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

Adedapo Amoo Gives Dad Befitting Burial in Ogbomosho

Published

3 days 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

5 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

6 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.