Category: Society

IT is expected that daughters should be closer to their mothers because of the obvious similarities but it is not always the case.

More often than not, daughters seem to exhibit more love for their fathers as demonstrated by Homto Dokpesi, daughter of AIT founder, Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

Homto, who is a fashion designer, said even though it was not a Father’s Day celebration or his birthday, she was moved to thank God for blessing her with such a father.

On her Instagram page, the Creative Director of Duchess H Couture, shared that her father had always stood as rock when others would easily chicken out.

She wrote: “You stand always as a rock when others would easily chicken away. You are the reason I stand tall, strong like an ‘iroko’ tree that cannot be shaken. You are a priceless gift, a very rare and precious gem. May your shine and glory keep waxing stronger. Words may not always be said, actions may not even always show it but I love you more than life itself. May Almighty God Continue to bless you and keep you for me”

The young Dokpesi had her first degree in Accounting from the Igbinedion University, Okada. She later went to the University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, for her masters in International Business Economics.

THE former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Oyo APC gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 general elections, Chief Bayo Adelabu, is a proud father at the moment.

His son, Abiola Adekunle Adelabu, just graduated from Lancaster University, United Kingdom, with a first class degree in Accounting and Finance.

In a letter sent by Professor Catherine Salzedo, the university congratulated the 22-year-old Abiola on his feet. The university management also wished him success in his future endeavours while confirming their readiness to support his plans.

Two years ago, Abiola’s elder brother, Babatunde, also completed his master’s degree in Construction Management and Real Estate from the University of Loughborough, United Kingdom. He obtained his first degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.

However, the newest graduate in the family, Abiola, is the one who has followed their father’s footsteps. Chief Adelabu also graduated with a first class degree in Accounting from the ObafemiAwolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Today, Adelabu is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN).

He was an Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer of First Bank of Nigeria for five years before assuming the position of Deputy Governor of the CBN in 2014. He left CBN in 2018 to join politics.

ABISOYE Fagade is best known as a Marketing Communications expert but he has also carved a niche for himself in politics.

Fagade literally turned the city of Ibadan, Oyo State, on its head with loud music and crowd recently, when he gave his mother, Deaconess Comfort Omoladun Fagade, a befitting burial.

78-year-old Deaconess Fagade died on June 13. But her son, Fagade, ensured that her burial would be talk of the town for weeks, perhaps months. With the support of his friends from all walks of life, he hosted a lavish reception at the International Conference Centre (ICC), University of Ibadan.

Evergreen performer, King Sunny Ade, gave guests the fun of their lives; regaling them with his hit songs of many years and taking them back in time

Top personalities spotted at the reception include the Olubadan of Ibadan – Oba Saliu Adetunji, Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikateland, Chief Lekan Dosunmu, Chief Lekan Bakare, AIG Tunji Alapini (Rtd), Dr Tunji Olugbodi, Prince Segun Oniru, Hon. Shina Peller, Bayo Adelabu, Steve Ayorinde, Jide Adediran, Tade Adekunle and Steve Babaeko.

THE Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, started another history last year when he presented Staff of Office to the first Onisolu of Solu Alade Kingdom in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Oba Babatunde Adebowale Muideen Balogun.

It is now one year since Oba Balogun’s coronation ceremony took place, and expectedly, he reached out to other kings, friends and family to celebrate with him.

The Oniru of Iruland, Lagos, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, was one of the top monarchs who celebrated Oba Onisolu.

He wrote on Instagram: “Today, I joined my friend and brother King Oba Onisolu as well as other brother kings at the inter-faith service held in commemoration of his first coronation anniversary as Alayeluwa.

“I felicitate with HRM Oba Babatunde Balogun and the good people of Solu-Alade Kingdom, and I pray that this will be the first of many more anniversary celebrations in good health and prosperity.”

At Oba Balogun’s installation ceremony last year, Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed, urged everyone to give unalloyed support to the new monarch to enable him to continue to safeguard the sanctity of the sacred and highly reserved institution.

ADAMA, the daughter of Borno billionaire and Oil magnate, Mohammed Indimi, turned a year older on Thursday, August 12.

Marking her first birthday since she married the love of her life, Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim on August 8 last year, she  received abundant birthday wishes on social media. She even reposted some on her Instagram story.

A few days to her birthday, in celebration of their wedding anniversary, Adama also got a car gift from her husband.

Adama’s sister, Meram shared a photo of the G-Wagon on Instagram. She wrote: “I am in love! Forever together insha Allah.”

Adama, who lives a private life, took to Instagram to mark the special day by sharing a lovely photo with her husband. She wrote: “1 year down, forever to go. Happy anniversary my love.”

Prince Malik is the heir to the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Kogi State. There are rumours that the couple are expecting their first child together.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim is regarded as one of Nigeria’s biggest export currently putting the motherland on the world map with his brilliancy and uncommon wizardry. He is of the ideology that charity begins at home, hence, the reason he is investing and campaigning heavily to help Nigeria tow the path of switching to alternative renewable energy to generate power while aiding reduction of pollution.

The Next TV boss is an accomplished polo player and racing driver who has risen to the very top of the motor racing world in GT racing and Formula 1 as an owner. He has been involved in high-profile deals globally and has been honored and welcomed by governments and heads of state around the world. He has a great passion for public service and a tremendous interest in sustainable living and environmental development in Africa.

The son of Kogi State first-class monarch; the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Kogi State, HRH Dr. Ado Ibrahim, connotes the persona of a man born under the proverbial lucky star. He has constantly changed the archetypal narrative about Nigerians to the rest of the world. Last year, the polo buff made headlines when he tied the nuptial with Adam Indimi, one of the daughters of Bornu billionaire Mohammed Indimi’s daughter. The nuptial knot went viral as it also generated many mixed reactions from people. The couple were the cynosure of all eyes as their union is regarded as a reference point for all sundry. At every given opportunity, they never cease to display their affection publicly. Their traducers who never believed in the authenticity of their union have been proved wrong as the couple celebrated their 1st wedding anniversary with their love waxing stronger.

In celebration mood, Prince Malik surprised his wife with a brand new Black G-wagon automobile in appreciation for agreeing to spend the rest of her life with him. The lovebird also quietly jetted out to a private island to celebrate as they were spotted by gossip on a yacht having a good time.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Senator Kashim Ibrahim Shettima is regarded as one of the most liberal and a believer of the one Nigeria ideology up north. While he was governor of Borno state, among his aides were people from different tribes that cut across the country. He is a gentleman extraordinary as some people marvel at his choice to delve into politics. According to him, his passion and drive in politics is human-driven and he has always represented the interest of his people at heart.

His steady rise in politics was tagged as divine most especially rising to an enviable height by proving his worth as a highly cerebral technocrat serving under 5 ministries and performed excellently well. With his stellar performance, he was able to convince the general voting populace in Borno that voting him as their governor in 2011 would see him dedicate more of his time and resources to serving them. He won his re-election in 2015 and was elected chairman of the Northern governors forum. After serving his people, he headed to the hallowed red chambers to continue as senator representing Borno central senatorial district.

The former banker turned politician, is currently in a gay mood as his beautiful daughter Amira graduated from the university with a first-class degree. In a bid to show his appreciation to Amira for her proud performance in the university, Senator alongside media executive Kayode Oludare threw a surprise graduation dinner party for her at an exclusive highbrow location in Abuja. The dinner had in attendance her close friends and associates, who came to celebrate Amira and also ushered her into the labour market. Amira also had a toast with her family members as she promised not to relent and also make sure she replicates her magic touch at work and also when she proceeds for her master’s degree.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

The popular axiom “Kings are born not made,” aptly captures the royal sojourn of the Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Mufutau Muhammed Oloyede Gbadamosi, Okikiola Esuwoye II from Anilelerin Ruling House Offa, in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State. Over a decade ago, after the demise of immediate past Olofa, Oba Mustapha Olawore Olanipekun, the ancient offa stool was thrown vacant. Anilelerin and Olugbense ruling houses presented candidates to contest the stool.

After several legal tussles, the curtain was finally drawn on the legal tussle on May 1, 2016, when the supreme court ruled by upholding the selection of Oba Gbadamosi as the legal and rightful occupant of the Offa throne. The news spread across Offa town like wildfire. The whole town roared in wild jubilation as victory was ascertained in favour of the highly loved philanthropist monarch.

Before he became king, he attended Birni-Kebbi Polytechnic between 1982 and 1985 where he bagged a National Diploma in Building Technology. He later moved to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Technology in 1989. With his passion for personal entrepreneurial skills, he ventured into the business of buying and selling rice, sugar, salt and cement. He also founded MB Integrated Electrical and Data Services Limited; Zarm Poultry and Feed mill industry, Lagos and Yammfy Nigeria Limited.

On Tuesday August 10, the highly revered monarch celebrated his 58th birthday anniversary with no much fanfare. Known for displaying his regal opulence at every given opportunity, Kabiyesi refused to throw a big birthday shindig and settled for prayer offerings to his creator and also to donate to the needy. On the eve of his birthday, his palace was filled with praise singers, drummers who came to celebrate the social monarch chanting traditional panegyrics for him. He also received several visitors who came to celebrate with him and also feted them with the very best of meals and drinks. Sources averred that when he turns 60 in 2023, plans are currently ongoing for a week-long birthday shindig that will shut down the whole Offa town. “Kabiyesi will not celebrate any birthday until he clocks 60 in 2023. By then he will be ready to host the world in his kingdom,’ a source disclosed.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

The Chief Executive Officer of Zinox Computers, Leo Stan Ekeh, seems to have mastered a unique way of always making his competitors groan in envy, with his distinct approach of making a long-lasting statement in business.

Apart from being a top player in the ICT business, he has his hands in several businesses including; E-commerce, oil and gas, media publishing and real estate, among others.

As the race of who replaces President Buhari at the Aso rock in 2023 thickens, Ekeh’s name has constantly been mentioned as a candidate to watch out for if he agrees to throw his hat in the ring. Many believe as a good manager and an astute businessman, he would be able to manage the affairs and fortune of the country and also stabilizing its economy within a few years if elected. Despite the fact that he had always stayed far from politics as a businessman, he is believed to be someone who can deliver if given the chance to run the affairs of the country as President.

“He is a sellable candidate devoid of bigotry and also a nationalist with the interest of Nigeria at heart. Despite having business chains littered across the world, he has done everything possible to make sure a huge chunk of his investment is sited in Nigeria to create employment and empower people,” a source disclosed.

“Leo Stan is a perfect example of the type of leader Nigeria needs, he has a clean record, he has never been caught in the web of corruption, he is also a tested and a trusted businessman who will open the economy of the country and place Nigeria back as the giant of Africa with huge business investment opportunities and also attract foreign direct investment. If he would be giving it a shot we don’t know under which party he would be contesting from but he is a candidate to watch out for.” the source added.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Apart from the popularity of her hubby Obi Iyiegbu known as Obi Cubana on the social scene, Barr. Ebele Iyiegbu has carved a niche for herself with her love for philanthropy and large heart. She is so passionate about child education which spurred her into birthing her Kiek foundation; a foundation that caters for the needs of Women and vulnerable children by giving them access to free education among other things a child needs to be armed with.

While growing up, her immediate environment opened her mind to the ills militating against the positive growth of children caused by poverty and increase in the number of out-of-school children. After analyzing the situation,  she and her team have took it as a pet project with the launch of the KIEK foundation’s Rural Area Children and Teenagers in Information and Communication Technology (Ract-in-ICT) program. The foundation also went into collaboration with The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

With the current demand for ICT guru’s across the world, she is catching them young by arming them with free tutorial classes where children are taught the rudiments of coding, using ICT for global impact and also persuading them from using it for fraudulent means. The event is currently holding at the Junior Secondary School, Apo resettlement with the  theme; ‘Bridging the Gap through Sustainable ICT Skills’, the RACT-in-ICT. The program which started on Monday, August 9, 2021 and will end on Saturday, August 21, 2021. It is expected to have impacted over 100 disadvantaged children and teenagers with relevant ICT skills needed to excel in a competitive world.