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US Performs Groundbreaking Ceremony to Begin Audacious Consulate in Lagos

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By Eric Elezuo

History was made the previous week when the United States of America put to work proposed magnificent super consulate building at the Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, performing the ground breaking ceremony to kickstart the building of the 10-storey building, reputed as the largest US consulate in the world.

The audacious project, according to the Consul General, Claire Pierangelo and the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, in their separate speeches, is aimed at strengthening the enduring U.S-Nigeria relationship, as well as  investing in the partnership for the benefit of the two nations.

The event, which brought together the who is whos in Lagos and its environs, proved to be the tonic the country needed to further strengthen bilateral relations between it and the United States. Among personalities, who graced the event with their presence were former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who set the plan for the Eko Atlantic City; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat, Chairman, Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia and many others.

Anchored by the Executive Director, Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Mr. Matthew Weiller,  the event revealed the overwhelming design overview of the edifice through the lens of the Senior Architect, Oversea Buildings Operations, Mr. Min Le, bringing to picturesque fore the intricate details of the project.

At the epoch groundbreaking ceremony, which practically highlighted the enduring bilateral friendship and partnership between the United States and Nigeria, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, traced the origin of the location, praising Tinubu, whose foresight brought to light the city. He said that the choice of Lagos in particular, and Nigeria in general for the magnificent edifice, is a clear indication that US holds Nigeria in high esteem, and cherishes the relationship between the two countries.

He further highlighted other projects to be commissioned soon, which also has the American signatures on, saying that all were geared towards making Lagos the smart city it has been programmed to be.

The beauty of the project was further portrayed through a video documentaries, buttressing what the the principal officers have encapsulated.

Better known as Campus, and located on a 12.2-acre site in the rapidly developing Eko Atlantic City, the new U.S. Consulate General is projected to support diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and Nigeria and will provide American and Nigerian Consulate employees with a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.

Noting that the consulate will address changing seasonal conditions and significantly reduce energy demands, Min Le said that “the self shading facade and the building envelope reduce solar heat gain while maintaining interior daylight and views”.

Among the gorgeous aesthetics of the building include large trees to create microclimates in a context of open multi-layered gardens, and allow space for shaded walkways. Again, the facade is inspired by local craft traditions of the Nigerian people. And not forgetting a sculptural staircase, staggered roof, granite screen and a host of other out of the world imageries.

The $537 million new Consulate construction project will directly benefit the Nigerian people. Throughout the project, an estimated $95 million will be invested in the local economy, and the project will employ approximately 2,500 Nigerian citizens, including engineers, architects, artisans, construction workers, and administrative staff. These workers will have the opportunity to learn new technical skills and safety awareness that will help distinguish them in the local market.

In her remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard expressed appreciation to the Government of Nigeria and the Lagos State Government for their support.

“Our vision for this remarkable Consulate campus is to create a facility that both honors the vibrant relationship between the United States and Nigeria and communicates the spirit of American democracy, transparency and openness,” Ambassador Leonard said.

On her part, Consul General Claire Pierangelo noted that “Nigeria and the United States have a long-standing history of people-to-people engagement fostering bridges between our two nations. We look forward to the many accomplishments we will continue to achieve together in the future.”

The new Consulate will provide a modern space for the largest consular operation in Africa, including improved public-facing interview and waiting areas. When completed, it will be the largest U.S. Consulate in the world, demonstrating the importance of the relationship between the United States and Nigeria.

The construction project targets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification, a globally recognized designation for achievement in high performance, best-in-class, green buildings, and incorporates many features designed to make the building more sustainable.

Thereafter, Sanwo-Olu joined the U.S. Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard and U.S. Consul General, Claire Pierangelo, and OBO Senior Architect, Min Le to officially mark the beginning of construction on the new, modern U.S. Consulate General by performing the traditional breaking of the ground and laying of sand to the applause of all present.

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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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