The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Tope Alabi shrugs off criticism

    Tope Alabi shrugs off criticism

    By Olushola Victor

    Gospel singer, Tope Alabi, recently had a taste of social media bullies or critics following what was termed her “worldly dance” in a viral video.

    The popular stance was that, through her dance steps, she wasn’t practicing what she preached in her songs.

    Reacting to the video in an interview, Alabi stated that she needed that dance at that time. According to the gospel singer, she was dancing at her father’s burial and people with “spiritual eyes” would understand its meaning.

    Her attempt to further explain why she did the “worldly dance” was met with even harsher criticism.

    But it seems the singer has moved on from the attacks. She was in a jolly mood while thrilling guests recently at Deaconess Oluremi Domingo’s 60th birthday organised by her husband, Senator Domingo Obende.

  • Sisi Abbah on date with son, Segun Awolowo

    Sisi Abbah on date with son, Segun Awolowo

    Olushola Victor

     

    Although the occasion was the 74th birthday of former Senator, Florence Ita-Giwa, Abbah Folawiyo and her son, Segun Awolowo, had a nice time together.

    At the birthday gig held at Ita-Giwa’s Echoes of Calabar Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos, Folawiyo and Awolowo had a mother and son’s moment.  It was indeed a perfect time for them to bond, laugh and relax in a cheerful environment. For a major part of the party, they were seated closely to each other.

    Unless she is totally helpless, there is nothing in this world that will make Folawiyo miss her best friend, Ita-Giwa’s birthday. For over five decades, they have been good friends. Once you see Folawiyo at a social gathering, it is almost certain you will see the senator.

    Other personalities at the party included 2Baba, Onyeka Onwenu, Guy Murray Bruce, Designer Mudi and Ngozi Nkoloenyi.

     

  • How Shobanjo, Diya kept friendship for 62 years

    How Shobanjo, Diya kept friendship for 62 years

     

    Olushola Victor

     

    One of the few things money cannot buy is friendship. A loyal friend will never forsake one when one runs into trouble. That kind of friendship appears to exist between advertising giant, Biodun Shobanjo, and former Chief of General Staff, General Oladipo Diya (rtd).

    At the recent 70th birthday celebration of Otunba Josephine Onoimiuko Diya, wife of the retired general, Shobanjo recalled the good days they spent together.

    Revealing that that he had been Diya’s close friend for 62 years, the Co-Founder of Insight Communications and Chief Executive of Troyka Group said they didn’t let anything come between them since childhood.

    He noted: “I am privileged to say something about the celebrant, Josephine Diya. If you didn’t know, her husband, General Diya, and I, have been friends for 62 years. It is only natural that I should know the celebrant very well.”

    “One thing that people don’t know about Gen. Diya and his family is that they are very religious.

  • Gbenga Daniel’s surprise appearance at Aje Festival

    Gbenga Daniel’s surprise appearance at Aje Festival

     

    Olushola Victor

     

    While notable movers and shakers of Yorubaland were missing at 2020 Aje Festival held in Ile Ife, Oyo State, former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), made it top priority. Even Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, was absent.

    Of course, being the host, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, was at the centre of everything.

    Also, the role of Lagos businesswoman, Princess Toyin Kolade, cannot be ignored. She was saddled with the responsibility for planning the festival and didn’t fail.

    Daniel, who honoured Aje Festival despite his tight schedule, brought some excitement to the festival. He commended Ooni for his effort to unite all traditional rulers in Yorubaland as well as his desire to ensure that there was peace among the people.

    According to the former governor, Aje Festival has fostered trade and investment opportunities between Nigerians and Brazilians who participated strongly in this year’s edition.

    Meanwhile, OGD’s son, Olurotimi, will be signing the dotted lines with his beautiful bride, Nofisat Mahmud, on March 7. The first leg of the nuptial – traditional engagement – will hold on Thursday, March 5.

  • Shina Peller, wife get chieftaincy titles

    Shina Peller, wife get chieftaincy titles

     

    Olushola Victor

     

    They call him the nightlife king due to his investment in Quilox Nightclub in Lagos, but Shina Peller’s influence is growing into other areas as well.

    Peller, who is lawmaker representing the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency in Oyo State, was one of the chosen ones conferred with chieftaincy titles by Oloja of Epe Land, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, during the celebration of his 20 years on the throne. While he was crowned Akinrogun of Epeland, his wife, Ayobola, became Yeye Akinrogun of Epeland.

    Others who went home with titles were Mr. Stephen Jennings (Amuludun of Epeland) Mr. Frank Mostler (Bobatuluse of Epeland) Mr. Ganiu Shonubi and his wife (Asiwaju Bobaselu of Epeland and Yeye Asiwaju Bobaselu) and Abdul Ganiyu Awokoya (Otunba Bobagbayi of Epeland).

     

  • Mesida-Lawal storms social scene

    Mesida-Lawal storms social scene

    Olushola Victor

     

    In recent times, celebrity make-up artiste, Banke Mesida-Lawal, has kept a low-profile lifestyle. She prefers to do the talking with her make-up skills, rather than dominating the spotlight.

    But the burial of her father, Professor Ebenezer Ajibola Meshida, was an exception as the Chief Executive Officer of BMPRO went all out to give him a befitting parting. She reached out to all her high society friends/clients and they didn’t disappoint.

    The 2008 Nigeria LNG Prize for Science winner was eulogised at the Chapel of the Healing Cross, Idi Araba, Lagos, while his remains were laid to rest at Ebony Vaults, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    At the lively reception held at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos, Haija Bola Shagaya, Dele Momodu, Ify Ighodalo, Queen Sekinat Elegushi, Bayo Aluko, Folusho Adeagbo and influential figures were spoilt with food, drinks and music.

  • Amina’s Secret expands

    Amina’s Secret expands

     

    Olushola Victor

     

    Amina Ayeni is not relenting despite the apparent success of her aphrodisiac brand, Amina’s Secret.

    Recently, she opened a new office in Tejuosho Market, Yaba, Lagos. Already, she has two branches that cater for people who reside on Lagos Island.

    Ayeni told Social Circuit that there was a pressing need to establish a new branch on Lagos mainland in other to carter for the demands of couples interested in enhancing their sex life.

    She said: “We opened here (Yaba) because we want to cater for everybody’s sex life. I just want to make sure everyone is happy and has an amazing sex life. We have roots and herbs. Once you have a good sex life, everything falls in place; your relationship/ marriage is better. I want to change the mentality of Nigerians about sex. Everyone has sex and everyone should enjoy it.”

    The graduate of psychology and counselling from the University of East London, Cyprus, launched Aminat’s Secret in 2016.

     

  • About Princess Ogunwusi’s man

    About Princess Ogunwusi’s man

     

    Olushola Victor

     

    March 8 is the day Ooni of Ife’s immediate elder sister, Princess Adesola Ogunwusi, will tie the knot with her lover, Owolabi Ayoola Soremekun. But while a lot is known about the bride, little is known about the groom.

    Social Circuit confirmed that they dated for more than three years before deciding to spend forever together. It was also learnt that Soremekun, who is based in Italy, runs a shoe shop in the European country and has a similar outlet in Ajah, Lagos.  In his late 40s, the stylish businessman hails from Gbagura in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

  • Dino Melaye unruffled

    Dino Melaye unruffled

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    In recent times, Senator Dino Melaye, who represented Kogi West, has suffered a series of political defeats. While his well wishers were yet to come to terms with his loss to arch rival Senator Smart Adeyemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the rerun, the former activist also lost at the Kogi State governorship election primary to represent the People Democratic Party (PDP).

    Though his traducers are reportedly happy about his recent political travails, Society Rendezvous gathered that the gangling ‘Ajekun Iya’ Crooner is unexpectedly unperturbed.

    In spite of the diary of losses, nay challenges, he has proven that he is indeed a cat with nine lives that bounces back at every slightest opportunity.

    He is silently preparing for a grand return to politics in 2023. Since his unceremonius exit from the Red Chambers, he finds more time to attend top soirees, movies, globetrotting and riding his expensive vintage automobiles round the city of Abuja”

    To many, he seems to derive pleasure in stoking the ember of controversy at the slightest opportunity; and to others, he seems to have sacrificed the business of law-making on the altar of comforts of life.

    However you see him, the former activist is one man who seems to be less bothered about what many say about him.

    He was recently criticised on social media for flaunting his expensive automobiles and sheer display of opulence. Dino stated unequivocally that acquiring vintage automobile is one thing he has passion for and which makes him happy.

     

  • Gumsu Abacha’s new lifestyle

    Gumsu Abacha’s new lifestyle

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    If you have been following the compelling love story of Gumsu Fatima Abacha, one of the lovely daughters of the late military dictator, Gen. Sanni Abacha, with keen interest in the last 20 years, you will accept the fact that she has been quietly enjoying her matrimonial life with her Cameroon-born billionaire husband, Bayero Fadil Mohamadou.

    Gumsu never wates time in displaying their love and affection on social media; she does it at the slightest opportunity, especially on their wedding anniversaries or his birthday.

    Years ago, when Gumsu turned 42, her billionaire hubby threw a little shindig for her at the Pullman Douala Rabingha Hotel in Cameroon. Sources close to the erstwhile couple said their love for each other was infectious as Bayero treated her like a princess, sends her rose flowers all the time to cement and assure her of his undying love.

    Everything went rosy and sweet like a comedy novel not until tragedy struck in December, when information had it that the union had hit the rocks.

    They duo parted ways due to irreconcilable differences. According to sources, Gumau and Bayero don’t see eye to eye. The bad blood between them has taken a new twist.

    To further confirm the authenticity of the lingering breakup rumour, Bayero quickly updated his Wikipedia profile, with his new status showing he has parted ways with Gumsu.

    The couple tied the nuptials in May 1999 at a grand ceremony held in the ancient city of Kano. Their two decades of marital odyssey was blessed with five children. The duo have agreed to co-parent peacefully.

    Bayero is the C.E.O of Fadil, an agro-industrial group prominent within Central Africa, which operates in several sectors including soap, oil extraction, tourism, livestock, and information technology.

    As a computer enthusiast, he graduated from Bates College in Lewiston Maine, and the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in New York City.

    But rather than Gumsu to recoil into her cocoon following her failed marriage, the socialite has moved on as if nothing ever happened in her life.