By Oladapo Sofowora

At every attempt to keep her life off public space, Maryam Onikijipa Belgore remains a recurring decimal within the public cynosure. She’s mostly celebrated for her philanthropic gestures to the downtrodden, using her Non-Governmental Organization NGO; Maryam Onikijipa Belgore Foundation as a point of contact. As a daughter of a popular clergyman; Sheik Sulaiman Farooq Onikijipa and wife to a debonair man about town, Abdulsalam Belgore, son of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Salhiu Modibbo Alfa Belgore, one would wonder what spurred her interest in humanitarian ideals. Sources said, she is only being guided by the teachings of her father, who often says, “In all we do, humanity comes first.”

With a very daring ambition and vision to keep touching the lives of every girl-child, the Kwara State-born mother of three has vowed to keep donating a huge bulk of her income towards their welfare by creating an avenue, where they can all get access quality education through sponsorship, the frequent supply of sanitary pads for their menstrual circle and also provide advocacy against rape, child labour, child molestation, and female genital mutilation. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, she provided succour to the needy by donating edible items worth millions of Naira in Lagos, Kwara, and Abuja.

On Saturday, October 3, the Crescent University Graduate will saunter into a new age. And in celebration of her new age, despite the global pandemic, she visited the Durumi IDP Camp in Abuja, where she donated edible raw food, cash, and other household materials to displaced persons on October 1. She also distributed sanitary towels for young girls and also cut her birthday cake with them as they sang and celebrated with her.

Society Rendezvous gathered that Maryam will spend her birthday with her kids, husband, close friends, and associate. “The celebrant will not be making too much noise. Donating and celebrating with the internally displaced children is enough satisfaction for her. On Saturday, she will be hosting a few friends at her Abuja home. Everyone present will be feted to the very best of continental and local dishes laced with an endless supply of high-cost drinks.”

By Oladapo Sofowora

If Fatima Gumsu Sanni-Abacha, daughter of Nigeria’s ex-Military Head of State, General Sanni Abacha, was to start counting her blessings, it’s so enormous that it will take her a lifetime to do so. Despite being born with a silver spoon, one would marvel at her level of respect and courtesy for everyone that comes her way. For the want of a better description, she is a misunderstood person and it requires spending quality time with her to understand that she is an angel in human form.

For over two decades, the stylish mother of five has faced sheer criticism from the public on issues relating to her father’s reign as head of state. Despite various attempts to talk her down emotionally, she gradually developed a thick skin not to allow naysayers to deprive her of joy. Most recently, the split from her Cameroonian billionaire ex-husband of 20 years, Bayero Fadil Mohamadou, over irreconcilable differences, nearly plunged her into depression.

However, kind words of encouragement from family and friends were able to help her navigate and sustain herself mentally. Despite all the hurdles she has faced in life, she is one person who never jokes with prayer time with her creator.

On September 22, the stylish fashionista celebrated her 44th birthday with not much fanfare. Unlike her birthday years ago, where she would be treated to a high-cost dinner at the best hotels around the world, she opted for a private party in her living room, where she was celebrated by her children, close friends, and family. Fitted in cream, gold, and blue flowered patterned flowing Abaya, a velvet gold scarf tied around her neck and gold headgear, the glittering celebrant posed with over 15 gigantic cakes, cards, and other gift items as friends and family made a toast to the good life for her as they all sang a birthday song for her. Those few opportune to grace the gold and white themed house party were lavishly treated to an array of high cost meals, assorted drinks, and champagnes with music.

Olushola Victor

A birthday celebration presents an opportunity for people to rate their impact on society. With Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo’s 60th birthday celebration, he now knows where he stands.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, led top personalities who showered praises on him.

Ooni lauded him for his uprightness and fairness, saying “Early, he recognised the irreplaceable place of education as a factor towards having a successful career and his huge leadership quality upon which he was called upon to lead the entire Itori as the Olu.”

Oba Adeyemi said in the last 16 years he had used his education, experience and exposure to strategically place his domain on the path of rapid economic growth and prosperity.

“You have built a befitting modern palace that is now the cynosure of all eyes. This is evident by the many industries that now dot the skyline of the town of Itori as well as the adjoining communities who now engage in various trade and commercial activities. Of particular note is the presence of Dangote conglomerate. This development has made the generality of citizenry more prosperous,” he added.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor Gbenga Daniel, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Aliko Dangote also showered him with encomiums.

Olushola Victor

FORTUNE favours the brave and Ambassador Sam Afolabi has exhibited enough bravery in business, which has translated into fortune.

Following the growth of his agricultural venture, Eatrich Farms, he has ventured into other sectors in the society and he is eyeing more.

A few days ago, he opened a new branch of his Martify Supermarket in Igando, Lagos, with discount vouchers for guests who came to celebrate with him.

The Chief Executive Officer of Martify, says he’s on a mission to disrupt the retail space by offering comfort and pricing.

He said: “People will be able to shop in a very comfortable environment at the best prices. Our goal is to open 28 outlets across Africa in the next few months. In two weeks, we will be opening our third outlet in Ijebu-Ode and we are also looking into other locations in the country and beyond. We plan to build a completely technology-driven retail experience for all our shoppers.”

Describing himself as a fearless entrepreneur, the farmer and investor said he was always to take on the next business challenge despite recorded failures. Aside being a CEO, Afolabi currently sits on the board of some tech startups.