Events

Nigerians Celebrate Life and Times of Major General Adefope

Published

3 years ago

March 18, 2022

Eric

Nigerians from all walks of life, including friends and family members, gathered to celebrate the life and times of Major-General Henry Edmund Olufemi Adefope.

The event, which witnessed the gathering of eminent citizens, was put together by his family members and also saw the coming of his children and grand-children to Nigeria.

Eminent Nigerians present at the event include Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, Otunba JK Randle, Pastor Wale Adefarasin and Prof Anthony Kila.

Leading the eulogy during the memorial event and unveiling of the book, titled: “Major-General Henry Edmund Olufemi Adefope: A Legacy of Honour,” in Lagos on Thursday, was his first daughter and second child, Justice Olubola Adefope, who spoke on the topic: “A Legacy of Honor.” She described Maj-Gen Adefope as “A cherished child among his siblings.”

Saying that her father was “a man who was at peace with his life,” she added that the major general “Loved Nigeria with a passion and hated the endless pursuit of money.”

She said that her father had so much love for his family that “he decided to change his carrier to suit his family.”

The Judge described her father as a man who loved nature.

Corroborating Maj-Gen Adefope’s daughter was a retired Deputy Director of Sports, Usman Mamman Gora, who in his speech, described Maj.-Gen. Adefope as “A man who was committed to sports development.”

Describing Maj.-Gen. Adefope as a family friend, Gora said: “He picked me from nowhere in 1972 and made me who I am today. The late general was a mentor and a friend.”

He described Adefope as “One of those Nigerians that we have every reason to celebrate today.

“He was a man of integrity, a personality that can be reckoned with anywhere any day.”

Gora noted that Maj.-Gen. Adefope vowed to develop sports in Nigeria, while completing the stadium in record time.

Describing the late major general as being “Very approachable, fully committed to achieving testimonies,” Gora said that “Adefope provided purposeful leadership in national sports. He saved the face of Nigeria during the Olympics.”

Also, Nigeria’s renowned chartered accountant, JK Randle, who reviewed the book, titled: “Major-General Henry Edmund Olufemi Adefope: A Legacy of Honour,” described Maj.-Gen. Adefope as “An officer of the Nigerian Army and a gentleman to the core.

“He was a man of many parts. He was a combatant. He lived a fruitful life. He labored steadfastly and endlessly to lead a Christian life of service and worship, remaining transparent in the

work of the lord. He was a jack of many trade and master of the trade.”

In his tribute to the major general, Dr. Issa Aremu, General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NVTGTWN) and vice president of the Industrial All Global Union, described Maj.-Gen. Adefope as “A mentor and a statesman in the true sense of the word. He was the most sustainable and constructive minister in Nigeria.

“He was the first number-one labour man and the labour administration, under the late major general, was the most remarkable.”

Noting that Maj.-Gen. Adefope made a great impact in labour matters, Aremu said: “His legacies are the most impactive and most constructive that I have ever known.”

Aremu noted that events, which took place under the major general were very remarkable.

“The first one is that before he became a minister, the first generation of unionists tried to have one labour centre. The four major unions including UFC, and others, were trying to form a second one and General Adefope put his feet on ground and brought these four centres together, which produced the NLC that we have today,” Aremu remarked.”

The second legacy that Maj.-Gen. Adefope left in NLC, according to Aremu, was to build a financially independent trade union movement.

According to Aremu: “It was during his tenure that we had an automatic check-off in which workers paid their union dues, which built financial independence for the union. This also made trade unions not to be dependent on foreigners who used to influence them.”

Third legacy, the labour unionist said, was that Maj.-Gen. Adefope brought restructuring, which led to the consolidation of industrial unions. “He brought trade unions together during his time. He believed that trade unions must be well equipped, well informed and that led to the creation of Michael Imoudu Labour Institute in Ilorin, Kwara State. It has built capacity over the years for the working people,” Aremu remarked.

He remarked that Adefope facilitated the independence of the trade unions, adding: “He was well educated, well informed and this led to the creation of Michael Imodu.”

Also, at the event, the Director, Centre for International Advanced Professional Studies (CIAPS), Lagos, Professor Anthony Kila, while answering questions on what the intervention of the late major general would have been as regards the Russia-Ukraine Crisis, noted that the two warring parties would “Need Like Of Adefope To Refrain From Going Trigger”.

Prof. Kila said that if Major-General Adefope were to be alive, “At a time like this war, Adefope would have advised the two warring countries to embrace dialogue, as nobody needs to carry a trigger.”

Commending the major general for possessing the qualities that make a man, Prof. Kila said: “Adefope had education, exposure, experience, and the environment. Those are the four things that make a man overall. Adefope brought in the Man Adefope.”

Saying that Adefope never fought or rushed for any recognition, Kila added: “Adefope was a man who did his job and went home.”

Managing Director, Business Travels, Funlola Adefope, who is also Maj.-Gen. Adefope’s grand-daughter, described him as a meek man, whose character should be emulated by all. “He wasn’t arrogant,” Funlola added.

A U.S.-based medical doctor, Dr. John Mabayoje, described Maj-.Gen. Adefope as “A man who was gifted with wisdom and steady common sense”, adding that Adefope has good public comportment, as well as a man who knew how to handle crisis.”

Dr. Mabayoje said that with Adefope’s love for public service, the major general “incorporated rural service for medical doctors.”

Events

The Splendid Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Barr. Daniel Aramide

Published

4 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

5 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.

Among dignitaries that attended were Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu and CEO, Biscon Communications, Prince Bisi Olatilo.

Events

Glamour, Class As Prince Akintoye Adeoye Becomes 5th President of REDAN

Published

6 months ago

May 25, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It was a night of massive turnout of dignitaries, display of pomp and delivery of well orchestrated speeches as the Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria (REDAN) pulled all the stops to celebrate its 5th Anniversary, which coincided with the investiture of Prince Akintoye Adeoye as the new and 5th President of the prestigious organisation.

Prince and Mrs Akintoye Adeoye with Dr. Oroville Wamakko, Dr. Ugo Chime and Chief Olabode Afolayan

The talk of the town show was beautifully coordinated by the GMD of Gracias Group, Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta, also known as Dr. OVA, who doubled as the chairperson of the Contact and Public Alliance Committee of REDAN. She has been praised for practically throwing her weight behind the event to ensure it was successful.

GMD Gracias Group, Dr. Olalade Valentina Abuta and Chairperson, Contact and Public Alliance Committee, REDAN with GMD, Adron Homes, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking

Other stakeholders in the successful organization of the event were the GMD, Adron Homes, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking and CEO, Victoria Crest, Mr. Kennedy Okonkwo.

Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta (Dr. OVA) in a tete-a-tete with Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi

The event, which took place at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, was themed Distribution National Prosperity and Wealth Creation Through a Transparent Real Sector, with the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Chief Host, and the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the Special guest of honour.

Cross section of members of the Lagos State House of Assembly

Other prominent personalities that graced the occasion were the HIM Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife; the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who functioned as the Chairman of the day.

The Adeoyes with Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Enitan Ogunwusi

A colorful display of elegance, poise and intellectual dissertation, the occasion kickstarted with a procession of the REDAN president, BOT members, past presidents, immediate past president and dignitaries as they made their grand entry into the hall, and unto their various seats, before Rev Peter Ameadaji said the opening prayer to set proceedings into full motion.

Chairman, Ogun REDAN, Dr. Adeyemi Adeniyi and wife

In his welcome address, the Investiture Committee Chairperson, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, traced the efforts of the members in putting together the evening of class, and appreciated all guests for heeding the invitation while encouraging all and sundry to relax and savour every interesting bite the REDAN had planned to offer on the night.

Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, Aare Dele Momodu and Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta

Other members of the Investiture Committee as reeled out by Dr. Okonkwo are 1. Dr Roland Igbinoba, 2. Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta, 3. Hon. Peter Inuaeyen, 4. Engr. (Pst.) Emeka David Nwachukwu, 5. Alh. Muawuiyah Farouk, 6. ESV. Osilama E Osilama, 7. Alh. Mohammadu Maccido, 8. Dr Kunle Adeyemi, 9. Alh Abdul Malik, 10. Sir Chika Arinze, 11. Engr Debo Adejana, 12. Mrs. Udo Okonjo, 13. Barr Komolafe, 14. Mallam Yunusa Shuaibu, 15. Dr. Mrs Lami Ahmed, 16. Mr. John Oamen, 17. Dr Dotun Oloyede and 18. Mr. Uko Okon Essien.

L-R: Dr. Oroville Wamakko, Dr. Hakeem Oguniran and Dr. Ugo Chime

There was also a section created for exciting, and diverse companies were on hand to showcase their projects including but not limited to Gracias Energy, Adron farms & fitness, Federal mortgage bank, London Real Estate Academy, Parallex Bank, CUTSTRUCT TECHNOLOGY, ROYAL CERAMICS and LAFARGE.

L-R: Aare Emmanuelking of Adron Homes, Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy Okonkwo of Victoria Crest and Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta of Gracias Group

Following Okonkwo’ speech was a brief remark by the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Prince Seyi Lufadeju, who used the opportunity to give special recognition to the members and patrons of the BoT, thanking them for being a worthy ally in the effort to have a unified and strong REDAN.

Aare Emmanuelking (L) and Dr. OVA (M)

Other leading personalities in the real estate world and in government, took turns to offer short remarks in appreciation of the Association’s contributions to humanity and the society. They include Founding Partner of Diya, Fatimilehin & Co., Mr. Gboyega Fatimilehim; Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Akinderu Fatai Moruf and Commissioner for Tourism Arts and Culture, Hon. Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka.

Treasurer, REDAN Lagos and GCEO, Zylus Group International, Dr. Oluwatosin Olajutoye

It was not until after the valedictory speech of the immediate past president (IPP), Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Ciroma Wamakko, that the major highlight of the occasion occurred. The investiture of Professor Akintoye Adeoye!

Editing REDAN Chairman and MD Furtail Properties Ltd, Mr. Fayose Tomiwa

Flanked by members of the BoT, IPP, past presidents, dignitaries and immediate family members, Prince Adeoye was decorated as the 5th president of REDAN to the applause and loud cheers of the capacity filled hall.

North Central vice Chairman, Esv Osilama E. Osilama with Ogun REDAN Chairman, Dr. Adeyemi Adeniyi

In his acceptance address, Prince Adeoye pledged to take the Association to much greater and higher heights as well as lead by the rules and carry every member along in his administration.

Dr. Emmanuel Obikoye of Billionaire Realtors, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo and Dr. Gbenga Adeleke of Tribitat Real Estate

The keynote speakers, Dr. Timi Agama and Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, thereafter took centre stage, holding the audience spellbound with their oratorial and intellectual prowess, passing the message in the simplest of forms and language to the amazement and admiration of everyone.

Dr. OVA with some special guests

The 7th EXCO was thereafter inaugurated with Prince Adeoye as the president, to begin another prolific journey of accomplishments and achievements.

REDAN National Vice President (Southwest), Dr. ‘Kunle Adeyemi with National Financial Secretary, Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed

With performances from a cultural troupe, vote of thanks by Mrs Maryanne Udo Okonjo, wholesome networking among the audience, and closing prayer by Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar, the night of grace folded.