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Glamour, Glitz As Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion Celebrates 89th Birthday

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By Eric Elezuo                    Photos: Ken Ehimen

The Esama of Benin an pioneer of the Okada Dynasty, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion CFR, CON, KSJI, has always been a censure of many eyes wherever the journey of life takes him, and his 89th birthday celebration was another opportunity for another razzmatazz.

carnival as people gather from all parts of the world to celebrate the great Esama of Benin Kingdom.

A philanthropist of no mean repute, business mogul, and politician, Chief Igbinedion left no stone unturned to ensure that this year’s celebration tagged “His Grace is sufficient for me”, sustains the carnival-like identity it has always been known for, while reflecting testimonies of his numerous achievements in life.

With wholesome lineup of activities, the birthday celebrations held in various locations including his Benin palatial home and the prestigious Archangel Gabriel Catholic Church, along Sapele Road, where the thanksgiving mass was held.

The celebrant Chief Sir Dr Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, accompanied by his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, his son and former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion his siblings among other dignitaries arrived the Archangel Gabriel Catholic Church, to a warm reception by the members of Archangel Gabriel Catholic Church community with band parade.

The Mass was celebrated by the Catholic Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese, Most Rev Dr Augustine Akubueze, represented by the Vicar General of the Archdiocese, Very Rev Fr Dr Augustine Ehigie.

Because of it’s a unique nature, the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Jerome Idegbe took time to introduce the essence of the day, after which he invited all to be part of the thanksgiving Mass.

Speaking during the homily titled Uncommon Path to Peace, the Parish Priest, St Francis Catholic Church, Benin City, Rev Fr Dr Andrew Obiyan, paid glowing tribute to the Esama, with emphasis on how he built peace and empowered his community.

According to Fr Obiyan, Chief Igbinedion was a man with intimidating kind heart, whose greatness is not in the riches and wealth he has acquired, but in his unrelenting act of generosity.

Dignitaries that attended the Mass were the Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shuaibu, Senator Matthew Uroide, High Commissioners and Representatives of High Commissions so from over 15 countries including, Jamaica, South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Mauritania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, bostwana, Cameroon among others.

There was also a large turnout of traditional rulers within and outside of Nigeria led by the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who was represented by over 20 notable traditional rulers from the south west of Nigeria.

Also the traditional rulers and title holders from the Benin Kingdom were fully represented, led by the highly revered Ilawure of Usen Kingdom, HRM Oluide II and a host of Benin Chiefs and traditional title holders.

The highpoint of the event was the thanksgiving procession by Chief Igbinedion and his immediate family members, amid soulful renditions from the Archangel Gabriel Parish choir.

Dwelling further on the theme of the day, “His Grace is sufficient for me”, the Chancellor, Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, Rev Fr Dr Mike Oyanoafoh also extolled God’s goodness on the celebrant just as the Vicar General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, Very Rev Fr Dr Augustine Ehigie led in rendering a happy birthday song.

Responding on behalf of the House of Igbinedion, a former Governor of Edo State and son of the celebrant, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, expressed joy at the love showered on their patriarch on his birthday.

He prayed for journey mercies for all those who have come to celebrate their father

Speaking on behalf of some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion the representative of the Mauritanian High Commission in Nigeria, Mrs Stella Arhewo, and the APC governorship candidate in next year’s Edo State governorship election Hon. E.J Agbonayiwa described the celebrant as a Man who has added value to the lives of many.

Guests at the birthday thanksgiving Mass were later hosted to a lavish reception at tastefully decorated country home of the Esama of Benin Kingdom where music was supplied by a host of upcoming artists, live band, cultural troupes among others.

The colorful event was rounded off with the cutting of the 89th birthday cake of the Esama of Benin Kingdom His Excellency Chief Sir Dr Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion , done his behalf by his son, Lucky Igbinedion, his siblings and selected dignitaries.

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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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