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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

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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