Entertainment

A Stellar 60th Birthday For Herbal/Slimming Expert, Dr Quincy Ayodele in Dubai

Published

7 years ago

January 27, 2019

Editor

“I wanted a private event that will enable me praise God and have fun with my close family and friends”

These were the words of renowned Nigerian Herbal and Slimming expert, Dr Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele, shortly after she hosted a spectacular 60th birthday party at the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai.

The event which was carefully choreographed and co-ordinated by Mrs Joy Agbakoba’s Travellers Haven Ltd was as fun-filled and spiritually-stimulating as it was hilarious. Indeed it could be said that Nigerian Class met Emirati luxury.

Dr Quincy Ayodele

The event was planned to be an enjoyable weekend get-away and it lived up to its billing, delivering on every turn from arrival to departure.

Guests began to depart Nigeria for the occasion on January 23rd and has been planned, majority arrived the airport decked in the official attire of a special black T-shirt on a pair of jeans.

The camaraderie at the airport, the lively smiles and the convivial atmosphere was a taste of what was in the offing.

Majority of the guests were booked into The Atlantis and The Dukes while some preferred other facilities in the tourism- friendly city.

It was on Friday, January 25th that the party train really roared to life with a desert safari trip.

Michael Effiong, Mayor Akinpelu, Gbenga Adeyinka and Azuh Arinze

Guests who had previously been handed special white Tshirts with “Quincy@60 emblazoned on them and asked to wear white trousers were picked up from their different hotels and chauffeured in cosy Toyota Landcruiser SUVs to the desert.

On the way, there was a stopover at an area for 30 minutes for the adventurous guests to try their hands on Quad Bike riding and other forms of biking activities.

Of course, the group that had this reporter, YES Magazine Publisher, Azuh Arinze and Jeweller Adeola Jekami were not brave enough to ride the bikes but sank their teeth into some juicy roast corns- which turned out a good side attraction.

At the desert, with the SUVs firing on all cylinders, it was an adrenalin-pumping experience as the drivers navigated the dunes in break neck speed performing zig-zag stunts that was gripping and super exciting.

What was more, despite all the activity, with the setting sun providing a perfect backdrop for the wonderful showcase, their was no dust in the air! The air was clean and clear.

The journey soon came to an end and guests were encouraged to take pictures while the drivers prepared their vehicles for the return journey.

There was no dune bashing on the journey back and thus it was smoother and guests heaved a sigh of relief as we soon hit the highway and landed at a well-laid campsite.

With darkness already upon us and the moon peeping slightly from the skies, the place was a beehive of activities.

Here, many of the guests for the Quincy@60 event were.meeting for the first time and so it was a good opportunity to exchange pleasantries.

We spotted Global Excellence Publisher, Mayor Akinpelu, Bank Director and Former Guinness Nigeria MD/CEO, Chief Seni Adetu and lively wife, etiquette expert, Janet Adetu, Oba Adeyemi Adekeye of Jogoland, Mr Iranola Ayodeji and wife, actress Susan Peters and top rate Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka 1st.

The fun night under the Emirati skies saw guests enjoying a buffet dinner and Arabian-style entertainment that included fire eater and belly dancer.

Trust any gathering of Nigerians, we will always show our uniqueness, the organisers gave a special birthday to the inimitable and quintessential Quincy and later presented her with a bouquet of fresh flowers.Our section of the campsite was upbeat to the envy of others.

D-Day was January 26th and that was the day that the Lord had made for the All white Quincy@60 Birthday Party at Atlantis, The Palms.

From about 6pm guests had begun to arrive and they were ushered to a special cocktail area, not before they spent some time for special photographs at the backdrop with the celebrant’ s ever smiling face dotted all over it.

As they stepped into the venue soft tunes wafted from the PA system which was so soothing and comforting.

Later, guests were directed to their already assigned seats and all was set for what turned out to be a wonderful session of thanksgiving and praise worship.

The day’s compere.was Gbenga Adeyinka 1st and he was at his professional best, titillating the audience with mature and authentic jokes and also ensuring that the programme was not boring.

Programme proper kicked off when the celebrant and her dear husband, Engr. John Ayodele, COO, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company were welcomed into the arena.

The celebrant sparkled and was so resplendent in a figure-hugging elaborately sequinned and well embellished red fish tail dress.The lady in red beamed with undiluted joy and wore her usual infectious smile.

Guests were on their feet and applauded as she sashayed gingerly to her seat dancing to a medley of gospel songs.

No sooner had they settled down that the experienced Gbenga Adeyinka asked celebrant and her husband to relive the old days of the beginning of their romance by holding on to each other and sharing a kiss.This obviously added to the jollity of the occasion.

The ceremony which had Mrs Sani Sami, who represented Senator Daisy Danjuma as Chairperson was then officially declared open with a powerful session of prayers by Pastor Chinedu Chigbu of the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

It was from here that the famous Minister and Gospel Musician Nathaniel Bassey tòok over, he belted out many of his hits and the audience was in a spiritual frenzy.

With his trumpet and his voice, he stirred everyone to a such a soulful height that elicited tears of joy in many. The highest point if his ministration was when he mounted the stage shortly before midnight and on the stroke of 12am, launched into his now famous Hallelujah challenge and literally brought down the roof of this luxurious and first-rate facility .

That was not all, guests also sang the celebrant’s favourite hymns ” All Will Be Well as well as Oh God My Help Of Ages Past.

Before dinner was served, guests were blessed with a 5-minute talk or what we can call wisdom nuggets by Chief Seni Adetu who advised that birthdays are not only an occasion for celebration but also for reflection.

He urged the celebrant to always remember that each day one wakes, is by the grace of God, secondly, she should always count her blessings and thirdly, stay closer to God.

He asked Dr Quincy Ayodele to continue to celebrate the goodness of God, and always thank Him for His mercy.

The celebrant later cut her cake assisted by her dear husband, three children: Toby, Tola and Temi and grand children.

It was Hajiya Sanmi Sani who represented Chairperson, Senator Daisy Danjuma that officiated the session.The cake was cut after everyone including the celebrant spelt the letters: L-O-V-E.

Then royal fathers and guests according to their table numbers were invited to join the cake cutting photo session.

At different points in the course of the ceremony, a special documentary that chronicled the life of the celebrant was shown.This also included a segment where her husband and guests poured praise on this remarkable angel of mercy and business pioneer who was described as humble, hard-working, beautiful inside and out, a friend indeed and a role model.

Those featured included Senator Daisy Danjuma, Admiral Jubril Ayinla (Rtd), Mayor Akinpelu, Azuh Arinze, Sam Olatunji, Quadri Ayodeji, Mrs. Adeola Jekami, Yusuf Adeoye and Seye Kehinde, Publisher, City People.

What could be termed the highest point of the occasion was when Dr Quincy Ayodele officially handed the baton of Quincy Herbal to her daughter, Mrs. Toby Keeney.

The excited Toby declared in her speech that she was taking over for good and was optimistic that she was going to take the business to greater heights.

After the performance of a rising musician called Gbosa and a pulsating performance by Sound Mind, the vote of thanks was delivered by Temi Ayodele, celebrant’s only son, then the DJ took over and thrilled till late into the night.

In a short interview Dr Quincy Ayodele said that her guiding principle has always been ‘Simplicity costs you nothing but buys you everything”, stating that she was grateful to God that the party was a huge success.

Entertainment

Tiwa Savage Launches Music Foundation in Lagos

Published

1 week ago

February 26, 2026

Eric

Nigerian Afrobeats star, Tiwa Savage, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at nurturing emerging African creatives, announcing the launch of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation and a landmark partnership that will bring the prestigious Berklee College of Music to Lagos for the first time.

The 46-year-old singer announced on her social media platform on Wednesday, declaring, “After years of building globally… It’s time to build at home.”

She introduced Tiwa Savage Music Foundation as “a new initiative dedicated to empowering emerging African creatives through access, mentorship and world-class music education,” adding that, “For the first time ever, Berklee comes to Lagos with the Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme empowering Africa’s next generation of talent.”

Berklee College of Music, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is the world’s largest independent college of contemporary music, renowned for its programmes in jazz, modern American music, and a broad range of genres including rock, hip hop, reggae and more.

In an interview with CNN, the “Ma Lo” singer explained that while Afrobeats has gained global prominence, the industry requires more structural support to remain sustainable.

“Afrobeats has captured the world’s attention, but attention alone is not enough to sustain an industry. Talent is universal — but access is not,” she said.

According to CNN, the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is designed to bridge that access gap.

Beyond supporting vocalists and performers, the foundation will also focus on producers, composers, sound engineers and music business professionals — areas Savage considers critical to building a durable creative economy across Africa.

The foundation’s first major project, tagged Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme, will see Berklee faculty travel to Lagos from April 23 to 26, 2026, to host a fully funded four-day training for 100 emerging Nigerian music creators.

The programme marks Berklee’s first-ever event in West Africa.

Savage underscored the impact of short, focused training, saying, “You’d be surprised how much you can learn in four days. It gives you a taste of what’s possible and exposes you to parts of music you may not even realise you’re drawn to.”

With the launch of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation and the forthcoming intensive programme in Lagos, the award-winning singer is now seeking to extend that same opportunity to the next generation — shifting from building global acclaim to building sustainable structures at home.

Entertainment

Spider-Man Voice Actor Alexis Ortega Dies at 38

Published

1 month ago

January 30, 2026

Eric

Mexican voice actor of Spider-Man, Alexis Ortega, has died at 38, according to a report by World Dubbing News.

The platform said: “We regret to announce the sensitive passing of voice actor Alexis Ortega, we send our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in this difficult time.”

The cause of death was not disclosed at the time of the announcement.

Alexis Ortega was born in Mexico in 1987 and began his career in 2013 as an onscreen actor and voice performer. He later became widely known for dubbing Tom Holland’s roles in Spanish for several Marvel films, including Spider-Man: Homecoming and Avengers: Infinity War.

He also worked on multiple Disney projects, providing Spanish dubbing for films such as Big Hero 6 and Star Wars: Rogue One.

Following confirmation of Alexis Ortega’s death, fans took to social media to share tributes and memories of his work.

“Sad news. Way too young at 38. Rest in peace, Alexis,” user Ilman posted on X.

“Such sad news Alexis Ortega brought Spider-Man to life for so many fans. Rest in peace,” Rechardo wrote.

“It’s truly a loss when a talented voice brings so much life to a character we love. Alexis Ortega’s legacy will surely live on through his iconic performances,” Victor shared.

“Lives on for the rest of time with these movies for the world to know him,” Bunsan added.

Beyond voice work, Ortega appeared on screen in shows including Luis Miguel: The Series, Thursday’s Widows, El Candidato, and The House of Flowers. He also collaborated with Mr Beast, dubbing Spanish versions of the YouTuber’s videos.

Ortega’s final Instagram post, shared in November last year, showed him sitting on a couch with his dog at his home in Mexico City. He captioned the photo, ‘My doggo.’

Entertainment

Court Sends Actress Angela Okorie to Prison for Alleged Cyber-Stalking

Published

1 month ago

January 29, 2026

Eric

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of actress, Angela Okorie in the Suleja prison in Niger State following her arraignment on charges of criminal defamation and cyberstalking.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Wednesday while ruling on an oral bail application made by Okorie’s lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN) shortly after his client pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge brought against her by the police.

Justice Nwite ordered that the mother of one be kept in the prison until January 30 when her bail application would be heard.

Okorie of 1 Henry Montero Street, Lekki Palm City, Ajah, Lagos is alleged, in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/278/2025 to have conspired with Ifeoma Mbonu (now at large) to commit cyberstalking and defamation by calling a fellow actress, Mercy Johnson Okojie a blood sucking demon in their posts on their social media platforms of Instagram and Tiktok.

The police said the offences, allegedly committed in 2024, violated the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention, Etc) Act of 2015.

After Okorie pleaded to the charge, prosecuting lawyer, Victor Okoye urged the court to remand the defendant in Suleja prison and fix a date for the prosecution to open its case.

Ejesieme objected to Okoye’s application, claiming that his client was not afforded adequate time and opportunity to prepare for her defence.

The defence lawyer said even though the prosecution filed the charge since July 2025, it only handed a copy to the defendant about an hour before the commencement of proceedings.

He claimed that his client was never informed about the case in court but only arrested her in Lagos the previous day and brought her to Abuja for arraignment. He also claimed that the police denied him access to her for proper briefing.

Ejesieme prayed the court to allow his client to continue to enjoy the administrative bail earlier granted him by the police.

In the alternative, Ejesieme urged the court to release the defendant to him to enable her make provision for her child that has been left alone in Lagos and for her to also file a formal bail application.

The defence lawyer said his client was a single mother of one, who was not afforded time to make adequate arrangement for her child before being brought to Abuja from Lagos.

Responding, Okoye faulted Ejesieme’s arguments. He argued that the administrative bail granted the defendant has since expired upon her arraignment.

Okoye accused Angela of jumping bail and failing to honour invitations sent to her to report to the police headquarters in Abuja in respect of the case.

The prosecuting lawyer urged the court to order the defendant to file a formal bail application to enable the prosecution exhibit necessary documents in support of its position that the defendant jumped the administrative bail granted her and also failed to honour past invitations sent to her.

Ruling, Justice Nwite confirmed that the police actually sent an invitation to the defendant on January 16 to report at the headquarters in relation to the case.

The judge however faulted the police for denying the defendant access to her lawyers before the court’s proceedings.

He ordered parties to file and exchange all necessary documents in relation to the formal bail application to be filed by the defendant within 24 hours.

Justice Nwite also ordered that the defendant be remanded in Suleja prison and to be produced on January 30 for the hearing of her bail application.

Okorie’s case stemmed from a petition by Mercy Johnson Okojie’s lawyer, in which sundry allegations were made against her and Ifeoma.

Part of the petition, dated Mary 14, 2025 read: “Most alarmingly, in a recent criminal and defamatory publication, Angela Okorie published the following statement via her Instagram page @ realagelaokorie:

‘Blood sucking demon no see blood suck again, E say na slimming tea. Except there’s no God, MJ go and beg people you chop their destinies and destroyed their hornes else no peace for the wicked!!! Gospel songs won’t save you. Your heart Is Dark!!!’

“This malicious statement, clearly targeted at our client, was published with the intent to cause irreparable reputational injury, incite hatred, provoke unrest among the public and further harass and emotionally traumatize our client.

“The tone, content, and framing of the publication aim to portray our client as a destructive person, despite her widely known public image as a humanitarian and devout Christian mother.

“The principal suspect, Angela Okorie, has demonstrated a relentless and calculated effort to incite public hatred and threaten public peace by repeatedly using her social media platform for criminal intimidation, false accusations, and criminal defamation.

“She has become the most aggressive and persistent in this malicious campaign.”