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Mahama, Ambode Shine at First Lagos Tourism Summit

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By Eric Elezuo                                                                   Photos: Adekoya Adegbite

The Convention Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites Monday was a beehive of activities as tourism and entertainment practitioners as well investors gathered to brainstorm on elevating the tourism industry as the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State hosted the first ever Lagos Tourism Summit tagged “Destination Lagos: Towards a Sustainable Tourism-Driven Economy”.

Members of the first panel with H.E. Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (1)

The event which kicked off at the10am advertised time had in attendance Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Minister of Information, Arts and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the former President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama among a great many other dignitaries.

(R-L) Femi Davies, Mr.Demola Seriki , Bashorun Dele Momodu & Mr. Bode Opeseitan

With celebrity comperes in the persons of singer, songwriter and performer, Darey Art Alade and TV/radio personality, Sola Kosoko steering the ceremony; guests were treated to enduring topics tailored towards generating a master plan to make Lagos the tourism hub of West Africa.

Kicking off the show was the creative rendition of the two verses of the Nigerian National Anthem with a talking drum and followed by a superlative cultural performance by a group of children led by Anjola and Sophie, and supported by Darey Art Alade himself.

The host of the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, took centre stage afterwards for his welcome address, and intimated the gathering that time has come for the state to maximize its unlimited tourism potentials.

Hon Desmond Elliot, Mrs. Nneka Isaac Moses & Mrs. Tannaz Bahnam

His speech was followed in quick succession by the Chief Host, His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode’s speech where he noted that Lagos has been in the forefront of propagating the culture of the black race.

Governor Ambode with members of the second panel

He said. “The Lagos Tourism master plan, which is the ultimate end product of this summit, is premised on the context of this analogy. As a government, we are conscious of the fact that infrastructure, security, stability and partnership with all stakeholders are fundamental ingredients for tourism development.”

As the keynote speaker at the event, the former President of Ghana, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, itemized development plans to put in place in order to achieve the ambitious tourism dreams of Governor Ambode.

Amb. Musiliu Obanikoro & H.E. Mr. Jon Draman Mahami

He cited developed quality medical services, enhanced transportation services; high speed mobile data services and guaranteed security of any visitor coming into Lagos as the major conditions for Lagos to shine above the rest as a hub for tourists.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, The Minister of Information, Arts and Culture was on hand to echo the views of the previous speakers, beginning with a short documentary that highlighted the sights and sounds of Nigeria, he then revealed that the Federal Government will back Lagos in its quests to develop tourism which will ultimately boost the economy.

Mr. Pat Utomi , Amb. Musiliu Obanikoro & Mrs. Omotayo Omotosho

Thereafter, panel after panel, notable and privileged professionals and stakeholders in the tourism industry took the platform to dissect the needs of a tourism destination capital like Lagos.

Previewing the first of the four panels was Prof. Ibukunoluwa Ayodele of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan. He spoke extensively with copious verifications on “Destination Lagos: Towards a Sustainable Tourism-Driven Economy”.

The members of the panel, which was moderated by the Managing Partner, Abiola Alabi Media, Mrs. Abiola Alabi, included Prince Yemisi Shyllon,  Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, Mr. Koye Edu, Mrs. Omotayo Omotoso  and Mr. Phillip Hughes.

The Founder and CEO, Centre for Values in Leadership, Prof. Pat Utomi, previewed the second panel, and harped on the theme, “The Paths and Possibilities for Lagos State”. This panel, moderated by Founder and CEO, Best Games Ltd, Mrs. Opunimi Akinkugbe, had the Managing Director of Access, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, who was ably represented by the bank’s Head of ICT; MD, Bank of Industry, Mr. Kayode Pitan; Programme Associate of Ford Foundation, Ms. Padma Ugbabe; Director, Arts, West Africa for British Council, Ms. Ojoma Ochai and Mr. John Uwajumogu from Ernst and Young.

The third panel which was moderated by Nneka Isaac-Moses of Goge Africa discussed a paper by Mr. James Mcgregor itled Exploring the Lagos Tourism Ecosystem for Economic and Social Benefits. Members of the panels were Hon. Desmond Elliot, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, Mrs. Tannaz Bahnam and Mrs. Elaine Okeke-Martin.

The final panel discussed Ambassador Ikechi Uko’s  paper tagged “MICE, Creative Content as Tourism Panacea, with Lola Shoneyin as Moderator, panelists were Mo Abudu, Mr. Paul Onwuanibe, Mrs Lanre Da-Silva Ajayi, Mrs. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker and Mr. Sam Onyemelukwe.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ambode on Arts and Culture, Mrs. Aramide Giwanson, gave the vote of thanks, appreciating all for coming and presenting a great opportunity to exchange productive tourism development ideas.

Guests were treated to sumptuous reception in between the panel-discussions.

Other important dignitaries that attended the event were Erelu of Lagos, Princess Abiola Dosunmu, Ambassador Musiliu Obanikoro, Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu, former Lagos SSG, Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya, LIRS Chairman, Ayo Subair, Shina Peller, Mahmood Ali Balogun, Edi Lawani, Theo Lawson, Bisoye Fagade, Adebayo Salami, Fred Amata, Paul Obazele, Jahman Anikulapo, Dayo Adedayo, Abiodun Osinibosi, former Finance Commissioner, Chief Michael Olawale-Cole, Mr. Rasak Balogun, Ambassador to Benin Republic, Oguntuashe Kayode, Oba Aderibigbe Osi, Ernst and Young Regional Manager, Dr. Onike Akande, Mr. Sunday Ajose, Oba Orimakinde and members of the Lagos State Executive Council.

 

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Events

Forty Worthy Cheers for Woman of Substance, Oluwatosin Adegboyega

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By Eric Elezuo

Life, they say, begins at 40, and it is not by accident that a woman, well endowed with the very qualities anyone could wish for, and probably do whatever it takes to acquire, is celebrating 40, the beginning of a more prosperous life. She is Oluwatosin Lucy Tobi Adegboyega.

A leader of unassuming status, Lucy, as she is known, has displayed strength and character by quietly turning everything she touches into a cherished ornament, building men and institutions to enviable standard.

Born in 1984, in the prestigious Chelsea hospital, London, Lucy is a proud native of Ondo State, where her parents hail from, a product of the Akinyelure and Odetola families.

As a true born, who places importance in her origin, Tosin came to Nigeria when she was of age to prosecute her secondary, and university education, which she concluded at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Ago Iwoye,in Ogun State.

Thereafter, having achieved the most, she returned to London, and took up a career in Psychology and Human Development.

Her line of vocation has given her the leverage to affect lives positively, and has since mentored many young people, provided housing for a whole lot of others among other corporate social responsibilities in conjunction with er husband and closest confidante, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC), whom she married on August 20, 2011. The couple has waded through 13 years of marital exigency, and is much better for it.

In addition to her societal impact, Lucy has conscientiously built not just a family, but a home, and is blessed with two children.

Her home, a Jerusalem of some sought, welcomes hundreds of visitors on a monthly basis, and that has earned her a sobriquet of the ‘Quiet Host’.

Among individuals she has hosted in her home are governors, presidents, aspirants of diverse political positions, clergymen and a host of others.

Mrs Adegboyega is not just a household name by every standard, she is a much sought after woman of substance, providing succour to, and affecting positively her immediate and remote environment.

Enjoy a much deserved happy birthday ma, and relish in the euphoria of your 40 worthy and ruby-clad cheers.

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Grand Reception As Gospel Singing Sensation, Sinach, Celebrates 52nd Birthday in London

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Iconic singer, and Award-winning gospel artiste, Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known by her stage name, Sinach, has celebrated her 52nd birthday at the exquisite Dorchester Hotel, in London, with family members, colleagues and well wishers in attendance.

The world acclaimed singer of Way Maker, I know Who I am among many other hit tracks also used the opportunity of the birthday to announce her upcoming OVO Arena Wembley Concert, billed to hold on July, 6 2024.

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Family and friends of the iconic Osinachi Joseph Egbu, known better as Sinach, celebrated the gospel music artist on her birthday in grand pomp and style at the decorous and exquisite London Dorchester.

The Global singer, songwriter and worship leader, who has been serving in this capacity for 33 years, held the grand event on the holy Easter Saturday, March 30, 2024, which also happens to be her birthday.

Lit with montages, interactive sessions and orchestral performances, the evening included Sinach performing live, reflections from her close family and friends and recorded tributes. Sinach expressed how grateful she is for her family, ministry, her health, and the peace she has been blessed with.

“Many of your songs have become global worship anthem – we all have our favourites but Way Maker is a super massive hit – with over 300 million views on YouTube alone,” Lalita Taylor, Executive Producer at the BBC, who was the host for the evening said.

The celebration was organized by businessman and entrepreneur, Dr. Joseph Egbu who is the husband of Sinach. Whilst being thankful for family and friends who showed up to celebrate his wife and family. He described her as “loving, patient, humble and a true woman of God”.

Dr. Egbu, in an emotional moment of professing love, thanked Sinach for loving him truly and being the remarkable woman she is.

Some of the guests who celebrated the multi award-winning Sinach included: SL Kemi Balogun, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi Olori of the Ife Kingdom & Founder African Fashion Week; Dr Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services; Nero Ughwujabo, Special Advisor To Prime Minister Theresa May – Director, Diversity at Prince’s Trust (King Charles’s charity).

Also there were: Her Excellency Janet Charles, Acting High Commissioner, Dominica Hogh Commision, London ; Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE, Deputy Lieutenant, The King’s Representative for Greater London & President Elect of Institute of Project Management UK; Mr & Mrs Okonkwo ( E Money), Bright Ekeleme and Chido Mnangagwa (daughter of President of Zimbabwe) Mr. Obinna Egbu, Henry Nwoke,Ms. Uloaku Ojiaku, Ehi Moses, and Ms. Chim Moore of Magnum Security Services Ltd Zambia

Sinach also shared news about her upcoming July 6, 2024 live concert at OVO Arena Wembley in Wembley Park. “Victory Sounds”, she said would be a spirit-filled night of worship and praise and a grand celebration of victory and faith.

The concert also features an impressive line up of confirmed personalities from the UK Christian Chart including: Israel Houghton, Travis Greene, Da’dra Greathouse, Lucy Grimble, Ada, Limoblaze and Warehouse Worship.

Sinach is honorary Ambassador of the Commonwealth of the Dominica. In February 2023, the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica awarded Sinach as global ambassador, via a letter signed by the Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit. In July 2022, she joined the Grammy Recording Academy as a voting member.

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Sights and Sounds As Madonna University Celebrates 25th Anniversary

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By Eric Elezuo

The main campus of the prestigious Madonna University in Elele, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was agog recently as the institution rolled out the drums to celebrate its 25 years of existence.

Founded in 1999 by the Very Reverend (Prof) E. M. P. Edeh (OFR), the school has stood the test of time, and churned desirable professionals, who have left indelible marks in the sand of time.

Among major highlights of the day’s activities, was the identification and honoring of the top 100 graduates of the institution.

Several dignitaries also turned up to celebrate with the institution, including two terms governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who also is an alumnus of the school.

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