Category: Society

As the frills of the royal cashmere gratify the eyes and the warmth of princely flesh, so is cosmopolitan businessman, investor and public speaker Alhaji Musa Ahmed Halilu. The Chairman TILT Groups manifests as a sight for sore eyes anytime he saunters into any public function. The Dujima Adamawa, who has hands in many pies of business from real estate, agriculture, oil and gas, energy, and technology, traverses the sociopolitical terrain as if he treads upon rotten eggs. This is the more reason he has continued to shine bright like a star from the horizon lighting up lives of many around him using his God-given wealth. Despite being born from an aristocratic background with a proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, he has remained one of the most humble and humane personalities. During his formative years many of his peers were lavishing their time on juvenile delinquencies and youthful exuberance – investing in frivolities – the Adamawa state-born generous moneybag kept working hard to build a thriving business conglomerate, a strong and formidable political dynasty and an intimidating resume. Today, all he has invested in is currently yielding positive results. Those close to him say he is a generous giver, who does not blink an eye when it comes to helping people. Some even averred that he loathes the sight of anyone in distress, hence, he is always ready to render a helping hand.

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The graduate of Business Administration from Kaduna State polytechnic has refused to seek an elective post despite pressure from his kinsmen who believe he will make a good leader owing to his sterling leadership qualities and his experience in the corporate world. In other to focus more on humanity and business, he voluntarily left the political arena on a brief hiatus for years. In 2018, at his turbaning as Dujima Adamawa, the installation ceremony had the attendance of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Gov Nasir El-Rufai, Gov Jibrilla Bindow, Major-Gen. Babagana Mungono, Malam Musa Bello, traditional rulers across the six geo-political zones, political and business leaders, amongst others. To further cement his place as not just a business tycoon but also a philanthropic giant, in 2014, he floated the Musa Halilu Ahmed MHA Foundation to help strengthen his desire to assist the vulnerable and downtrodden within the society. For over nine years since its formation, the foundation has so far catered for the needs of both young and old children with a special interest in educational development, women empowerment, motherless children empowerment, prison reform and inmate welfare, community infrastructure renewal, widow empowerment and a host of other things. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the MHA foundation also helped cushion the effect on the public as well as curb its spread as it donated several relief materials to hospitals. Sources say the All progressives Congress APC chieftain is getting set to go all out in the new year as he plans to roll out a new direction for his philanthropic gestures which is billed to touch more lives and also give back to the society that invested much in him during his formative years.

Like a gust of fresh summer wind, Lagos Internal Revenue Service LIRS boss, Ayodele Subair has continued to blow high with his intimidating resume and track record with vast knowledge in government, banking, oil and gas exploration, securities companies, finance, investment and leasing companies and manufacturing. A man with few words but a highly cerebral tax man that knows his onions. He has been able to redefine and revolutionize the tax system of Lagos which included the introduction of e-Tax that has resulted in a faster turn-around time for tax processes, improved transparency, increased taxpayer self-service taking the tax net of Lagos State from N240 billion in 2016 to a whopping N427 billion. It only takes wizardry, the right tactics and creating a formidable team with like minds to be able to achieve such a double figure in a short while.  

 Kick-starting his professional career at the Price Waterhouse in 1982, he joined Hamzat Subair, Folami & Co Chartered Accountants in 1987 as a manager and then partner where his taxation and management consultancy experience gathered momentum.

As LIRS boss, despite economic challenges in the country, Subair proved cynics wrong by creating and executing programmes by implementing strategies to develop, impact and maintain revenue generation and collection in Lagos state. With his many achievements last weekend, he was conferred with an award as the Public Sector icon of the year 2022 for his outstanding leadership and capacity in helping to generate funds at the Vanguard personality Award 2022.

When Pastor Funke Felix-Adejumo heeded to the altar call by giving her life to her creator at age 14, little did she know that it was the path to her greatness in life as her steps and sojourn in ministry has been ordered to take a very wonderous path. Although it was a tough decision, today that singular decision has made her a teacher, mother, mentor and role model to millions of people across the world. One thing she is notable for is the fact that you can serve your creator without looking tattered and unkempt. She is known to have stated in preachings that it’s essential for women to dress well and not follow the old order of Nigerian Christianity. Today, through her teachings lots of marriages have been salvaged, lots of homes have been restrengthening, lots of lives have been saved and lots of unbelievers have been converted to believers.

 The graduate of English from the University of Nigeria Nsukka didn’t just get to her current status by fluke; it took her years of sheer dint of hard work and resilience to attain the enviable height she is today. While growing up, she faced different challenges being a female child as her father didn’t want to invest in her education but with divine intervention, her story changed for good as she is today a graduate and an honorary Doctorate Degree holder. Her life further had a new direction when she met her husband Felix Remi Adejumo in 1982 and got married in 1984. With a rough start in ministry in Akure Ondo state, she persevered, built and stood firmly by her husband helping him nurture the Agape Christian ministry that used to be moribund to having over 30 branches across Nigeria.

 Tomorrow Saturday January 28, the clergy will glide into the league of sexagenarians as many across the world are getting set to celebrate her to the high heaven with already planned activities to mark her day. It is worthy to note that her life and teaching over the years have been centered around not only prosperity but patience, growth, development, hard work, and spirituality.

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, is by far one of the regal monarchs in modern-day Nigeria.

The reason is not far-fetched because he has remained true to his identity and has stayed by the rich and robust culture of his ancestors upholding the tenets of culture despite western civilization. When the traditional institution is struggling to find its feet the Oba of Benin has ensured that the Benin rich culture stands firm and true to its root as he is not backing down on the conventional ways of his ancestors.

This is the more reason he has remained respected and revered in the league of the traditional ruler in Nigeria and by chance Africa. Since his ascension to the throne of his ancestors in 2016, he has ensured the Benin tradition gained global recognition and also retains its sacredness.

When most traditional rulers are romancing political gladiators, Ewuare II, who took his name from the 15th Century Ewuare, has remained neutral as a father of all not showing his political affiliation. Today, the Benin kingdom and subjects are proud to have him as their spiritual leader and Oba because of the changes he has infused into the traditional system of governance while retaining its rich culture and tradition.

Those close to the highly cerebral king, who was an ambassador to several countries, averred that he is a no-nonsense person who has a sense of history and loves discipline.

He is a fearless and very kind-hearted man. Despite possessing the mien of a tiger, he remains a soft-hearted man and does not joke about the welfare of his people. Anytime his ancestors told him to do things that will benefit his people he is always proactive.

Today his giant strides have ensured the return of looted ancient Benin artifacts from Europe. In Benin today he is well loved because during this year’s Igue Festival when the Oba was having a walk around Benin city, the whole city was flooded with people. It was a sight to behold as he was cheered around the town like a new bride.

In the high society in Lagos and Ogun state princess, Khadijat Kuburat Adebisi Edionsere ranks high for her elegance and sartorial elegance most especially as a top fabric merchant who had long lists of clientele she was servicing during her heydays.

Today she is still in business with fabric shops littered across the country and her children managing them. To say how popular she was, Chief Ebenezer Obey, in one of his albums ‘Board Members’ sang her praises to the high heavens as the album sold multiple records. The part Obey dedicated to Princess Adebisi got her sobriquet of ‘Cash Madam’ which she is being referred to today by all sundry.

It was disclosed that her fabric business was thriving excellently and that she always had cash that banks would send their cashier to come and pick at her store. She was very wealthy and also a very generous woman who loved the downtrodden. In the month of April, Cash Madam will clock 88 s but she is still looking flawless and ravishing filled with life.

Not many of her contemporaries had the grace she has. Some have gone on a sojourn of no return but for her to still remain bubbling; with glittering skin looking in tune with modern fashion it’s indeed an indication that while she was younger she paid more attention to her health which is responsible for her youthful looks.

Over the weekend she was a guest at the introduction ceremony of Francis and Adeola Adeshina daughter of Ogun businessman, Adewale Adeshina Saranda at his Elizabeth Chateau Mansion in Ibara GRA Abeokuta. When Cash Madam sauntered in, she was recognized as many paid homage to the Iyasuna of Egbaland. She was looking ravishing in her headgear, her fabric and expensive jewelry walking majestically.

When you talk about commitment to one’s joy like one’s life depends on it; you need to give kudos to CSP Yinka Egbeyemi, the Commander of the Lagos Response Rapid Squad RRS who remains one of the finest officers in the police force committed and diligent to their job.

Despite the wrong narrative woven around the police and its institution as a whole; Egbeyemi has taken a huge effort to rewrite the wrong narrative about police and has also used his personal life to rewrite the cliché about Police officers. Despite being a well-respected operational officer who is as fearless as the tiger, he is known to be a very pleasant and gentle person who loathes criminals and their activities. Those who know him say he is ready to stake his life to ensure Lagos remains a safe haven for all law-abiding citizens.

White Lion, as he is fondly called, has been a crusader against criminal activities. The Agege-born Abeokuta man constantly goes on sensitisation at blackspots warning anyone to desist from activities that will create unrest or breakdown of law and order as he is ready to deal with anybody not minding whose ox is gored. To criminals, he has become a nightmare but to law abiding citizens, he has remained the coolest guy on the block. Today among his peers, he has carved a niche for himself as one of the very best officers who is proactive when the need arises.

Under his watch, the RRS has recorded massive success in curbing traffic robbery, riots, street fighting, and other criminal activities. Last weekend, for his birthday, he opted to give back to the society that helped mold him.

He decided to give out cash to those in need in his Agege community as he handed cash to random people across Agege and put smiles on their faces. He also used the opportunity to campaign against people engaging in criminal acts. Sources said he extended the goodwill to many as he plans to celebrate his subsequent birthdays by putting smiles on people’s faces rather than the usual jamboree.

For business magnate and oil mogul Aare Bashir Olawale Fakorede, all he wants in his life is just to keep affecting the lives of those around him positively, live life to the fullest and see his children do great things in his life. Oftentimes, his prayer point is to see his children make him proud.

Little did he know that his daughter Moyosore Fakorede was going to make him a proud father as she introduced her fiance Olabanji Kalejaye’s family to the Fakorede at a massive soiree which was held in the heart of Lagos last week Saturday. An easygoing Aare Bobajoko of Ikate Elegushi does not like to talk much but oftentimes, his giant strides speak volumes for him that’s why he has remained a delight to hoi polloi businessmen in Nigeria.

The business magnate ensured that his daughter made him a proud father at a moment when ladies are indulging in all kinds of nefarious acts. He and his wife Tayo Fakorede never left any stone unturned in order to celebrate their daughter to high heaven. They hosted one of the biggest shindigs in Lagos as the roll call of dignitaries like; Vice President Yemi and his wife Dolapo Osinbajo who attended to share in their joy.

Trust the Fakoredes when it comes to hosting shindigs it always has an array of the very best continental and local dishes laced with the very best of Cognac, Whiskey and the limited edition Champagnes that are in circulation. They spared no cost to make the introduction a memorable one. Those who attended were swept off their feet as they are anticipating what the wedding proper will look like.

NGML, one of the core strategic subsidiaries of NNPC, opening a  new office complex at Ikeja on January 23, in line with their commitment to providing an enabling environment for the workforce which the Managing Director Mr Justin Ezeala described as their greatest asset. It’s also in line with the vision of the company of propagating the use of gas as a cleaner source of energy across the country.

The impressive edifice was designed and built by a leading integrated energy solutions company, TILT Energy Company Limited. It was gathered that the project, which was completed in the space of one year with no safety incidents in compliance with the extremely high standards of the oil and gas industry, is a testament to the pedigree of TILT Energy as a company. Speaking at the commissioning Ayodeji Awodiji said that TILT Energy offers a vast array of services beyond just civil construction projects of this standard, he highlighted the O&M, pipeline installation and process automation capabilities of the company as an example.

 He, however noted that TILT Energy also has a very strong fabrication base with its fabrication yard situated in Lagos, adding that he was proud to have been part of many flagship projects, including this.

 Ayodeji explained that TILT has displayed its ability to work in a live site, where you have gas distribution without any safety incidents.  “We are glad for NNPC gas marketing limited for giving us this opportunity to showcase our core competence. “Like I said we are an EPCI company so civil construction is literally just a small part of what we do,” he said.”

Mr Justin Ezeala, Managing Director, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), revealed that in spite of the challenges TILT Energy had at the beginning, he was particularly proud of their capacity to deliver on schedule. The well-attended event had dignities such as the MD of gaslink,  the MD of NIPCO, Falcon Energy and Mtech in attendance.

The Founder of Quincy Herbals, now transformed into Quincy wellness & naturopathic centre, Quincy Olasunmbo Ayodele, celebrates her 64th birthday today. The delectable mother of three with many grandchildren has over the years kept many tongues wagging with her youthful looks despite her age.

Speaking on her 64th birthday, Quincy who recently threw a society wedding for his son, Temi last December said, “I only want to thank Almighty Jesus for keeping me fit and lively. It can only be God, I dedicate all the glory to Him. I also want to appreciate all our numerous customers in the last 26 years of the emergence of the Quincy brand.

They have been part of our success story and it is because of them that we have evolved. Thanks to my daughter, Tobi, who is now the Managing Director, she has made the necessary infusion, hence, we are now fully integrated with both traditional and western treatment for our clients in all ailments.

For my youthful looks, all I take in are natural products, because what you take in determines your looks. I drink lots of water and I do not eat late or stress myself,” she disclosed. Sources say, in celebration of her birthday today, she would be sharing food, drinks and many other gift items with Destitute at Oko-Baba, in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

For Abba Kyari, the late and highly cerebral Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in the heat of the Covid-19 pandemic, his body might have gone on a journey of no return but memories of his achievements and feats still linger 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 commitment to work of national interest. Abba Kyari came alive while his last daughter Zainab Kyari tied the nuptial knot with her long-time fiancé Mohammed Hameed Alli, son of the comptroller General of Customs last weekend in a grand wedding soiree in Abuja.

 It was a gathering that resonates and rejigged the life and time of the bride’s father as his gigantic portrait strategically placed at the wedding reception ignited some memories and put the family in some mood, most especially his wife Kuku Abba Kyari, who wished her husband was alive to witness her last born Zainab’s wedding. They imagined how it would have been for the father and daughters to dance and how his presence would have created a more elated atmosphere for the soiree. The bride could not hold back her emotions as she cried profusely and was consoled by the elder sister. Despite the emotional moment, the family was able to put all their sorrows behind them as they ensured it was a mega celebration that would not be forgotten in a hurry for those who attended. The wedding which took place on January 12 in Abuja had lots of dignitaries and government functionaries attend where they shared in the joy of the Kyari’s and Alli’s.