Category: Society

By Oladapo Sofowora

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 not concerned with tribe nor ethnic background. His regular preaching for unity and oneness in the country at a time when the country is being thrown into disunity by disgruntled elements should be studied and lauded. At every slightest opportunity, Onyema ceases every moment to propagate the gospel of unity to Nigerians in Nigeria but he is also a living example in his actions and way of life.

Despite his several class act and philanthropic gestures years ago in flying Nigerians from South Africa back home in the heat of Xenophobic attacks, the Law graduate from the University of Ibadan has recently shown his patriotism for his motherland again. He displayed the qualities of a progressive Nigerian with his kind gesture and support for the round leather game which he referred to as a unifier of all nations and tribes.

Read Also: NFF dedicates Nigeria’s Cape Verde win to Air Peace

Last week in a buildup to the world cup qualifier match between Nigeria and Cape Verde, Onyema stormed the airport at 2 am-midnight to preach his unity sermon to the players who are on board ready to jet out of the country for their qualifier match in one of his aircraft. He took the microphone, speaking for over 10 minutes pleading with the players to remain strong patriots who carry the Nigerian dreams, hope, and aspirations on their shoulders with no room for failure. He also implored them to remain strong and desist from things that will further divide the country rather they should do everything within their capacity to make sure Nigeria stands as one entity using their God-given talents. To show appreciation and motivate the players, Onyema in his usual generous style, promised the team a token of 20 million Naira cash if they win their game. Onyema has made it his burden, supporting all his resources to make sure Nigeria is fully represented at the 2022 world cup scheduled to be held in Qatar.

By Oladapo Sofowora

Life they say begins at 40 but for Omolara Ashogbon Egungbohun, the beautiful wife of popular socialite IBD Dende, she started living her best life before turning 40. Since her formative years, she has striven hard to make her mark in life with a strong passion for finance and economics.

After her graduation with a degree in accounting from the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, the fashion connoisseur started her career in the banking sector with UBA before resigning to follow her passion for business selling of fashion. With her wide knowledge in business success, she was able to paddle the affairs of the business empire of her husband as the managing director of IBD hotels and IBDIMPEX.

Read Also: I was right to choose Sola Sobowale as mentor – Mercy Aigbe

Those close to her were quick to say that she loathes the sight of people in distress. In return, she is always ready to assist. This spurred her passion for philanthropic work and why she floated IBD Foundation where she constantly reach out to the downtrodden.

Despite gliding into the leagues of Quadragenarian on September 8, on Sunday September 12, her philanthropist husband, Ibrahim Dende aka IBD Dende decided to shut down the city of Lagos with an exclusive birthday soiree that held at an event center on Isaac John, Ikeja GRA. The soiree had top political elites, kings, socialites, business moguls, and other important personalities in attendance.

It was not the regular birthday party that had an attendance of juju or fuji singers on the bandstand but Hip-Hop acts like Small Doctor, CDQ, Lyta, Skibi, Oritshefemi, and Destiny, who performed for the audience. Comedian Dr. Smile and Ushbebe also cracked the audience up. Guests spotted at the event are; Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, Olu of Ilaro Oba Kehinde Ogungbenle, Olu of Itori;Oba Abdulfatai Akamo and wife Barakat, Iyalaje Oodua Princess Toyin Kolade and Husband Prince Kayode Kolade, Aiyedero Yoruba Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, Otunba Lekan and Erelu Tola Osifeso E-Money, Lukman Hamzat, Seyi Vodi Adekunle, Idris Aregbe and a host of others.

By Oladapo Sofowora

In the last three years, Jubril Adewale Tinubu has faced serious entrepreneurial tests that if not for his innate leadership skills and ability to navigate through hard times he should have been swept off by the storm directed at him. With the change affecting global oil prices across the globe and the inclement business climate owing largely to the outbreak of COVID-19, the oil magnate proved to the world that he is a master in the game. Tinubu was able to pull through the travails unruffled as his detractors are now being put to shame over the recent conclusion of the much anticipated Oando’s 42nd Annual General Meeting and the mutual out-of-court settlement between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Oando.

JAT, as he is fondly called within the social circle, could be described as a warrior, who has survived many wars that would have ordinarily consumed a lily-livered both in business as well as politics. Despite the doleful experience, the trained lawyer was able to sustain Oando among the leading oil and gas firms and also put smiles on the face of investors.

Read Also: Forum tackles Yahaya Bello on subtle moves against Tinubu

He has also succeeded in engraving his name in the hearts of the company’s shareholders with his business wizardry.

Last Tuesday the GCEO was commended as he also received a vote of confidence from shareholders at the company’s 42nd Annual General Meeting at the Wings Office Complex, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The company’s AGM comes in the wake of an out-of-court settlement with the SEC who hitherto, suspended the company’s AGM in 2019.

The shareholders further encouraged Tinubu- led management to keep up the good work and focus on creating value for shareholders. Tinubu and his hardworking team are working aggressively to maintain a trend of positive results reflected in higher production and profit after tax.

By Oladapo Sofowora

Evelyn Joshua, widow of the deceased ‘Man of God’ and founder of the Synagogue Church of all Nation (SCOAN), Temitope Balogun Joshua, connotes the mien and character of a woman whose strength is drawn from Athena; the Greek goddess of wisdom, strength, and courage. All her life, she has dedicated it to the works of her creator thereby serving as moral support and a shoulder to lean on for her late husband who is a widely known televangelist across the world.

In respecting the decision of her husband; she operated behind the scene. Her giant strides in the growth of the ministry were felt across board like a typical home builder. When many thought the shocking demise of her husband will take its toll on her; she remained strong and resilient. Those who paid her on condolence visit averred that; her demeanor and composure needed to be commended as she showed the braveness of a lioness.

Read Also: Synagogue: Ondo, Ekiti, Osun members back TB Joshua’s wife

After the burial of her husband, several controversies erupted, most especially on the leadership structure on who takes over from where the late prophet TB Joshua stopped. Sources averred that on the leadership issues, Evelyn remained silent and obeyed the will of God on who leads the church to the next level. Some impatient individuals are fuelling media campaigns to bring down her persona by sponsoring a campaign of calumny against her thereby pitching her against church members. “Mama Evelyn is not even in a race with anybody on who leads the church. As the leader of the Church, all she wants is stability. She is interested in is due process as all stakeholders; partners and members are duly carried along on the succession plan. As the wife of the founder, you cannot sweep her influence on the church under the carpet. All she has been doing is in the best interest of the growth of the church. She is not in competition or show of power with anyone. But you don’t expect her to keep quiet when things are not going the right way. Her husband will be angry if she allows people to slow down what he has worked assiduously for years after his demise.”

“Every issue is under control as there is no cause for alarm. People are just blowing the issue out of proportion. The sensationalism on the issue is quite enormous. Some people are just sitting and creating imaginary issues; painting a picture that does not even exist. The leadership tussle will soon be a thing of the past. God will play a huge role in who heads the church. Anyone who wants to silent Evelyn Joshua is probably just afraid of her growing influence and the love she has enjoyed from all sundry and how she has displayed maturity and boldness to tackle issues that are surfacing. She is unperturbed and she would never be intimidated. All she is after is things are done in line with the voice of God,” another source added.