile bachelors, who wants her hand in marriage, Aziza opted to stick and tie the nuptial knot with her longtime boyfriend, Aminu Waziri Mohammed, son of popular Kano state born former Chairman of Nigerian Railway Corporation, during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure; late Waziri K Muhammed, who died in the ill-fated Bellview Airline Crash in 2005.

    Read Also: Dangote is Most Valuable Brand for 2020

    Aminu Waziri Mohammed, a cousin of Mohammed Turad, Hanna Buhari’s hubby is the Head, Services & Sustainable Development at SunTrust Oil. The Abuja handsome dude holds a Master of International Business with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering.

    He is Chairman and Co-Founder Ignite Africa Challenge – Abuja, Nigeria; A Youth driven NGO with a focus towards achieving UN Agenda 2063, through the development of sustainable Social Enterprises across the continent. The two love birds exchanged nuptial vows on Sunday the December 13 at a very private location on the island in Lagos. Those who matter most in the political space alongside captains of industries attended in large numbers. The wedding Fatiha was carried out in line with COVID 19 safety protocol. Friends of the couple also organized a very private dinner at a highbrow location in Lagos. Dressed in their evening outfits looking classy and dapper, the couples showed their dancing dexterity amidst accolades and encomium from friends. Sources also averred that this is just the first step to their union. The family chose to keep it private due to the second wave of the deadly pandemic. A possible Kano version of the Nikkah might likely hold.

    Dignitaries spotted at the wedding Fatiha are Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Aliko Dangote, A. A Isa Funtua, Hajia Zainab Dantata, Mariya Dantata, Sadiq Dantata, Baban Eman, Abdulkadir Sunusi, Shaida Sunusi, Ahmed Waziri, Abubakar Waziri, Musa Ado Ibrahim, Salman Munzali Dantata, Cookie Rabiu, and a host of others.

  • Esther Ajayi’s cheerful donation

    Esther Ajayi’s cheerful donation

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    All her life, Rev Mrs. Esther Abimbola Ajayi has dedicated herself to the responsibility of uplifting the downtrodden. With her Esther Ajayi Foundation, she has registered her presence as the most philanthropic Nigerian in recent time. Those close to the Lagos born vibrant preacher confirmed that she loathes the sight of those around her in distress, she is always ready to help.

    Over the years, the founder and minister in charge of Love of Christ Generation Church (C and S), has always preached on cheerful giving. Not only that, but she also leads by example with her generous lifestyle. In a bid to promote security, safety, and peace in Lagos State, she alongside her close allies, donated and commissioned a new office complex for the use of the Special Protection Unit (SPU -Base 2), Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday, December 15.

    Read Also: Junior Ajayi eyes CL with Ahly

    The well-attended edifice commissioning had in attendance the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu ably represented by AIG Zone 2, Mr. Ahmed Iliyasu who declared the eye-popping edifice open for official use. Iliyasu also encouraged other philanthropist and private bodies to follow the footstep of Iya Aladura by collaborating with the Police to make security a collective responsibility of all sundry.

    In attendance were Brigadier Gen. M A Etsu, Former Chairman of First Bank, Chief Bisi Onasanya, CP Philip Ugbadu, Ovation Magazine Publisher, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Lagos State Commissioner of Police Hakeem Odumosu, wife of the Lagos CP, Princess Folashade Odumosu, Reverend (Dr.) Ademuyiwa Ajayi, DCA Etim Efiom, CEO Enyo Retail and Supply, Mr. Abayomi Awobokun, Mr. Shawn Ke among others.

  • Pastor Bimbo Odukoya remembered

    Pastor Bimbo Odukoya remembered

    By Olushola Victor

    Thursday, December 10, made it exactly 15 years since Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, lost her life in the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash in 2005.

    Odukoya boarded the ill-fated flight bound for Port Harcourt from Abuja and a national disaster happened. They were only two survivors from the crash.

    In remembrance of their mum, her three children (Tolu, Tobi and Jimmy) who are all married decided to celebrate her on social media by spotlighting the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation established after her demise.

    Bimbo’s first daughter Tolu Ijogun wrote: “Remembering our mother 15 years on, and we are thankful for the life she lived, but today we want to particularly focus on the foundation and what we have been able to achieve.”

    Read Also: Odukoya and wife mark 10th wedding anniversary

    She also talked about what they had been able to achieve all these years with the NGO, which included empowering girl children/women and creating shelter, a safe haven for survivors of teenage unwanted pregnancy and sexually-abused girls.

    Married to Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, the late evangelist was often called Pastor Bims by admirers. Before death, she received over 60 national and international awards for her contributions to nation-building, the development of Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region and for leadership.

  • Mike Awoyinfa follows son to Ibadan to take wife

    Mike Awoyinfa follows son to Ibadan to take wife

    Olushola Victor

     

    IT is another season for the pioneer Editor-in-Chief/Managing Director of The Sun, Mike Awoyinfa, to put on his agbada and head to Ibadan to pick a wife for his son, Babajide.

    The founding editor of defunct Weekend Concord, and publisher of the now rested Entertainment Express newspaper did a similar thing for his son, Kehinde, when he tied the knot with his sweetheart, Temitope Kayode-Ojo, in Abuja on May 20, 2017.

    The groom Babajide and bride Wuralola cannot hide their excitement.  In a short beautiful clip, they expressed their joy that after their wedding they would finally spend forever together.

    Babajide said: “I have always craved and dreamt for today and it is finally here. I am so happy for today, that D-day has finally come where I will be getting married to my beautiful lady, Wuraola.”

    Wuralola said she was glad to be doing this with her best friend while thankful to God for bringing the day into their lives.

  • Nabila smiles again, shrugs off marital crisis

    Nabila smiles again, shrugs off marital crisis

    Olushola Victor

     

    OVER a month ago, it seemed the fairytale marriage of singer Oritsefemi and wife, Nabila Fash, was heading to the rocks following allegations of domestic violence.

    Things got messy when the singer accused actress Caroline Danjuma of plotting to divide his three-year-old marriage by accommodating his wife and hiding her from him. But after a series of apology posts on social media, Nabila returned to her husband.

    Besides things seeming to be working well again between the couple, Nabila has officially joined the league of Lagos big girls as she recently opened luxury fashion store, Nabillionaire Luxury. Oritsefemi was spotted at the party dancing and cheering up guests – a further indication that they had put their marital troubles behind them.

    Toyin Abraham, Ini Edo were among the celebrities seen at the party having fun.

  • Babatunde Ogala’s profile changes

    Babatunde Ogala’s profile changes

    Olushola Victor

     

    APART from winning cases, a major dream of a focused lawyer is to become a Senior Advocate. On Monday, that dream of Babatunde Ogala will be actualised as he officially becomes a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

    Ogala started his career with Fonzzy Associates Limited, Lagos, and worked in other law firms. In 1995 he established his own chambers, Babatunde K. Ogala & Co, now Babatunde Ogala & Co.

    His journey into politics has also been quite eventful. He once served as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, where he was chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, member of the Finance Committee, among others.

    It should be noted that Ogala was the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a position he held till June, 2020.

    Born to the Ogala family in Lagos State on July 15, 1961, the legal luminary began his elementary education in Lagos at the Holy Cross School from 1967-73 before proceeding to St. George’s College, Lagos, for his Secondary education. After graduating from the University of Jos where he studied Law, he was called to the Bar in 1986.

  • Mo Abudu grooves

    Mo Abudu grooves

    Olushola Victor

     

    MO Abudu’s name always rings a bell in society following her many exploits in the media industry. As Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV, she has redefined entertainment content while she continues to break boundaries.

    At the launch party of Nectar Beauty Hub in Lagos recently, guests meeting her for the first time had a close chance to see the lively and charming woman.

    At some point during the party, celebrity journalist, Azuka Ogujiuba, went to her seat and dragged her out for a dance. She quickly obliged and together they moved to late Michael Jackson’s evergreen song, ‘Black or White.’ Without breaking sweat, Abudu danced well to the beat and sang along.

    Recognised by Forbes Africa as the first African woman to own a Pan-Africa TV channel in 2013, Abudu is blessed with two kids – a boy and girl.