Boss Picks

Ibidunni Ighodalo (1980 – 2020): Exit of a Beautiful Soul

Published

6 years ago

June 19, 2020

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

A legend is gone, tears are flowing

Your loved ones are weeping

Ibidun, we didn’t want you to leave

I wish I could invite you for a sumptuous meal

We never thought we would sing a dirge so soon – Tope Alabi

If it were possible, the world would pray for a reversal of the hands of the clock, and probably skip Sunday, June 14, 2020 in the bargain. That was the day Mrs Ibudunni Ituah Ighodalo; Founder Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation, CEO, Elizabeth R and most importantly, the amiable wife of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of the Trinity House fame died. Today, the curtains fall on the life that would have been 40 years in about one month.

Today, at the Ebony Garden, Ikoyi, Lagos, the earth will open its mouth and swallow a beautiful soul, fondly called Ibidun, leaving the world mourning and asking God, why?

According to Pastor Ighodalo, who has been fronting unusual human strength in the last seven days, a call, which around 2am in the morning of Sunday, practically shattered his life. He was struggling very hard to be a superman, but the obvious strains of a painful hurt was playing not only on his face, but revolting across his entire body. He had to be strong. He had to practice what he preaches. He had to conclude conducting the funeral service he was at; and on a day his beloved wife passed away.

“A lot of you know that I really shouldn’t be here. At 2 o’ clock this morning, I received a call that shattered my life… Life is a deep mystery, there’s no human being, no matter how wise they are who can say they understand life… Let us accept the mystery of life. We don’t have any control of most things in life…” he lamented, drawing a lot of tears from the crowd.

A former beauty queen and born in July, 1980, Ibidunni married Pastor Ighodalo against all odds. There’s was a marriage ordained from heaven as many have volunteered. Ighodalo reportedly had to drop membership of the Redeemed Church to marry his heartthrob, who, at that time he couldn’t do without. He had reportedly had a horrible marriage before coming across Ibidunni, and like star crossed lovers, they became inseparable. The church will not hear of it as they believe only death or infidelity could permit remarriage. Ituah moved on and had his way. It was not a mistake as Ibidunni proved to be God-sent. Those whose know the couple have testified that the two were made for each other. They lived together in bliss for 13 years.

But all that came to a terrible when on Sunday, Ibidunni passed away while undergoing a humanitarian service in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She had been moving from state to state to establish isolation centres to fight the spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic. The cause of death was cardiac arrest, according to the family.

Ibidunni, it is reported, has not been lucky with having children, but that has not deterred her from from giving complete assistance to other women who were in the same shoes with her. Though she had tried for about 11 times without success, she did look back and rendering assistance to others, saying that the fact it did not work on her, does not mean it wouldn’t work on others. She devoted her time and money to continue to put smiles on the faces of couples, and removing the stigma that comes with inability to have babies in the society. Ibidunni however, proved that she was not utterly barren when one of her IVF efforts paid off, but she had a miscarriage at three months.

Speaking with Arise TV during an interview, she described the experience as traumatic.

“The last one I did worked. I had a set of twins but I had a miscarriage at three months. That was very traumatic, it’s one thing to not get pregnant and it’s another thing to eventually get pregnant, and you lose it.”

The bitterest part of Ibidunni’s death is not just that she would have been 40 in July, but she had purposed to pay for 40 women to undergo In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment to enable them have babies. The cost of the test and its treatment were calculated at N6 million each. That was the kind of woman she was; completely selfless.

In one of the last text messages she shared with bosom friend, TY Bello, who is a musician-cum-photographer, Ibidunni wrote:

Sweetie, it’s my 40th next month,

And I want to help 40 couples to have their babies…

That’s all I want.

No party.

No surprise. Nothing.

I just want to make 40 homes happy

The two, though met during their university days, were brought together by infertility, and the quest to find babies through IVF.

Ibidunni was not just the co-pastor of Trinity House church in Lagos, Nigeria, with husband Ituah Ighodalo, or the Chief Executive Officer of Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation, she also ran an elite luxury events services Elizabeth R, a leading event management company, and above all, a selfless humanitarian.

Since Sunday when the news of her passing became public knowledge, their Osborne Estate, Ikoyi home, has been a beehive of activities with top personalities, industrialists, religious leaders and many more dropping by to offer their condolences. In fact, there has been an outpouring of genuine grief on social media frrom all and sundry. Each expressing how the young woman affected and touched their life.

Among many personalities that have stopped by are Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, former Nigeria’s President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman, Ovation Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi among others.

President Muhamadu Buhari was not left out as he also sent his message of condolence to the family through his media aide.

On Wednesday, Trinity House organised a service of songs to herald her burial It was more like a night of psalms and hymns where her daughter, Keke, dressed in a white lovely dress with a beautiful butterfly ribbon on her ponytail hair wowed the audience as she performed a version of Tim Godfrey’s and Travis Green’s popular song, Nara.

There was a walk held in honour the following day, followed by virtual service while a service of songs was again held on Friday at the Ebony Garden, Ikoyi.

As the woman, who has been various described as a metaphor for giving and kindness is finally to rest, her legacy of selfless existence is expected to continue.

Rest in peace beautiful soul!

Boss Picks

The Incredible World of Capt. Segun Sotomi @45

Published

2 weeks ago

December 6, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

If there is a limit to paying dues as regards affecting humanity, Captain Emmanuel Adesegun Sotomi, has done absolutely divine, excellently well and incredibly outstanding. And he is only 45 years. Yes, December 5, 2025 was his birthday.

A typical all-rounder, Sotomi is a blend of academic, field and the unthinkable. He is a generalissimo in every field he has found himself; enterprise, camaraderie, business of 9-5 or flying for commercial purposes or pleasure. Sotomi is the future.

A brief of his adapted career trend reveals that Sotomi has seen it all, achieved it all, and can be defined as human technology transfer in the way he has mentored a great number of youths and competitors and contemporaries alike.

Philanthropism; yes, a lot of folks, who know him are full of testimonies of his open handedness, his love to rescue the needy and lift the downtrodden are phenomenal. He is a lover of humanity, a true legend in discipline.

Soft spoken and well read, Sotomi is a dream of every growing youth, who planned to be thoroughly established before the golden age. He is a role model.

Below is a derived biodata of the fast rising pilot-cum-entrepreneur…

Captain Segun Sotomi is a skilled commercial pilot, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He attended the University of Lagos before going to top-tier aviation schools in South Africa, Canada, and the United States to obtain his pilot licenses. He is currently a captain with Gulf Helicopters Qatar, a subsidiary of Qatar Petroleum.

Capt. Sotomi is licensed to operate both airplanes and helicopters [Licenses include SACAA PL (Airplane); CPL / FAA ATPL (Helicopter)]. His previous work experience includes Nest Oil, where he flew offshore.

He is also the founder and CEO of Southern Shore Integrated Services LTD, an offshore aviation logistics support company, and has a passion for working with, and empowering youths.

Captain Sotomi has served in several management positions in his flying career, and also sits on the board of different top-tier companies.

He is an avid polo player, and is happily married with children.

Happy 45th birthday!

Boss Picks

Meet Muhammad Ashfaq Hussain, CEO at Profound Realtors

Published

2 weeks ago

December 6, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It takes hard work to work harder. It takes achievement to attract more achievements. And so, at Profound Realtors, hard work and achievements have remained the other of the day, creating leverage for more affordable housings clients in and out of Dubai, and unleashing comfort and peace of mind never experienced anywhere else.

The success of Profound Realtors, the credit it has enjoyed across the world, and the goodies it still have in store for as many that are making up their minds to transact concluding businesses of homes and lands with the company, is attributed to a dedicated team of workers, led by the ever trustworthy Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Ashfaq Hussain, a seasoned real estate personal with experience spanning years.

Mr Hussain is a handful when it comes to service delivery, customer satisfaction and accountability. His human face to every transaction has placed Profound on the great map of trust, honesty, affordability, reliability and comfort.

One just need to purchase from Profound to prove the grace of service delivery.

Ashfaq Hussain is further presented as a colossus in putting smiles on the faces of clients and every other person he comes in contact with in the entrepreneurial journey.

His biodata is presented as follows:

With over 20 years of experience in Dubai’s dynamic real estate market, Mr. Ashfaq Hussain is a seasoned professional who has witnessed the evolution of the industry from its early leasing days to the launch of freehold properties in 2004. Hailing from a humble background in Pakistan, Ashfaq moved to Dubai with a dream and a determination to succeed—and through hard work and unwavering dedication, he has turned that dream into reality.

Ashfaq’s expertise and passion for real estate have earned him a reputation as one of Dubai’s most trusted realtors. His exceptional track record includes brokering high-value transactions of villas and luxury mansions on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, catering to investors and celebrities from around the globe.

Currently, Ashfaq manages one of the largest celebrity property portfolios in Dubai, and his name is synonymous with excellence in the industry. He is well-regarded by leading developers such as Emaar, Nakheel, Damac, and Dubai Properties.

As the founder of Profound Realtors, Ashfaq now leads a team of experienced real estate professionals, providing top-notch services in luxury property sales, leasing, and investment consultancy. His deep knowledge of the market and dedication to client success continue to make him a respected figure in Dubai’s real estate landscape.

Profound is the name when it comes to affordable houses in Dubai.

Boss Picks

Ghana’s Inna Mariam Patty Called to the Bar of England & Wales with Distinction

Published

3 weeks ago

November 27, 2025

Eric

Distinguished Ghanaian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Inna Mariam Patty, was officially called to the Bar of England and Wales at Lincoln’s Inn on November 25, 2025, graduating with Distinction from the University of Law.

In an extraordinary show of support, guests travelled from Ghana, Dubai, Uganda, South Africa, the United States of America and across the United Kingdom to celebrate this landmark achievement at both the Call ceremony and the private dinner celebration held afterwards.

Among the high-profile attendees were Miss Patty’s parents, Ambassador Youssif Patty and Mrs. Jameelah Patty, and her siblings, as well as: H.E. Mrs. Zita Benson, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, and Mr. Bobby Benson.

Others were Mr. Kwabena Osei-Danquah, Chief of Staff, Commonwealth Secretariat, London, Ms. Eileen Baguma, HR & Corporate Affairs Director, EACOP Uganda; Ms. Pihillipa Pepera, CEO of Pippas Health Centre, Accra; Mrs. Vangie Mari Patty, Regional Engineering Manager, Puma Energy; General Manager, EIB Network; and Founder & President, Women in Sustainability Africa.

The dignitaries joined family, friends, and colleagues who travelled internationally to honour Miss Patty’s distinguished academic achievement and her transition into the legal profession.

Speaking after the ceremony, Patty remarked: “This milestone is a continuation of my purpose—to use law as a tool for empowerment, justice, and social impact, especially for women and vulnerable communities.”

Patty is widely celebrated for her leadership as CEO of Exclusive Events Ghana Ltd and Chairwoman of the Miss Ghana Foundation, through which she has driven initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development. She also serves as a Board Member of FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital.

Her exceptional career has earned her recognitions including:

Overall African Woman Achiever (CSR Consultant), African Women Awards 2023
Top 50 Young CEOs in Ghana (Avance Media, 2023)
International Arch of Europe Award (2017)

Patty’s call to the Bar marks a powerful blend of entrepreneurial excellence, philanthropy, and legal advocacy—positioning her as a rising legal voice and social impact leader for Ghana and beyond.

ABOUT INNA MARIAM PATTY

Inna Mariam Patty is a Ghanaian business executive, lawyer, and philanthropist. She is CEO of Exclusive Events Ghana Limited, Chairwoman of the Miss Ghana Foundation, and a Board Member of FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital. Patty holds an MSc in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics, as well as a GDL and BPC with Distinction from the University of Law.