The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Edward Onoja’s headache

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Yahya you knew Edward Onoja when he was Chief Of Staff to his principal, Governor Yah Yah Bello of Kogi State, you can never ignore his influence in Bello’s first tenure, which helped the government succeed smoothly, devoid of troubles.

    He didn’t just start his political sojourn today, he started as an undergraduate student of the University of Jos. For his immense contributions to the success of Bello’s first term laced with his unflinching loyalty, he was rewarded with the Deputy Governorship slot after former Kogi deputy governor, Mr Simon Achuba was impeached by the Kogi State House of Assembly.

    During that period, the University of Jos graduate of Geology and Mining was regarded the defacto Governor of Kogi State.

    Gov. Bello allowed him handled all political related matter in Kogi State while he focused more on his transformation agenda for Kogi State.

    As the Chief of Staff, he handpicked over 80 per cent of Bello’s cabinet to show how he was trusted. He discharged his duty diligently devoid of nepotism and favouritism.

    This we gathered, got his kinsmen from Igala  land angry. He was alleged to have blocked them from having access to the Governor during his first term.

    Now that the father of three is the Deputy Governor, his principal we gathered is holding a grip on his last tenure as Governor, differently from when he allowed Onoja ran the government.

    Read Also: Edward Onoja sworn-in as Kogi Deputy Governor

     

    For few weeks now, rumour have been making the round over the alleged fall out between the duo. Several media reportage alleged that; there is a cold war between them.

    A close source to the Kogi State government divulged to Society Rendezvous that; “There’s no fight or quarrel presently but the governor is taking more hold of his government this term.

    The kind of influence Edward Onoja wielded as CoS is whittled down as Deputy Governor. He brought about 80per cent of the last cabinet including the former Deputy but this time, the governor is more involved in the appointment.

    Unlike when he had unfettered access to the governor he has to be scheduled now before he could see the Governor.”

    As the race for who succeed Governor Yahya Bello in 2023 has began, with the astronomic rise of Onoja from CoS to deputy governor, all fingers are pointing to Onoja as the perfect replacement and annoited candidate to run for 2023 Gubernatorial, under the All Progressive Congress APC.

    Society Rendezvous further gathered that; his aggrieved kinsmen from Igala land who felt Onoja blocked them from having access to the Governor when he was Cos, are currently at loggerheads with him.

    The source further disclosed that; “His major battle is with his Igala people who feel he blocked them out from having access to the governor when he was COS.

    Some of the bad media is also a fallout of the race for 2023 when power is expected to go to Kogi West so the rotation would have been completed.”

     

  • Where is ex-Minister Kemi Adeosun?

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Kemi Adeosun came into political prominence in 2011, when she was appointed Commissioner for Finance in Ogun state by Senator Ibikunle Amosun led administration.

    During her tenure, she redefined the financial fortune of Ogun state. Little did we know she was destined for greatness.

    After President Buhari won election in 2015, she was appointed as Minister for Finance, a feat which many described as a round peg in a round hole for the Chartered accountant.

    With her deep rooted knowledge in finance, accounting and economics, the London trained former minister who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of East London and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Financial Management from the University of London displayed her brilliancy.

    Under her watch, Nigeria was pulled out of recession after it last plunged into such state during the Babangida Military regime.

    Blessed with a resounding oratory prowress, she ran the country’s finance with much finesse and midastouch.

    She was having a good tenure in office not until on July 7, 2018, when she was alleged to have illegally obtained her NYSC exemption certificate to get into public office.

    Read Also: Adeosun’s resignation, an act of integrity, transparency, says APC

     

    On 14 September 2018, Adeosun tendered her resignation as Minister of Finance in a written letter to the President after investigations didn’t favour her.

    Since her resignation, her whereabout has since remained a mystery to her admirers. She is not in the media cynosure again.

    Her once active social media pages had since remained obsolete since her resignation. To the chagrin of her detractors, she was almost immediately elected as chairperson board of directors for African Export-Import Bank.

    A source disclosed to Society Rendezvous that; she has been shuttling Nigeria other African countries, Europe, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

    She needed the hiatus from public consciousness and media space. She had to recoil into her cocoon as the NYSC certificate saga really affected her. “

    Kemi is a fantastic person but the NYSC certificate scandal was a stain on her personality. She needed time out to heal and move on.

    Kemi is not a party kind of person. Infact, you can hardly see her attend soiree even as minister. For those wondering about her whereabouts, she is facing her new role as the Chairman of African Export-Import Bank board.

    The job takes her round Africa and the world where she is facilitating smooth import and export trade relations between Africa and the rest of the world.

    She hardly had that luxury of time to appear on TV and attend parties, where people will catch a glimpse of her. She is doing very well in her new challange.”

     

  • Senator Florence Ita-Giwa to shut down Lagos

    Our Reporter

    Once again ageless, charming and stylish woman, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, will climb the mountain top and roll out drums to thank her Creator, as she turns 74 on the 19th of February 2020.

    The former Special Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, will spare no cost to lavishly treat herself and well-wishers to a mega birthday Soiree amidst pomp.

    The birthday shindig is currently gathering momentum as the whole business, political and society space in Nigeria is currently gearing up for the anticipated birthday which is billed to hold at her ‘Echos of Calabar’ Restaurant located at Akin Olugbade street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Read Also: Senator Florence Ita-Giwa’s love for children

     

    Trust Mama Bakkasi when it comes to hosting top parties, she will make sure everyone is treated to royalty like Kings and Queens.

    An endless supply of well prepared local and continental dishes, most expecially her Calabar delicacy would be in circulation. Her favourite high cost Dom Pérignon Champagne would also go round accompanied with other assorted drinks.

    In preparation for the birthday shindig, a close source told Society Rendezvous that; the elegant and sophisticated woman would not leave any stone unturned to make the birthday celebration a talk of the town.

    She is expected to jet out briefly to Lebanon, to keep a date with her designer for an outfit that befits the superlative high octane party that is expected to draw a large assemblage of dignitaries from across the country.

  • Behind Barrister Yinka Mafe’s mysterious death

    Our Reporter

    In modern day Ogun State Politics, Asiwaju Barrister Yinka Mafe is a force to be reckoned with; most expecially, in the Remo axis of the state. His wide influence cut across all age starta, including the youth populace.

    The former Member of Ogun state house of Assembly representing Sagamu 1 constituency was widely loved by his people.

    Despite losing his bid to represent Remo at the Federal House of Representatives under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) platform, he has remained afloat, restrageziaing on his next move politically.

    On Tuesday the 4th of February, the former Ogun Assembly Majority leader celebrated his 46th birthday with a log of activities attached to it.

    He announced the activities vis his social media handles. At the dawn of the day, he had Christain and Muslim prayers at his Country Home before moving to the Correctional Facility in Sagamu to celebrate with inmates.

    In the evening at about 6pm, he retired to his hotel for an after party, where he converged friends and family in celebration mood.

    Read Also: 17-year-old housewife ‘stabs husband to death’ in Katsina

     

    If a soothsayer had told the Arole Asiwaju of Remo land his birthday was end in tragedy; a day he would return to answer the call of his creator, the Law Graduate from the University of Benin would have fought tooth and nail over such prophesy.

    Indeed tragedy strucked, the big elephant fell, unable to stand. The Masters degree holder in International Business Law from the Cambridge University, bid the world farewell at about 11pm, before getting to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Hospital OOUTH, where he was moved to for medical assistance.

    Those sharing in in pot full of joy are now mourning his shocking demise. A close source narrated the incident to Society Rendezvous that; “This incident is a tragic one, it’s a colossal loss to Ogun state; most especially the youth demography.

    Yinka Mafe is a rare gem, who is committed to the development of his immediate environment. We were together all through his birthday. He was relaxed, calm in his usual happy mood.

    At about some minutes to 11pm, at the get together birthday soiree organised at his Tenth Planet Suits Sagamu, he stood up suddenly and held his chest dearly.

    When we asked repeatedly what happened, he said he felt an heavy pain like a sharp object pierced him.

    Suddenly, he slumped before we could move him to OOUTH, he breathed his last breath. From medical investigation, doctors alledged he must have suffered from Acute Cardiac arrest.”

    The source further added that; “For those who don’t know,  several years ago, Hon. Mafe lost his mother to the cold hands of death on his birthday, 4th of February.

    He also lost his life on same day he was celebrating his birthday. His burial arrangement is yet to be decided as his immediate family are not based in the country.

    Arrangement are being made for his wife Arike Mafe and his kids Aderinsola, Odunmolorun and Mitchelle Oyindamola to jet back into the country from their base in the United Kingdom before plans for a befitting burial can take off.”

     

  • Rachael Salehu’s love for entrepreneurs

    Our Reporter

    If you ask top business strategist and society top lady Rachael Salehu how she has managed and nurtured her passion for excellence all this years, by staying afloat despite turbulent waves in business, She will tell you her love for impacting people around with her God given knowledge has been a driving force responsible for her Immense blessings.

    Over the years, the University of Lagos Graduate of Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography, has collaborated with innovative teams in content marketing, content creation, executing, measuring and optimizing engaging marketing campaigns, developing strong rapport with sales teams, and delivering on marketing Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and company financial targets.

    This sterling qualities distincts her from the crowd, most expecially her competitors.

    Read Also: Boosting social entrepreneurship for growth

     

    Blessed with a heart of gold laced with an endearing persona, apart from her love for philanthrophy and impacting of knowledge through teaching, she is a strong advocate of business orientation for young and aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship and business guidelines.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Enlite Global Services, on the 29th of February, will be giving back to her immediate society through the debut edition of her business symposium tagged; ‘Business Growth Seminar’, holding at the highbrow Eko Hotels and Suits, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    At the symposium, aspiring entrepreneurs and business startups would be taught and mentored on ways to elevate their organizational performance through skillful restructuring, effective sales boost, sales revenues, impacting unit recognition, productivity, and membership through advanced leadership and implementations.

    The Benue State born graduate of Entrepreneurial Management from Pan-Atlantic University, would be convening top business strategists and financial czar around the country, to teach and mentor small scale business owners, unemployed youths and undergraduates the rudiments of doing business, customer retainership and marketing skills.

  • The other side of Hakeem Muri-Okunola

    By: Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Hakeem Muri-Okunola, better known on the social radar as HMO, is an upward mobile debonair, who is destined for greatness. Since his formative years as a young lawyer, tailoring the path of his late father, Justics Muri Okunola, he has over the years grown to be a man loved by many for his uncommon calmness, intelligence, loyalty and astute brilliancy.

    In 2018, when he was appointed as the 21st Head of Service for Lagos State, many tongue wagged. His experience was questioned by some detractors.

    To the chagrin of naysayers, HMO is performing brilliantly and excellenty with his wide knowledge in corporate governance, native intelligence, bureaucracy and boardroom politics.

    Sources divulged to Society Rendezvous that; The Law graduate from the Lagos State University, is one of the Head of service in Lagos who has restored sanity, professionalism and visionary drive to the civil service system in Lagos with his wide experience.

    The Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development is a strong believer of the work hard and play hard ideology. Apart from the fact that he loves to live a private lifestyle, the International Business Law

    Masters Degree holder from the Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London loves to enjoy life, attend soiree, socialise and meet new people.

    Read Also: The other side of Big Brother Naija

    On Sunday, the 2nd of February, he was a guest at the five years remembrance ceremony of his late fathers friend, socialite and philanthropist, Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas, held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Immediately he sauntered into the hall, fitted in his well knitted stylish white Agbada and navy blue Cap, he greeted everyone wearing a cheerful and relaxed smile.

    He was looking quite different from his official personality full of life. His presence at the event, commanded respect accompanied with an endearing aura wrapped around his persona.

    In attendance at the remembrance party were; First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Eshinloku Sanni; Ambassador of France to Nigeria and ECOWAS, former Ambassador of France to Korea and Croatia, Mr. Jérôme Pasquier; Otunba Adekunle Ojora and wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, Chief & Mrs. Samuel Adedoyin, Alhaja Kuburat Okoya, Alhaji and Alhaja Tajudeen Okoya, Mr. & Mrs. Segun Awolowo, Hajia Abbah Folawiyo, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Alhaji Tunde Balogun; Senator Ita Giwa, Alhaja Fatima Bintu Tinubu, His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III) and his wife Sekinat Elegushi; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Prince Bisi Olatilo, Hon. Lanre Tejuoso, Dame Abimbola Fasola, Pastor & Mrs. Dotun Ojelabi and Mrs. Sean Anthony and a host of others.

     

  • Segun Showunmi in celebration mood

    Our Reporter

     

    Segun Showunmi, one of the few shinning lights in Nigeria’s political landscape needs no introduction. Known for his powerful oratory skills and brilliance, he was at a time, Special Assistant and Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. He has also served in various political capacities including the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign in 2011.

    The Abeokuta born politician has built a strong reputation for excellence over the years. In 2019, Showunmi shot into prominence when he was appointed spokesman to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the then presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the heat of the last 2019 general elections.

    Read Also: Fatukasi holds low-key 55th birthday celebration

     

    He also contested for a House of Representative seat at the last general election to represent Abeokuta South Federal Constituency.

    Away from politics, the public affair analysis has every right to appreciate his creator for making him witness yet another year on mother earth.

    On the 3rd of February, he celebrated his birthday in style amidst endless shower of eulogy and goodwill messages from friends, family and political associates.

    For him, his birthday is another occasion for merriment and thanksgiving for God’s immense blessings and mercy over his life.

  • Season of ‘houses’ for MC Oluomo’s wives

    Victor Olushola

     

    There is a common insinuation that road transport workers are irresponsible and that politicians use them to cause havoc during elections. Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State, Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, however, seeks to change that narrative.

    Although many Lagosians still have their reservations about him, Oluomo has attained some impressive feats. Few days after it was reported that his wife, Alhaja Temitope Adunni, completed a house, another wife, Aishat, is set to launch her new house too.

    Despite his modest education, he has ensured that his children get the best of education. In 2018, his twin daughters graduated from the University of Atlanta, Georgia. Last year, a son graduated from the Clayton County Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

     

  • Krizbeatz teams up with Yemi Alade, Skales

    Victor Olushola

     

    Talented music producer, KrizBeatz, has started this year on a serious note with the release of a single – ‘Riddim.’

    On the new song, the producer features Yemi Alade and Skales, and they combined well to make the track flawless.

    KrizBeatz is known for his ingenious works, which is enriched by infusion of elements of Electro-Dance Music (EDM) and reggae. His most prominent work, ‘Pana,’ has opened many doors for him.

    The latest song, ‘Riddim’ symbolises all that the producer stands for – thoughtful choice of collaborators, fine conflux of rhythm and melodies.

    Yemi Alade puts in her artistic charm that makes her a force on the continent, while Skales brings in his lively and sweet melody.

  • Ceeboi prepares lovers for Valentine’s Day

    Victor Olushola

     

    As St. Valentine’s Day draws nearer, Ceeboi has entered the studio to unleash something special for lovers titled ‘Don’t Let Me Go.’ The singer features the gifted GoodGirlLA (GGLA) on the new track. Their joint effort creates a sweet soulful love song, which will be relatable to all lovers.

    ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ further demonstrates Ceeboi’s versatility. He has performed as a speedster rapper and a feel-good singer.

    His partner, GGLA, is in her zone, using her emotional evoking vocals to good effect.