The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Abisoye Fagade celebrates birthday

    Abisoye Fagade celebrates birthday

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Abisoye Fagade is a top player in Nigeria’s marketing communications sector with vast experience. His 10-year-old company, Sodium group, is a testament to his brilliance.

    Blessed with an endless list of corporate clientele, the Oyo State-born communication professional has plied his trade to the admiration of many at home and abroad.

    Interestingly, apart from his feats in the practice of marketing communications, Fagade has also been involved in nation-building through several initiatives including peace-related programmes, advocacy, job/wealth creation, and entrepreneurship.

    For the love of his people, he created the catchy phrase; ‘Oyo Si Ma Dun’ (OSMD) meaning; Oyo will be interesting once again’.

    The former Oyo State governorship aspirant decided to roll out drums in celebration of his birthday. On Tuesday, March 10, the Alexia Place boss started his birthday with a 3-hour praise and worship session at his Alexia’s Place hotel located in the Opebi area of Ikeja.

    Read Also: Buhari greets Pastor Adeboye on 78th birthday

     

    He was joined by the best of gospel singers alongside friends and family members. The golfer used the opportunity to give thanks to his creator for the gift of life with full accomplishment.

    After the praise and worship session, he threw open his ultra-modern hospitality outfit to host friends and associates for a birthday hangout.

    Friends, associates, colleagues, and dignitaries, who attended the hangout were treated to an array of meals and fine and expensive drinks.

    Fagade, the founder and Managing Director of Abisoye Fagade Foundation and Sodium Group, is a fresh gust of summer wind in the communication and PR business.

    With lofty ideals and the ability to create instant solutions to corporate issues, interpretation of briefs and working smart earned him maximum respect and patronage from top brands.

  • Folorunsho Alakija’s love for philanthropy

    Folorunsho Alakija’s love for philanthropy

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Forbes-listed billionaire in Africa, Folorunsho Alakija, means so many things to different people. To many, she is a billionaire and an oil magnate, who also serves as the Vice-Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited.

    To others, she is a global citizen, with a cosmopolitan outlook, and to some, she is a seasoned minister and soul winner in God’s kingdom.

    No doubt, she fits perfectly into these descriptions. But beyond all these descriptions of Alakija’s personality, the beautiful woman is a philanthropist par excellence. She gives generously without blinking an eyelid.

    As part of her quest to keep promoting charitable cause; she donated a hospital complex to the Osun State University on the institution’s 8th convocation ceremony in 2019. The teaching University hospital reportedly costs a whopping sum of N500m.

    In line with her philanthropic commitment to academic excellence, the oil baroness, on Monday, March 6, declared open the 2020 FAMFA Oil Literacy Day themed: “Readers are Leaders”. The event was held at the City Hall, on Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island.

    Read Also: Alakija steps out for Opral Benson

     

    Alakija used the event to promote reading culture among pupils in primary schools. Declaring open a strong foundation, in building confidence through literacy, the event had pupils of several schools across Lagos participating in the reading exercise as well as a spelling bee contest that attracted gifts and other prizes from Famfa oil and other sponsor brands.

    As if that wasn’t enough, Alakija has scheduled March 14 for the ‘University of Marriage Retreat. The event is billed to hold in Surulere, Lagos state with the theme ‘Abuse in Marriage’.

    Alakija will host couples who would love to be trained on the rudiments of having a successful marriage devoid of issues and rancor.

    It is a fact that Alakija has successfully etched her name on the sands of time.

    She holds a pride of place in Nigeria’s fashion industry and keeps inspiring the womenfolk.

  • Wale Tinubu soars again

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    To say Oando Group Chief Executive Officer, Adewale Tinubu is not a stranger to success is stating the obvious. He is the proverbial man with the Midas touch of gold.

    Wake him from his sleep and ask him any question on business- most especially oil and gas – and you will get a spontaneous answer.

    The intelligent business mogul with a series of achievements started from a humble beginning before becoming a reference point in the oil and gas sector.

    So, it is not unexpected with the success of Oando Plc, Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy group, under his watch since it berthed 25-years ago.

    Recently, the firm under the watch of Wale Tinubu has scored yet another first as it has become the first Nigerian company in the sector to receive the prestigious ISO 27001 Certification from Certification Partner Global FZ LLC.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s political empire intact, says Obasa

     

    ISO 27001 is the international standard outlining best practices for information security management systems.

    According to sources; “The certification also means that the company can provide its stakeholders with a higher degree of confidence in the quality and stability of data security and further validating the company’s commitment to the highest standards of information security.

    The honour comes as a commitment by the management towards managing business compliance and operational risks associated with the use of information systems and digital assets.”

    The source further added, “The investment in ISO 27001 enterprise security framework has allowed us to structure and implement modern security controls completely and cohesively thereby strengthening our data and information system governance.

    Essentially, the certification aims to establish and put in place good information security practices across the Oando Group.

    The certification is proof that the Company’s systems and processes have been audited against international best practice, positioning Oando as operating to global standards.”

  • Stephen Onola expands business frontiers

    Stephen Onola expands business frontiers

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    In the last couple of years, Stephen Onola has quietly built a reputation for himself in the interior business, particularly with a special attention on lights and interior fittings. Stephen’s many years of hard work is gradually paying off as he has become the symbol of excellence in his line of business.

    Described as a quiet personality who is results-oriented, the Precise Lightening boss has continued to reinvent his business to stay up-to-date maintaining international standards. He has not allowed accomplishments and success in business sweep him off his feet.

    To position his lightening and interior business among the best in the world, Steven has embarked on aggressive rebranding process with massive investment in new interior fittings and expensive lights from the United Kingdom.

    A close source disclosed that; Onola has equally spent a huge fortune to give the company’s corporate office in Lagos a new face-lift. Stephen is also switching digitally to match with the new decade with the launch of a new functional website, where his numerous customers can order and get their orders delivered seamlessly. He has also recruited a team of well-trained and experienced staff to help attend to customers enquiries in the most professional way.”

  • Senator Lekan Mustapha joins league of sexagenerians

    Senator Lekan Mustapha joins league of sexagenerians

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    Senator Ramoni Lekan Mustapha is an influential and resourceful politician within the Ijebu/Remo axis of Ogun State. He started playing politics from the cradle. First as a grassroot mobilizer, local government chairman, House of Representatives member before becoming a senator of the federal republic first in 2007 and 2019.

    Looking back at his political sojourn, reaching a milestone of 60 years on planet earth is a testimony to the goodness of his creator in his life. Despite gliding into the league of sexagenerian on weekday, Tuesday February 25, it was time for family, top dignitaries and associates to celebrate his pot full of joy.

    The former Nigeria Port Authority board member is a vibrant advocate for the creation of Ijebu State. In celebration mood, high-ranking Muslim clerics, led by Sheik Muyideen Bello, showered prayers on the noble politician. On that day, Ijebu Ode, was up to all and sundry. The influx of high profile personality like; Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Chief Jubril Martins Kuye, and many more trooping into the Government Reservation Area of Ijebu Ode, showed how important and influential the Senator representing Ogun East senatorial district is.

    His beautiful wife, Iyabosola, didn’t disappoint in making guests comfortable. She ensured all guests were treated with a touch of royalty. She made available in abundance all kinds local and continental meals with lavish circulation of high cost drinks.

  • Shade Okoya’s touch of gold

    Shade Okoya’s touch of gold

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    For the want of a favourable description, Shade Okoya is a misunderstood woman. Athorough bred disciplinarian, knowing her from a far distance, gives a wrong picture of who she truly is. She is an angel in human form. Stylish Shade is an endearing personality wrapped with great poise, graceful gait, respect, compassion, sense of humour, humility and kind heart.

    Like the proverbial pillar that supports the house, Shade has been a blessing to her family – most expecially her billionaire industrialist hubby, Chief Razak Okoya, who recently joined the leagues of Octogenerian. To affirm her Midas touch of gold in anything she does with finesse, the fashion enthusiast has turned the fortune of Elegenza Nigeria PLC round by recording massive growth on assuming a managerial role.

    Under her watch, she redifined and repositioned Eleganza to meet an enviable standard. As at today, the company’s work force has risen astronomically and also production of plastic products  A close source disclosed to Society Rendezvous that; Shade is doing a lot for the company. Ever since she started handling the affairs of the company, things have began to flourish. She recently acquired new set of machines to boost production of plastic products and also diversify into new set of products that the general public crave for. With the support of her husband, investors and workers within the next 12 month, Eleganza is poised tobecome a high flying company that it was reputed for to be.

  • A good time for Deji Adeleke

    A good time for Deji Adeleke

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    To say Adedeji Adeleke is one of the biggest industrialists in Nigeria is stating the obvious truth. The Ede, Osun State-born billionaire is a soul who enjoys abundant grace of his creator, particularly when you consider how he had risen from grass to grace in his sojourn.

    Totally different from some of his peers who were born with the proverbial silver spoon in their mouth, Adeleke became successful through a dint of hard work and resilience. Apart from his phenomenal growth in business, the Chairman of Pacific Holdings has gotten many other reasons to beat his chest as a successful father and be thankful to the almighty God for his blessings. He has his hands littered across many business ranging from; Oil and Gas, Hospitality, Security, Music Label, Education, Real estates, Banking sectors etc.

    Chief Adeleke was quietly doing his business away from media attention not until his super star son; David Adeleke popularly know as Davido threw him into public consciousness after constantly boasting and speaking of his enormous wealth and opulence. His son also created the sobriquet ‘Omo Baba Olowo’ meaning the ‘Son of wealthy Man’ for himself.

    The generous philanthropist is not a man who does not like to display his God given wealth, but when he has a reason to do so, he has a mastery of it. He recently displayed his deep pocket and financial watchers, when when his eldest son, Adewale tied nuptial with his fiance at the United Arab Emirate, Dubai, earlier this year. It was said that; Chief Deji parted ways with millions of Dollars to cater for all invited guest from Nigeria. He was said to have paid for a chattered flight, hotel reservations, welfare and other packages.

    To show how wealthy this man is, take a trip to his garage, you will be marvelled at the fleet of expensive automobiles present there. Over the week, he got delivered, a Gulfstream private jet, estimated to be about $65 million, just over N23.5 Billion. The new state-of-the-art Gulfstream family of jets is known for its rakish structures, sleek and well furnished interiors, speed specs that are the stuff of pilotage dreams. The Cabins and seats were tastefully painted with cream colour, with the very best of luxury laced with comfort. Only few aviation companies can boast of similar advanced-technology aircraft that redefine safety, comfort and range at speed.

  • Stop the rumour! Abdulsamad and Aliko are best of friends

    Stop the rumour! Abdulsamad and Aliko are best of friends

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    For some reasons in the past, many onlookers would have thought high flying billionaire business magnates, Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu would remain sworn enemies till date. Yes, the bad blood between them was caused by clash of interest and competition in business. In a rare twist, the warring friends decided to bury the hatchet, give peace a chance and respect each other’s territories. The two leading indigenous cement company in Nigeria are both progressing in the market with massive patronage.

    It would interest those who intend to know that; the duo who both made the 2020 Forbes list of Billionaires in Africa remain good friends and brother. Aliko is worth over $10.1Billion while Abdulsamad’s worth is valued at $3.1Billion.

    Their success story is similar in nature as Dangote followed the footstep of his industrious uncle while Abdulsamad followed the footstep of his industrious father to remain ontop of their game. Apart from their friendship ; they both hail from Kano state which makes the connection between them more stronger.

    The feud that almost tore their friendship apart started years ago when Dangote and BUA cement were at loggerhead over the ownership of a Limestone mining lease located at Okpella, Edo State. The issues generated several media attention, both companies released several document to back their claim on the legitimate ownership of the mining lease. Both companies approached the court to get an interim injunction to stop mining activities. It took the quick intervention of the Edo State Government and Presidency to ensure calmness and allowing peace reign between the two cement production giant.

    Aside from cement, which has catapulted the two Kano business magnates into Africa’s richest list, Rabiu, like Dangote, has stakes in a wide range of other business interests including manufacturing, Agro-business, real estate, haulage, oil & gas, port concessions and shipping. There are even silent whispers that Rabiu is considering building his own petroleum refinery just as Dangote in the nearest future.

    A close source avered that; “Many think it’s was a fight between Aliko and Abdulsamad but far from it. It’s their company’s battle for supremacy. Aliko and Abdulsamad are both an individual personality. The business can rival but the owners are still good friends till date. Those trying to create enimity between the duo forget to acknowledge the fact that, they are both from Kano State which makes them brothers.”

    To further prove mischief makers wrong, Africa’s Richest man, Aliko Dangote, last week, paid a courtesy visit to the BUA headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos. He was received and welcomed by BUA chairman, Abdulsamad, who took him round the palatial office edifice.

    The visit showed the world that the sky is wide enough for everyone to fly high. It showed that there is room for healthy competition between the duo by reaffirming their commitment to redefining the commerce and industry of Nigeria to an enviable height. Rabiu, who would be 60 onAugust 4, also dismissed talks of any competition with Dangote, pointing out that their mutual interests in certain sectors derive from the inclinations of the patriarchs of their families.

     

  • Oluwo missing in action as Olojo of Epe celebrates

    Oluwo missing in action as Olojo of Epe celebrates

    By Olushola Victor

    This is not a good time for Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrasheed Akanbi. While he is still battling with the media attention created by the split with his Jamaican wife, Ms. Chanel Chin, he found himself in another saga.

    After allegedly assaulting another traditional ruler, Agboowu of Ogbaagba, Dhikrulahi Akinropo, over a land dispute, the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers suspended him for six months.

    His first reaction was to dismiss the suspension as a mere audio pronouncement, but later he said he took it in good faith even though it was harsh.

    Read Also: Oluwo ‘to abide by suspension’

    Last weekend, Oloja of Epe Land, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, celebrated 20 years on the throne in style in Epe, Lagos, and it was not hard to notice the Oluwo’s absence. All his royal and socialite friends gathered to celebrate the Oloja amidst fun and razzmatazz. Sources said the reason for the Oluwo’s absence could not be far from his recent saga, which has made him unpopular among fellow traditional rulers.

    For the one-week traditional event, the grand occasion where dignitaries where given a special treat was held at the Epe Recreation Ground. Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, was there to do what he knows best to do.

    Dignitaries at the occasion were Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Hon. (Mrs.) Yinka Babalola, Hon. Toyin Akerele, Hon. Bola Olumegbon Lawal, Hon. Tobun Abiodun, Sir Kessington Adebutu, Chief Folu Oguntade; Hon. Prince Bayo Balogun, Hon. Segun Olulade, Chief Jide Odekunle, Otunba Deji Osinowo, Ològe Yaya Busari, Prince Gbolahan Animashaun, Hon. Tajudeen Olayemi Ajala, Otunba Lekan Osifeso, among others.

  • Queen Naomi dances to ‘Apala’ music

    Queen Naomi dances to ‘Apala’ music

    By Olushola Victor

    When it comes to praise and worship, Ooni of Ife’s wife, Queen Naomi Ogunwusi, is powerful. It was even suggested that it could be one of the qualities that attracted the king to her.  She is a renowned evangelist and her marriage to the traditional ruler has not taken that from her.

    But at the recent Aje Festival’s reception, the queen showed another side of her personality that many people don’t often get to see. She couldn’t resist Haruna Ishola’s melody and praises of her. She grooved to the ‘apala’ singer’s live performance and it went on for a while.

    Naomi became Ooni’s wife in October 2018 and they have looked like a match made in heaven since the union.