Events

Esther Ajayi Foundation Berths in Ghana: To Whom Much is Given

Published

8 years ago

March 13, 2018

Eric

By Otunba Abiodun Olufowobi

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” – Nelson Henderson

THE ESTHER AJAYI FOUNDATION GHANA was launched at the prestigious Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra on 10 March 2018.

First off, on 9 March 2018, a team from the Esther Ajayi Foundation (EAF) was at the Royal Seed Orphanage Home, in Ofankor, Central Region of Ghana, to share materials which would help the inmates cope with the misery fate has visited upon their young lives.

Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi with Chief Dele Momodu

For those who were not at the ceremony, a glimpse of these children’s brutish existence came to the fore, the next day, 10 March 2018 as EAF formally berthed in Ghana, at the auditorium of the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra; when a documentary on the orphanage was shown. Only a few in the packed hall could have held their tears seeing the children cringing upon themselves during a rainfall: the roof of their room could just have been non-existent.

Reverend Mother Ajayi at the Seed Orphanage Home

Showing the documentary, it would seem, was to pinch the dignitaries who came from around the world to honour God and His tool, Rev Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, who is steadily becoming the Mother Teresa of this generation, that while enjoying the cozy evening, a thought should be spared for the less privileged such as the children of Royal Seed Home.

Showing gratitude to the orphans at the Home

The first speaker of the night was Mr. James Ebo Whyte an accomplished writer and a leading motivational speaker in Ghana. Whyte narrated how a thoughtful intervention of his secondary school teacher in 1968 changed his story from being a motor mechanic in Ghana to the celebrated Mediapreneur that he is today. He said he has also caught the bug of giving and that, today, he remained a blessing to so many others – in appreciation to what God has made of his life.

Mr. Abiodun Paseda with a guest

Next was Mrs. Gifty Anti, a journalist and broadcaster who also narrated how she benefited from the benevolence of people in her community while going to school in the face of paucity of funds. She has held on to the joy she derived from the blessings and has also dedicated her life to giving and blessing of others.

A line-up of dignitaries at the event

Then came, Reverend Father Andrew Campbell, who arrived Ghana in 1971 as a young Catholic Church priest. He said he found out about the despicable ways the people ostracized lepers and how the people wrongly believed leprosy was contagious. He founded the Leper Aid Committee and remained a veritable blessing to the leper community of Ghana ever since.

It was the turn of the American Pastor George G. Bloomer of the Durham, NC based G.G. Bloomer Ministries and Come Let Us Reason Together (C.L.U.R.T.) International Assemblies. Pastor Bloomer attributed his spiritual height to divine grace which brought him up from the project home environment to the prison and out and eventually becoming a man of God. He extolled the virtue of giving and being a blessing to the less privileged.

Mr. Ade Adebajo and another guest

The priest used the analogy of Satan whom he said does not give without conditions but the man of God said it is divine to give freely without strings attached. He said one of the persons he knows who give without strings attached or expected – one who plant trees under which she does not expect to seek shade – is Rev. Mother Ajayi.

This was a perfect cue-in for the spiritual amazon and the prime mover of the EAF to mount the stage. The Iya Adura, as she is fondly called, made a grand entrance to a praise song accompanied by Bolaji Olarenwaju. Iya Adura Ajayi exudes confidence, focus and integrity. She was joined on the stage by her husband, Pastor Ademuyiwa Ajayi and the Ovation International boss, Bashorun Dele Momodu, who was instrumental to EAF coming to berth in Ghana.

Iya Adura praised God for the journey so far, which she traced the story from the secondary school where she met her husband (Pastor Ademuyiwa Ajayi whom Iya Adura fondly called Buroda Muyiwa) to the marital blessings of four biological children and an adopted daughter; how the family relocated to the UK from Nigeria and how the husband who was the breadwinner fell ill and the family finances plummeted resulting in the loss of their London tenancy. Out in the street and seeking help until God intervened and reversed the family into abundance and glory. She insisted that the path to her charitable disposition and benevolence was the only reasonable course for her given the benevolence and grace with which God turned her sorrows into laughter. She extolled the spirit of giving and declared that having established her uncommon charity in the UK, USA, Israel and other nations, it was the turn of Ghana to receive from God’s abundance.

Reverend Mother Ajayi with dignitaries

Several gospel musical act entertained the audience and sumptuous dinner was served. Guests were also presented with copies of the specially branded Holy Bible and other EAF – branded souvenirs

The thought-provoking evening was winded up with presentation of sundry gifts by EAF partners to the Iya Adura in appreciation of her seamless charity around the world. It was more significant when the proprietor of Royal Seed Home climbed up the podium and presented to Iya Adura a token certification of appreciation on behalf of the orphanage.

Chief Dele Momodu (r)

Won’t you too be a partner? To give a little from your abundance to charity. In cash or, and, kind – time, service and support. Planting trees under whose shade we may not sit. Let’s all join the Iya Adura and the EAF in making the less-privileged share in our abundance.

At the dinner table

Otunba Abiodun Olufowobi (Pabiekun) is a lawyer and avid blogger.

aisoaba@yahoo.com

Events

Wife’s Death: Mourners Throng Former Ovation Editor, Mike Effiong’s Home in Commiseration

Published

4 days ago

March 16, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It has been a solemn atmosphere as a crowd of mourners continues to throng the Ogba, Ikeja home of Mr. Mike Effiong, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State (Lagos Liaison), Umo Eno, and immediate past Editor of Ovation International Magazine, following the death of his wife, Oluwakemi.

Kemi, as she is fondly called, died Friday night after succumbing to fatal injuries following a gas explosion in their home, as confirmed by her husband, Mr Effiong, in a statement on Saturday.

KEMI HAS GONE TO BE WITH THE LORD

It is with a deep sense of sadness and loss that I, on behalf of the James, Oyediran, Ojikutu, and Macaulay families, announce the passing of my very dear wife, OLUWAKEMI OYETEJU JAMES.

She was my bestie, dotting mother of our lovely biological children, Kufre and Aniete, and several other non-biological children, wonderful friends, aunts, cousins, and sisters.

Kemi exemplified her name. She was caring to a fault, hard when need be, and a philanthropist extraordinaire.

She passed after battling for weeks following a domestic accident. We are devastated, but we know that God knows best and she is in a better place.

We request your prayers during this incredibly difficult moment of grief.

May God continue to protect us all.

Michael Effiong James
Senior Special Assistant (Lagos Liaison) to Akwa Ibom State Governor

Among prominent callers to the home of the veteran journalist to commiserate with him are Chairman/CEO, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu; Senator Tokunboh Afikuyomi, Representative of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Inemesit Eno; Mr. Funsho Adeagbo, Ken Caleb-Olumese of Niteshift, Members of the Rotary Club, Members of the 9JC and other professional bodies, the Ovation Family led by the Editor, Mr. Eric Elezuo, Nollywood Practitioner, Kunkle Afolayan, Azu Arinze, Gbenga Adeyinka, family members, friends, colleagues and a host of others.

The house of the Effiongs has been a beehive of activities since the death was announced early Saturday morning.

Kemi is survived by her husband and two children, Kufre and Aniete, among an avalanche of dependants, colleagues and associates and family members.

May her soul rest in perfect peace!

Events

Glamour, Class As Adebola Williams Celebrates Stylish Ruby Jubilee

Published

4 days ago

March 16, 2026

Eric

By Funmi Ilelabayo

Family, friends and well wishers gathered at The Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki, Lagos to facilitate with Adebola Williams as he celebrates his 40th birthday with a thanksgiving service.

The birthday thanksgiving witnessed praise and worship, rendition of hymns, sermons, tributes, thanksgiving and prayers.

Adeyinka Alaseyori, Mercy Chinwo, Dare justified and Sunmisola Agbebi were on ground to thrill the congregation with electrifying and scintillating gospel performances, which got the star-studded environment erupting in joy.

With speeches, goodwill messages, and heartfelt prayers for the celebrant and his family concluded, the service ended with recessional hymn.

In attendance were the Ooni of Ife, HRM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; Former Minister of Education, and Solid Minerals in Nigeria, and Vice President of the World Bank’s Africa Region, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili; Erelu Bisi Dosunmu, and Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu.

Others were former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and wife; Chief (Mrs.) Sade Okoya, Mr Kola Adesina, Mo Abudu, Toke Makinwa, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi and others.

Events

Banigo Conferred with Life Patroness Honours As Rivers AWLO Relaunches

Published

2 weeks ago

March 7, 2026

Eric

The African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) Rivers State Chapter was officially relaunched on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the prestigious Osborne La Palm Hotel, in a vibrant ceremony marked by leadership renewal, recognition of excellence, and a renewed commitment to advancing women’s leadership across the state.

The landmark event welcomed dignitaries, leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders from across the region.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the decoration of Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Distinguished Senator and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, as AWLO Life Patroness. This prestigious honor recognizes her decades of unwavering commitment, advocacy, and remarkable achievements in advancing the cause of women and community development.

In addition to her decoration, Senator Banigo was unveiled as the Face of the 2026 AWLO Magazine, which was officially launched during the event.

The magazine celebrates impactful women leaders and chronicles inspiring stories of transformation and service across Africa.

The event was graced by the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; and the Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Her Excellency Lady Valerie Fubara all ably represented by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, whose presence underscored the state government’s continued support for women’s leadership and inclusive governance.

Further underscoring AWLO’s commitment to inclusive partnership and male allyship in advancing gender equity, four distinguished gentlemen were formally recognized and decorated as AWLO HeForShe Champions. They include:
•Sir Siminalayi Fubara; Executive Governor of Rivers State
•Chief Nabil Saleh
•Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim
•Ambassador Clinton Fubara Snr.

This special recognition celebrates their outstanding support for women’s leadership, advocacy for gender inclusion, and demonstrated commitment to policies and initiatives that empower women across professional, civic, and community spaces.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Elizabeth Ekole charged women to embrace visionary leadership, resilience, and collaboration as catalysts for sustainable development. Her address emphasized the importance of strengthening networks that empower women economically, socially, and politically by strategically nurturing their health and wellbeing.

The ceremony also witnessed the formal admission of new leaders into the AWLO community, reinforcing the organisation’s mission of nurturing transformative female leadership at local, national, and continental levels.

The Honourable President and Founder of AWLO, Amb. Dr. Elisha Attai, described the relaunch of the Rivers State Chapter as “a strategic step toward deepening our impact and building a stronger ecosystem for women leaders in Rivers State and beyond.” He reiterated AWLO’s commitment to capacity building, mentorship, and strategic partnerships that elevate women into positions of influence and impact.

In attendance were esteemed members of the AWLO Executive Council, including the Dean of the AWLO Executive Council, Mrs. Theodora Ajegwu, as well as the State Chairperson of AWLO Akwa Ibom Chapter, Madam Elizabeth Etebom, who lent solidarity and regional support to the relaunch.

The relaunch marks a new chapter for AWLO Rivers State, positioning the chapter to expand its programs, foster cross-sector collaboration, and champion initiatives that advance gender equity, leadership excellence, and community transformation.

As AWLO continues to build a formidable network of women leaders across Africa and the diaspora, the Rivers State relaunch stands as a testament to the organisation’s enduring vision: empowering women to lead with integrity, competence, and purpose.