Events

High Society Celebrates Azu Arinze at 50

Published

3 years ago

March 26, 2022

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The theatre hall of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, was the cynosure of all eyes Thursday as prose authority, and publisher, Yes International Magazine, pulled all the stops to host high society to his 50th birthday.

Beaming with smiles, and clad in all white attire with a red cap to match, signifying his Igbo heritage and Odenigbo Azzia title, Azu was class to behold. He was supported by his wife and two adorable daughters amid a retinue of friends and family members.

The occasion, which was juxtaposed with the launch of his two new books, A Taste of Success and Conversations With Showbiz Stars, to bring the haul of books written by the celebrity journalist to eight, witnessed the presence of society big wigs including AIG Tunji Alapini (Retd), former presidential aide and Arise News broadcaster, Dr. Reuben Abati;Chairman, Brilla Group, Dr. Larry Izamoje; Dayo Adedayo, Hajia Tai Elemosho, ageless actress, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycet; Beauty Therapy Expert, Quincy Ayodele, former Ogun State governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Lady Onyenka Owenu, Hilda Tokunbo, Ngozi Nwosu, Osun State Commissioner for Information, Mrs Funke Egbemode; Olori Ladun Sijuwade, Mr. Biodun Oshinibosi, Rotary President, Julius Agu, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Tade Ogidan, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Mr. Michael Effiong, Femi Akintunde Johnson, Mr. Folarin, Modupe Tokunbo, Nneka and Isaac Moses, MUDI, Prince Aseperi, Gbenga Okegbenro, Mr Ehi Braimoh and former Lagos State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Steve Ayorinde, who wrote the foreword of the 294-page Conversations with Showbiz Stars.

Describing both books as mini biographies of 60 Nigerians who have excelled in their different fields of endeavours, Azu noted that “Without holding back anything, the subjects highlighted in both books shared with me how they embarked on their success journey; how they eventually attained success and above all, how they have been sustaining that success. The interviewees cut across, which means that no matter where you play or intend to get into, there are people who have excelled there already and whom we got to share the stories of how they did it. Put simply, there’s so much to be learnt from the books by anyone willing to read, learn and succeed.”

The first book, A Taste of Success, focuses on entrepreneurship cutting through the corporate world, showbiz, academia, law, religion, among other sectors. It features perspectives from respected voices such as Segun Osoba, the former Governor of Ogun State; Sam Ohuabunwa, respected pharmacist and former chairman of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals as well as Bruce Onobrakpeya, the legendary artist.

The second book, Conversations With Showbiz Stars documented Azu’s encounters with 35 leading Nigerian entertainers in acting, comedy and music. Among them are Sunny Ade, Femi Kuti, 2Baba, Onyeka Onwenu, Tiwa Savage, Lagbaja, Wasiu Ayinde, Richard Mofe Damijo, Pete Edochie, Funke Akindele, Kenneth Okonkwo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Segun Arinze, Desmond Elliot, Chioma Chukwuka, Ali Baba, Gbenga Adeyinka, Basketmouth, Okey Bakassi, Tee A, Julius Agwu, AY, Bovi and Don Jazzy.

Others include corporate guru, Seni Adetu; former NIMASA DG, Dakuku Peterside, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo and Babatunde Ogala, celebrated journalists, Dele Momodu and Adesuwa Onyenokwe; and renowned academics, Professors Okey Ndibe and Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo.

Azuh, who was described as the longest serving Editor of Encomium Weekly (2003 to 2011), putting in eight years of hard work, also edited Reel Stars Magazine and also worked with Fame Magazine in between.

Before the recent presentation of two books, Azu had written Encounters, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Tested and Trusted Success Secrets of the Rich and Famous, and The CEO’s Bible volumes 1 and 2.

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.