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Lady Cherry Igbinedion’s Glamorous 70th Birthday

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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.

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Events

The Grand 70th Birthday Celebration of Jewelry Queen, Chief Jokotade Oni, in Lagos

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By Eric Elezuo

She is by every standard a force to reckon with in the world of jewelleries, and has been in the business for as long as anyone could remember. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Gold Rush, Chief (Mrs) Jokotade Oni, and this the story of how the top member of the society celebrated her three score and ten birthday.

Mrs Oni cuts her birthday cake, surrounded by grandchildren

Hosted at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event began with the heralded arrival of the celebrant and her retinue of well wishers and friends, and was followed immediately by a Thanksgiving Service conducted by the General Overseer of the Trinity Church Pastor Ituah Ighadalo, and his team of pastors.

Celebrant with Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande

In his short exhortation, after the son of the celebrant has presented the reading of the lesson Pastor Ighadalo lauded the achievements of the celebrant in the field of enterprise and provision of welfare to the teeming population of where she operates. He also admonished the congregation to always to count their days as the Bible recommended in other not to forget to give appreciation to the Almighty God.

Chief Oni pose with Aare and Yeye Aare Dele Momodu

With the conclusion of the Service, a grand reception at the same venue started with an opening prayer led by Israel Ayodele. Shortly after, the birthday girl, who had taken a ahort break earlier, made a grandiose re-entry, with members of her family and friends, towing courageously and majestically behind her.

Afterwards, tributes by notable personalities, who are close to the celebrant, including the Chairperson of the Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, were delivered.

Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro and the Momodus

The major highlight of the occasion was the cutting of the huge birthday cake, under the directives of a renowned Economist, who served as Minister of Industry as well as President of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, amid cheers and applause from the audience.

A photo-op was conducted right before the lovely event, which was planned by ELIZABETH, treated guests to an avalanche of splendid local and continental dishes and choice beverages just as Laolugbenjo Band serenaded guests till fade.

Aare Momodu with DIG Taiwo Lakanu

Among personalities that graced the event were Chairman, Eleganza Group, Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya and wife, Chief (Mrs) Shade Okoya; Alhaji Tajudeen Okoya, Chief Alex Duduyemi, Chief Samuel Adedoyin, Iyalode of Lagos, Alhaja Bintu Tinubu; Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare (Dr.) Dele Momodu and wife Yeye Mobolaji Momodu; and Former Deputy Govover of Lagos State, Mr. Femi Pedro.

Photos: Tunde Bolarinwa

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Events

The Classy Nikkah Ceremonies Between Omobolaji Jamil and Omolara Tijani in Lagos

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By Eric Elezuo

The Monarch Event Centre, venue of the Nikkah services and reception when the duo of Omobolaji Eniola Jamil and his beautiful bride, Omolara Tawakalitu Tijani said heartfelt ‘I dos’ to each other, was an inch above classy, magnificent and adorable. It was not just about the presidential building, but more about the ambience of the environment, the ambivalence of colours and more especially, the smiles that characterized the day.

The events of the day, as planned by Adela Event, which kickstarted at the newly opened Delborough Hotel in Victoria Island, where the lovely couple dressed, and had the first step into royalty amid klieglights from various media of repute, cascaded into a carnival of some sort with their arrival at the marriage venue, where guests and Islamic clerics were already on ground.

Without much ado, renowned Islamic cleric, Alhaji Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello popularly refers as ‘Oniwasi Agbaye’ (Global preacher), set the ball rolling, leading the couple into confessing, affirming and sustaining their unbreakable love for each with the crowd of witnesses echoing amin at every prayer, pronouncement, and declaration. He thereafter, declared the lovebirds man and wife, paving the way for a reception that lasted way into the night, and a celebration of love destined to last a lifetime.

With a short interlude as the newest couple took a break to recreate, the disc jockey held the hall spellbound and rocking with sounds from notable and creative Nigerian artists. The audience couldn’t but roll in ecstasy as the beats made impacts.

At the return of the couples, and under the supervisor of the day’s anchor, Tee A, the families of the bride and groom made separate dramatic entry, dancing to the admiration and encouragement of well wishers roundabout.

Then, it was the turn of the couple to dance in. With the bridal train and the men in suit doing the first encore, the couple danced in in style, cheered loudly by all and sundry, and displaying scintillating dance steps that was the hallmark of their growing up days.

The bride and her train, also took the limelight with a choreographic display, winning the hearts of onlookers, followed by the emotional dance of the bride and her father.

With the dances settled, the chairman of the day, Dr. Akintunde Ayeni, took the stage to declare the event open, and admonished the couple on the basic principles of making a happy home.

“Love and submission win all battles in matrimony. Once you love each other, submit to each other, no barrier will be encountered and nothing shall be impossible to both of you. In fact, you will be able to conquer every from within or without. And again, respect each other, which is very key, in fact, very important, ” Ayeni said.

One of the major highlights of the occasion was the superlative display of one of the most sought after performers from this part of the world, KWAM 1, who rattled the hall with one classic beat after another, getting everyone off their seats, singing along and dancing away.

Another major highlight was the cutting of the gigantic cake, coordinated by a former Super Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju, popularly know as Headmaster during his hay days.

The guests, apart from the array of entertainment on ground, were treated to sumptuous delicacies comprising continental and local dishes as well as choice beverages.

We wish the Jamils the best of marital union in love, health and prosperity.

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Events

Dignitaries Grace Grand Opening of Luxurious Delborough Hotel in Lagos (Photos)

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By Eric Elezuo

The newest and grandest luxury hospitality nest in the city of Lagos, Delborough Hotel in highbrow Victoria Island, was declared on Saturday, November 25, 2023, with high dignitaries in attendance.

Among those who attended the grand opening, or visited at one point or another are former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, the Etsu Nupe Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe among many others.

Delborough Hotel is owned by Stanley Uzochukwu, and is run by a board of directors including constitional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome SAN.

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