By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Otunba Gbenga Daniel is still regarded as one of the top political forces to reckon with in Ogun State after serving the state as a two-term governor. He had fought many battles but providence  has continued to grant him victory in the end. While he was piloting the affairs of Ogun state, the Crystal Laurel boss was widely known for his transformational projects littered across the state to date. Currently, his name has been registered as one of the few who paved the way for development in the state.

The ever-smiling former governor who recently joined the ruling All progressive congress party APC after his close ally, Governor Dapo Abiodun won the guber election, had a welcoming ceremony into the party fold.  For the past few years, OGD as he is fondly called has been witnessing the favour of God in his life most especially when his multi-billion Naira Conference Hotel in Abeokuta was open for business.  After years of being under lock and key, the hotel has become a top choice home away from home for anyone visiting the Ogun state capital.

Last weekend, at the Balmoral Event Centre, inside the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, OGD was filled with those who matter most from all walks of life as his daughter, Kehinde Abioye Daniel walked down the aisle with his heartthrob co-founder of Red Media Adebola Tokunbo Williams. The wedding ceremony was a talk of the town as OGD again displayed his wide influence. OGD and his wife Yeye Olufunke Daniel were proud parents as their daughter put smiles on their faces on her big day.

The solemnization of holy matrimony was conducted by the Church of the Lord Aladura Worldwide and officiated by His Holiness, The Most Rev. (Dr) Rufus Ositelu assisted by Rev. (Dr) Israel Adelani Akanji, Most Rev. (Dr) Micheal Fape, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Bishop Akin Akinsanya, Rt. Rev J. O. Gboyega, Pastor (Dr) Tony Rapu, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Rev. (Dr) Wale Sulola, His Eminence (Dr.) Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche. They all advised the couple on the need to have mutual respect and trust.

The event was anchored by Bisi Olatilo, Yemi Shodimu, Bovi & Ebuka Obi-Uchendu while King Sunny Ade and Veentage Band thrilled the audience with their musical prowess.

Top guests in attendance were ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who chaired the event with his wife, Patience, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governors Babajide Sanwolu, Atiku Bagudu, Kayode Fayemi and Rotimi Akeredolu, HIM, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Chief of Staff to President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and wife, James Ibori and wife, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Mrs Noimot Salako Oyedele and husband, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Hajia Abah Folawiyo, Iyalaje Oodua, Princess Toyin Kolade; Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, Mr. Timi Alaibe; Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Amb. Bode Mustapha, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prince and Mrs. Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Sen. Rochas Okorocha; Bashorun Dele Momodu, Ayo Animashaun and many more.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Those who know Princess Zarah Bayero will attest to the fact that she is a drop-dead gorgeous lady with brawn and brains. She is quite reserved but when she speaks, you would marvel at her contributions and submissions on cerebral issues of national interest.

While growing up, she loves artistic works. She loves to express herself via art. Her background growing up at the Kano emirate with sprawling ancient architectural wonder spurred her passion to study architecture at the University of Brighton in the United Kingdom, where she graduated as one of the best in her class.

Read Also: Bello felicitates Emir Bayero on Coronation

According to those close to her, she is a beautiful soul. She is also an individual with a shoulder to lean on as she values the spirit of friendship and comradeship. Despite being the choice of top bachelors in Kano, most especially as a princess of Bichi, the President’s son, Yusuf Buhari, was able to captivate her heart as their love story was said to be like a movie.

“Their union started with friendship but they both decided to take it to the next level when Zarah finished from the university,” a source said. The wedding ceremony between the royal house and the President’s family would witness the presence of the who is who in the country. They kick-started their wedding celebration with a polo event organised by their friends followed by Zarah’s frozen-themed bridal shower party, where her friends came out to bid her farewell to spinsterhood. It was a time of fun for her as she was seen in an elated mood gearing up for the Nikkah ceremonyon August 21.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

On the list of respected clergymen in the country, Sheikh Faruq Sulaiman Onikijipa is a recurring decimal. He is a man blessed with the knowledge of Islamic teaching.

Also blessed with impeccable oratory, Onikijipa is a lover of peace, whose sermon hits on unity and religious tolerance.

Over the years, he has gathered millions of fan base in and outside the country as they often said he is a man blessed with a wide knowledge of the holy book and abides by the teachings of book.

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Besides being a respected Islamic scholar, he is a renowned generous giver. On several occasions, his Olowo-Isheri home in Lagos is a mecca of sorts for those who need assistance and he has never failed to  put smiles on the face of those who come in contact with him. Despite his close relationship with top politicians, celebrities, and business personalities, he is down to earth and respectful.

With his commitment to peace and upholding the tenets of Islam in his teaching on July 22, he was honoured in Ilorin with a chieftaincy title as the fourth Grand Mufti of Ilorin.

The ceremony saw a huge crowd witnessing history as the respected clergyman was honoured for his achievements in propagating peace in Islam.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Call her an embodiment of poise, allure, aura, finesse, and sartorial elegance, you won’t be wrong in describing the Kwara State first lady Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq. The highly delectable and smooth-talking cerebral first-lady is regarded as one of the most pretty first ladies as her ravishing beauty cannot be ignored. She is indeed a classy woman, who loves elegant style and cosmopolitan looks. Despite her ravishing beauty, the former minister/head (Consular Education and Welfare Section, Nigeria High Commission, London) is soft at heart.

Read Also: Tribute to  Erelu Fayemi @ 58

This led to the creation and establishment of her Ajike People Support centre, an NGO established to uplift humanity and help the needy. Over the years, she has always been a strong campaigner on raising consciousness on women youth and children by tackling issues threatening their progress, safety, and development. She has also used the platform to facilitate provision of shelter to victims of gender-based violence, sexual abuse, and rape with no access to support and counselling. Through collaboration with mental and women’s health professionals, she assisted victims through medical and therapy sessions to enable them cope with their trauma.

On August 2, the mother of three celebrated her 54th birthday with less fanfare. In her usual manner, she was hosted by workers in her office with birthday cards and cakes. Sources said she also used the occasion to touch the lives of the needy by giving out valuables after which she had a private dinner celebration with her hubby and children.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

For Akinfemiwa Akinrutan, the upwardly mobile Prince of Ugbo land and managing director of Obat Oil, he learned the ropes of managing a business successfully early in life. He has often said he picked up his entrepreneurial spirit from his father Oba Fredrick Enitiolorunda Akinrutan, the Olugbo of Ugbo land, an accomplished businessman with huge investments in hospitality, real estate, and oil and gas sector.

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When many of his mates would sit and spend proceeds from their parents business, the Febson Hotel and Mall M.D. was busy working to sustain his family business empire. Last Friday, Omoba Pataki, as he is fondly called on the social radar, opened a lounge, named: ‘The Duke.’

The new lounge is located in the heart of Osborne offshore, Lagos. The lounge is fast becoming a rendezvous for Lagos topshots looking for a serene ambiance to hang out after work. Sources said Femi is looking to establish more fun spots in and outside Lagos before the year runs out.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, founder of BUA group, is synonymous with changing the narrative and causing positive business disruption across the world. His achievements are unrivalled and impeccable that a toddler can even speak of his ambition to put Nigeria on the world map. Despite the hurdles and hard times he faced, he was able to swim across heavy tides. While growing up, he sharpened and harnessed his business dexterity, carefully learning the tenets of running a successful business empire under the tutelage of his late father, a business mogul and wealthy trade merchant in Kano. With his audacious mindset to succeed, he ventured into business changing the narrative by giving his rivals a run for their money. As of today, he is regarded as one of the biggest investors in the economy with business interest in real estate, sugar, cement, oil, and gas, among other business chains.

Read Also: On Rabiu’s class act

Besides his fortune worth billions of dollars, according to Forbes, he has a large heart. While most of his peers spent their huge financial war chest on acquiring best and vintage automobiles, latest high-cost private jets, or a big double-decked yacht to move around, he deliberately dropped what is termed vanity of life to crest his name in the hearts of many as a true philanthropist. The act of giving to others is a lifestyle for Rabiu. He gives like it’s going out of style. The Kano-born generous moneybags is not interested in frivolities, he devotes his time to facilitating and sealing juicy business deals favourable to Africa and Nigeria. When he sauntered into 60 last year, during the heat of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic; many wished to show their appreciation for his kind act by celebrating him, but the birthday boy opted for a private celebration with his family, thanking his creator for enlarging his coast and giving him an opportunity many never had.

Interestingly, Rabiu got an early birthday present when he was appointed inaugural president of French Nigeria Business Council on the sidelines of the Choose France summit in Versailles, France. French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the French Nigeria Business Council to facilitate business cooperation between Nigeria and France.

As he celebrated his 61 on August 4, with different congratulatory letters and newspaper advertisements, it shows that many people are willing to share in his pot of joy, but the private businessman, who loathes media attention, kept his birthday low-profile.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

An Ekiti State politics, one man that is presently showcasing his political prowess is former House of Assembly Speaker Babafemi Richard Bamisile. Bamisile, we gathered, is fast becoming a man to reckon with in the state’s mainstream politics. Besides being the member representing Ekiti South Constituency II at the National Assembly, his dream and aspiration for a better Ekiti has always given him sleepless nights. More reason he threw his hat in the ring to contest as governor in 2018, making him one of the first candidates to show interest after touring all wards in Ekiti. However, the pendulum swung in favour of incumbent John Kayode Fayemi.

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Those close to the Ekiti State University graduate will confirm that one of his heart desires is to govern Ekiti by actualising the blueprint he had prepared to make the state great. Political pundits in the state said with his current political weight as a member of House of Representatives, owing to his pedigree as a grass-roots politician, he is a top contender that must not be shoved aside.

As gathered, Bamisile’s supporters have also taken a bold step by formally declaring that their principal would be vying for governor in the next election. At the well-attended declaration, the supporters highlighted his achievements and his plans to take the state to the next level. The former student’s union leader has a track record as Speaker of EKSH and was once a lawmaker, who left indelible footprints. He is gathering momentum and enjoying good followership with a stronger structure. It was hinted that before now he has been making good his intentions for Ekiti consistency via empowering programmes and social responsibilities. He has kick-started his mobilisation programme and has been attracting endorsements from home and abroad.

THE courage and tenacity with which Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi pursues his dreams and aspirations in life is quite commendable. As a member of the House of Representatives during the third republic, his tenure in the house was truncated and short-lived by the seizure of power by the military junta of General Sanni Abacha.

However, after posing serious opposition to that notorious regime alongside other progressives, Afikuyomi had no choice but to go on exile to save his life. The Sociology graduate from the University of Lagos returned after the death of the General and contested for the Lagos Central Senatorial District seat under the Alliance for Democracy, which he won. He later represented Lagos West in 2003-2007.

All through his time as senator, his dream was to return to school to study Law, his childhood dream, but his busy political schedule made this difficult until he quietly took the big leap a few years back. That leap and subsequent years of sweat and sleepless nights of study paid off this week, as he finally achieved his age-long dream before turning 60.

True to his jolly nature, the Senator, after his Call to Bar ceremony at the Eagle Square, Abuja, converged his close friends and associates to a private soiree at Charterhouse in Maitama, Abuja, where he feted them to the very best of meals and assorted drinks and music as he displayed his dance dexterity on the dance floor.

ONE woman who has continued to make big strides while staying in the background is Deola Ayeni Art-Alade. The woman, who has her hands in several pies, has continued to achieve giant strides without attracting attention to herself.

Unknown to many individuals, Deola, who is married to Nigerian music star, Darey Art Alade, co-owns Livespot Group, a 360 creative agency with arms that include Livespot Production, Livespot Media, and Livespot Nation.

The 360 creative agency recently partnered with Akin Salami’s Un1ty Production House to produce the third season of the international franchise, The Voice Nigeria.

Deola’s Livespot Group had work tirelessly with Salami’s Un1ty Production for over two years to produce the 18-week long show that ended last weekend.

Sources disclosed that Deola, whose activities had always gone without attracting public attention, prefers to always stay behind the scene while others take the attention.

Her marriage to an award-winning music star has continued to grow stronger and she will always decline any attempt or moves to draw her into public attention.

GBENGA Shobo, First Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, is a jolly good fellow and those close to him will attest to his love for good vibes.

His associates are also quick to chip in that his work ethic remains top-notch, despite his sociable personality.

A member of some of Lagos’ elitist clubs, Shobo is said to be a stickler for good music, movies and comedy.

He is said to be current with happenings in the entertainment circuit, notwithstanding his busy schedules occasioned by his No. 2 position at First Bank.

His subordinates and staff on the ninth floor of the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, where his office is situated, will also attest to his accessibility, fun-loving and cordial nature.

Shobo has over 30 years work experience from reputable organisations, more than 26 of which is in the Banking Industry in Credit & Relationship Management; Products Development & Improvement; Treasury; Product Sales and Banking Operations, amongst others.