Category: Society

Nigeria music industry witnessed an array of exciting talents in the past few years than usual, there’s no question that this next generation of emerging artists is wildly impressive already, a generation blurring lines between genres, exploring new sounds, exhibiting limitless creativity and making their claim for a place in the mainstream despite limited structure, funding and necessary business models. It is in this stead Fresh Act Music Awards was born; FAMA is an annual music awards celebration aimed at celebrating young rising talents across different genre.

“Fresh Acts Music Awards is our opportunity to recognize and honour incredible young artistes who we feel have deeply impacted and inspired the world through their music” said the Chief Executive Officer of FAMA, Mr. Abiodun Caston (publisher of Nigeria’s most circulatedCampus/Youth Magazine, ACADA Magazine), “but beyond that, we are creating a platform which will lead Nigeria music industry revolution, we are dedicated to development and growth of music talents and contributing our quota to an informed workforce of Nigeria music industry through periodical seminars and workshop, contest to discover new talents in partnership with brands and music industry heavyweights prior to the awards ceremony every year”, he further stated.

Read Also: Wizkid wins Best African Act at 2021 MTV EMAs

Also speaking on FAMA, the award’s Director of Brand and Business Development, Damola Salam said, “The awards nomination will present a diverse pool of young emerging artists across various genre than usual, we are structured to be the eye of the industry who sees these great talents and introduce them to the world, we are also not leaving out the behind the scene guys who contributes to the growth of the culture such as Disk Jockeys, Producers, Vixen, Sound engineers, Cinematographers, music Influencers and artist managers.

The nomination process is dominated by panel-based Awards academy, which comprises of active industry leaders and star makers who have been instrumental to the springing up and development of rising stars in recent years”. “Our vision is to create a credible award ceremony that will be a benchmark for the industry”, Salam stressed.

Cosmopolitan politician and Lagos businessman, Alhaji Idris Aregbe has recorded his presence in the Lagos political and business terrain with much gusto. His sojourn into business and political strength is not by sheer luck, as he is a workaholic who worked assiduously for all he is enjoying at the moment. With interest in hospitality, culture, entertainment, import and export and branding, Aregbe is not relenting in spreading his tentacles beyond just business but also a man or cultural influencer with his annual Cultural event called Culturatti.

Despite contesting for the seat of Surulere Local Government’s chairman in the APC primaries and losing out, he has rejigged his activeness in grassroot politics thereby intensifying his efforts in the promotion of youth-based ideas that will strengthen youth and also engage them in the work of Nation-building as leaders of tomorrow.

In a build-up to his annual Culturatti event scheduled for December 3, 2021 at Balmoral Hall on Victoria Island, the Youth Organizing Secretary of the APC Lagos state celebrated his birthday on Monday, November 8, 2021. He hosted friends and family to a very private birthday soiree at the Love Portion Creative hub in Lagos. The birthday party had in attendance top personalities from the entertainment, business, corporate and political sectors. Faces spotted at the event include Anto Lecky, Lucy Edet, DJ Neptune, Adejoke Ewaede, Samuel Olatunji, Florence Bodex Hungbo, Iyabo Ojo, Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, Humble Smith, Bimbo Thomas and a host of others.

Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, the Chief Executive Officer of the SIFAX group is a man who sees tomorrow. When many never believed in his humongous dreams, he was sure of his abilities to bring out fortune from every misfortune.

He ranks high among his peers as a silent achiever who does not court unnecessary media attention.

A major player with interest in maritime, aviation, haulage, hospitality, financial services and oil and gas, Sifax is a businessman who loves to take calculated risks. He believes risk-takers are those who will eventually make heads ways in the nation’s dwindling economy.

More reason his name is currently flying high as his Marriot Hotel situated in the heart of Lagos is currently a mecca of sorts for those who want the luxury. Today he is high flying in the hospitality sector since he opened the hotel for business earlier this year.

Years ago, after a fierce battle with some other moneybags in the country, Afolabi got the franchise to build the hotel in Ikeja, the Lagos state capital.

During the process of construction, many issues erupted.

When many of his detractors thought he was unable to build the hotel, Afolabi shut them up with results.

Despite taking a long time, The University of Lagos-trained lawyer built a magnificent state-of-the-art architectural jaw-dropping edifice fitted with modern cosmopolitan facilities.

His doggedness and drive have helped crest his name in gold and also actualize his dreams of owning one of the biggest hospitality spots in Lagos. After painfully sowing with tears, as we speak he is reaping bountifully with smiles on his face.

Sources disclosed that since the launch of the hotel, it has always been buzzing with beehives of activities.

Daughter of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha;  Gumsu Sanni Abacha is currently having the best time of her life. Ever since she gave love another shot, with her nuptial to Governor of Yobe State, Governor Mai Mala Buni, who captured her heart like it was pierced with the arrow of love, Gumsu has never ceased to replicate her undying love for her hubby. At every given opportunity, she never failed to flaunt the man behind her charming smile.

With the way their love story is panning out, she wished she had met Governor Buni long ago. She is currently doing everything within her capacity as the first lady to ensure Women in Yobe state feels the presence of good governance supporting her husband endlessly with life-changing developmental projects.

The ravishing beauty mother of five is currently on vacation in France in the company of her children from her first marriage to Cameroon billionaire, Fadil Bayero. She is indeed in a relaxed mood as she moves around the ancient alluring city of Paris to reignite redolent memories when she lived in the beautiful city. She visited highbrow continental restaurants in the company of her children where they had a nice time out and also talked about their plans for the future. Despite her busy schedule she still created time for mother and children time out in France.

Two-term Governor of Abia State and now Senate Chief Whip, Senator Uzor Kalu is a man known to have always believed in the peace and stability of Nigeria. While many of his kinsmen are agitating for secession, he is of the opinion that dialogue and engagement in political activities can change the cause of the South Easterners. Kalu has continued to represent the South East wholeheartedly, committing his resources to the upliftment of the region.

Despite fighting many battles and coming out victorious, his name is synonymous with peace. This led to the recent viral picture of him taken in 2005 alongside President Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida and Dim Chukuwuemeka Ojukwu at his home where he was said to have reconciled the political heavyweights who were all not in talking terms before the arrival of former Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

Last weekend, Kalu was appreciated for his love for Nigeria which encompasses all regions. Far away in the Kebbi Emirate, he was turbaned the Kibiyan Kabi of Kebbi Arugungu Emirates by the Emir of Kebbi Emirate Alhaji Mohammed Sama’ila Mera. Kalu was turbaned alongside the President of the Senate Dr. Ahmed Lawan who was also turbaned the Ganuwar Kabi.

The turbaning ceremony witnessed the presence of several eminent personalities that include the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Shehu of Borno Abubakar Ibn Umar, Governor of Yobe State and National Chairman of the APC Mai Mala Buni, Governors of Kebbi State Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Governor of Kastina State Alhaji Bello Aminu Masari, Governor of  Sokoto state Rt. Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, Senate Majority Leader Yahaya Abubakar Abdulai, former Governors of Sokoto and Kebbi state, Representative of Speaker of House of Representatives and a host of others.

All his life, Chief Dumo Owukori Lulu Briggs has never depended on his father’s deep pocket or mum’s pocket money which is typical of his peers born with silver spoons in their mouth. For those who know him, Chief Briggs got to his crescendo through dint of hard work and doggedness. Despite his late father’s stupendous wealth, he also worked assiduously to make his own money, hence, creating a business empire that will sustain the Briggs family legacy as a major player in the nation’s oil and gas sector. With his impeccable feat, he stepped into his father’s shoes by becoming the Iniikeiroari (VI) Of Kalabari Kingdom.

The head honcho of Platform Petroleum is living no stones unrolled as he has taken the mantle to keep representing his people on the political landscape. The Paramount head of the Oruwari war canoe group of houses in Abonnema town has often put himself as a sacrificial lamb for his people to ensure they get quality representation in governance. Instead of lamenting and talking from the sideline, he threw his hat in the ring so as to enable him the power to represent his people. Currently, he is joining hands with his fellow learned colleague and friend Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to ensure that Rivers State experience governance like never before with several developmental projects across the state.

In line with his support for philanthropic works, excellence in business and also ensuring political stability across Rivers State while promoting growth and investment within the Niger Delta Axis, Briggs was on honoured by Garden City Advancement Award GCAA as Rivers man of the year 2021 at a high octane event that held at Stadium Road Aztech Arcum event center on November 7, 2021. He was honoured with the award alongside some other political heavyweights within the Niger Delta axis like Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, Minister for Petroleum Timipre Sylva, General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, Hon. Rowland Sekibo, Hon. Boma Goodhead, Hon. Major Jack, Oseyomon Ighodalo and a host of others.

Naysayers and gossips have kicked against Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola Yayi’s chieftaincy as the Aremo of Yewaland.

The Senate Chairman on Finance, who has over the years worked assiduously to give quality representation to the people of Lagos state and his state of origin Ogun state, he stands unflinching and true to his purpose of impacting and service to humanity. To his detractors, his ancestral lineage in Ilaro, Ogun state has generated lots of controversies.

Despite the side talks, the politician is unperturbed by the lingering crisis surrounding his nomination by the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Paramount ruler of Yewa Land. Many claimed Senator Yayi should not be conferred the Aremo of Yewaland title saying it’s a title reserved for the king’s first son only.

Against all odds, Senator Yayi has received the certificate of Chieftaincy from his father and preparations are in top gear for a ceremonious installation, which is tentatively billed to hold on December 4, 2021. However, due to the uncertain date of the All Progressive Congress National Congress, he is also careful so he does not fall on the same day. Ilaro is getting set to witness the mother of all grand installation as top political office holders storm the town to celebrate with the Aremo of Yewaland as King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal would be on the bandstand to serenade the audience with powerful musical rendition.

The Executive Chairman of Geregu Power Plant, Femi Otedola, comes across as a phenomenon that cannot be unraveled. Every attempt to unravel the mystery behind his uncommon success in life proves abortive. Just like his name Oluwafemi which literally means ‘God Loves Me,’ he is indeed loved and favored by his creator that’s why anytime his detractors try to pull him down he keeps towering high like the statue of liberty in the United States of America.

Indeed, he is a master strategist. More reason his wins are calculated. He knows when to intensify and also knows when to seize fire depending on the mood around him. More reason he diversified from the oil and gas business to focus more on real estate and power. With this, he has stayed relevant for years despite the high tides directed to swallow him.

If you are a post-graduate student of business, economics, risk management and accounts spending a day with the business tycoon, he will readily open up to you on how he acquired African Petroleum and repositioned it to Forte Oil; placing it high as one of the biggest players in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria within a short. It’s not new to him he is known to have always breathed life into any business he ventures into.

Again, the Epe, Lagos mogul recently shocked all with the news of his N30 billion investment in Nigeria’s leading bank, First Bank, Plc. As he celebrated his 59th birthday, on November 4, 2021, people who have benefited from his benevolence, friends, and family members had the opportunity to celebrate him to the high heavens. The generous philanthropist received goodwill messages, newspapers advertorials, and other birthday wishes. It’s an indication that he is loved by many. He opted to spend the day with his wife and children in Europe as he also offered prayers to his creator. Sources squealed that close friends and family members of FO, as he’s fondly called, are planning a massive 60th birthday soiree for him next year.

Aviation top shot and astute businessman Otunba Peter Obafemi is not a greenhorn in Ekiti state politics. Between 1985 and 1988, he owned one of the largest Western Union franchises in New Jersey, United States of America. He was one of the top chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, who vied for the Ekiti State number one job before Peter Ayodele Fayose won the ticket and subsequently became the governor of the state in 2013. He expended millions of Naira to actualize his dreams but was left heartbroken and disappointed after he could not clinch the party’s ticket.

His party was in power and had friends in the corridors of power, so he never lost hope. He rejigged his educational experience and also vowed to utilize his connection to the fullest. In actualizing his long-time dreams, he relocated to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to be around the shot callers but nothing seemed to work in his favour. After a bad experience, the Great Eagle Airways Limited boss has vowed not to give politics another trial again after the whole heart-wrenching experience he went through.

Sources disclosed that currently, Otunba Obafemi has a new dream and he has once again vowed to pursue his dreams of getting involved in making enabling laws to better the lives of Nigerians.

A close source disclosed that he would be representing his people at the Upper National Assembly in 2023. As a result, he is currently consulting and seeking the blessings of political gladiators across his constituency for the task ahead.

A cursory look at Obafemi’s journey in life revealed that he started his first business enterprise in 1985 named Budget TV and Appliances Rental Service Store on Central Avenue in East Orange, New Jersey, and was a consultant in the opening of Heritage Spas on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, which became the place of choice for discerning customers.

Since his ascension to the throne in 2009 as the Olugbo of Ugboland, Imperial Majesty Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, has made service to the people of Ugbonla, Ilaje Area of Ondo State his top priority. There is no gainsaying that the once sleepy town has witnessed his robust leadership with intervention programmes, which has been some of the cardinal agenda to uplift the once-moribund community. The foremost international businessman and Chairman of Obat Oil and Gas turned traditional ruler is not resting yet as he’s poised to do more this year in celebration of his twelfth year on the throne.

Society Rendezvous gathered that, on November 27, 2021, and November 28, 2021, the sleepy but oil-rich community is expected to start bustling with various activities commemorating the 12th coronation anniversary of the effervescent monarch. However, last year’s edition was celebrated on a very low profile and was also rescheduled due to the moody situation in the country. It would be recalled that his 10th coronation anniversary in 2019, saw Juju legends, Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade entertaining guests at the Osangangan Obamakin Town Hall.

This year’s edition is a week-long event that would gather dignitaries in the state. It is also expected to boost the economic activities of the oil-producing community as sons and daughters of Ugbo would be visiting the town in their large number to honour the stylish monarch. For the well-traveled king, who celebrated his 71st birthday in July 2021, with not much fanfare, he will formally use the occasion of his coronation anniversary to unveil various achievements and progressive projects for his people to the world.