Events

Kanu, Amokachi, Okocha, Babayaro, Babangida, Yobo, Others Storm Bauchi for Noah Dallaji’s Football Talent Hunt

Published

4 years ago

June 30, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The capacity crowd that turned out at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in mainland Bauchi over the weekend to witness a novelty football between the Dallaji All Stars and Bauchi All Stars was just a testimony in the acceptance of young, agile and philanthropic entrepreneur, Noah Dallaji, and the fact that young people are willing to take a cue from their wave making idols in the creativity business, football most importantly.

As a result, the Dallaji Football Talent Hunt, put together by African Children Talent Development Foundation (ACTDF) under there leadership of the Chairman, Noah Dallaji, was a carnival of some sort as big names in African soccer turned out in Mass to give credence to the project.

It was therefore a melting point of football stars, Nollywood actors, artists and many other celebrities, who stormed the Pearl of Tourism city for the much advertised Noah Dallaji Football Talent Hunt show, a part of the Dallaji Legacy Project.

The amiable philanthropist, Noah Dallaji, arrived the city to the waiting hands of a crowd of joyful locals, who welcomed him with acrobatic dance steps and warm local songs.

Among celebrities in the entourage were ex-super eagles including Daniel Amokachi, Nwankwo Kanu, Garba Lawal, Emmanuel Babayaro, Tijani Babangida, and Joseph Yobo.

Others were Nollywood practitioners including Francis Duru, Mr P of former PSquare, Kaffy, Ozo of BBNaija, notable media personalities and a host of others.

Setting off the activities, the entourage visited the Palace of the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, to pay homage.

Speaking before the huge crowd at the Emir’s palace, Mr Dallaji informed the Emir that his talent development project is one of the best things that has happened to Bauchi, promising that it has come to stay. He noted that young Nigerians need constant mentorship to bring to the fore their God given talents, and as such he was poised to fill in that gap. He further postulated that the project is not a one off thing, but will exist on a continuous basis and spread throughout the nation with Bauchi as the stepping stone.

Responding, the Emir described Dallaji as Peace loving with a noble personality, and expressed his happiness at having a whole generation of Nigerian footballers in his palace all at the same time.

Thereafter, Dallaji presented a legacy project jersey, assisted by Daniel Amokachi, marked number one, to the Emir, in the presence of Prof Abduljalil Tafawa Balewa, son of Nigeria’s former Prime Minister.

The entourage afterwards headed to the Tafawa Balewa Stadium where a huge crowd of supporters were already seated, awaiting the arrival of the stars for the football tournament.

The first match of the day was between the Dallaji teams from Abuja and Bauchi. The game ended goalless.

And then the big one.

Songstress, Waje, set the ball rolling with the soulful rendition of the national anthem, supported by the ever vibrant Nigeria Football and Other Sports Supporters Club

Representing the Dallaji side were Halilu Fadiga from Senegal, Romana Lua Lua, Stephen Appia of Ghana, Nwankwo Kanu, Daniel Amokachi, Tijani Babangida, Garba Lawal, Emmanuel Emenike, Emmanuel Babayaro, Taribo West, Austin JJ Okocha, Austin Equavoen, Sunday Mba, Noah Dallaji, who captained the team, and Mr P of the defunct PSquare.

After a scintillating 90 minutes encounter, played under floodlight, and with commentaries by dance merchant, Kaffy, the Dallaji All Stars emerged victorious with two goals from Atlanta Olympic gold medalist, Nwankwo Kanu and Halilu Fadiga.

The evening was rounded off with performances by Mr P and Ricardo Bank

The former Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Isa Yuguda, was the special guests of honour. Also in attendance was the energetic former rested NFA scribe, Alhaji Sani Toro.

Speaking separately to The Boss, the coordinators of the activities, Emmanuel Babayaro and Daniel Amokachi, said there’s yet nothing like the Dallaji initiated project legacies, especially using football as a frontliner.

Photos: Michael Patrick Nnamdi

Events

Adedapo Amoo Gives Dad Befitting Burial in Ogbomosho

Published

4 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It was a period of solemn reflection and thanksgiving as the Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Lagos State Command, Mr. Adedapo Amoo, dedicated three whole days to bid his beloved father, Pa John Adewole Amoo JP, farewell to the great beyond.

The events, which gathered friends, family members, colleagues, associates and members of various communities, was a testament to the life the octogenarian lived in his 87 years of existence on earth.

The obsequies kickstarted with a Commendation Service at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Eleyele, Ile-Ife, where members of the public eulogised the life and times of the patriarch of the Amoo dynasty, labeling him a moralist and disciplinary of no mean fit.

The day after, the ceremonies moved to the residence of the deceased at Castle of Mercy, Arinkinkin, along Oyo-Ibadan Road, Ogbomoso, where a Wake Service was held in his honour amid rendition of hymns, reading of distinct chapters of the Bible and exhortation as presented by the presiding minister.

A well attended funeral service was observed on the third day at the Stadium Baptist Church, John A. Amoo Street, right behind Stadium Complex in Ogbomosho.

With a solemn presentation of the enviable life of the deceased via the reading of his biography by his son, Adedapo Amoo, the Service delved into Bible readings, songs and sermon. One of the highlights of the Service was the prayers said for the repose of the soul of the dead, and for the fortitude to bear the loss for members of his family.

After the service, members of the family, selected members of the leity and officiating members proceeded with the remains to its final resting place within the premises of his residence. After a very short encouraging exhortation, the remains were committed to mother-earth amid solemn hymns and silent sobs.

The final part of the ceremony, which was the reception, was held at the Viva Continental Event Centre, Irese Apa Road, also in Ogbomosho, where guests were treated to sumptuous delicacies, good music and choice beverages.

Pa Amoo was born in 1937, and answered the call to glory in 2024. He is survived by his son, Adedapo Amoo and a host of others.

May his soul rest in peace!

Photos: Tunde Bolarinwa

Events

The Splendid Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Barr. Daniel Aramide

Published

6 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

7 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.