Category: Society

In the list of patriotic Nigerians, Air Peace boss Allen Onyema is not a pushover. He is one of the few passionate Nigerians who is unbothered with tribe or ethnicity but believes in Nigeria.

 At every opportunity, Onyema has never ceased to propagate the gospel of selling Nigeria to the world through his business. He is also a living example in his actions and way of life.

 Onyema has always lauded President Buhari for giving him and some other airline operators a soft landing saving them a huge amount of money in taxes and other incentives to the tune of N1 billion per aircraft. With this kind gesture, Onyema has held it in high esteem and has done his best to continue to fly Nigeria high across the continent with his addition of foreign flying routes and other African routes as well.

Despite his several class act and philanthropic gestures years ago in repatriating Nigerians from South Africa in the heat of Xenophobic attack, the law graduate from the university of Ibadan has recently shown his patriotism yet again with his kind gesture and support for Nigerians who are stranded in the war-ravaged Sudan where he offered to donate aircraft to airlift the for free as part of his own contribution to saving life via Corporate Social Responsibility giving back to his country.

 The businessman told the government to move the stranded people to a nearby country so as to enable them to airlift stranded Nigerians back to Nigeria at no cost. Onyema’s mantra has always been that the government must not be left alone to such responsibility.

 Onyema, we gathered, was triggered by his human feeling when he saw videos of stranded people who were scared for their life. This spurred his interest and willingness to provide all available human and material resources to evacuate them despite the danger.

 Over the week Air Peace also announced the latest addition to their fleets of Aircraft they just received at the Lagos Airport. The 165-seater Boeing 737-800 aircraft will be used to strengthen the airline’s regional and foreign routes.

Business magnate and oil mogul Aare Bashir Olawale Fakorede loves to live life to the fullest and also loves to keep it simple. He is someone who loves to celebrate with people on their big day but earlier this year at the introduction of his daughter Moyosore Fakorede and hubby Olabanji Kalejaiye, it was a carnival as a mammoth crowd converged to celebrate with him and pay his kind gestures.

 The party attracted the who is who in all walks of life including the vice president of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and his wife Dolapo. The event was rated as one of the biggest events in Lagos in the year 2023.

  Aare Fakorede and his wife are both not known for not doing things in half measure especially anytime they want to celebrate any soiree.

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 Like joyful and proud parents, they both planned to ensure the wedding of their daughter is one of a kind as they took the wedding to the highbrow area of London, United Kingdom where they ensured they extended an invitation to the high and mighty in Nigeria who converged in London last weekend at the holy matrimony of their daughter Moyosore to her husband Olabanji.

 Entering the Fairmont Windsor Park event centre, you will marvel at the sartorial elegance laced with poise in the ambience with the decoration of the wedding hall so beautiful and attractive. 

Those who attended confessed that the party was indeed a Lagos party in London as they had the very best of local and intercontinental cuisines with the very best of French champagnes and Scottish whiskeys all in circulation like it’s going out of fashion.

 Aare Fakorede also melted hearts during the father and daughter dance.

 Fuji maestro K1 de Ultimate and Laolu Gbenjo also dazzled the audience with musical renditions while the event was moderated by MC Ajele.

Ex-Governor of Abia state and senator representing the Abia North senatorial district, Orji Uzor Kalu is indeed having mixed feelings on the occasion of his 63rd birthday.

 The Senate Chief Whip is a happy man as he reflected on his 60th birthday three years ago when he was incarcerated but was let off the hook after which the dreams of giving quality representation to his people and also facilitating developmental projects became a reality.

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Having won his election and as a ranking member of the 9th assembly as the chief whip, the Slok Airline boss has thrown his hat in the ring to contest for the office of the Senate Presidency on the basis of equity and fairness to the eastern part of the country to create a balance in the power structure.

 As he celebrates his birthday far away in his home in Washington, United States of America, with his immediate family after the loss of his wife Ifeoma Kalu, the senator’s birthday will be devoid of fanfare as he is still mourning.

 According to a close source, all the senator wants today is just prayers in these hard times of loss and also prayers for the country as well as support for his ambition as senate president.

When the Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu Utieyinoritsetsla Emiko CFR, the paramount ruler of the Itshekiri’s was picked as the next to ascend the throne in 2021 by the Iyatsere, it was riddled with a lot of controversies. Some parts were super excited that a young and cosmopolitan monarch had emerged and some other factions were aggrieved that his selection was not in line with the traditions of the Itshekiris.

 However, Ogiame Atuwatse III passed through the necessary traditional rite to become the Olu of Warri.

 After his emergence, the Olu of Warri extended an olive branch to the aggrieved people saying the kingdom is for all. Some accepted the offer while others refused to change their stand. The Olu in his usual manner remained calm, unperturbed as he started on a highflying note making sure he made some few corrections which will move the kingdom forward and further place its tradition and institution as sacred.

 According to close sources, the Olu worked assiduously in mending fences with those aggrieved people, one of which is Ayiri Emami.

 Ayiri, a popular socialite, who retained the title of Ologbotsere of Warri land despite his fractured relationship with Olu, refused to move his grounds.

 Unsuspecting to what the new Olu of Warri had in store, he declared that all chiefs within the kingdom should come back for revalidation of their titles as they are to submit their traditional paraphernalia. 

 While many of the chiefs submitted to the Olu’s orders, Ayiri declined and his seat was declared vacant. However, dignitaries across the country waded into the matter after which Ayiri later succumbed to a private meeting with the Olu at his palace where he finally went to pay homage alongside his supporters.

 At a general assembly on the Aghofen over the week, Ayiri came out, paid homage by kneeling down before the King for the revalidation of his title. In a dramatic turn, the Olu offered Ayiri the title of Eyeku of Warri Kingdom, a title once held by his late father Chief Akonu Emami, but the popular socialite declined insisting on the Ologbotsere or nothing.

 In the same vein, Ogiame stressed that to have the Ologbotsere title, Ayiri will need to follow due process by meeting the requirements but he declined and stormed out of the palace in the company of his lieutenants.

 The king, immediately, elevated the Aboludero of Warri Kingdom Chief Oma Eyewuoma, a Deputy Director at Conoil, to the role of the new Ologbotsere of Warri kingdom and gave him his blessings.

For Abba Kyari, the late highly cerebral Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, it’s good memories all the way.
Recently Kyari’s family, friends and associates marked three years after his tragic demise occasioned by COVID-19.

Though he’s dead, his spirit still lingers on as many have often said he is one of the few men who put the interest of the country at heart with his dedication, selflessness and his commitment to work of national interest which led to his untimely death.

In the wake of his death, many who misunderstood his personality by believing the ugly narrative painted by some sections of the media also gave disparaging comments.
Those who understood him well sympathized with his family as they confessed that someone of his kind would come in another century.

Late Kyari was said to be the Buhari government’s proverbial Swizz knife with a multi-functional value.
Three years after his demise, he is still being greatly missed mostly by his principal, President Buhari, who trusts his highly cerebral judgment and also his children.

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In celebration of his three-year demise anniversary, friends and family organized prayers in this month of Ramadan on his behalf as they prayed for paradise and forgiveness of sins for him in the afterlife. They also prayed that his children and loved ones find comfort and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Sources disclosed that the near-perfectionist man was greatly missed for his coordination and ability to manage the President’s cabinet. “While Mallam Kyari was alive and in charge, the presidency had coordination, there was less controversy unlike what we are seeing today. Kyari is influential, powerful and very popular in fact, many referred to him as the de facto Prime Minister of Nigeria while he was alive. He helped covered some loopholes in the government.

This and many more those who are being fed with lies were terrified about. They are not comfortable about his closeness to the President, a situation that has always made him a subject of discussion and gossip from different corners in and outside the villa.” A source told Society Rendezvous.

In the oil and gas business terrain in Nigeria, Onajite Okoloko, chairman of Eroton Exploration and production company limited, is not a greenhorn. In fact, if you wake him up from his sleep to give a lecture on the oil and gas industry including the upstream and downstream sectors, Jite, as he is fondly called, will deliver hours of lectures on how to survive in the industry and remain highflying.

 Jite, a co-founder of Oando Plc, started Eroton exploration and production company (Eroton) in 2013 as an independent and indigenous oil and gas company with a special interest in Upstream Oil exploration. He was having a good time on top of his game as the business was thriving excellently as well as he teamed up with one of the major key players in the industry in 2015 when the company teamed up with Sahara Energy and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited.

 Jite was doing well until the business joint venture began to turn sour. In line with the provisions of the joint operating agreement (JOA),  Eroton and its subsidiaries were kicked out of the Joint Venture deal for its inability to maximize the production potentials of the oil field for over two years which has left the oil field out of shape.  NNPC disclosed that their action to expunge Eroton from the deal and appoint NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited to takeover is in the interest to protect the joint venture investment in OML 18.

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 However, NNPC also stated that the inability of Eroton, who defaulted in paying outstanding taxes owed which forced the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to close its head office, allowed production to decline.

 In order for Eroton to salvage its image, the company claimed the decline in production was caused by the unavailability of the Nembe Creek Trunk Link. Eroton also disclosed that its legal team has filed a suit in the relevant court of law to ensure due process is followed in the takeover of operatorship in line with the provision of the law. The Managing Director of Eroton, Emeka Onyeka, said the NNPC and Sahara have breached the terms of the Joint Operating Agreement governing OML-18, and with total disregard for due process.

 Onyeka told the public to disregard the report that the company has been removed as operator of OML 18, stating that Eroton remains the operator and assured that the court will rule in the firm’s favour.

When debonair businessman, Jameel Adetokunbo Disu, in far away Monaco, proposed to Belinda Ajoke Adenuga over 13 years ago, the lovebirds knew it was a journey of together and forever.

 That lovely moment in the European country sealed the beginning of a nuptial journey that will today be celebrated and also cited as an example of marital bliss.

 Memories of their road to forever and together can’t be forgotten in a hurry with beautiful venues and world class performances from some of the best musicians in Nigeria including King Sunny Ade, Sir Shina Peters, Banky W, Darey Art Alade, MoHits crew, Shuga band, Chidinma, 9ice, and PSquare.

 Till date, detractors who felt like most high-profile marriages don’t stand the test of time, are wondering how, despite Bella’s tight travel itinerary, social status and many commitments to business as the Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom and Chairman of a construction company, Abumet Nigeria, has been able to maintain her marriage and still give her home maximum attention.

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 Sources averred that Bella does not joke with her family. One thing she learned from her father. No matter how huge the work on her table is, when it’s time for family, she abandons it to attend to her family.

 As the couple celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary next week, you will think they both worshiped in the temple of Venus, the ancient Roman goddess of love.

 The couple are sure to profess undying love for each other with words of affirmation. They would forever cherish that moment their path crossed each other as they both have witnessed uncommon favour from God in all ramifications in their nuptial sojourn.

For Jameel and Belinda, the success of their union can be linked not only to unblemished love but to dedication, loyalty, humility, respect and togetherness. 

Their union has been structured with these foundations ever since they both walked down the aisle in 2010 at an epoch-making nuptial ceremony.

In continuation of his parley with world leaders across the continent, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II CFR recently visited East Africa; Kenya in Nairobi where he met with Kenyan President, His Excellency, William Samoei Ruto on a state visit accompanied by Governor of Machakos County in Kenya, Her Excellency Wavinya Ndeti and his queen; Olori Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, to discuss his Global Peace Agenda and his Ojaja Pan-African Business Initiatives which is currently extending its tentacles outside the shores of Nigeria and his pursuit of welfarism for people of African descent, unification of African people globally for peace and economic stability as the spiritual head of the Yoruba Race globally.

Receiving His Imperial Majesty and his entourage at the Kenyan Government House in Nairobi, President Ruto noted that; he is fascinated at His Majesty’s quest to ensure Africa continues to wax stronger in peace and unity using his revered stool bridging the gap between the traditional institution, Government institution and the people. He however also noted that; he has read a lot about the great exploit of His Majesty in investment in human development and business success which is why He and His people are opening their arms wide to his majesty and are willing to support His initiative and further strengthen the bond between Nigeria and Kenya. “Your Majesty, I sincerely welcome you and your team on behalf of the government and good people of Kenya. We have been told of how you have consistently used your throne to work for peace and prosperity of our continent and the world at large, you are indeed a very unique Pan-African king of our time. This is what kings should be doing.

“Kenyans and Nigerians are partners in progress for the development of Africa. The two countries have enjoyed good diplomatic ties together and this visit and investment mission in Kenya will surely further strengthen the existing cordiality between our two countries.”

“Kenya is opening for big enterprises, come and set up businesses here and I can assure you and members of your Ojaja Pan-African Business Initiatives some of whom are already operating in some East African countries of the unflinching support of my government”, President Ruto disclosed.

Appreciating President Ruto’s warm welcome, Ooni Ogunwusi described him as a Pan-African president and exemplary leader the African people can trust. He further commended him for his sterling leadership qualities in making Kenya a leading stable democracy in Africa and also expressed his confidence in the president’s capacity to deliver monumental dividends of democracy to the people of Kenya.

“Africa is the most appealing continent, with immense natural fortune and untapped human capital that are altering the global workforce, trade, and investment. I’d like to pay special tribute to President William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto CGH for demonstrating the oneness of Africa and the unrivalled special reception he accorded me and my entourage during my official trade and investment visit to the Republic of Kenya.

“I’m thankful for the demonstration of his special commitment to push for the inclusion of traditional institutions as enablers of good governance in Africa as I unveiled the Ooni Ojaja Pan-Africa Business and Investment Initiative with a large contingent of entrepreneurs across Africa. It is clear that we must consciously expand our economic engagement with unprecedented access to markets between our two countries. Nigeria needs Kenya, and Kenya needs Nigeria. Our ambition is to develop the most ambitious ties that will propel us to sell goods and services more easily across borders while our children can pursue opportunities across Africa without barriers of immigration and unfriendly movement policies.

“The borderless African continent is an unexploited asset that is critical to unlocking the economic potential of African countries. The vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the flagships for the continent’s shared wealth and economic boom. It is a game changer that can provide a tariff-free framework that should have been in existence since 1957 when Ghana became the first African country to achieve independence from colonial rule. It is time to build the “Africa that We Want,” not as a slogan, but as an epic movement that restores Africa’s honour, pride, and reverence, from aid to trade.” Ooni Adeyeye disclosed.

Ooni through the Ojaja Pan African business initiative is currently investing in many pies of business like; the Ojaja More retail outlets across South West Nigeria, Ojaja Resort currently in Ile-ife and Akure, Ojaja University in Ilorin among other business investment

For Joseph Eze Okafor Jnr aka Jowizaza, it’s not his fault for being born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. More reason he has ruled the social scene just like his father, John Okafor Snr, head honcho of Jezco Oil, who is an astute businessman, philanthropist and lifestyle connoisseur.

 Walking in the path of his father, Jowizaza is a delight to many within Nigeria’s social scene because of his flamboyant lifestyle, his flash automobiles and his deep pocket. The Anambra-born billionaire heir has remained a socialite of high notes that is being romanced by many artists who love to sing his praises.

 If you have him attend your event, be sure it’s going to rain in foreign currency and in Naira. He is so generous that he spends like money is going out of fashion.

 Despite his flashy lifestyle and his love to travel from the beach coast in the Bahamas to the Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates and flying a Gulfstream private jet to Kessington in London, he loves his wine exotic and his automobile vintage. He is a man of style who loves to keep his few circles of friends and sometimes takes a hiatus to be on his own to strategize.

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 For the Coventry-trained businessman, he sees wealth as God-given and more reason he spares no cost to give himself a treat knowing fully well that money can only be spent on planet Earth. If there is one thing he loves celebrating, that would be his birthday.

 Over the week, the cosmopolitan socialite turned a year older and it was an opportunity to paint the town red.

 Instead of the usual jamboree where he would throw the regular massive soiree, giving out his best French-made champagnes and costly Scotch whiskey, Jowi opted to celebrate it in a new dimension in a modest but classy way. He wanted to give his creator thanks for the gift of life at a time when the dreaded grim reaper is taking both the young and old on a sojourn of no return. On the occasion of his birthday, he converged with friends and close associates at his palatial maisonette in the highbrow area of Lagos where he invited Gospel maestro Mercy Chinwo to lead him in worship and praise songs in God’s presence. Top Nollywood artists, comedians and businessmen were in attendance.