Leading travel technology company Wakanow.com has launched its premium membership offering, the Wakanow Prime Club, designed to redefine luxury travel experiences for high-net-worth individuals across Nigeria.

Speaking at the exclusive launch event, held last Friday evening, July 4, 2025 at GAIA Africa in Victoria Island, Lagos, the chief host, Adenike Macaulay, Chief Executive Officer, Wakanow Nigeria Group, described the Prime Club as far more than a traditional loyalty scheme.

“The Prime Club is an invitation to an exclusive way of traveling, from booking, to flying, to arrival, and your experience at your destination,” Macaulay said. “It’s not your typical points-and-promos membership. This is a club where you have a dedicated travel concierge that caters to your every need, from booking to airport arrival and beyond. We are your chief of staff for all things travel. At Wakanow, we never do anything halfway. We ensure we deliver ample value for every naira, every dollar, every cent our customers spend with us.”

According to Macaulay, the Wakanow Prime Club is an elite subscription experience that combines bespoke benefits like a personal travel concierge, complimentary Fly with Confidence insurance, VIP airport services, and exclusive lifestyle perks. She stated further that the exclusive travel club is a membership by invitation or qualification only, reserved for those who travel exceptionally.

Adding a lively twist to the proceedings was a friendly ticket auction, designed purely for entertainment and guest engagement rather than as a formal commercial auction. Guests enthusiastically bid for premium travel tickets, including two Value Jet business class tickets to Banjul, The Gambia; a business class return ticket to Kenya; and an Air France business class ticket to any destination in Europe. All tickets were awarded at lower than their original market prices, adding an element of fun and surprise to the night.

Bayo Adedeji, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow, emphasized the travel agency’s ambition to deliver global-standard travel solutions that go beyond transactional service.

“We are a formidable brand that wants to give our customers more than they ask for,” Adedeji said.

“We create ways for our customers to receive service anywhere in the world. It’s not about money, it is about service. Wherever your destination might be, we are available to you 24 hours a day. As a Prime member, I am your personal travel agent. Whether you’re in Dubai and need anything, or in Gambia craving a milkshake, or in Ghana facing a card issue, we will handle it. This is about creating a relationship that surpasses flights.”

The Wakanow Prime Club launch event, which blended business and pleasure, transforming into a lively evening of fine dining, art, and entertainment was also marked by vibrant moments, including a soulful violin performance and a surprise artist showcase where a guest artist unveiled portrait sketches of two unsuspecting guests, a highlight that sparked excitement and applause across the room.

The event was organized in collaboration with partners API Global and The Legacy Haus (TLH) and drew an elite audience, including representatives from Sencillo, Value Jet, Yolo Island, Kenya Airways, and Air France/KLM.

With the Prime Club, Wakanow aims to set a new benchmark for premium travel services in Nigeria, merging technology, exclusive partnerships, and a personalised touch to craft extraordinary travel experiences for its members

By Ruth Akpan

A grateful farewell it was for a life well lived as the Oyo State government, family members, friends and associates gathered at various locations in Ibadan, Oyo State to pay their last respect to a former governor of the state, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo as he was laid to rest, in ceremonies that span three eventful days.

A mathematical luminary and exceptional stateman, Dr. Olunloyo, who passed away on April 6, 2025 at the age of 89, is said to have inspired generations with his life of simplicity, kindness and dedication to truth and scholarship, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to impact the Nigerian society.

The 3-fold funeral activities kicked off with a Night of tributes held at Jogor Event Center, Ibadan.

The day after, the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde assembled the members of the House of Assembly at the House of Chiefs in House of Assembly complexity, where the deceased was laid in state. The gathering served as an avenue to acknowledge his contributions to educational expansion, good governance and diplomacy.

In an emotional speech, Governor Makinde said the late Olunloyo lived a modest life, describing him as a good father, mentor and a nation builder, who was committed to the progress and development of the state and country at large.

At evening, a wake service was held in his honour at Jogor Event Centre where family and friends spoke glowingly about him.

Day Three was the funeral service held at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan and was conducted by Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu.

Prominent Nigerians like the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, former first Lady of Oyo State, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun, Aare Dele and Chief(Mrs) Mobolaji Momodu, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, Chief(Mrs) Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni and many others attended the glorious ceremony.

In his sermon, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu spoke on generosity and hope of immortality. He revealed that he was a witness to the exemplary life lived by the deceased.

He stated that he was an inspirational leader, extremely intelligent yet humble, known for his integrity and kindness. He went further to encourage everyone to embrace kindness always.

With lovely hymns by the state choir, the ceremony ended with prayers.

The late Olunloyo was interred at the Cathedral Church of St. David Kudeti, Ibadan in a private ceremony, before a sumptuous reception was held.

With Gbenga Adeyinka as the compere, the day’s event was rounded off with a well planned reception at the University of Ibadan International Conference Center, Ibadan where legendary musicians Ebenezer Obey and Ayo Balogun thrilled guests with excellent music.

Photos: Adekoya Adegbite

By Eric Elezuo

It was a solemn procession, assembly and deep reflection for a life well lived as family members, friends, colleagues, associates and the general public gathered in Are, Ekiti to pay last respect, and bid farewell to the matriach of the Adebiyi family, Olori Grace Omolola Adebiyi, who was also the wife of the Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Jacob Boluwade Adebiyi, as she was laid to rest.

Fondly known as Olori Eyesorun Bosede, the beloved mother and grandmother, who passed away on February 19, 2025, is reputed to have left behind a legacy of love, strength, compassion and devotion to God, her people and vocation.

She was revered for her admirable qualities, which endeared her to the people of Are-Ekiti and beyond just her great tidings extended beyond the palace walls, playing vital roles in championing the welfare of the community and uplifting the less privileged.

The Olori’s final 3-day obsequies begun with a Services of Songs and Tributes Night, at the Joint Heirs of Salvation International Crusade Ministry, where well wishers and children took quality time to shower deserved encomiums on the deceased.

Thereafter, there was a fanfare arrival of her corpse in a motorcade, followed by a retinue of elaborate convoy of her children dressed in customized t-shirt, a symbol of their adoration for her, and supported by the Are-Ekiti community, whose lives she touched during her lifetime. The fanfare culminated into a rally round the community where she spent a good part of her life, bringing smiles to the faces of both participants and onlookers.

The journey of late Olori Eyesorun Abosede grace Adebiyi, began with a Christian wake keep at her Foundation Centre in Are-Ekiti. their are tributes From Friends and family.

Later, a Christian wake service was observed at the residence of the deceased at Oke-Idemuren Street, Are-Ekiti under the supervision of the Saint Andrew Anglican Church. The Wake service featured witnessed soul searching Bible readings and sermon, which were punctuated by renditions of hymns and more tributes.

The funeral service proper held a day after, also at the Saint Andrew Anglican Church, Are-Ekiti, and began as soon as the remains, carried by pall bearers and accompanied by family members and drummers, were received at the church entrance by the officiating ministers. Venerable V.O. Ojo, which led other officiating ministers.

In his brief sermon at the service, Venerable Ojo lauded Olori Adebiyi’s well spent life, calling on the children to emulate all her good qualities. He insisted that everyone must live a life to please God, lifetime Olori had lived so that on the last day, heaven will be the reward.

The seevice ended with prayers for the family of Olori Adebiyi, thanksgiving and cloaing hymns before the corpse made its way to its final resting place at her residence.

With the remains safety committed to mother earth, a grand reception followed at the Long Margue Community Play Ground in Are-Ekiti, where the family with the assistance of Infinite Events ensured guests were treated to top-notch entertainment comprising local and continental diahes as well as xhoice beverages, which flowed in ceaseless supply.

The ambience of environment also spoke volumes of the class Psquareevents is made of just as music maestro, Yinka Aiyefele serenaded the guests with sonorous sounds.

In his vote of thanks at the event, a son-in-law of the deceased, and a respected community leader, Aare (Engr.) Benjamin Kayode Adereti, extended heartfelt appreciation to dignitaries, political leaders, traditional rulers, associates, and well-wishers who attended the burial ceremony of his late mother-in-law. He used the opportunity to further elaborate on the respectful life she lived, and how she affected lives that she came in contact.

Olori Adebiyi is survived by her husband, the Aare of Are-Ekiti, children, grandchildren, brother, and several others.

As a follow-up to his vote of thanks, Aare Adereti released an official statement, further expressing profound gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Olori Agba Ogunwusi, the Obalufe of Ife, the Ologudu of Ogudu, the Oba Asoya of Isoya, Sarun Adimula, HAM Oranfe of Ife, HSE Osogun, and many other revered monarchs and chiefs who honoured the occasion with their royal presence.

He also acknowledged the presence and support of the APC Progressive Family, led by Sooko (Alh.) Tajudeen Lawal, as well as national political office holders led by Engr. Kayode Sowade, former federal lawmakers, including Hon. (Chief) Rotimi Makinde and Hon. Ayeni.

May the soul of Olori Adebiyi rest in peace!

Photos: Tunde Bolarinwa