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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

Forty Worthy Cheers for Woman of Substance, Oluwatosin Adegboyega

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By Eric Elezuo

Life, they say, begins at 40, and it is not by accident that a woman, well endowed with the very qualities anyone could wish for, and probably do whatever it takes to acquire, is celebrating 40, the beginning of a more prosperous life. She is Oluwatosin Lucy Tobi Adegboyega.

A leader of unassuming status, Lucy, as she is known, has displayed strength and character by quietly turning everything she touches into a cherished ornament, building men and institutions to enviable standard.

Born in 1984, in the prestigious Chelsea hospital, London, Lucy is a proud native of Ondo State, where her parents hail from, a product of the Akinyelure and Odetola families.

As a true born, who places importance in her origin, Tosin came to Nigeria when she was of age to prosecute her secondary, and university education, which she concluded at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Ago Iwoye,in Ogun State.

Thereafter, having achieved the most, she returned to London, and took up a career in Psychology and Human Development.

Her line of vocation has given her the leverage to affect lives positively, and has since mentored many young people, provided housing for a whole lot of others among other corporate social responsibilities in conjunction with er husband and closest confidante, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC), whom she married on August 20, 2011. The couple has waded through 13 years of marital exigency, and is much better for it.

In addition to her societal impact, Lucy has conscientiously built not just a family, but a home, and is blessed with two children.

Her home, a Jerusalem of some sought, welcomes hundreds of visitors on a monthly basis, and that has earned her a sobriquet of the ‘Quiet Host’.

Among individuals she has hosted in her home are governors, presidents, aspirants of diverse political positions, clergymen and a host of others.

Mrs Adegboyega is not just a household name by every standard, she is a much sought after woman of substance, providing succour to, and affecting positively her immediate and remote environment.

Enjoy a much deserved happy birthday ma, and relish in the euphoria of your 40 worthy and ruby-clad cheers.

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Grand Reception As Gospel Singing Sensation, Sinach, Celebrates 52nd Birthday in London

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Iconic singer, and Award-winning gospel artiste, Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known by her stage name, Sinach, has celebrated her 52nd birthday at the exquisite Dorchester Hotel, in London, with family members, colleagues and well wishers in attendance.

The world acclaimed singer of Way Maker, I know Who I am among many other hit tracks also used the opportunity of the birthday to announce her upcoming OVO Arena Wembley Concert, billed to hold on July, 6 2024.

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Family and friends of the iconic Osinachi Joseph Egbu, known better as Sinach, celebrated the gospel music artist on her birthday in grand pomp and style at the decorous and exquisite London Dorchester.

The Global singer, songwriter and worship leader, who has been serving in this capacity for 33 years, held the grand event on the holy Easter Saturday, March 30, 2024, which also happens to be her birthday.

Lit with montages, interactive sessions and orchestral performances, the evening included Sinach performing live, reflections from her close family and friends and recorded tributes. Sinach expressed how grateful she is for her family, ministry, her health, and the peace she has been blessed with.

“Many of your songs have become global worship anthem – we all have our favourites but Way Maker is a super massive hit – with over 300 million views on YouTube alone,” Lalita Taylor, Executive Producer at the BBC, who was the host for the evening said.

The celebration was organized by businessman and entrepreneur, Dr. Joseph Egbu who is the husband of Sinach. Whilst being thankful for family and friends who showed up to celebrate his wife and family. He described her as “loving, patient, humble and a true woman of God”.

Dr. Egbu, in an emotional moment of professing love, thanked Sinach for loving him truly and being the remarkable woman she is.

Some of the guests who celebrated the multi award-winning Sinach included: SL Kemi Balogun, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi Olori of the Ife Kingdom & Founder African Fashion Week; Dr Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services; Nero Ughwujabo, Special Advisor To Prime Minister Theresa May – Director, Diversity at Prince’s Trust (King Charles’s charity).

Also there were: Her Excellency Janet Charles, Acting High Commissioner, Dominica Hogh Commision, London ; Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE, Deputy Lieutenant, The King’s Representative for Greater London & President Elect of Institute of Project Management UK; Mr & Mrs Okonkwo ( E Money), Bright Ekeleme and Chido Mnangagwa (daughter of President of Zimbabwe) Mr. Obinna Egbu, Henry Nwoke,Ms. Uloaku Ojiaku, Ehi Moses, and Ms. Chim Moore of Magnum Security Services Ltd Zambia

Sinach also shared news about her upcoming July 6, 2024 live concert at OVO Arena Wembley in Wembley Park. “Victory Sounds”, she said would be a spirit-filled night of worship and praise and a grand celebration of victory and faith.

The concert also features an impressive line up of confirmed personalities from the UK Christian Chart including: Israel Houghton, Travis Greene, Da’dra Greathouse, Lucy Grimble, Ada, Limoblaze and Warehouse Worship.

Sinach is honorary Ambassador of the Commonwealth of the Dominica. In February 2023, the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica awarded Sinach as global ambassador, via a letter signed by the Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit. In July 2022, she joined the Grammy Recording Academy as a voting member.

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Sights and Sounds As Madonna University Celebrates 25th Anniversary

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By Eric Elezuo

The main campus of the prestigious Madonna University in Elele, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was agog recently as the institution rolled out the drums to celebrate its 25 years of existence.

Founded in 1999 by the Very Reverend (Prof) E. M. P. Edeh (OFR), the school has stood the test of time, and churned desirable professionals, who have left indelible marks in the sand of time.

Among major highlights of the day’s activities, was the identification and honoring of the top 100 graduates of the institution.

Several dignitaries also turned up to celebrate with the institution, including two terms governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who also is an alumnus of the school.

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