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High Society Celebrates Azu Arinze at 50

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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.

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Events

Forty Worthy Cheers for Woman of Substance, Oluwatosin Adegboyega

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By Eric Elezuo

Life, they say, begins at 40, and it is not by accident that a woman, well endowed with the very qualities anyone could wish for, and probably do whatever it takes to acquire, is celebrating 40, the beginning of a more prosperous life. She is Oluwatosin Lucy Tobi Adegboyega.

A leader of unassuming status, Lucy, as she is known, has displayed strength and character by quietly turning everything she touches into a cherished ornament, building men and institutions to enviable standard.

Born in 1984, in the prestigious Chelsea hospital, London, Lucy is a proud native of Ondo State, where her parents hail from, a product of the Akinyelure and Odetola families.

As a true born, who places importance in her origin, Tosin came to Nigeria when she was of age to prosecute her secondary, and university education, which she concluded at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Ago Iwoye,in Ogun State.

Thereafter, having achieved the most, she returned to London, and took up a career in Psychology and Human Development.

Her line of vocation has given her the leverage to affect lives positively, and has since mentored many young people, provided housing for a whole lot of others among other corporate social responsibilities in conjunction with er husband and closest confidante, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC), whom she married on August 20, 2011. The couple has waded through 13 years of marital exigency, and is much better for it.

In addition to her societal impact, Lucy has conscientiously built not just a family, but a home, and is blessed with two children.

Her home, a Jerusalem of some sought, welcomes hundreds of visitors on a monthly basis, and that has earned her a sobriquet of the ‘Quiet Host’.

Among individuals she has hosted in her home are governors, presidents, aspirants of diverse political positions, clergymen and a host of others.

Mrs Adegboyega is not just a household name by every standard, she is a much sought after woman of substance, providing succour to, and affecting positively her immediate and remote environment.

Enjoy a much deserved happy birthday ma, and relish in the euphoria of your 40 worthy and ruby-clad cheers.

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Grand Reception As Gospel Singing Sensation, Sinach, Celebrates 52nd Birthday in London

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Iconic singer, and Award-winning gospel artiste, Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known by her stage name, Sinach, has celebrated her 52nd birthday at the exquisite Dorchester Hotel, in London, with family members, colleagues and well wishers in attendance.

The world acclaimed singer of Way Maker, I know Who I am among many other hit tracks also used the opportunity of the birthday to announce her upcoming OVO Arena Wembley Concert, billed to hold on July, 6 2024.

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Family and friends of the iconic Osinachi Joseph Egbu, known better as Sinach, celebrated the gospel music artist on her birthday in grand pomp and style at the decorous and exquisite London Dorchester.

The Global singer, songwriter and worship leader, who has been serving in this capacity for 33 years, held the grand event on the holy Easter Saturday, March 30, 2024, which also happens to be her birthday.

Lit with montages, interactive sessions and orchestral performances, the evening included Sinach performing live, reflections from her close family and friends and recorded tributes. Sinach expressed how grateful she is for her family, ministry, her health, and the peace she has been blessed with.

“Many of your songs have become global worship anthem – we all have our favourites but Way Maker is a super massive hit – with over 300 million views on YouTube alone,” Lalita Taylor, Executive Producer at the BBC, who was the host for the evening said.

The celebration was organized by businessman and entrepreneur, Dr. Joseph Egbu who is the husband of Sinach. Whilst being thankful for family and friends who showed up to celebrate his wife and family. He described her as “loving, patient, humble and a true woman of God”.

Dr. Egbu, in an emotional moment of professing love, thanked Sinach for loving him truly and being the remarkable woman she is.

Some of the guests who celebrated the multi award-winning Sinach included: SL Kemi Balogun, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi Olori of the Ife Kingdom & Founder African Fashion Week; Dr Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services; Nero Ughwujabo, Special Advisor To Prime Minister Theresa May – Director, Diversity at Prince’s Trust (King Charles’s charity).

Also there were: Her Excellency Janet Charles, Acting High Commissioner, Dominica Hogh Commision, London ; Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE, Deputy Lieutenant, The King’s Representative for Greater London & President Elect of Institute of Project Management UK; Mr & Mrs Okonkwo ( E Money), Bright Ekeleme and Chido Mnangagwa (daughter of President of Zimbabwe) Mr. Obinna Egbu, Henry Nwoke,Ms. Uloaku Ojiaku, Ehi Moses, and Ms. Chim Moore of Magnum Security Services Ltd Zambia

Sinach also shared news about her upcoming July 6, 2024 live concert at OVO Arena Wembley in Wembley Park. “Victory Sounds”, she said would be a spirit-filled night of worship and praise and a grand celebration of victory and faith.

The concert also features an impressive line up of confirmed personalities from the UK Christian Chart including: Israel Houghton, Travis Greene, Da’dra Greathouse, Lucy Grimble, Ada, Limoblaze and Warehouse Worship.

Sinach is honorary Ambassador of the Commonwealth of the Dominica. In February 2023, the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica awarded Sinach as global ambassador, via a letter signed by the Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit. In July 2022, she joined the Grammy Recording Academy as a voting member.

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Sights and Sounds As Madonna University Celebrates 25th Anniversary

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By Eric Elezuo

The main campus of the prestigious Madonna University in Elele, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was agog recently as the institution rolled out the drums to celebrate its 25 years of existence.

Founded in 1999 by the Very Reverend (Prof) E. M. P. Edeh (OFR), the school has stood the test of time, and churned desirable professionals, who have left indelible marks in the sand of time.

Among major highlights of the day’s activities, was the identification and honoring of the top 100 graduates of the institution.

Several dignitaries also turned up to celebrate with the institution, including two terms governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who also is an alumnus of the school.

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