The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Jibrin Barau to host double wedding

    Jibrin Barau to host double wedding

    Deputy President of the Senate and one of the influential politicians in Kano State, Senator Jibrin Barau, is not leaving any stone unturned this December as he plans to wrap up the year with the wedding of two of his children in one day.

    The grassroots politician who has shown his political acumen over the years has remained consistent in whatever he does; and at the National Assembly, he is widely loved by his colleagues for his calm nature and also his open arms and listening ears. Come December 13, Barau’s son JIbrin Barau Jibrin will be walking down the aisle with the daughter of the Sarkin Bichi, His Highness, Nasir Ado Bayero, Maryam Ado Bayero; while his daughter, Aisha Jibrin, would get married to the son of Dr. Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, the president of Azman Group, Abubakar Yunusa, at holy matrimony which is set to hold at the palace of Sarkin Bichi, Gian Sarki Na Nasarawa, Kano.

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    It’s a thing of joy for Barau but also an emotional one for him as his lovely daughter is changing her status to being a wife while his son is also adding another member to the Jibrin Barau Family. We gathered that he has shared an invitation to top guests as Senate members would be attending while other political associates have ticked the date on their calendar ready to shut down Kano State for one of their own. We also gathered that the politician has employed the services of top vendors who will treat his guests to royalty with  the meals, the drinks and others.

    Barau who is having a double wedding using a stone to kill two birds has also vowed that those attending his event would have a memory they won’t forget in a hurry as he is going to display his hospitable nature for the world to see.

  • Ned, Obi: friendship made in heaven

    Ned, Obi: friendship made in heaven

    Like a popular literary giant, William Shakespeare said about friendship in one of his plays Hamlet; “Those Friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel”, the quote aptly captures the essence of true friendship which means standing for friends through thick and thin. Shakespeare highlighted the need for people who have found true friendship to hold them tight and not let them leave. This captures the situation of two business magnates; Dr Kennedy Okonkwo known as Ned and Billionaire Businessman, Obinna Iyiegbu known by the sobriquet Obi Cubana. The duo has been friends for over two decades and their friendship has grown to brotherhood as they both have grown and become two giants in the Nigerian business landscape and also have done business together. The story of the duo during their humble beginning has taught the much younger generation the power of quality friendship and also not giving up on humble beginnings. 

    Over three decades ago, The Chairman of Victoria CresHomeses Ned Okonkwo was in Lagos struggling with no roof over his head but through resilience and work, he was able to build a real estate conglomerate that is redefining the landscape of Lagos.

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    His friend Obi Iyiegbu who served in Abuja as a youth corper made his fortune from the entertainment business in the Federal Capital Territory FCT where he served meals and drinks at his open bar before it was demolished. He also worked as a house agent before luck and hard work propelled him to greatness. With a business conglomerate with hands in different pies of business from Real estate, entertainment, hotels, drinks and liquor, transportation, agricultural business and a host of others; Obi Cubana has registered his presence to become one of the most respected businessmen in Nigeria. 

    Regardless of the duo’s wealth, they have never despised their humble beginning as they have continued to mentor the younger generation on the reward that comes with hard work. They have also ventured into philanthropy. Their friendship and bond many said its made from heaven as they often tell each other that they are brothers their parents never had. Their family spend time together and they both attend most series together. They have never failed to uphold the tenets of brothers which are coming through for each other in time of need and also supporting each other without bad blood, envy and jealousy. This has made them two giants ruling their worlds.

  • Lavella club marks first anniversary in grand style

    Lavella club marks first anniversary in grand style

    One of Nigeria’s luxury night clubs, Lavella nestled between the iconic buildings on Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island in the heart of Lagos has marked its first anniversary in grand style.

    The anniversary, which held recently in Lagos, was marked by an electric atmosphere, with guests treated to unforgettable nights of hip-hop and Afrobeat music, and other sterling performances.

    Since the club was opened in September 2023, Lavella has played host to hundreds of celebrities, including superstar musicians, entertainers, influencers, others.

    According to Lavella’s Creative Director, Princess Edoho, she affirmed that the club has redefined the nightlife experience in Lagos.

    She noted that the club has established itself as a prominent and well-patronized nightclub in Lagos, emphasising that the state-of-the-art facilities and luxury services at Lavella is one of it’s biggest selling point.

    Princess Edoho said: “Lavella is a prestigious and premium club as you can see. To mark our first anniversary, we had series of fun-filled activities. Lavella is a high-end club that gives top quality and outstanding performances.

    “We have performances that include cabarets, the Las Vegas-themed shows, and real-inspired performances like the carnival from Brazil. And then we have Afro-shows also that depicts the tradition of Nigeria.

    “We also have shows like Lavella performances, like many productions, not like every other clubs that just do regular shows. We do productions, outstanding performances. Because we want our audience to feel like they are in a different world entirely. We want to give them stunning performances.

    “Also, we have the best DJs, and we’ve had A-list artists perform on our stage, including Timaya, Chike, Shallipopi, Nasboi, 9ice, others.

    “We opened on September 15th, 2023, and it has been filled with ups and downs, but however we’ve been able to forge ahead. As we look forward to the new phase, we want people to know that amazing things go down here at our club.

    “We have special things here to offer to people of Nigeria and US. And we’re looking forward to the festive period. Halloween, Christmas, December, into the New Year, and it’s going to be fantastic, trust me.”

    Concluding, Princess Edoho noted that the success of Lavella’s first anniversary celebration underscores the venue’s reputation as a hotspot for nightlife enthusiasts in Lagos.

  • Oladapo Sofowora bags UNESCO award

    Oladapo Sofowora bags UNESCO award

    Celebrity Journalist, Public Relations expert, and top socialite, Oladapo Adekunle Sofowora, ANIPR has been awarded the highly coveted Children of African Descent Award from the U.S. Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers & Associations, UNESCO SDG at the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the United Nations during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), New York, United States of America.

    The prestigious award which was conferred on Saturday, September 21, is in celebration of the 2024 International Day of Peace.

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    The award celebrates the chairman of Rudder Blade Global Company’s outstanding achievements, innovative initiatives, and unwavering dedication to creating positive change.

    Mr GUY P. DJOKEN, Chairman of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO Clubs who presented the award disclosed that Sofowora’s persistent efforts over the years have had a significant impact, serving as an inspiration to future generations and challenging existing societal norms.

    He said: “His giant strides in catering for widows, providing food to the underprivileged and also his fight against human trafficking were things that qualified him for the award.”

    Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the award, the London School of Journalism trained media practitioner emphasized that the recognition serves as a call to further serve humanity and will motivate him to continue his efforts.

    He expressed his excitement and happiness, acknowledging that this acknowledgment will reinvigorate his commitment to combating the challenges faced by the underprivileged.

    The graduate of English and Literature from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun State is currently in the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly UNGA and will on Thursday, September 26 participate in a panel discussion at the Nigerian consulate in Manhattan, New York, USA, alongside other speakers to deliberate on action plans for the development of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

  • Tein Jack-Rich’s new move

    Tein Jack-Rich’s new move

    For Nigerian billionaire oil mogul and philanthropist, Tein Jack-Rich, expanding his tentacles in business and capturing a major stake in the oil and gas sector has been his dream and he is achieving that with much gusto.

    His Belemaoil Producing Limited has been on the high rise with repositioning and also change in its management structure to achieve its needed goal of attaining greater height.

    The oil firm recently announced the appointment of a former Group General Manager in charge of Finances at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, Ahmadu Sambo, as its new managing director/chief executive officer and also appointed Emmanuel Onos as its chief finance officer (CFO) as the duo will further work on driving its transformation, realising its shared vision and deriving significant benefits for its joint venture operations and shareholders.

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    In a bid to further cut across, thereby extending its tentacles outside of the shores of Nigeria and Africa, the President/Founder of Belemaoil, is working hard to position the firm as the first truly indigenous oil and gas exploration and production firm from a Niger Delta oil producing community to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, New York Exchange and the London Exchange with overwhelming stock growth. He also wants to cover the revitalisation of the company’s Joint Venture (JV) operations, unlock multi-billion-dollar value and reposition it for a greater height that will be more beneficial to all shareholders.

    Sources say the new appointments will allow Jack-Rich now focus on his vision for strategic multi-dimensional business development.

  • Abdulwasiu Sowami celebrates at 54

    Abdulwasiu Sowami celebrates at 54

    City businessman and oil and gas magnate, Abdulwasiu Sowami was quietly doing his thing until he made his grand entry into the oil and gas business in 2018 after his Prudent Energy & Services Limited, acquired Femi Otedola’s 74% divested shares in Forte Oil.

    The move made the headlines as the feat was widely celebrated by all sundry. He also disclosed his quest to take the oil and gas firm to the next level with his lofty ideas.

    As part of his rebranding process, he changed the brand name from Forte Oil to Ardova Oil and Gas plc and today the business venture has sustained an impeccable feat in the downstream, midstream and upstream of the oil and gas sector.

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    Despite several internal issues, rise and fall in global oil prices among the dwindling business climate in Nigeria, Sowami displayed his wizardry by making the business stay afloat.

    Today, the Prudent Energy boss has remained a delight to many in the business space. As a very gentle yet suave man, Sowami loves to move like a siege as his business acumen is unrivalled. The calculated risk he took in business is currently paying off as he is enjoying the fruit of his labour.

    On Saturday August 31, the philanthropist celebrated his 54th birthday as friends took to their social media pages to pay homage and celebrate his achievements in business. They also celebrated his ingenuity and his selflessness for his friends. When he turned 50 in 2020, he could not throw a lavish birthday party because of the pandemic but he was celebrated to the high heavens.

  • Sholaye Jeremy buries mother in style

    Sholaye Jeremy buries mother in style

    Billionaire businessman Sholaye Jeremy is a man of style who loves to live a good life.

    He is a man who does not love to make unnecessary noise but often he is in the eyes of the media for good reasons. As an introvert, he spends most of his time building his business and making profit.

    Last weekend on August 29 and August 30, he and his sibling shut down Sapele, Delta state for the burial ceremony of their late mother, Madam Lilian Jeremy, a matriarch whose life was a testament to faith, love, and generosity, passing away on May 14, 2024, at the age of 74.

    The burial ceremony availed Sholaye the opportunity to drag top personalities from all walks of life to pay their last respect with a befitting burial to his mother.

    The farewell ceremony for the late Madam Lilian Jeremy has been described as more than a burial.

    On August 29 at the Jeremy family home, guests paid tribute to Madam Lilian’s legacy and the deep love she inspired in all who knew her. Family and friends came together to honour her memory through hymns and prayers. On the same day, a service of songs took place at her Sapele residence, uniting loved ones in shared grief and gratitude.

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    On August 30, the memorial service was held at the First Baptist Church in Sapele, a place that held special significance for Madam Lilian. Friends and family will pay their final respects in this sacred space, filled with heartfelt tributes, hymns, and prayers. Afterwards, guests converged at a reception party at the Athletic Club in GRA Sapele where guests were treated to royalty.

    Guests spotted at the event were former Governor of Delta State James Ibori, Gombe State ex-Governor Senator Ibrahim Dakwambo, ex-Minister for Petroleum Ibe Kachikwu, Julius Ronne, Timi Alaibe, Amaju Pinnick, Stan Rerri, Richard Mofe Damijo, Richmond MacGrey, Terry Waya, and Lanre Alfred amongst others.

  • Tony Elumelu’s Heirs is 14

    Tony Elumelu’s Heirs is 14

    For billionaire philanthropist and consummate banker, Dr Tony Onyemachi Elumelu CFR, taking calculated risks and turning every misfortune into an advantage is one thing he knows how to do best.

    All his life, he is all about creating value and also impacting the society which has crested his name in gold and today placed him on the pedestal of a man sharing prosperity in the African continent. His unprecedented influence cuts across two generations and has continued to spread his reach like wildfire.

    The Heirs Holding boss is a man in tune with new trends and a man who knows that; preparing the next generation through proper mentoring, value creation and adequate support will ensure self-suitability for Africa to rise above its current status and compete with the Western world in terms of development and economic stability.

    With the Chairman of Transcrop’s immense investment in the youth demography through his Tony Elumelu Foundation TEF, where he has raised giants and has continued to create a counterpart fund to catalyses entrepreneurship across Africa, through a USD 100 million non-refundable grants directly to 20,000 young African entrepreneurs, which have, in turn, created 400,000 jobs across the continent under the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme he is not repenting on his oars anytime soon. The ‘Afri-capitalist’ concept founder has gone far beyond just reshaping the African narrative of succession but also building a bridge to instil discipline and create a template that will ensure African youths live up to their position as change-makers in the continent.

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    Today he has not only transformed the narrative in Africa, he has been directly and indirectly involved in raising giants who are building business conglomerates worth billions of Dollars which in the next few years will take Africa to the next level. Last week, his business venture Heirs Holding, a business venture with hands in several sectors of the economy like power, energy, financial services, hospitality, real estate, healthcare and technology sectors, operating in twenty-four countries worldwide clocks 14 years since it came into existence in 2010. Elumelu who is known for creating wealth and prosperity nurtured Heirs Holding from its formative years navigating the murky waters of business to becoming what it is today.

    The celebration event was held at the head office in Ikoyi, where business leaders across the Group’s 24 businesses presented to financial analysts. The event highlighted the Group’s achievements as a role model for Africa’s economic transformation. It also featured a fireside chat where executives discussed the Group’s impact across its portfolio and ambitions for the future. The portfolio includes 7 listed companies, including the stock market bellwether Transcorp, and the price appreciation enjoyed by all shareholders has demonstrated Heirs Holdings’ commitment to creating and sharing wealth. The total capitalisation of the Group’s investee companies has soared by over 4140%, with three of its NGX-listed portfolios achieving SWOOT status (Stocks worth above N1 trillion).

    Elumelu has continued to wax stronger vowing not to relent in his quest to ensure the Africa narrative is rewritten with the continuous investment of his time and resources. The red and white coloured celebration cake was cut by Board members and staff. Those had a swell time as they had a light get-together with refreshments with the billionaire philanthropist and his lovely wife Dr Awele Elumelu.

  • Olu of Warri’s three years of blissful reign

    Olu of Warri’s three years of blissful reign

    Over three years ago, the ascension to the throne of Olu of Warri by Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko Ogiame Atuwatse III, became so turbulent that hell was let loose immediately his predecessor and uncle the 20th Olu of Warri Ogiame Ikenwoli joined his ancestors.

    It was a very great tussle during and after his selection as some sections of people in the kingdom allegedly averred that his selection process was flawed.

    Despite the tussle and the division between the palace chiefs, against all odds, he was announced Olu designate by the Iyatsere and went on isolation ‘idaniken’ that lasted three lunar cycles where he was intimated with kingship rites by the Ojoye Oguadoren.

    While he was in seclusion, the whole town was rented with a loud voice in a celebratory mood. It was a carnival across the ancient city as the Itshekiris were excited that a fresh gust of summer wind would take over the riverine kingdom.

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    For the Olu Atuwatse III, all those who opposed his enthronement have all come to see him from a different perspective and as well also come to terms with him that he is the chosen one to ferry the kingdom to the next level.

    On his coronation on August 21, 2021, it was a jamboree as sons and daughters of the kingdom came out in large numbers to witness his enthronement. In his coronation speech, it was quite evident that he had lofty plans to move the kingdom forward and represent it with his heart. Ogiame was unperturbed by the situations surrounding his enthronement; all he wanted was to bring development to his people and also facilitate investments in his community. He immediately put behind his pre-coronation tussles and hit the ground running.

    Since his coronation to date, Ogiame has embarked on a massive repositioning of the kingdom and has also thrown his door open for all sundry.

  • Atedo Peterside gives mom befitting burial

    Atedo Peterside gives mom befitting burial

    On August 23, Akuku Toru Local Government area of Rivers State became a mecca of sorts as top political stakeholders, captains of industries and socialites arrived for the burial of the mother to Stanbic IBTC Bank CEO, Atedo Peterside.

    Peterside buried his mother in grand style amidst pomp and glee. It was a night of tributes as many gathered to pay their last respect to the late matriarch, late Mrs. Princess Patricia Gboloba Awune Peterside (née Bob-Manuel) who died at the age of 99 and six months on April 10, 2024.

    On Saturday August 24, Atedo and his siblings dragged the whole country to Abonnema, in River State for the final burial of their mother for the final burial.

    The church service was a gathering that sparked up emotions as people could not stop speaking glowingly of the deceased in her persona while she was alive. They spoke of how she was a devoted Christian and a disciplinarian which reflected in the lives of her children who are doing good in their various life endeavours.

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    Atedo who is a business colossus and a financial powerhouse in the country never failed to show his political and economic clout at the church service in Nyemoni Church, York City, Abonnema, Rivers State (old colonial port city) where her service of song and lying in state service was held before the family proceeded on a private interment for the oldest Queen’s College Old Girl member.

    To celebrate the deceased, other old girls stormed the church service to sing their school anthem. It was the largest gathering of old school girls in recent times.

    The burial of the matriarch who would have celebrated her 100th birthday on October 10, was a loud event as the Peterside ensured those who visited were treated to the very best of meals and high-cost drinks in celebration mood.