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British High Commission Celebrates Nigerian Creativity At The Queen’s Birthday Party 2019

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Photo: Koya Adegbite                                  Story: Promise Oshewa

It was a mix of senior personalities from various sectors of society on Thursday April 2019 as the British Deputy High Commission hosted the Queen’s Birthday Party at the British Residence in Ikoyi., Lagos.

The event, which was used to celebrate the creativity of Nigerians in different spheres of life was attended by the cream of Nigerian society both old and young.

Catriona Laing, Babajide Sanwoolu & Laure Beaufils

The creative them of the occasion was obvious right from the entrance as the décor and design of the venue was transformed with various installations that gave it a colourful and vibrant feel.

Following a week from the #BHCYouthParty, the design of the space was comprised of the work of various talented Nigerians, including the black wall of ideas guests to the youth party has scribbled on.

Laure Beaufils & Toyin Saraki

On arrival, guests were greeted by a lounge area with Adire fabric sofas from Nigerian Furniture designer, Alaga collections, a live mural-in-action being painted on the wall, and an already completed mural titled ‘Mammy water’ which was a painting by public school children in Lagos, both under the five cowries project by Polly Alakija.

Inside the residence, the living area was converted to a screening room for a video installation of the short film ‘Entitled’; a migrant fantasy film By British Nigerian filmmaker Adeyemi Michael.

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu & Catriona Laing

Reflecting on her experience so far in her new role as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing said that working in Nigeria was the job she had always wanted since joining the Foreign and Commonwealth office.

She said this conviction was corroborated at an event recently in which she had met Queen Elizabeth who told her she had ‘the best job in the world’ representing the British Government in Nigeria.

Mrs Kuti & Catriona Laing

The musical talent of Nigerians was also brough to the fore in the form of music provided by Beejay Sax and his band, as well as Kafayat Quadri who sang both the Nigerian and British anthems.

That was not all, there was also a display of striking photographs taken by Nigerians and provided by the African Artists Foundation, as well as designs from the finalists of the British Council Creative Enterprise programme. Guests were also treated to delicious desserts by renowned culinary company, SaltLagos.

Laure Beaufils, Babajide Sanwoolu, Catriona Laing & Prince Dapo Abiodun

For Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Laure Beaufils who was hosting her third and final QBP, it was a bittersweet moment ‘Lagos will always have a place in my heart and that of my family. It is a city that is so full of life and gives you so much energy, there is never a dull moment here. But I leave with the confidence that my colleague Harriet Thompson who will be taking over from me has as much of a passion for Lagos and more broadly Nigeria as I do.’ She stated with s bright smile on her face.

Speaking about the design of the space, the Residence Manager & Social Secretary Opeyemi Ojo said ‘I’m really proud and relieved to finally see what we have been able to achieve with the space this year, and the feedback we’ve received from guests has been very encouraging. I’m delighted that we have been able to use this theme to showcase the talent and vibrancy that is Lagos, and I’d like to thank all the artistes and service providers that worked with me to make this happen.’

Adewale Adebajo & Opeyemi Ojo

The Queen’s Birthday Party is the flagship annual event held by embassies and high commissions to commemorate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen of England. Although her actual Birthday is the 21st of April, QBPs are generally celebrated in the month of April according to the discretion of embassies.

Bisi Alimi, Catriona Laing & Ireti Oluwagbemi

Valentine Osigbo & Catriona Laing

Abdulrahman Abiola-Odunnowo & Laure Beaufils

Catriona & Laure

Umbrella Installation by Polly Alakija#

Staff of the British Deputy High Commission and British Council Pose for a photo

Laure Beaufils

Omoni Oboli

Catriona Laing

Catriona Laing, Adewale Adebajo & Babajide Sanwoolu

Catriona Laing & Laure Beaufils

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Catriona Laing & Laure Beaufils

Ireti Oluwagbemi & Leticia Tikyaa

Kafayat Quadri singing the anthems

Adewale Adebajo & Opeyemi Ojo

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Events

The Grand 70th Birthday Celebration of Jewelry Queen, Chief Jokotade Oni, in Lagos

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By Eric Elezuo

She is by every standard a force to reckon with in the world of jewelleries, and has been in the business for as long as anyone could remember. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Gold Rush, Chief (Mrs) Jokotade Oni, and this the story of how the top member of the society celebrated her three score and ten birthday.

Mrs Oni cuts her birthday cake, surrounded by grandchildren

Hosted at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event began with the heralded arrival of the celebrant and her retinue of well wishers and friends, and was followed immediately by a Thanksgiving Service conducted by the General Overseer of the Trinity Church Pastor Ituah Ighadalo, and his team of pastors.

Celebrant with Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande

In his short exhortation, after the son of the celebrant has presented the reading of the lesson Pastor Ighadalo lauded the achievements of the celebrant in the field of enterprise and provision of welfare to the teeming population of where she operates. He also admonished the congregation to always to count their days as the Bible recommended in other not to forget to give appreciation to the Almighty God.

Chief Oni pose with Aare and Yeye Aare Dele Momodu

With the conclusion of the Service, a grand reception at the same venue started with an opening prayer led by Israel Ayodele. Shortly after, the birthday girl, who had taken a ahort break earlier, made a grandiose re-entry, with members of her family and friends, towing courageously and majestically behind her.

Afterwards, tributes by notable personalities, who are close to the celebrant, including the Chairperson of the Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, were delivered.

Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro and the Momodus

The major highlight of the occasion was the cutting of the huge birthday cake, under the directives of a renowned Economist, who served as Minister of Industry as well as President of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, amid cheers and applause from the audience.

A photo-op was conducted right before the lovely event, which was planned by ELIZABETH, treated guests to an avalanche of splendid local and continental dishes and choice beverages just as Laolugbenjo Band serenaded guests till fade.

Aare Momodu with DIG Taiwo Lakanu

Among personalities that graced the event were Chairman, Eleganza Group, Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya and wife, Chief (Mrs) Shade Okoya; Alhaji Tajudeen Okoya, Chief Alex Duduyemi, Chief Samuel Adedoyin, Iyalode of Lagos, Alhaja Bintu Tinubu; Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare (Dr.) Dele Momodu and wife Yeye Mobolaji Momodu; and Former Deputy Govover of Lagos State, Mr. Femi Pedro.

Photos: Tunde Bolarinwa

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Events

The Classy Nikkah Ceremonies Between Omobolaji Jamil and Omolara Tijani in Lagos

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By Eric Elezuo

The Monarch Event Centre, venue of the Nikkah services and reception when the duo of Omobolaji Eniola Jamil and his beautiful bride, Omolara Tawakalitu Tijani said heartfelt ‘I dos’ to each other, was an inch above classy, magnificent and adorable. It was not just about the presidential building, but more about the ambience of the environment, the ambivalence of colours and more especially, the smiles that characterized the day.

The events of the day, as planned by Adela Event, which kickstarted at the newly opened Delborough Hotel in Victoria Island, where the lovely couple dressed, and had the first step into royalty amid klieglights from various media of repute, cascaded into a carnival of some sort with their arrival at the marriage venue, where guests and Islamic clerics were already on ground.

Without much ado, renowned Islamic cleric, Alhaji Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello popularly refers as ‘Oniwasi Agbaye’ (Global preacher), set the ball rolling, leading the couple into confessing, affirming and sustaining their unbreakable love for each with the crowd of witnesses echoing amin at every prayer, pronouncement, and declaration. He thereafter, declared the lovebirds man and wife, paving the way for a reception that lasted way into the night, and a celebration of love destined to last a lifetime.

With a short interlude as the newest couple took a break to recreate, the disc jockey held the hall spellbound and rocking with sounds from notable and creative Nigerian artists. The audience couldn’t but roll in ecstasy as the beats made impacts.

At the return of the couples, and under the supervisor of the day’s anchor, Tee A, the families of the bride and groom made separate dramatic entry, dancing to the admiration and encouragement of well wishers roundabout.

Then, it was the turn of the couple to dance in. With the bridal train and the men in suit doing the first encore, the couple danced in in style, cheered loudly by all and sundry, and displaying scintillating dance steps that was the hallmark of their growing up days.

The bride and her train, also took the limelight with a choreographic display, winning the hearts of onlookers, followed by the emotional dance of the bride and her father.

With the dances settled, the chairman of the day, Dr. Akintunde Ayeni, took the stage to declare the event open, and admonished the couple on the basic principles of making a happy home.

“Love and submission win all battles in matrimony. Once you love each other, submit to each other, no barrier will be encountered and nothing shall be impossible to both of you. In fact, you will be able to conquer every from within or without. And again, respect each other, which is very key, in fact, very important, ” Ayeni said.

One of the major highlights of the occasion was the superlative display of one of the most sought after performers from this part of the world, KWAM 1, who rattled the hall with one classic beat after another, getting everyone off their seats, singing along and dancing away.

Another major highlight was the cutting of the gigantic cake, coordinated by a former Super Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju, popularly know as Headmaster during his hay days.

The guests, apart from the array of entertainment on ground, were treated to sumptuous delicacies comprising continental and local dishes as well as choice beverages.

We wish the Jamils the best of marital union in love, health and prosperity.

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Events

Dignitaries Grace Grand Opening of Luxurious Delborough Hotel in Lagos (Photos)

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By Eric Elezuo

The newest and grandest luxury hospitality nest in the city of Lagos, Delborough Hotel in highbrow Victoria Island, was declared on Saturday, November 25, 2023, with high dignitaries in attendance.

Among those who attended the grand opening, or visited at one point or another are former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, the Etsu Nupe Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe among many others.

Delborough Hotel is owned by Stanley Uzochukwu, and is run by a board of directors including constitional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome SAN.

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