Events

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

Published

7 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

The Splendid Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Barr. Daniel Aramide

Published

4 months ago

July 28, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The ancient city of Abeokuta was agog when celebrated lawyer and businessman, Barrister Daniel Aramide, pulled all stops to give himself a well deserved diamond jubilee bash.

The event, which took place in his palatial residence at Boldan House, Kemta Housing Estate, Zone II, Idi Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was a beehive of activities as friends, colleagues, family members and well wishers came in their numbers to grace the spectacular event.

It was a moment of joy and visible emotion as the birthday boy beamed smiles after smiles and grinned from ear to ear in absolute ecstacy amid cheers from guests even as he danced away to the sonorous voice of music maestro, Yinka Ayefele, and tunes from the wheels of DJ Secxy, who rocked the house with a combination of oldies and present sounds.

The event, planned by Que-Brand Events, also made available plenty to eat and drink as Topsy Catering, Jimmysgrillz, Pop House Cocktails, Slot Films, Amala Iya Oyo, Sansan Pots Catering and Annidre’s Food were all on hand to serve both local and continent dishes as well as assorted beverages.

Among dignitaries in attendance were the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, HRM (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Otileta VII; the Olowu of Owu Kuta, HRM, Oba Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude; Mrs. Funmi Kehinde, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola and friends from the United Kingdom.

A seasoned lawyer, Aramide graduated with LLB honors from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, and later attended the Nigerian Law School. He was called to the Bar in 1989, and afterwards, returned to England to start his law career, working in several organizations to gain valuable experience.

Barrister Aramide is also a qualified Notary Public, having completed two years of studies at University College London. His firm is based in Dagenham, East London.

He is married to Alhaja Aminat Bolupe Aramide and they are blessed with three children: Bola, Emmanuel and Olamide.

Photos: Segun Lawal

Events

Sights and Sounds from Bimbo Oloyede’s ‘Command Your Stage’ Book Presentation

Published

6 months ago

June 9, 2024

Eric

Photos by Koya Adegbite

Veteran broadcaster, Mrs Bimbo Oloyede, on Thursday, hosted a public presentation of her new book, Command Your Stage, at the Metropolitan Place, in Victoria Island.

Among dignitaries that attended were Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu and CEO, Biscon Communications, Prince Bisi Olatilo.

Events

Glamour, Class As Prince Akintoye Adeoye Becomes 5th President of REDAN

Published

6 months ago

May 25, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It was a night of massive turnout of dignitaries, display of pomp and delivery of well orchestrated speeches as the Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria (REDAN) pulled all the stops to celebrate its 5th Anniversary, which coincided with the investiture of Prince Akintoye Adeoye as the new and 5th President of the prestigious organisation.

Prince and Mrs Akintoye Adeoye with Dr. Oroville Wamakko, Dr. Ugo Chime and Chief Olabode Afolayan

The talk of the town show was beautifully coordinated by the GMD of Gracias Group, Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta, also known as Dr. OVA, who doubled as the chairperson of the Contact and Public Alliance Committee of REDAN. She has been praised for practically throwing her weight behind the event to ensure it was successful.

GMD Gracias Group, Dr. Olalade Valentina Abuta and Chairperson, Contact and Public Alliance Committee, REDAN with GMD, Adron Homes, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking

Other stakeholders in the successful organization of the event were the GMD, Adron Homes, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking and CEO, Victoria Crest, Mr. Kennedy Okonkwo.

Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta (Dr. OVA) in a tete-a-tete with Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi

The event, which took place at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, was themed Distribution National Prosperity and Wealth Creation Through a Transparent Real Sector, with the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Chief Host, and the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the Special guest of honour.

Cross section of members of the Lagos State House of Assembly

Other prominent personalities that graced the occasion were the HIM Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife; the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who functioned as the Chairman of the day.

The Adeoyes with Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Enitan Ogunwusi

A colorful display of elegance, poise and intellectual dissertation, the occasion kickstarted with a procession of the REDAN president, BOT members, past presidents, immediate past president and dignitaries as they made their grand entry into the hall, and unto their various seats, before Rev Peter Ameadaji said the opening prayer to set proceedings into full motion.

Chairman, Ogun REDAN, Dr. Adeyemi Adeniyi and wife

In his welcome address, the Investiture Committee Chairperson, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, traced the efforts of the members in putting together the evening of class, and appreciated all guests for heeding the invitation while encouraging all and sundry to relax and savour every interesting bite the REDAN had planned to offer on the night.

Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, Aare Dele Momodu and Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta

Other members of the Investiture Committee as reeled out by Dr. Okonkwo are 1. Dr Roland Igbinoba, 2. Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta, 3. Hon. Peter Inuaeyen, 4. Engr. (Pst.) Emeka David Nwachukwu, 5. Alh. Muawuiyah Farouk, 6. ESV. Osilama E Osilama, 7. Alh. Mohammadu Maccido, 8. Dr Kunle Adeyemi, 9. Alh Abdul Malik, 10. Sir Chika Arinze, 11. Engr Debo Adejana, 12. Mrs. Udo Okonjo, 13. Barr Komolafe, 14. Mallam Yunusa Shuaibu, 15. Dr. Mrs Lami Ahmed, 16. Mr. John Oamen, 17. Dr Dotun Oloyede and 18. Mr. Uko Okon Essien.

L-R: Dr. Oroville Wamakko, Dr. Hakeem Oguniran and Dr. Ugo Chime

There was also a section created for exciting, and diverse companies were on hand to showcase their projects including but not limited to Gracias Energy, Adron farms & fitness, Federal mortgage bank, London Real Estate Academy, Parallex Bank, CUTSTRUCT TECHNOLOGY, ROYAL CERAMICS and LAFARGE.

L-R: Aare Emmanuelking of Adron Homes, Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy Okonkwo of Victoria Crest and Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta of Gracias Group

Following Okonkwo’ speech was a brief remark by the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Prince Seyi Lufadeju, who used the opportunity to give special recognition to the members and patrons of the BoT, thanking them for being a worthy ally in the effort to have a unified and strong REDAN.

Aare Emmanuelking (L) and Dr. OVA (M)

Other leading personalities in the real estate world and in government, took turns to offer short remarks in appreciation of the Association’s contributions to humanity and the society. They include Founding Partner of Diya, Fatimilehin & Co., Mr. Gboyega Fatimilehim; Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Akinderu Fatai Moruf and Commissioner for Tourism Arts and Culture, Hon. Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka.

Treasurer, REDAN Lagos and GCEO, Zylus Group International, Dr. Oluwatosin Olajutoye

It was not until after the valedictory speech of the immediate past president (IPP), Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Ciroma Wamakko, that the major highlight of the occasion occurred. The investiture of Professor Akintoye Adeoye!

Editing REDAN Chairman and MD Furtail Properties Ltd, Mr. Fayose Tomiwa

Flanked by members of the BoT, IPP, past presidents, dignitaries and immediate family members, Prince Adeoye was decorated as the 5th president of REDAN to the applause and loud cheers of the capacity filled hall.

North Central vice Chairman, Esv Osilama E. Osilama with Ogun REDAN Chairman, Dr. Adeyemi Adeniyi

In his acceptance address, Prince Adeoye pledged to take the Association to much greater and higher heights as well as lead by the rules and carry every member along in his administration.

Dr. Emmanuel Obikoye of Billionaire Realtors, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo and Dr. Gbenga Adeleke of Tribitat Real Estate

The keynote speakers, Dr. Timi Agama and Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, thereafter took centre stage, holding the audience spellbound with their oratorial and intellectual prowess, passing the message in the simplest of forms and language to the amazement and admiration of everyone.

Dr. OVA with some special guests

The 7th EXCO was thereafter inaugurated with Prince Adeoye as the president, to begin another prolific journey of accomplishments and achievements.

REDAN National Vice President (Southwest), Dr. ‘Kunle Adeyemi with National Financial Secretary, Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed

With performances from a cultural troupe, vote of thanks by Mrs Maryanne Udo Okonjo, wholesome networking among the audience, and closing prayer by Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar, the night of grace folded.