Billionaire businessman, Sholaye Jeremi was quietly doing his thing as a consummate businessman and generous philanthropist who does not court media attention until his relationship with blogger Linda Ikeji threw him into the public space. Away from that part of his life, Jeremi, often called prince charming, connotes the persona of a cosmopolitan man with a heart of gold. He is a jolly good fellow who loves to have fun and also work hard. He loves his wines exotic and loves his automobile vintage. Despite his love for luxury, he never toys with generosity.

On July 5, the oil magnate celebrated his 43rd birthday devoid of unnecessary attention and fanfare. Despite his love for a low-profile lifestyle, his family, friends, mentees, employees, associates, and admirers extolled him to the high heavens. With his huge investment in the promotion of medical research, arts, education, think tanks, and science, he was described with many soothing words. Despite all the encomium and praise showered on him, he didn’t allow any get to his head saying his way of thanking God is to make sure he does everything possible for the upliftment of humanity.

At a point, naysayers averred that his interest in humanitarian works is connected to his special interest to delve into politics in the nearest future but those that know Jeremy like the back of their hand attest to the obvious that he loathes politics. He can’t stand the processes attached to what is generally perceived as a dirty game.

Deviating from the norm in celebration of his birthday, at a point when many of his peers will rather throw a very classy birthday soiree with an endless supply of high-cost drinks and meals, the generous moneybag reached out to some orphanage and old people’s homes donating food and gift items worth millions of Naira. Sources said that the move remains the most memorable birthday for Jeremy. There is nothing like touching lives as a means of showing gratitude to the giver of life.

One of the popular elite clubs in Nigeria, Ikoyi Club, has welcomed a media and public relations guru, Funso Aina into its fold.

Aina was recently welcomed into the fold of elite business tycoons and philanthropists that litter the Ikoyi Club after a well-attended induction.

The investiture of the brainy Aina, whose eloquent conversations leave anyone that comes in contact with him in awe, into Ikoyi Club has been one of the most discussed gists among whizkids in the technology, telecommunication firms, and blue-chip companies in the metropolis.

One of the things Aina, the MTN Senior manager, external relation, is known for his relationship with friends and colleagues. Aina is known to be one of the few who sustains a friendship bond and supports his friends and colleagues when in need.

Armed with over 22 years of work experience in journalism, cultural diplomacy, and telecommunications, those in close contact with Aina say he is a quintessential PR executive.

Aina is known to be a result-oriented personality with varied competence and hands-on experience in public relations, corporate communications, media relations, public affairs, perception, stakeholders, reputation, issues, and crisis management.

Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Ilorin, and a Masters Degree in International Relations from the Obafemi Awolowo Universities, this Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations is a humane and perfect gentleman many youngsters aspire to emulate his qualities

A voice-over talent and speech coach, Seun Shobo, has become the first African to be elected on the Board of Directors of the global professional body, Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA).

VASTA, which has its headquarters in Washington, the United States, is an international organisation of over 5000 members whose mission is to advance the research and visibility of the voice and speech profession, globally.

Shobo, who is the founder of Voice Over Academy, described the new appointment as laudable, stating that Nigeria and Africa were gradually being recognised as a reference point for excellence on the international stage.

According to the sought-after voice coach, who will be on VASTA board for three-year, more opportunities abound for African talents once everyone is passionate about what they are doing.

BETTER known as a Nollywood actor, Mike Godson has secured his first hosting job ahead of the 2021 edition of The Illuminators Business Reality Show.

Describing himself as an entrepreneur as well, Godson said he had been into commodity trading, which made him knowledgeable in business.

He stated: “I have an idea of what being an entrepreneur does. So I am here to support this brand by lending my voice and influencing them. I also want to help fish out the right entrepreneur for the project.”

While unveiling Godson as their host, the Lead Strategist of The Illuminators, Henry Ita, said they wanted someone that would help to take the brand to the mainstream media and they began the search.

He narrated: “While looking at the profiles of celebrities, we arrived at Mike’s name. We saw that he is a careful celebrity, he is conscious of what he does and he has a good sense of humour.”

The Illuminators is a crowdfunding TV reality show inspired by the desire of promoting and building a future for young and budding African businesses.

Billed to take off soon, the reality show will profile the lives of 20 entrepreneurs from different industries and businesses on TV. During a 10-week developmental period, the 20 contestants are expected to solve the unexpected and do different business and brand tasks to measure their individual talents.

GOVERNOR of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, literally took charge of the 68 birthday celebration of a former Attorney-General of the state, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN) during the week.

Apart from hosting the celebrant at his residence, the governor also surprised him with a birthday cake.

Expectedly, Chief Okocha couldn’t hide his excitement as he was full of thanks for the love extended to him by the governor.

Wike was the guest of honour at two events – Flag off of Rumuepirikom Flyover and Commissioning of six roads in Old GRA, Port Harcourt – yet he threw a surprise party for his friend.

Wike’s in-house band, Amby & friends, thrilled guests. The All Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State Gubernatorial candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, Bashorun Dele Momodu and many top politicians were in attendance.

Okocha, who was born on June 29, 1953, is an alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), where he obtained an LLB in 1977, and the University College London (UCL) of the University of London, United Kingdom, where he obtained his LLM in 1980.

While he was called to the Bar in Nigeria in 1978, he was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1995.

In 2004, the founder and managing solicitor of the Law Firm of Okocha & Okocha.P was awarded the distinguished National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR).

A time comes when everyone will leave the center stage. It could be as a result of age or something personal but it will definitely come.

For Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi, the time has come for her to retire from the Lagos State Civil Service as Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor. But she didn’t leave without doing it in style.

The event, which was also an occasion to mark the 60th birthday and retirement ceremony of the outgoing Permanent Secretary was held at the Chapel of Christ, The Light, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos State.

To pass some valuable experience the younger ones, Odejayi unveiled her book: ‘My Submission- An Instructional Guideline Towards a Successful Career’ in a ceremony that well attended by powerful forces within the Lagos State Civil Service, including Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi; Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde and representative of Lagos State First Lady, Mrs. Olabisi Onigbanjo.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, described the celebrant as a dedicated worker while commending her for the good services she rendered to the state.

He said: “You have no doubt sacrificed your time and leisure to contribute diligently in all MDAs you have served and this has contributed to sustaining the good reputation of the Lagos State Public Service as the most effective and efficient among its peers.

“As you are retiring today, we wish you all the best that life has to offer in this new phase that you are commencing. Although you will be greatly missed in the Lagos State Public Service, we believe your expertise, knowledge and wealth of experience will remain very relevant even outside the public service.”

IT’S always a priceless feeling and a memory to cherish forever when a state governor attends your wedding ceremony. That was exactly how two young lovers, Oluwaseun and Chioma, felt when the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, stormed their wedding reception, recently, despite his busy schedule.

The wedding reception held at Cacas Lucio Events Center, America Tobacco Road, Ibadan, brought the families of Honorable Sola & Bisi Fakorede and Mr. Chigozie & Nwanne Nwosu together as one. And it was also a moment of joy for the families as Governor Makinde gave their son and daughter his blessings.

The occasion started with an opening prayer by Pete Ademola, who committed the event and the people to the safety of the Almighty God. He also admonished the couple to embrace God and respect each other in the union.

Other faces at the event included Prof. (Mrs.) Bolanle Amudalat Olaniyan; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Oyo State, Mrs. Olubamiwa Adeosun; Prince Kemade Elugbaju, representing the Ooni of Ife; former Lagos Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni; Hon. Alabi Adesina and Chief Emeka Mbamalu.

IT was all about the Chief Executive Officer, TILT Group of Companies, Habeeb Okunola and his wife, Arinola Ajose-Okunola, as they were installed as Akosin and Yeye Akosin of Yorubaland respectively in Oyo, Oyo State.

The two-day ceremony began with Islamic prayers, after which there was a charity event.

The next day was for the installation hosted by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi. The new Akosin’s first task was to publicly present his book titled, “Little Bites of Inspiration.”

It was followed by a classy reception, with Mayegun Wasiu Ayinde, KWAM 1, leading the list of performers.

Anchored by Woli Arole and Kenny Blaq, the ceremony was attended by personalities such as the Dujima of Adamawa, Musa Halilu Ahmed; Oba Saheed  Elegushi; the Oloja of Epe Kindom, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun; Otunba Gani Adams; the Aladeshonyi of Odo Noforija, Epe, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja; the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo; the Oloja of Ugbe Ayekaland, Ondo State, Prince Babatunde Michael Ayeyiowa; the Olu-Nla of Itori, Oba Abudulfatai Akamo; the Alaketu of Ketu Epe, HRM Adegboyega Adefowora and Hon. Shina Peller.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

If your path with highly cerebral Hon Tunji Bello has once crossed, you will marvel at his level of wizardry and uncommon brilliance. Engaging him in a conversation will further sweep you off your feet with his vast knowledge and ability to contribute spontaneously on many issues.

Since his journey on earth, he has shown that he’s one of the few who have enjoyed uncommon grace and favour thrown at him by his creator. His name is synonymous with success and an intimidating victorious career as a seasoned journalist, lawyer, astute politician, environmental scientist, Political scientist, and technocrat par excellence. The former Special Adviser to Late M.K.O Abiola is also a man of the people whose simplicity, humane gait, and philanthropic gestures marvel many. If there is one reason to be happy and even roll out drums engaging praise singers in excitement, it has to be the celebration of a milestone achievement or age. Bello gave thanks to his creator for sparing his life to witness another age, gliding gracefully into the league of a sexagenarian. As he celebrated his 60th birthday on Thursday, July 1, the political scientist in his usual manner was welcomed by all sundry, who shared in his joy.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and water resources would have loved to throw a high octane soiree with invitations sent out to top guests but he is a man who sees beyond his interest and puts vested interest to the best advantage of humanity. The former Secretary to the Lagos State Government spent the day with his family, close associates, and friends who showered him with enormous gifts and gigantic birthday cakes.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Armed with the fearlessness of Achilles and grace of Terpsichore, Barrister Allen Onyema, head honcho of Nigeria’s airline Air Peace, is no pushover in the league of extraordinary business moguls, who developed an interest in the growth of Nigeria. According to a business pundit, his investment in the aviation sector since the advent of Air peace in 2014 cannot be overlooked with the wave of a hand.

Onyema has indeed crested his name in gold as his record in the industry cannot be broken anytime soon. At a time when most of his peers were moving their investment to foreign countries, Allen invested in his father’s land, creating direct and indirect employment, increasing his fleets with brand new aircraft thereby globalizing Nigeria’s aviation sector by flying Nigeria high across the sky to the rest of the world.

Read Also: The other side of Allen Onyema

If you wonder how he was able to break barriers by rising to an enviable height in business, his passion, patriotism, and love for impacting his immediate environment further spurred him to greatness.

If there is one thing Allen is known for, it’s his love for peace and unity. Those close to him during his formative years noted that he is a peacemaker who not only preaches it but also lives by it.

To further extend his quest for peace and harmony in the country, the Law graduate from the University of Ibadan, last week turned a preacher when he spoke from his heart to an array of passengers aboard flight 7120 Lagos to Abuja. During his speech, the generous moneybag spoke on the greatness in our unity as one nation and one entity.

He harped on the need for Nigeria to remain one citing an example of the United States of America, known for its diverse racial background which makes it a great country today. “The diversity we have is the best thing that can ever happen to us as a nation. Let’s make it work. Let’s stop engaging in blame games. Let’s stop engaging in the stigmatization of ethnicity. Let us work as Nigerian’s.”