Category: Society

Nigerian actress Sharon Ooja has led the streaming platform, Showmax’s masterbrand campaign with the theme, “No one tells a story like we do.”

The campaign officially launched with a super crisp and relatable television commercial, which pays an ode to the vibrant, larger-than-life storytelling streak of Nigerians and Showmax’s apparent efforts to tell authentic Nigerian stories through its slate of originals – eight of which were launched over the past one year.

Speaking on the campaign, Opeoluwa Filani, General Manager at Showmax Nigeria, says that the campaign is a celebration of the wealth of stories that abound in Nigeria and Showmax’s commitment to telling them as a truly Nigerian brand.

“In Nigeria alone, we have over 300 tribes and thousands of untold stories. We can tell 300,000 stories in a year, and you will still find a new and exciting story to tell for the next 10 decades. That’s the beauty of our diversity,” he says.

Continuing, he said, “As a brand, we believe it is our duty to tell these stories and tell them in their most original and purest form. And this is even more important to us because we’re Africa’s original streaming platform and we truly believe that no one can tell our stories better than we do.”

• By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Alhaji Nasiru Haladu Danu is indeed a stickler for success. No doubt anything he ventures into turns Gold. All his life he has dedicated it to hard work and building bridges across different tribes which today distinct him as a detribalized cosmopolitan business mogul who has stayed afloat in business and also as a thoroughbred political icon with immense clout.  The Chairman/CEO of Casiva Limited enjoys tremendous goodwill based on the account of his untainted and unblemished tested and trusted character; he is an affable and lovable person whose personality radiates with aura and sartorial elegance.

 He loves the good things in life more the reason why he is working tirelessly to ensure he stays on top of his game as a billionaire business mogul.

 It’s quite evident that he loathes unnecessary publicity and media buzz around him but his good deeds and success often throw him in the cynosure of all eyes. The Dan Amana Dutse of the Dutse Emirate in Jigawa State is high-wired, and influential as he played a pivotal role as a top member of the All Progressives Congress APC Presidential Campaign council who worked tirelessly to ensure the current administration assumes the helm of power he is also a close ally and son of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Today, he has not only remained relevant politically, his business acumen is spreading its tentacles like wildfire across the shores of the country. The shrewd businessman and generous Philanthropist loves to give back to humanity and his immediate environment via his Nasiru Haladu Danu Medical Mission Foundation. In Dutse, Jigawa State capital, he constantly reached out to about 5,000 people, including men, women and children who received medical attention from American medical specialists at his expense. He also sponsors education and also donates free food items to those in need. For all his immense contributions to business success, politics and humanity upliftment; he was among deserving Nigerians recently awarded by President Buhari’s administration with a National Honour of the Order of the Federal Republic OFR. We gathered that he accepted the National honour and further said it’s a clarion call for him to intensify his efforts in all facets of life.

• By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

High Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola (M.O.N) (O.F.R) is not a greenhorn in Nigeria’s business terrain.

 With years of consistent experience instilled with discipline and doggedness, he has continued to break new ground with his flagship TILT Group of companies, a business conglomerate doing exceedingly well with hands in different pies of business like energy, oil and gas, construction, agriculture to mention a few. The graduate of Philosophy from the University of Lagos is not a loud person he loves to make an impact silently. When most of his peers were busy spending lavishly on luxuries and other absurd materials; Okunola was busy building a formidable business empire, equipping himself with more knowledge and building friendship across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

 The Akosin of Yoruba land exudes humanness he loves to put smiles on the faces of those around him. The generous moneybag via his Okunola foundation using proceeds from his business has lifted many families out of the poverty range providing them succour.

 Spreading his humanity to vulnerable and underserved people in Nigeria and the Benin Republic, most especially in the area of financial inclusion, education, health and prison reforms over the years; he is not relenting in his quest to touch more lives. Recently, his foundation completed phase two of its market-money scheme targeting on reaching out to 700 no-income and low-income individuals in Ogun state. The scheme is targeted to ensure tokens are given to them to invest in their already established business or those with no business can also establish one which will help boost their businesses and also put them in the line of prosperity. This and many more of his numerous achievements and gestures we gathered caught the rapt attention of former President Buhari who conferred on the business czar a national award recently as the Officer of the Order of Federal Republic OFR after being decorated as a Member of the Order of Niger MON a few months ago.

• By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

If you are wondering how Oluwaseyi Adekunle aka Seyi Vodi with the business imprint “VodiGroups” has remained relevant on top of his game for over two decades, his success story will indeed make an award-winning inspirational business memoir if well scribbled into detail and published for public consumption.

 Despite not coming from a very influential and rich background, he was determined and consistent in his quest to loom large in what he believes most, which is the fashion business. He sowed with tears in his eyes and today he is reaping bountifully with smiles on his face. Till today, he never despises the days of his humble beginning as it has served as a reminder of where he is coming from. He is one of the few that knows how to maintain and service relationships. One thing that stands Seyi out in the fashion business is his ability to give maximum attention to details. He is a near perfectionist so he does his stuff with finesse and finicky. That’s why his outfit and fashion brand has been a model for many aspiring and upcoming fashion enthusiasts.

 The billionaire fashion connoisseur’s state-of-the-art office edifice, located in the heart of Abuja has remained a mecca of sort for top politicians, celebrities, billionaires businessmen and high profiled personality who sees his office as a rendezvous point for people from all work lives who visit they establish contacts, seal juicy business deals and also connect people from all different background. The very affable and down-to-earth graduate of Geology from the University of Maiduguri has today crested his name in gold this also led to his recent conferment with a National honour as Order of Niger OON by former President Buhari for putting Nigeria’s fashion in the spotlight and globalizing out Nigerian style pattern to the rest of the world.

• By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Olatunbosun Ariyo, the head honcho of Arismile Holdings; a group of companies with subsidiaries like 9Town Limited, Oceania Limited, Datu Kalinga Limited and Mindage Limited is synonymous with excellence. Better renowned for his entrepreneurial and managerial suaveness, Ariyo has carved an enviable niche for himself in the Nigerian business landscape. His company remains one of the most sought-after players in key sectors of the Nigerian economy ranging from mining and agro-allied to (EPIC) Engineering, Procurement, Installation and construction among others.

 Ariyo, over the years, has built a strong reputation for excellence. He has also shown consistency in service delivery, capacity and integrity, and it is not a surprise that he is being recognized recently with National Honour as a Member of the Order Federal Republic, MFR by Former President Muhammad Buhari for his contributions to economic growth and development of Nigeria’s private sector and his modest contributions to the economic growth of Nigeria.

• By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

The family members of Pa Olutunji Olugbolayan Olusanya, who died on the March 29, 2023 have announced plans for his burial arrangement with a Christian Wake-keep on Thursday, June 15 at the All Saint Anglican Church, Montgomery, Yaba Lagos, while his lying-in-State and funeral service will hold on June 16 at the same church after which he will be buried at the EbonyVault, IkoyI Lagos. 

His children, grandchildren and in-laws will be hosting a top Soiree in celebration of his life and times at the White Stone event Centre, Billingsway Oregun, Ikeja. One of his in-laws, the Chairman of Revolution Plus Properties, Mr Bamidele Onalaja, is married to one of the deceased daughters, Tolulope. Onalaja has sent out invitations  while plans have been concluded to host dignitaries to a spectacular occasion. Juju Maestro, Sir Shina Peters and SBLive have also been billed to thrill guests.

• By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Prince Donatus Okonkwo has been flourishing in Nigeria’s business terrain for over two decades after working for years in the United Kingdom rising to the role of a supervisor at Mcdonald’s. After Nigeria transited from military rule to civilian, he packed his bags and returned to Nigeria to found Tetrazzini a flagship one-stop fast food brand which later metamorphosed into a business conglomerate with interests in Agriculture, construction, real estate, Media, Oil and Gas to mention a few. Starting Tetrazzini from one flagship store on Airport Road with his wife Ngozi Okonkwo, they grew the business to have over 50 outlets across Nigeria serving sumptuous meals to the customers which gave other competitors a run for their money. Today he is being celebrated for his giant strides in business and politics.

 The Ojoto Anambra state-born billionaire has since wanted to lead his people using his experience as a successful entrepreneur and businessman. As a member of the All Progressives Congress APC, he also served as a member of the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN after which he tried to throw his hat in the ring to contest for Anambra State Guber in 2017. As a party faithful who worked assiduously well and spent his resources to ensure President Bola Tinubu gets a substantial amount of Votes in the February Presidential election, he has congratulated President Tinubu on his swearing-in as President. Via a statement signed by him; Okonkwo charged Mr President to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges while making an enabling environment for youths to thrive excellently well. “Your agenda of Renewed Hope for Nigerians resonates deeply with the aspirations and dreams of our people. It is a vision that seeks to address the challenges that have plagued our nation while fostering an environment of inclusivity, growth, and development. I commend your commitment to tackling issues such as unemployment, security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. It is my firm belief that under your leadership, we will witness a transformational era that brings tangible improvements to the lives of Nigerians.”

 He further said; “As a fellow party faithful, I look forward to working closely with you to translate your vision into reality. We must foster a culture of collaboration, where like-minded individuals come together to pool their expertise and resources for the betterment of our nation. I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to the collective effort of building a Nigeria that we can all be proud of.”

• By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Loyalty is sweet and its splendour soothes the heart.  The grand opulence and the respect that comes with being born with a blue blood is what money cannot buy but it’s something prestigious and worthy to fight for. For youthful Prince Kolade Afeez Siyanbola Oladigbolu named after his great grandfather the popular Oba Abubakar Siyanbola Oladigbolu the 40th Alaafin who ruled the kingdom between 1911-1944 his youthful age, exposure, wealth of experience, capacity, culturally rich background and vocal nature is something that stands him out among those jostling to replace the immediate past Alaafin Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi to occupy the highly revered throne in Yoruba land and history. The founder of Royal Colony Limited has over the years been in tune with the customs and traditions of the Oyo people and the Yoruba race owing to his deeply rooted knowledge of its history. He believes that his ability to mix freely and also knowing the yearning of his people will be an added advantage in his quest to clinch and ascend the throne of his forefathers. Despite the rigorous work being carried out by the selection teams of Oyomesi’s the astute businessman and marine enthusiast we gathered is a force that cannot be swept away with the wave of a hand. He is solidly on ground and has the support of the majority of people in Oyo. The Maritime guru has over the years built friends across the shores of Nigeria and has remained cosmopolitan but a thoroughbred Yoruba man who has accustomed to its culture-rich history and also possesses all it takes to occupy the stool. Among other contenders, he remains the youngest and one of the brightest whose resume is quite intimidating and most likely to be considered by the kingmakers. Having scaled through the hurdle required to be considered as Oba-Select, the graduate of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Victoria Island has remained confident owing to his popularity among Oyo indigenes, his father’s goodwill, his solid roots and his philanthropic nature.

 Sources say the young prince has prepared and equipped himself for the task ahead by further elevating and sustaining the legacies of past Alaafins and also hit the ground running by bringing all stakeholders across Yoruba Land to tackle issues of Yoruba Interest and also create a synergy with other monarchs to bring about flourishing Yoruba race.    

Oisamoje Daniel aka Ose Daniel, one of the leading contestants in the ongoing Nigerian Idol season eight, has opened up about his background, musical aspirations, and the thrill of participating in the singing competition.

 In a chat, Ose Daniel shared details about his life, dreams, and the path that led him to talent hunt and music competition show.

 He revealed that he completed his secondary school education but faced financial challenges that prevented him from pursuing a university degree. “I wouldn’t say I’m a school dropout, but I wrote my WAEC, and then there were no finances to continue when I finished,” he shared.

 Even though he’d have loved to attend university, life had to continue. So he lost himself in music and embraced his talent, jumping from choir to choir to keep growing as a singer.

 Daniel reminisced about discovering his vocal abilities as a child on the way to a farm with friends. “We were going to the farm. I was singing a song, and they said I could sing. So I joined the choir in my backyard, and they also thought I could sing. They gave me solos, but I always tried to dodge them. That was when I knew I could sing. That’s when I started music, going from choir to choir,” he revealed.

 Daniel had clear motives for auditioning for Nigerian Idol and will not be discouraged. He said, “Nigerian Idol is a huge platform. It means a lot of people will see me. This platform will bring me out to the public. I think Nigerian Idol would help push me into the world.”

 He acknowledged his previous challenges and confessed to nearly giving up on music before this opportunity arose. “Winning this competition would mean that I am validated and have talent. There was a time I almost gave up on music. I wanted to hustle. Look for something to do. Get money because everything was hard. So winning it would be a dream come true. It would be the biggest thing in my life,” he stated.

 The 24-year-old’s last two performances – Adele’s ‘Make you feel my love’ and Fireboy DML’s ‘Bandana’ – left a lasting impression on the judges and audience.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, (Ojaja II), has joined the league of cultural enthusiasts and aficionados across the world to certify the forthcoming Drum (Agalu-Agalu) Festival to be staged in Canada next month.

 In his reaction to the letter of invitation, Ooni expressed his delight in endorsing the maiden edition of the event.

In his words: “I write with great delight to endorse the inaugural The Drum (Ayan-Agalu) Festival scheduled to be held in Canada.”

The Ooni also asserted that “the festival, which has its root in the Kingdom of Ife, South Western Nigeria, is a symbolic presentation of our culture, particularly in relation to our social life, religion, monarchy and other core aspects of our existence.”

The Ooni of Ife could not but salute the courage, capacity and initiative of the chief host, who he called his son, for his spirited stride toward Yoruba and African cultural revival.

“I hereby congratulate my son who is the convener of the initiative, Prince Segun Akanni, and his team for their efforts in celebrating the Yoruba and indeed African culture,” the affable monarch stated.

In expressing his strong support for the success of the event, Oba Adeyeye recommended the event to interested partners, stakeholders and other investors to cash in on this unique prospect by coming on board and collaborating with the organisers of the cultural fiesta in order to make it a hugely victorious edition.