Events

Lady Cherry Igbinedion’s Glamorous 70th Birthday

Published

3 years ago

April 16, 2022

Eric

By Eric Elezuo Photos: Ken Ehimen

It was glamour, glitz and razzmatazz as dignitaries from all walks of life throng the sprawling edifice of the Igbinedion country home in Benin to celebrate a woman of immense substance, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, as she clocked 70.

With the talented MC Edo Pickin as anchor, and giving out the best of rib cracking jokes, the evening got off to a flying start as guests made their way into the tastefully decorated tent, and to the warm embrace of choice wine and sumptuous food, the hallmark of the Igbinedion House, in and out of season. In addition, the sensational Franchise Band and Influence Akaba dished out the best of tunes to put the atmosphere in the mood for a classic celebration.

The event began with two opening prayers one by Rev Fr Edmond Omoregbe, and the other by Rev Fr Alfred Agbonlahon, with the three arms of government fully represented at the celebration, and other top government functionaries, the ceremony took a national dimension with the recitation of the national anthem.

In the spirit of excitement, dignitaries took turns to eulogise the matriarch of the Igbinedion Dynasty in well cut speeches, highlighting her kindness, love and industrious nature.

First among those who honoured Lady Cherry in words was the former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, who gave God glory for the occasion, describing the celebrant as a mother of immense love, who has kept their father happy in over four decades.

In his speech, the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Esmond Reid, said the government and people of Jamaica are very proud of her, being one of them, for making them proud. He said Lady Cherry Igbinedion has become a shining example for all Jamaicans living in Nigeria.

Other dignitaries who paid glowing tributes to the celebrant were the state Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki, former governor of the state John Odigie-Oyegun, former first lady of the State Mrs. Eki Igbinedion who spoke on behalf of the wives in the House of Igbinedion, son in-law, who is the son of late Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Bar Umaru Mantu, and Publisher of Ovation Magazine and presidential aspirant, Chief Dele Momodu.

The highlight of the event was the cutting the beautifully designed cake, which featured the celebrant in company of her husband and children. The countdown was moderated by the former first lady of the state Mrs. Eki Igbinedion, while the Deputy Governor of the state Comrade Philip Shaibu was spot on to propose a toast in which he prayed for long life and sound health of mind and body for the celebrant.

The guests were also thrilled by special performances by the celebrant’s daughter, Amenze, and her first grandson, Alex.

Other dignitaries that graced the event were the wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryann Philip-Shaibu, Speaker of State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, who led other members of the assembly; and the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Joe Achar.

Others include media icon Prince Bisi Olatilo, PDP Presidential aspirant, Chief Dele Momodu, Barrister Ken Imasuagbon, Barrister Kasim Bello-Osagie, Rev Fr. Alfred Agbonlahon among others.

Friends and relative of the celebrant from Jamaica led by Yvonne Freeman Wang, were also present as well as the King of Ghana, Otumfour Osei Tutu II, who was represented by a powerful delegation led by Nana Agyekum Kusi and a delegation from the Knights and Ladies of St John International, KSJI, led by the Supreme Subordinate, Prof Remy Uti. There was also a host of other chiefs from the Benin kingdom and other neighboring kingdoms in attendance.

Events

Adedapo Amoo Gives Dad Befitting Burial in Ogbomosho

Published

6 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

7 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.