DR. MIKE ADENUGA JNR. RECEIVES HIGHEST NATIONAL HONOUR FROM FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON

SINCE 1996

MADAM EEBUDOLA BAKARE GOES HOME IN GRANDEUR

NIGERIA’S MOST DECORATED BILLIONAIRE

DR. MIKE ADENUGA JNR. RECEIVES HIGHEST NATIONAL HONOUR FROM FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON IN LAGOS

© OVATION 2018

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ISSN-1362-7309 Issue 182

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DR. MIKE ADENUGA JNR

NIGERIA’S MOST DECORATED BILLIONAIRE, RECEIVES HIGHEST NATIONAL HONOUR FROM FRENCH PRESIDENT,

EMMANUEL MACRON IN LAGOS

Story: Michael Effiong Photo: Adekoya Adegbite, Sam Pixels & Adenuga Family Album

“ Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. with French President, Emmanuel Macron

President Macron said Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr “ Is a true African role model who has contributed immensely to the growth of the African and French economies.

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Macron applauded Adenuga on his promotion of the French language and culture in Nigeria, and also commended Bella Disu, Adenuga's daughter, who conceived, coordinated and executed the Alliance Française project.

mighty wind blew night and day. It stole the Oak Tree’s leaves away. Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark until the oak was tired and stark. But still the oak tree held its ground while other trees fell all around. The weary wind gave up and spoke “ How can you be standing Oak?” The Oak Tree said “ I know that you can break each branch of mine in two, carry every leaf away, shake my limbs and make me sway.

But I have roots stretched in the earth growing stronger since my birth. You will never touch them, for you see they are the deepest part of me. Until today, I wasn’t sure of just how much I could endure. But now I’ve found with thanks to you, I am stronger than I ever know” This ode to the famous Oak Tree penned by Johnny Ray Ryder Jnr really encapsulates the life of Forbes-rated Billionaire and astute businessman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr, the Chairman of Globacom.

Just like the Oak tree is unlike any other tree in its habitat, so is Dr Adenuga different. In terms of humility, wealth, pedigree, philanthropy and investment, the businessman fondly called “The Guru” is one of a kind on the continent of Africa.

Dr Adenuga Jr, like the Oak Tree has now been universally acknowledged as a symbol of endurance, a strong believer that impossibility is nothing and a man divinely blessed with the go-gettting spirit.

The towering symbol of enterprise and excellence has not only made a name for himself at home, he has become an international champion-and that is why he now adorns the undisputable title as the most decorated African billionaire alive.

No other living African comes close to his record of being decorated with the highest National honour of three countries. In Nigeria, he was conferred with the national award of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, while in Ghana, he was conferred with the

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Companion Of The Star of Ghana (CSG) by President John Dramani Mahama and in France, French President, Emmanuel Macron decorated him with the Chevalier de La Legion d’Honeur (Commander of the Legion of Honour) Dr Adenuga, the illustrious investor and entrepreneur extraordinaire got the last of these enviable awards at a ceremony in highbrow Ikoyi, Lagos.

Though it had been announced long ago, the formal presentation in Lagos, Nigeria was done in typical Adenuga style: a very private and dignified affair with no frills.

Being the first Nigerian ever to be so decorated with such an award, there was no doubt that Dr Adenuga was in buoyant mood. The day was also extra special because he was also going to join the French President to declare open the new-look Alliance Francaise Lagos facility which has now been rechristened, Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre.

Explaining why the French government decided to confer the honour on Adenuga, President Macron said Dr Adenuga Jr. is “a true role model for Africa” who

has contributed immensely to the growth of the African and French economy”.

Macron applauded Adenuga, one of the continent’s most benevolent philanthropist, on his promotion of the French language and culture in Nigeria, and also commended Bella Disu, Adenuga's daughter, who conceived, coordinated and executed the Alliance Française project.

The French President said Nigeria has what it needs to surmount all challenges it may be facing now and it is blessed with great minds like Dr Adenuga. Noting that Nigerians have the “incomparable spirit of entrepreneurship, tenacity and ability to think out of the box”.

The French President who disclosed that he had previously worked in Nigeria for two and half years attested to the doggedness of Nigerians, affirming that if Nigeria succeeds, Africa is bound to succeed.

The Alliance Francaise Fondation is the premier cultural organisation in the world, founded on 21 July 1883, it now has 800 local associations in about 133 countries.

It is supported by grants from the French Government and the generosity of patrons, including its founding fathers who are notable Frenchmen like the scientist, Louis Pasteur, the publisher, Armand Colin and writers, Jules Verne and Ernest Renan.

The renovated Alliance Francaise Mike Adenuga Centre which is a villa now has new additions which have transformed it almost completely. There are spectacular alterations done to the amphitheatre and the internal auditorium to give it a touch of timeless elegance.

The accommodation has been improved, increased and enhanced, and sure to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. And also superb spaces have been creatively created for the library and administrative offices .

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The renovated Alliance Francaise Mike Adenuga Centre which is a villa now has new additions which have transformed it almost completely.

There are spectacular alterations done to the amphitheatre and the internal auditorium to give it a touch of timeless elegance.

Furthermore, the modernisation that has gone into the building is simply breath-taking and only befitting of an organisation with the size and stature of Alliance Francaise Fondation.

It is also symbolic that the visit coincides with the beautiful renovation and refurbishment of the new Alliance Francaise building in Lagos. This is because of President Macron’s avowed belief that cultural interaction can only benefit the improvement of progressive relations between countries.

The audience at the event included Dr Adenuga’s wife, Mrs. Titi Adenuga, his children, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu, General Alani Akinrinade (Rtd), General Aliyu Gusau (Rtd), OVATION Publisher, Bashorun Dele Momodu, top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and captains of industry.

In the final analysis, it would be said that President Macron applauded the visionary foresight of Dr Mike

A d e n u g a especially in the business terrain which informed the conferment of such a high honour.

T h i s sentiment is similar to that expressed by then Ghanaian President, HE John Dramani Mahama who noted that Adenuga was awarded the Companion of the Star of Ghana “in recognition of your unique and outstanding contribution to business enterprise both in Ghana and the continent of Africa at large”.

The President also stated that through Adenuga’s creative business exertions, “you have touched many lives in Ghana. You have provided employment for our teeming youth, artists, footballers and many more. I am particularly proud of you. This award is our way of saying a simple THANK YOU.” The citation on Dr Adenuga also commended his “transformational achievements in the telecommunications industry”, chief of which was the laying of the Glo 1 optic fibre cable linking several African countries including Ghana with Europe and America.

President Mahama commended Dr Adenuga’s association with telecommunications in Ghana since

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Glo Mobile’s launch and praised the massive capital investment injected into the project.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr Adenuga noted that President Mahama’s “recognition and support of my modest contributions to the development of Ghana’s economy have come as a great source of pride and encouragement to me. This is more so as it is coming from Your Excellency, whose sterling qualities of leadership I admire greatly”.

Dr Adenuga remains one of the finest pillars of investment in Africa with multi billion dollars interests in telecommunications, oil, banking and real estate among others. His telecommunications investment footprint spans across Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic, Senegal, Gambia and Cote d’Ivoire.

He set up Globacom in Nigeria in 2003, coming two years behind other multinational operators. But with an Africa-focused entry strategy which sought to ensure that people got billed for only the exact time consumed, the brand turned into a household name and quickly rose to become the second biggest network in Nigeria.

His vision to run Africa’s biggest and best network saw the expansion into Benin Republic and Ghana and the conception of the world’s first and only private optic fibre cable which runs from Europe to Lagos with dedicated link to the United States and spurs across West African countries.

Dr Adenuga has indeed faced innumerable storms over the years, and like the Oak and our own, Iroko tree, he has withstood all those challenges and has kept soaring to greater heights.

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Mrs. Bella Disu welcoming President Emmanuel Macron & Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos to the event

President Emmanel Macron being introduced to Mrs Tosin Alobo-Bakare of Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce

Mrs. Titi Adenuga, Ms Funmi Osunsade with guest

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Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu & Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

Member of Adenuga Family welcoming Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka

Mrs. Bella Disu, Ms Funmi Osunsade with guest

Bashorun Dele Momodu, Chief Ademola Adenuga, Mr Ian Randolph & Hon. Nduka Irabor

Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr, Mrs Bella Disu, Chief Lucky Igbinedion & President Emmanuel Macron

Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. exchanging pleasantries with former Benin Republic President, HE Yayi Boni

President Emmanuel Macron with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State

Prof. Wole Soyinka arriving the occasion

President Emmanuel Macron delivering a speech

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Gen. Aliyu Gusau (Rtd), Chief Bode Emmanuel, Prof. Adebayo Williams & General Alani Akinrinade (Rtd)

Bashorun Dele Momodu, Prof. Ademola Abass & Mr Steve Ayorinde

Zain Badawi of BBC (left)

Bashorun Dele Momodu greeting Mr Steve Oronsaye & General Aliyu Gusau (Rtd)

R-l: Mr Udeme Ufot, Mr Nduka Irabor & Mr Steve Oransaye

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Mr. & Mrs. Ian Randolph

Mr. Jamil Disu (right) & guest

R-l: Otunba Bimbo Ashiru with guests

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Babajide Adenuga with guests

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...AT HIS CONFERMENT AS COMPANION OF THE STAR OF GHANA IN ACCRA, GHANA

Ex-President John Dramani Mahama with Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr.

Mrs. Titi Adenuga, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. with President John Mahama

Mrs. Titi Adenuga, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. & Ex-President John Dramani Mahama

Chief Adeniyi Adewunmi

Mr. Adewale Sangowawa

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Dr. Mike Adenuga, Chief Lucky Igbinedion with Mr. Allan Omorogbe

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Bashorun Dele Momodu greeting Dr. Mike Adenuga

Eniola Adenuga

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Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr receiving the highest honour bestowed by France, one of the world’s most prstigious- The CLH Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. The Ambassador of France, His excellency Denys Gauer and Mrs. Bela Disu

Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. was made Grand commander of Order of the Niger, the country’s highest civilian honour

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Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. being named companion of the Star of Ghana and reciving that country’s highest honour for the significant role played by his business interests in the country’s economic growth.

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BASHORUN DELE MOMODU OVATION PUBLISHER

LAUNCHES THREE BOOKS WITH FANFARE IN LAGOS Michael Effiong & Eric Elezuo Photo: Adekoya Adegbite, Ken Ehimen, Segun Lawal & Funmilayo Adeyemi

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Fomer Anambra Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, Chairman, Forte oil, Mr. Femi Otedola, Bashorun Dele Momodu & Iya Adura, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi

hairman, OVATION Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu brought his years of experience, clout and connection to fore at the public presentation of three books in Lagos: Pendulum 1 The Writings of Dele Momodu, Pendulum 2: The Writings of Dele Momodu and Fighting Lions: The Untold Story of Dele Momodu’s Presidential Campaign authored by his campaign manager in 2011, Ohimai Godwin Amaize.

The A Star event saw the venue, Main Hall of Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) filled to its capacity with quality guests from all walks of life.

The event which was very emotional and intellectuallystimulating, began with an opening

Mr. Fola Adeola

prayer by good friend of the author, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi.

This set the stage for the Master of Ceremonies, top Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka 1st to invite the Keynote Speaker, the Serving Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare to make his presentation.

According to the straight-talking man of God “Over the centuries, the phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword” has come to define the power of the written word in statecraft. Those words have since stepped out of the pages of Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s The Conspiracy, a play written in 1839, to become words on marble.

"At the heart of this notion of the might of the pen is the idea that the course of a nation or people can be determined at the stroke of a pen.

Iya Adura, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Hajia Bola Shagaya & Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, SA, Media to Governor Ambode

Chief (Mrs.) Modupe Oguntade & Aare Rasak Okoya

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Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, The Compere

Pastor Dotun Ojelabi, Opening prayer

Pastor Tunde Bakare, delivering keynote address

Segun Adeniyi, Book Reviewer

Chairman, Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola, delivering his speech

Publisher, The Cable, Mr. Simon Kolawole, Book Reviewer

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Dr. Doyin Abiola

Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, MD/CEO Arise TV, Book Reviewer

Bashorun Dele Momodu being interviewed by Top Broadcaster & CEO, WFM, Mrs. Toun Okewale-Sonaiya

Mr. Alex Dautey & wife, Debbie from Ghana

Prince Damola Aderemi, Dr. Dakuku Peterside & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Former DG, SSS Mr. Kayode Are & wife, Ngozi

Mrs. Wura Abiola & Hon. Lola Abiola- Edewor

Mr. Femi Otedola, Segun Adeniyi & Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi

Kayode Oyediran

Prince Damola Aderemi & wife, Princess Kemi Aderemi

Representatives of Glo Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr.: Arinze Anapugars & Andy Okeleke

Chief Ezekiel Fatoye & guest

Michael Ponle, Tunji Olaniyi & friend

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Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi greets Pastor Tunde Bakare

Enitanyole Momodu & Mrs. Mobolaji Momodu

Mrs. Folake St. Mathew-Daniel & Mr. Biodun Fari

Alhaji Yinusa Tanko, Mr. Jimi Agbaje & Tobi Sanni

Habib Aruna, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ambode & Kayode Alfred

Chief Tony Okoroji, Kunle Bakare & Akin Osuntokun

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Mr. Fola Adeola & Oba Adedokun Abolarin

Mr. Akin Osuntokun & Senator Musiliu Obanikoro

Prince Rasak Adewole & Wale Yusuf

Mr. Abisoye Fagade & Mr. Lekan Owodunni

Lanre & Kayode Alfred

Mr. Adebowale Ayoade

Otunba Lai Oriowo & Oladele Ogunlana

Dr. Reuben Abati

Arinze Anapugars, Michael Effiong & Andrew Okeleke

Tundun Abiola & Mr. Bode Opeseitan

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Eniafe Momodu, Tobi Sanni & Korewa Momodu

Eniola Bello & Nseobong Okon-Ekong

Mrs. Toyin Seriki

Wale Oluwaleimi & Abiodun Oshinibosi

R-l: Bayo Ogori

Mr. Bisi Oyemade

Mr. Richard Akinnola & Chief Gboyega Okegbenro

Femi Babalola & friend

“Nations can be built, and nations can be ruined; generations can be made great, and generations can be rendered wasted; civilizations can be birthed, and civilizations can be buried-at the stroke of a pen!

At the stroke of a pen, millions of Africans were “legally” transported across the Atlantic and Mediterranean and became the property of slave owners. At the stroke of a pen, the slave trade was abolished centuries later and emancipation was proclaimed to former slaves, thus formally criminalising an immoral enterprise. At the stroke of a pen, the kingdoms and city states of Africa were partitioned and transformed into the estates of European monarchs. At the stroke of a pen, cultures were dismembered, nations were balkanised, and territories were amalgamated into colonies and protectorates.

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Decades later, colonies and protectorates became independent states-at the stroke of a pen.“ “The likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kwame Nkrumah, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, armed with no other weapon, mobilised the Queen’s language in the struggle for independence from the Queen. They fought their battles through such media as West African Pilot, Accra Evening News and The Tribune. Decades after independence, when free, fair and credible elections were annulled, and a tyrannical dictatorship held sway, the Nigerian press took up the baton and contended against the sword of oppression by deploying the armoury of vocabulary. I am so glad that the labours of these pen warriors and all others who fought for the democracy we enjoy today have not been in vain after all.

“From now on, any time the name Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola GCFR-Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic -is mentioned with full honours, it is an honour first to the man who paid the supreme price to pave the way for Nigeria’s democracy, and then to the heroes and heroines who stood up behind him, including those in the Fourth Estate of the Realm who marshalled the written and spoken word against tyranny. Indeed, the members of the press who fought for the June 12 mandate were fighting not just for democracy but in defence of one their own, for, amongst his many endeavours, Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola was a media entrepreneur and founder of the African Concord, where Dele Momodu, the man at whose behest we are gathered here today, cut his teeth as a journalist.

AIG Tunji Alapini (Rtd) & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Hon. Segun Olulade & Seyi Orolugbagbe

Emin Cakmak, Dr. Nneka Nwokoro Okpe & Tarkan Ince (MD, Turkish Airlines)

Mr. Gbenga Badejo & Sir Tony Chiejina

Bashorun Dele Momodu, Ohimai Godwin-Amaize & Funmi Odunsi

Chief Wole Arisekola

I totally agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson that “talent alone cannot make a writer: there must be a man behind the book.” Bashorun Dele Momodu and his ilk have proved themselves over the years to be real men.

In addition, by deploying their skill against tyranny, the members of the press have aligned themselves with a biblical truth that recognises authorship as an instrument of battle, because the same God who is militarily presented in Psalm 18:2 as “the horn of salvation” is revealed in Hebrews 5:9 as the “author of salvation.”

Pastor Bakare maintained that “the writings of Dele Momodu has over the years addressed the fundamental issues facing our nation, stating that he was confident that the likes of Momodu will intensify efforts to ensure that the welfare and security of the people as well as the

Mr. Deji Doherty

overall development of our people becomes the main discourse at this pivotal moments. He went on the refer to Bashorun Momodu as Pen Prophet.”

Bakare’s Powerful paper gave way to a short interview with the man of the moment, Dele Momodu, conducted by veteran broadcaster and founder of WFM, Nigeria's first Women Station, Mrs Toun OkewaleSonaiya.

Bashorun Momodu took time to explain the person behind MKO Abiola, his vision for the Nigerian people and everything he stood for, thanking the many that stood behind the enigma as the June 12 crisis lasted.

Afterwards, seasoned journalists were then invited to review the books before they were publicly presented.

Taking his turn first was the Chairman, Editorial

Board, ThisDay Newspapers, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, who went down memory lane, bringing to fore the life and times of Dele Momodu.

He was followed by Mr. Simon Kolawole, Publisher, TheCable, who reviewed the second book, Pendulum: The Writings of Dele Momodu 2 while the Managing Director, Arise News Channel, Ms Ijeoma Nwaogwugwu did a thorough job in the deconstructing the third book, Fighting Lions: The Untold Story of Dele Momodu’s Presidential Campaign.

Nwaogwugwu revealed the frustrations, Momodu suffered while attempting to become the President of Nigeria in 2011. One painful one being the part played by his primary constituency, the media, which wrote him out of contention.

The highlight of the event was the short speech

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Prince Bisi Olatilo

R-l: Rachel Oniga & friends

Niyi Tabiti

Mr. Kola Ilori, Chief Gboyega Okegbenro & Prof. Adebayo Williams

Mr. Folarin Ogunsanwo

Mr. Dayo Adedayo & Tunji Olugbodi

Folashade Aderinkola & Dr. Adetoyese Badejo

Temilola Rasaq-Lawal & Abdulmumuni Abiola

presentation by the Chairman of Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola, where he highlighted the sure steady steps that brought Dele Momodu to his present status.

The billionaire business also used this rare speaking moment to make some revelations about his encounters with the late Pillar of Sports.

"I have studied Chief Abiola’s life in politics, philanthropy and most importantly building people and his doggedness, fairness, wisdom and good heart are traits that should be emulated. He was a man for all seasons" "As a young entrepreneur I had a taste of Abiola’s magnanimity and kindness. I developed the idea for an Papa Awolowo Memorial Concert which I shared with my good friend and papa Awolowo’s grandson, Segun

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who went to see Chief Abiola on our intention to have him as the Chairman of the event and despite his political difference with Pa Awolowo in his lifetime, he not only showed up but arrived with his late wife, Alhaja Simbiat Abiola and they danced to the various artistes especially Sir Shina Peters.

The highlight for Segun and I was the NGN100,000 cheque he gave us at the event. A huge amount back then and we admired it all the way to the bank.

"In 1991, I sold the idea to run for the governorship of Lagos state to my late father, Sir Michael Otedola and he dismissed it saying politics is not for Omoluabis and he also made a reference to the travails of Chief Abiola with the NPN leading to his much-publicized

retirement from politics. After much persistence, I succeeded in getting him to run and the rest is history.

He also revealed how he tried to get MKO released." “A sad reminder of his arrest in 1994 was the picture of him alighting from a Black Maria. Upon seeing this, I called Ibrahim Abacha ( who later died in a plane crash) and requested to see him and we met at the South-West Ikoyi residence of Mr. Peter Igbinedion, the then MD of FAAN. I told Ibrahim to tell his dad to release MKO as it was not fair for a man who has been denied his mandate to be so humiliated by being put in a Black Maria to which our host, Peter, interjected by saying who is this and he swiftly walked me out of his residence.

Mr. Tunji Babalola, 'Biodun Fayemi & Temilola Rasaq-Lawal

Ronke Apampa

Princess Wemimo Sijuwade

Azuh Arinze & Cornel Udofia

Samson Davies

Mr. Gbenga Olunloyo

Mr. Segun Aroyehum (right)

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Gbenga Adeyinka 1st

Daala Oruwari

Abisoye Fagade, Habib Aruna & Prince Adeyemi Aseperi

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Godwin & Tunde Martins

Abisoye Fagade & Chief Gboyega Okeg- Princess Aderenle Adeniran-Ogunsanya benro

Bisola Sowunmi & Mrs. Bukky Aroyehun Hon. Lola Abiola Edewor

"I later ran into Mr. Igbinedion at Asiwaju Bola Tinubu's London residence in 2013 and he was begging for my number. How the tables have turned!

He then revealed another encounter with the Great MKO "After my father's victory at the polls and seeing the need to rest, the then governor of Lagos State, Brig. Gen. Raji Rasaki Rtd, advised him to rest for two weeks and restricted visits and provided the LASG Guest House by Joel Ogunnaike Road Ikeja for the purpose.

"After a week there, I went to see my late father to around 7.30am and lo and behold, I met Chief Abiola and Alhaja Simbiat waiting to see him in the living room and when he saw me, he said Great man, where is your daddy?A great man referring to me as a great man struck a chord in me" He also used the occasion to pour encomiums on OVATION Publisher, Dele Momodu.

The book launch proper was another exercise in professionalism as personality after personality stepped out boldly, made a short speech and launched the books.

The book launch was attended by the cream of Nigerian Society such as Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Pastor Tunde Bakare and wife, Alhaji Rasak Okoya, Mr Peter Obi, Former Governor of Anambra State, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Mrs. Modupe Oguntade (wife of NIgeria's High Commissioner to Great Britain), Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi,

Mr Fola Adeola, Mr Jimi Agbaje, Engr Rotimi Fasakin, Dr Dakuku Peterside, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Olori Ladun Sijuwade,Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Chief Dayo Adeneye (representative of Ogun State Governor), Hon. Kehinde Bamgbetan (Representative of Lagos State Governor), Mr Andrew Okeleke and Arinze Anapugars (Representatives of Globacom Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr.), Sir Tony Chiejina (Representative of Alhaji Aliko Dangote), Mr Idowu Ajanaku, Habib Aruna, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi, Mrs. Betty Irabor, Dr Kayode Are and wife, Ngozi, Amb. Toye Okanlawon, Prince Damola Aderemi, Richard MofeDamijo, Siji Ogundele (Sujimoto), Princess Toyin Kolade, Mrs. Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, Mrs. Toyin Seriki, AIG Tunji Alapini (rtd), Mr. Kunle Bakare, Sir Gbenga Badejo, Ohimai Godwin-Amaize, Femi Akintunde-Johnson,Mr Abisoye Fagade, Mr Dayo Adedayo, Ms Joke Sogunro, Dr Reuben Abati, Simon Kolawole, Segun Adeniyi, Chief DonatusMs Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, Azuh Arinze, Biodun Oshinibosi, Omolara Wood, Mrs Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, Wale Oluwaleimu, Mr. Mayor Akinpelu, Mr. Tito Okpaise, Mr. Gboyega Okegbenro, Mr. Mr. Gbenga Olunloyo, Biodun Ponle, Messrs Lanre and Kayode Alfred, Ms Kemi Akinyemi, Chris Kehinde Nwandu, Ms Azuka Ogujuiba, Mr Adewale Jafojo and members of the Abiola Family.

Pastor & Mrs. Tunde Bakare

Bashorun Dele Momodu & Femi Otedola

Sijibomi Ogundele aka Sujimoto

Mr. Ayo Olowoporoku & Mr. Oladele Coker

Hajiya Bisi Shuaibu & daughters

Segun Adebowale & Tobi Sanni

Mr. Jimi Agbaje

Senator Musiliu Obanikoro & Ohimai Godwin-Amaize

Bashorun Dele Momodu & Akinwole Omoboriowo

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WHEN FRENCH PRESIDENT

EMMANUEL MACRON

STORMED AFRIKA SHRINE, LAGOS Story: Michael Effiong Photo: Segun Lawal

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode presents gift to French President, Emmanuel Macron

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Governor Akinwunmi Ambode & French President, Emmanuel Macron

French President, Emmanuel Macron, arrives Afrika Shrine, Lagos

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Femi Kuti, French President Emmanuel Macron & Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode

rench President, Emmanuel Macron made history, when the amiable politician became the first President ever to visit the Afrika Shrine, Ikeja Lagos.

The French President who was on a State Visit to Nigeria arrived the packed-to-capacity venue accompanied

by Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and top government functionaries.

He was welcomed to the Shrine by Femi Kuti, eldest son of the late Afrobeat Legend who along with Sister, Yeni Kuti opened the Shrine.

Before making his way to his seat, President Macron took time to view an exhibtion curated by Tokini Peterside of Art X. The jovial President Macron and the amiable Governor Ambode exchanged banters with the artists after commending their works.

One of the major highlights of the evening was the work of 11 year-old artist, Olamilekan Kareem who effortlessly drew a portrait of the

French President.

In his remarks the French President who once served as a junior Diplomat in Nigeria emphasized the importance of the Shrine to African Culture and hopes that more art buffs will appreciate its greatness.

The evening tagged ' A Celebration of African Culture", organised by Trace TV had Banky W as Master of ceremonies and it officially kicked off with a sterling performance by many musicians.

Also Award-winning Actor and Producer, Kunle Afolahan also presented a short play which featured the French President in a cameo appearance were he starred alongside a super star cast that included such stars as Chief Chika Okpala aka Zebrudaya.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Governor stated that he was optimistic that the visit of the French President to the state would boost the state’s quest to become the tourism and entertainment capital of Africa.

Managing Director/CEO at Access Bank PLC, Herbert Wigwe

Mr. Tunde Kalani

Ramsey Nouah

Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Genevieve Nnaji Mr. Steve Ayorinde

Rita Dominic

Hon. Desmond Elliot

Hon. Segun Olulade

Hon. Tunde Braimoh

Toni kan

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Dakore Akande

Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye

Mr. Mayor Akinpelu

Mr. Biodun Kupoluyi & Steve Babaeko

Senator Ganiyu Solomon

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Alex Ekubo

Yomi Fash Lanso

Kemi Lala Akindoju

Ade Bantu

Mr. Fola Adeyemi

Omotola Jalade

Kunle Afolayan

Dr. Babatunde Adejare

Chief Demola Seriki

Micheal Dada

Asuquo James

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Mr. Michael Effiong, Mr. Jire Anifalaje & Mr. Seun Soyinka

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Mr. Femi Falana

Ayodele Subair

Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

Jahman Anikulapo

Hon. Olayinka Olagundoye

Mr. Segun Awolowo

Consul General Mr Laurent Polonceaux (French Consul General)

Mrs. Funke Kuti

Banky W

Senator Florence Ita-Giwa

Sam Onyemelukwe, MD, Trace TV Network

Mo Abudu & Lanre Da Silva

Nkiru Anumudu & Ruth Osime

Mr. Femi Kuti & Mrs. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti

Aremo Olusegun Osoba & Chief Demola Seriki

Asa

The Kuti family

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Goodwill massage by Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode

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Speech by French President, Emmanuel Macron

THE GLAMOROUS WEDDING OF

KABIR SHAGAYA AND AMINA BUBA

By Adekoya Adegbite, Funmi Adeyemi & Anu Openiyi

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The lovely couple: Kabir & Amina

rom the way they laughed, cooed into each other’s ears and held hands romantically, it was so obvious that Kabir Shagaya and Amina Buba are truly in Love. And so when they celebrated their years of friendship with marriage that spanned four wonderful ceremonies in Lagos and Abuja, everyone applauded the beautiful union.

Kabir, Senior Managing Director at Zippy Logistics Limited and Amina, an Energy Consultant and Manager at The Rural Electrification Agency began their wonderful journey to matrimony when they were guests at a Mother’s Night held at Harrow Park Banquet Hall, Central Business District Abuja.

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THE NUPTIAL BEGINS WITH A CLASSY DINNER

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Kabir Shagaya & mum, Hajia Bola Shagaya

Ms Biola Awotedu with the Couple

Makaita Mandava, Bride & Abimbola Ayanwale

Tiannah with Bride

Hajia Sikira, Hajia Aishat Lawal & Hajia Arin Lawal

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Groom with aunt

Femi Akinyelure & Chasha Momoh

Coupe with Mrs. Hanatu Buba

Couple with Hajia Bola Shagaya

Couple with parents; Hajia Bola Shagaya & Mrs. Hanatu Buba

Dr. (Mrs.) Mariam Shagaya, Mr. Sherif Shagaya, Rasheed & Dr. (Mrs.) Meena Shagaya, Muktir Shagaya, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Kabir Shagaya, Mr. & Mrs. Seun Bakare

Femi Akinyelure, Ibru, Muktar Shagaya & Shayo Olumide

(Middle) Mrs. Yemisi Suswam & Hajia Bola Shagaya

R-l: Mrs. Yinka Idowu, Hajia Bola Shagaya & Hajia Zainab Sabo Nagudu

Meena Shagaya, Rasheed Shagaya, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Mr. & Mrs. Rotimi Makanjuola, Sheriff Shagaya with Dr. (Mrs.) Mariam Shagaya

R-l: Kayode Awogboro, Tayo Awogboro & Dauda Buba with Couple

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Shayo Olumide & Muktar Shagaya

Hakeem Shagaya & wife, Meena

Dotun Adebayo & Shayo Olumide

Alh. Falolu Bello & wife

L-r: Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun & wife, Olatokunbo

Mr. & Mrs. Ewerem with Hajia Bola Shagaya

Mr. & Mrs. Rotimi Makanjuola

The groom’s mother, a a high society supremo and top businesswoman, Hajia Bola Shagaya a Jamaican spared no cost to ensure that the event was special.

In the course of the ceremony as it is customary, elderly women took turns to give marriage tips to the couple and also advised the bride on how to run a happy and fruitful home.

The very next day, it was time for the wedding fathia and it was held at the An Noor Mosque Abuja.

There, the male members of both families met and had a discussion on the bride price amidst very joyous banter. When they both reached a decision and the bride’s family confirmed that they were willing to give her hand in marriage to the Shagaya, there was cheers all round and the occasion was rounded off with prayers.

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Later that evening there was a glitzy dinner at the Blue Velvet Luxury Marquee and it was attended by the cream of Nigerian society which was evidence of the clout and connection of both families.

Formal aspect of the event began when the lovely couple stepped into the venue and they began by greeting all their special guests before making their way to their seats.

With music wafting from the background and good quality victuals were going round, the evening was in tip top shape.

In his speech, the dashing groom heaped endearments on his Queen “I love you. I pledge that we will be together forever and ever. I will never go and watch any show without you. And if do, I will pretend I am watching it for the first time. You are my best

friend, my travel partner, I hate going out anywhere without you and will be here for you all the time.

“I will like to thank our mothers. I cannot say enough about the love we have received from both of them. If not for them, we would not have had an opportunity to even meet. The sacrifices they have made in the past 3-4 decades have been enormous.

There is no amount of gratitude that will be enough for them.

“I always tell my friends that I was not born with a silver spoon, but my mum brought me up with a platinum one when we were growing up” The couple later performed their multiple tier cake.

The ceremony was officiated by both HE Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Vice President and HE Mrs Toyin Saraki, wife of the Senate President.

Sherif Shagaya & wife, Mariam

Kabir & Fatima Shagaya with Mr. & Mrs Seun Bakare

Lukman Edu & wife

Hazman, Hawa, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Sidikka Kurfi & Hajiya Zainab Lamido

Hakeem Shagaya

Makaita Mandava

Dotun Adebayo

Fatima Shagaya

Kabir Shagaya

Couple dancing

Mrs. Awogboro

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A FUN-FILLED EVENING AT BLUE VELVET LUXURY MARQUEE, ABUJA

Imam

Hanatu Buba, Hajia Bola Shagaya & Mrs. Toyin Saraki

Hanatu Buba, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo & Hajia Bola Shagaya

H.E. Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Hajia Bola Shagaya, H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki & Mrs. Yinka Idowu

Admiral Jubril Ayinla (Rtd), Hajia Bola Shagaya, H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki & Engr.

Mrs. Hanatu Buba, Mr.& Mrs. Seun Bakare, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Mrs. Toyin Saraki with Mrs. Yinka Idowu

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Alh. & Hajia Mai Rasheed with Alh. Ganiu Shagaya

Alh. Ahmed Sanusi & Hajia Zainab Sanusi

Dr. (Mrs.) Meena Shagaya, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Dr. (Mrs.) Mariam Shagaya & Damilola Bakare

Couple with bride’s family

Mrs. Hanatu Buba, H.E. Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Couple, Hajia Bola Shagaya & Mrs. Toyin Saraki

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H.E. Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Couple & HE Mrs. Toyin Saraki

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Hakeem Shagaya, Bride & Rotimi Makanjuola

Motolani Philip with Couple

Sherif Shagaya & wife Dr. (Mrs.) Mariam

Rotimi Makanjuola & wife

Couple with Ato Peterside & Gbemisola Ibitoye

Atiku Jada & wife

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Mr. & Mrs. Otubu

Kika, Hajo & Aisha

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THE WEDDING FATHIA IN ABUJA

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THE EXQUISITE WEDDING RECEPTION IN LAGOS

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Hajia Bola Shagaya with HRM Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II

Otunba Subomi Balogun & wife

Mrs. Bolaji Momodu, Bashorun Dele Momodu with HHRM Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II

H.E. Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Mrs. Toyin Saraki & Hajia Bola Shagaya

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, H.E. Senator Ibikunle Amosun & wife, Mrs. Funsho Amosun

R-l: Senator Sanusi Daggash, Mr. Sam Iwuajoku, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Former IGP Mohammed Abubakar, Mr. Femi Otedola & Noggie Meggison

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Mr. & Mrs. Tayo Ayeni with Hajia Bola Shagaya

Mr. & Mrs. Fola Adeola with Hajia Bola Shagaya

Hajia Bola Shagaya & Senator Daisy Danjuma

Otunba Subomi Balogun, Mr. Tunde Ayeni & Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II

Hajia Bola Shagaya dancing with her friends

L-r: Joshua Hosai & Hajia Bola Shagaya

Sheikh Sulaiman Onikijapa delivering opening prayer

Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun & wife with Hajia Bola Shagaya

Bashorun Dele Momodu & Sir Olu Okeowo

(R) Alhaja Tai Elemosho-Okesanjo (Montai)

(Middle) Funmi Osunsade & Alh. Oshinnusi

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H.E. Hajia Mairo Al-Makura, H.E.Hajia Adama Dankwambo, H.E. Mrs. Osinbajo , Couple, H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki, H.E. Mrs. Funsho Amosun

Senator Daisy Danjuma, H.E. Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Mrs. Hanatu Buba, Couple, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, Otunba Subomi Balogun & wife

Mrs. Hanatu Buba, Couple & Hajia Bola Shagaya

Coupl, Hajia Bola Shagaya & Mukhtar Shagaya

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, Couple, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Hajia Ajoke Murtala-Muhammrd & Chief (Mrs.) Folorunsho Alakija

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Otunba Subomi Balogun & His Highness Alh. Sannusi Lamido (Emir of Kano)

H.E. Hajia Adama Dankwambo (Gombe State) & H.E. Hajia Mairo Al-Makura

Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Rasak Okoya, Chief Samuel Adedoyin & Hajia Bola Shagaya

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu & HE Ajoke Murtala Muhammed

Lady Maiden Ibru, Vivienne Ogde & Hajia Abah Folawiyo

Hajia Bola Shagaya & Senator Daisy Danjuma

Hajia Zuwaira Gambo (left) with friend

Hajia Hudallahi, Maryam, Hajia Mabruka Abba & Mubarak

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Mr. & Mrs. Fola Adeola with Hajia Bola Shagaya

Salma Bayero, Azima Sanusi, Saddiqa Sanusi, Shameemah Sanusi, Maria Hashim, Zainab Sanusi & Alh. Ahmed Sanusi

Mr.& Mrs. Seun Agbaje with Hajia Bola Shagaya

Mr. & Mrs. Tayo Ayeni with Hajia Bola Shagaya

L-r: Mrs. Folake Abdulrasaq & Hajia Bola Shagaya

Mr. & Mrs. Rotimi Makanjuola with Hajia Bola Shagaya & Sherif Shagaya

(R) Tundun Abiola

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Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Abiola & Alhaja Abioro

Dr. (Mrs.) Meena Shagaya & Dr. (Mrs.) Mariam Shagaya

L-r: Chief (Mrs.) Sena Anthony with friend

Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Rasak Okoya

Aminu Sanusi & Sale Maitala

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Mrs. Adetutu Ayeni & Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya

Hafsa, Aisha Hassan Usman & Saddiq Kaita

(Rtd) AIG Tunji Alapini & wife

Kabir Shagaya

Bride's brother & mother

R-l: Ekua Abudu, Mo Abudu & guest

R-l: Hajia Adama Dankwambo, Hajia Mairo Al-Makura & Hajia Bola Shagaya

Hajia Bola Shagaya with Special guests

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R-l: Admiral Jubril Ayinla (Rtd), Engr Lanre Sagaya with guest

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Hakeem Shagaya, Dr ( Mrs.) Meena Shagaya, Mukhtar Shagaya, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Couple, Dr. (Mrs.) Mariam Shagaya & Sheriff Shagaya

Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Mr. Tunde Ayeni, Princess Omotade & Mrs. Ayeni

Mr. & Mrs. Bisi Olatilo & (Chisco) Mr. Chidi Anyaegbu

Hakeem Shagaya, Alhaji & Hajia Matey Rasheed, Dr. (Mrs.) Means Shagaya with baby

In her remarks before instructing them to cut the cake, Mrs Osinbajo asked all present to say the words: Love, Joy, Peace, Children, Victor. She rounded it off with "In Jesus Name".

In her own remarks, Mrs Saraki stated “All I would like to say is "Alhamdulillah......Alhamdulillah", Alhamdulillah. The couple there after hit the dance floor and danced to delightfully. The mother of the groom, also showed her smooth dancing skills as she engaged her sons to a competition on the dance floor.

She did not disappoint and got applause from everyone.

It was a fun-filled occasion without any shadow of doubt.

The wedding ceremony was rounded off at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos where the crème de la crème of Nigerian society gathered to honour the

families.

From the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II to Africa’s richest men, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun, Mr Victor Osinbodu, Chief Rasak Okoya and Prince Samuel Adedoyin.

With Shuga Band providing high quality music, Bonix drinks serving assorted drinks and loads of food and canapés going round, it was a very lively occasion.

The couple stepped into the venue, which was decorated to give a heavenly ambience, in style. The groom came in wearing a smart dinner suit, while the bride wore a wonderful figure-hugging white gown that wowed everyone.

Amina and Kabir looked so wonderful as a pair as they swept their way to their special sitting area.

On of their first assignments was to cut their cake.

Afterwards, they fed each other and danced to the delight of all. It was obvious that the couple had planned to have good fun with their friends because later they changed into smarter, more casual outfits which they wore to the after party that rocked till the wee hours of the next day.

Speaking to OVATION International, the bride told us that She was happy that the day they had both been dreaming about had eventually come and they were thankful to Almighty God. In his comments, elder brother of the groom, Sharif Shagaya told us that he was very glad that his brother had now joined the marriage club. Adding "I wish him to be patient. ....I want them to continue to love each other and be very prayerful.

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Hajia Bola Shagaya dance with friends

Mrs. Hanatu Buba Dance in with family

Terry Waya, Mr. Segun Awolowo & Hajia Bola Shagaya

Alhaji & Hajiya Matey Rasheed with couple

Hajia Bola Shagaya & Oba Otudeko

R-l: Mr. Tunde Ayeni & Mr. Bisi Onasanya

L-r: Yinka Oropo, Mr. & Mrs. Tunde Ayeni

L-r: Oba Otudeko, Mr. Sam Iwuajoku, Mr. Femi Otedola & Mr. Noggie Meggison

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Jide Fadairo (left)

Vivienne Ogde, HE Mrs Abimbola Fashola, Lady Maiden Ibru, HE Mrs Yemisi Suswam with guests

Alhaji Aliko Dangote with daugthers & in-laws

L-r: Senator Olorunmibe Mamora & wife

(L) Hon. Titi Oseni

Ian Randolf Jnr., Prince Aderemi Sijuwade & Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi

Cecil Hammond, Babajide Obanikoro & guests

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Couple with Hajia Abah Folawiyo

(Middle) Senator Fatima Raji Rasaki & Olori Ladun Sijuwade

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Couple, Hajia Bola Shagaya with the Anumudus

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Ms Joke Sogunro with Bashorun Dele Momodu

Bashorun Dele Momodu & Mr. Segun Agbaje

Tayo Amusan, Bashorun Dele Momodu & Aremo Segun Oniru

Mr. Joshua Hosea & family

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Deola Sagoe & Hajia Bola Shagaya

Hajia Bola Shagaya with guests

Saheeto with Hajia Bola Shagaya

L-r: Mr. Femi Otedola & Mr. Habeeb Fasinro with Hajia Bola Shagaya

Bashorun Dele Momodu, Hajia Bola Shagaya & Mrs. Bolaji Momodu & Mr. Femi Otedola

Sheri Williams, Rotimi Williams, Abiola Williams, Hajia Bola Shagaya & Alade Williams

L-r: Mr. & Mrs. Lanre Ogunlesi, Hajia Bola Shagya with Bride

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Mr. Ogunbiyi, Hajia Bola Shagaya & Anu Ogunbiyi

Olori Sekinat Elegushi with Hajia Bola Shagaya

Michael Effiong with Bashorun Dele Momodu & wife, Bolaji

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Shuga Band

Bashorun Dele Momodu & Rtd Gen. Ike Nwachukwu

Dotun Adebayo

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THE COLOURFUL WEDDING CEREMONY OF

XERONA DUKE AND DERIN PHILLIPS Adekoya Adegbite

T

he joy of every parent is to see your children get married and start their own families and that was the kind of happiness and pride felt by famous Nigerian couple, Donald and Onari Duke when their beautiful daughter, Xerona wedded Derin Phillips also known as DJ Caise.

It was in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State that the first leg of their wedding ceremonies began and the venue was the picturesque Duke Family home nestled in the heart of the city.

The beautiful Efik culture was in full display as the couple came out decked in splendid attires.

From the mandatory prayers of the parents, the couple was also showered with royal blessings by two first-rate monarchs, Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II. The groom's mother, Chief (Mrs.) Teju Phillips who is also the daughter of late billionaire, Chief Dehinde Fernandez was filled with so much glee throughout.It was obvious that she had developed a good bond with Xerona, her new daughter.

The celebration of love between the two close friends dubbed XD2018 soon moved to Lagos, the Centre of Excellence.

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THE TRADITIONAL CEREMONY IN CALABAR

Archbishop Bishop Ibong, Obong of Calabar, HRM Edidem Okon Abasi Otu V & HRM Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Kano

Chief (Mrs.) Duke, Mrs. Onari Duke & Mr. Donald Duke

Bride with parents Mr. & Mrs. Donald Duke

Groom with parents Mr. & Mrs. Phillips

Obong of Calabar, HRM Edidem Okon Abasi Otu V & HRM Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Kano, Mrs. Onari Duke, Mr. Sam Iwuajoku & Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu

Mr. Osagie Okunbor, Alh. Aliko Dangote, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Mr. Sam Iwuajoku & Alh Abdulsamad Rabiu

(Middle) Senator Florence Ita-Giwa

Mrs. Onari Duke & daughter, Xerona

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Groom with Groom’smen

The Phillips Family

Groom’s arrival

Groom's dad, joining the couple

Cross section of both families

Couple with Chief (Mrs.) Teju Phillips

Couple with Alh. Aliko Dangote, Mr. Donald Duke & Mrs. Onari Duke

Mrs. Onari Duke with her daughters

Mr. Asue Ighodalo & Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN

Senator Gershom Bassey, Vice Admiral I.E. Ibas & Archbishop Bishop Ibong

Groom's family

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Orok Duke with family members

Queen Pelebo Banigo

Bride in her traditional regalia

R-l: Mr. & Mrs. Akande, Mrs. Teju Phillips, Couple & Mr. Philips

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Groom with Mr. & Mrs. Akande

The lovely couple

Mr. & Mrs. Ogunseinde, Couple, Mr.& Mrs. Phillips (Groom’s Parent)

Noggie Meggison, Segun Awolowo & Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN

Chief Francis Ogboro with Senator Musa Adede

L-r: Vice Admiral I.E. Ibas, Cdr. M.I. Adetola & Mr. Donald Duke

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Couple with Hajia Abah Folawiyo

(Middle) Senator Fatima Raji Rasaki & Olori Ladun Sijuwade

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Couple, Hajia Bola Shagaya with the Anumudus

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Ms Joke Sogunro with Bashorun Dele Momodu

Bashorun Dele Momodu & Mr. Segun Agbaje

Tayo Amusan, Bashorun Dele Momodu & Aremo Segun Oniru

Mr. Joshua Hosea & family

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Deola Sagoe & Hajia Bola Shagaya

Hajia Bola Shagaya with guests

Saheeto with Hajia Bola Shagaya

L-r: Mr. Femi Otedola & Mr. Habeeb Fasinro with Hajia Bola Shagaya

Bashorun Dele Momodu, Hajia Bola Shagaya & Mrs. Bolaji Momodu & Mr. Femi Otedola

Sheri Williams, Rotimi Williams, Abiola Williams, Hajia Bola Shagaya & Alade Williams

L-r: Mr. & Mrs. Lanre Ogunlesi, Hajia Bola Shagya with Bride

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Mr. Ogunbiyi, Hajia Bola Shagaya & Anu Ogunbiyi

Olori Sekinat Elegushi with Hajia Bola Shagaya

Michael Effiong with Bashorun Dele Momodu & wife, Bolaji

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Shuga Band

Bashorun Dele Momodu & Rtd Gen. Ike Nwachukwu

Dotun Adebayo

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114

THE COLOURFUL WEDDING CEREMONY OF

XERONA DUKE AND DERIN PHILLIPS Adekoya Adegbite

T

he joy of every parent is to see your children get married and start their own families and that was the kind of happiness and pride felt by famous Nigerian couple, Donald and Onari Duke when their beautiful daughter, Xerona wedded Derin Phillips also known as DJ Caise.

It was in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State that the first leg of their wedding ceremonies began and the venue was the picturesque Duke Family home nestled in the heart of the city.

The beautiful Efik culture was in full display as the couple came out decked in splendid attires.

From the mandatory prayers of the parents, the couple was also showered with royal blessings by two first-rate monarchs, Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II. The groom's mother, Chief (Mrs.) Teju Phillips who is also the daughter of late billionaire, Chief Dehinde Fernandez was filled with so much glee throughout.It was obvious that she had developed a good bond with Xerona, her new daughter.

The celebration of love between the two close friends dubbed XD2018 soon moved to Lagos, the Centre of Excellence.

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THE TRADITIONAL CEREMONY IN CALABAR

Archbishop Bishop Ibong, Obong of Calabar, HRM Edidem Okon Abasi Otu V & HRM Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Kano

Chief (Mrs.) Duke, Mrs. Onari Duke & Mr. Donald Duke

Bride with parents Mr. & Mrs. Donald Duke

Groom with parents Mr. & Mrs. Phillips

Obong of Calabar, HRM Edidem Okon Abasi Otu V & HRM Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Kano, Mrs. Onari Duke, Mr. Sam Iwuajoku & Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu

Mr. Osagie Okunbor, Alh. Aliko Dangote, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Mr. Sam Iwuajoku & Alh Abdulsamad Rabiu

(Middle) Senator Florence Ita-Giwa

Mrs. Onari Duke & daughter, Xerona

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Groom with Groom’smen

The Phillips Family

Groom’s arrival

Groom's dad, joining the couple

Cross section of both families

Couple with Chief (Mrs.) Teju Phillips

Couple with Alh. Aliko Dangote, Mr. Donald Duke & Mrs. Onari Duke

Mrs. Onari Duke with her daughters

Mr. Asue Ighodalo & Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN

Senator Gershom Bassey, Vice Admiral I.E. Ibas & Archbishop Bishop Ibong

Groom's family

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Orok Duke with family members

Queen Pelebo Banigo

Bride in her traditional regalia

R-l: Mr. & Mrs. Akande, Mrs. Teju Phillips, Couple & Mr. Philips

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Groom with Mr. & Mrs. Akande

The lovely couple

Mr. & Mrs. Ogunseinde, Couple, Mr.& Mrs. Phillips (Groom’s Parent)

Noggie Meggison, Segun Awolowo & Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN

Chief Francis Ogboro with Senator Musa Adede

L-r: Vice Admiral I.E. Ibas, Cdr. M.I. Adetola & Mr. Donald Duke

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THE SOLEMNISATION

Mr. Donald Duke, Mrs. Onari Duke, Mr. & Mrs. Phillips

Bride with father, Mr. Donald Duke

Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita (Head of Service of Federation), H.E. Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, H.E. Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo & H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria)

Olori Ladun Sijuwade with Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Ernest Shonekan

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Officiating Ministers

H.E. Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, Couple & H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria)

H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo pray for the Couple

Groom with Folusho Phillips

Couple with Bride's parents: Mr. & Mrs. Donald Duke

Couple with Groom's Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Philips

Couple, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, H.E. Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, Mrs. Onari Duke, Mr. Donald Duke & H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Udom

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RECEPTION

Mothers of the couple dancing into the venue

Fathers of the couple dancing into the venue

Mr. Ernest Ebi, Rtd. I.G. M.D. Abubakar, Mr. Jim Ovia & Senator Sanusi Daggash

Chief Rasak Okoya, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya, Chief (Mrs.) Kofoworola Adebutu, Mr. Donald Duke & Prince Samuel Adedoyin

Erelu Angela Adebayo, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo with Dr. Oba Otudeko

Alh. Aliko Dangote, Mr. Femi Otedola, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu & Amb. Musiliu Obanikoro

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L-r: Paul Usoro, SAN & wife with a guest

B.J. Sax

Former Governor Sam Egwu & wife

Rtd. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu & wife

Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Ebi

Engr. Philips & Mr. Donald Duke

R-l: Moji Dokpesi & Mrs. Margaret Alamasiegha

Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson, Joke Shogunro & Ali Baba

In Lagos, the couple took their vows at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Olive Tree Parish, Banana Island.

Though the bride's father is a Cross Bearer and member of the Grail Message, he did not hesistate to walk his daughter into the hall. He wore a bright smile as they took one short step after another to the front of the church.

Xerona looked resplendent in her timeless white wedding dress by Andrea Iyamah Bridal while Derin looked styish his blue Tuxedo by Kimono Kollection.

Mr. & Mrs. Nnamdi Okonkwo

With prayers and praises in the air, the couple were given a few marital tips before they were joined as one.

The church ceremony was attended by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and wife, Pastor Dolapo, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Governor Sam Egwu and wife as well as Head of Service, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita. The celebration of love reached its crescendo at a fun-filled reception hosted at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Apart from the special performance by Mr Duke,

the former Cross River State Governor for her dear daughter, the event which had Yinka Akinkugbe as compere had many fun-filled moments.

As expected for a wedding of two big families, the event was attended by the cream of Nigerian society such as Africa's richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr Femi Otedola, Tony Elumelu and wife, Dr Awele who served as witnesses during the cutting of the cake, OVATION Publisher, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Prince Bisi Olatilo and many others.

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Mr. Donald Duke with Sammy Omai

Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Mr.Toyin Pinheiro, SAN & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Mrs. Helen Prest-Ajayi, Bashorun Dele Momodu & Mrs. Onari Duke

R-l: Chief Amechi Ejindu & Mr. Donald Duke

(Middle) Chief (Mrs.) Sena Anthony & Hon. Funmilayo Okoya-Thomas

Mrs. Bolatito Okoli of Bonix Drinks, Michael Effiong & Bianca Ugowanne of Ovation Tv

Alh. Aliko Dangote & Bashorun Dele Momodu & Otunba Funsho Lawal

Lagos White Cap Chiefs

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Senator Florence Ita-Giwa & Micheal Effiong

Mr. Donald Duke & Mr. Yinka Akinkugbe (Compere)

Mrs. Ebi, Mr. Donald Duke, Mrs. Onari Duke & Bashorun Dele Momodu

R-l: Hajia Bola Shagaya & Dr. Ndi Okereke-Onyuike

Hajia Bola Shagaya, Mrs. Yinka Idowu & Mrs. Funmi Coker

Mr. Femi Otedola & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Engineer Lanre Sagaya & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson & Folly Coker

Hajia Bola Shagaya, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Omotola Jalade- Ekeinde & Hajia Aba Folawiyo

Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mr. Donald Duke & Mrs. Chinyere Ngonadi (Big Chi)

Kunle & Nike Makinde with Timi Alaibe

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L-r: Hakeem Muri-Okunola & Mr. Femi Otedola

Mr. Donald Duke with Akiin Tofowomo of Shuga Band

Senator Sanusi Daggash, Alh. Aliko Dangote, Mr. Donald Duke, Former IGP Mohammed Abubakar, Otunba Funso Lawal & Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo

Tony Elumelu, Mrs. Onari Duke, Dr. Awele Elumelu (4th left) & guests

Alhaji Kashim Imam, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, Couple & Chief James Ibori

Prince Bisi Olatilo, Chief Lucky Igbinedion , Mr. Ogunbiyi, Bashorun Dele Momodu Ovation Tv's Bianca Ugowanne interviewing Mr. Femi Otedola & Mr. Micheal Effiong

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Alhaji Kashim Imam, Mr. Femi Otedola & Alh. Nuhu Ribadu

Mr. Donald Duke with Dr. Doyin Okupe

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128

Mr.& Mrs. Tony Elumelu with Couple

DOUBLE CELEBRATION FOR

PROF. AND MRS.

EMMANUEL

ADUAYI

I

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

t was a glorious day for Prof.

Emmanuel Adote Aduayi and his wife of 50 years, Mrs. Patricia Sisanwunmi Aduayi as they were serenaded by their children and in-laws at a heartwarming celebration at Darlington Event Centre, Ilupeju, Lagos.

Apart from Professor Aduayi’s 80th birthday, the couple was also marking 50th anniversary of their marriage.

The 2-in-1 celebration began with a thanksgiving service filled with prayers and hymns. It was a wonderful affair with bursts of excitement as Professor Aduayi and his wife, Patricia, gave testimonies of their 50 year-old-marital journey and thanked God for sparing their lives.

Prof. & Mrs. Aduayi

Later in the afternoon, a grand reception took place at another part of the venue. A Lagos-based event planning outfit, Remmy J, did a great job on the event as the hall’s decoration, lighting and sound were perfect .

Rising Comedian, Adegboye Damola was the compere for the day, and he went the extra mile to ensure that guests were entertained. He, it was, who officiated the cake cutting session and he instructed the lovely couple and guests to count 1-80 before the cake was cut to the delight of all.

Guests were also thrilled by the superlative Meluka Choir from Ibadan and Aristo Band. While DJ XB was on the wheels of Steel.

During the vote of thanks, Prof Emmanuel stood and heaped praises on his wife, Patricia, for coming that far with him. He said they had come a long way and that God should continue to bless and keep her. He also thanked everybody for coming to the party.

Professor Emmanuel Adote Aduayi was born in Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale, Delta State on April 17, 1937.

He attended St. Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe, Sapele. After secondary education, he worked briefly for African Timber & Plywood Limited.

He later taught in a school before joining the Bank of West Africa now First Bank.

Later, he decided to further his education. He got admission into the Arizona State University, where he obtained his first degree. He proceeded for his post graduate degrees abroad and then began to lecture.

He met his wife while serving as a Teacher at Edo Boys High School, and soon walked down the aisle with the beautiful Patricia Sagay in September 1967.

Mrs. Comfort Adzaho, Prof.& Mrs. Emmanuel Aduayi with Anthony Prosper Adzaho Prof. & Mrs. Emmanuel Aduayi cutting the cake

Mrs. Dele Dambo & Mrs. Mrs. Lucky Lawrence

Prof. & Mrs. Emmanuel Aduayi

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Prof. & Mrs. Emmanuel Aduayi with children and in-laws

Olamide & Demilade Aduayi

Mr. Kunle Bakare, Prof. & Mrs. Emmanuel Aduayi & Tosan Aduayi

Ruby Nakpodia, Antonio Kareem & Mary Oshodi

Mr. & Mrs. Bawo Etchie

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Prof. & Mrs. Itse Sagay (SAN)

Mrs. Adeosun & Mrs. Uwaya

The Halleluyah Chorus Group

Pastor Kayode giving the opening prayer at the reception

Mrs. Adejoke Falaye, Mrs. Lizzy Nwachukwu & George Adegbite

Children & grandchildren perform a special well-choreographed dance session for the celebrants

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Otunba & Mrs. Kayode Andre Abayomi

Olabisi Adewunmi & Mojisola Benson

Prof. & Mrs. Itse Sagay with Tosan Aduayi

Ademola Adedeji, Mogaji Debo Oladejo, Sir Biodun Akinyemi & Akin Sokunbi

Pelulola Bolaji, Mrs. Bamidele Dambo, Biriyu Dambo & Mr. Osunsina

Tosan Aduayi, Gen. Emico Eruwa & Otuedon Sagay

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Gen. Emico Eruwa

Damilola

Chief Newton Jibunoh

AT THE QUEEN's BIRTHDAY PARTY 2018 IN LAGOS Story: Michael Effiong Photo: Adekoya Adegbite

Paul Arkwright (British High Commissioner) & Laure Beaufils (Deputy High Commissioner) cutting the special birthday cake

Mr. Jimi Agbaje & Bashorun Dele Momodu

I

L-r: Kate Rudd (Director, Department for International Development) & HRH Oba Rilwan Akiolu (Oba of Lagos)

t was an evening of fun, laughter and networking as the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Party (QBP) was hosted at the British Deputy Commissioner’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

British citizens and guests were personally welcomed by Mr. Paul Arkwright, British High Commissioner and Ms Laura Beaufils, Deputy High Commissioner at the event.

This year, the party was held under the theme “GREAT Friends” and celebrated the close relationship between United Kingdom and Nigeria.

The event showcased UK excellence in the areas of innovation, culture, literature and sport.

Mr. Paul Arkwright addressed the audience and spoke about the great friendship between Nigeria and the UK, about shared values and objectives between the two countries, and about British excellence in the four areas.

He then rounded off “I want to thank all of our close partners who are here this evening for your support, friendship and co-operation over the past year” Later, the High Commissioner assisted by his Deputy and two children cut a special cake and they raised a toast to the health of Her Majesty The Queen.

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Bashorun Dele Momodu, Paul Arkwright, Laure Beaufils & Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi

Bunmi Oke, Ojoma Ochai, Foluke Adenokun, Ada Emeka Okonkwo & Paul Okeugo

Mr. Moses with Mr. Paul Arkwright

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu with Mr. Paul Arkwright

Simon Roody, I.T.Sitigh & Mark Walsta

Dr. Okey Nwuke & David Ukagwu (South West Cordinator of DFID)

Louise Murphy, Amanda Lambert, Helen Bilham & Carly Smith (Staff of Deputy High Commission)

134

Akomolafe Kehinde & Barr. Umoru Eric

Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) Kunle Ajayi

Edemekong, Marniee & Nkwo (Staff of the British Council)

L-r: Bashorun Dele Momodu & Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi

Boma, Ope & Gbemi (Staff of British Deputy High Commission)

Ben Ainsler (Deputy Diirector Depertment for International Development), Demola Sanya, Phil Hazlewood & wife Anna (CBC News)

(Head of Consular Section, Deputy High Commissioner) Alan Morrison & Jeanine Bowen

Cally Harrison & Helen Billham

135

THE LIVELY WEDDING OF

YEWANDE OKANLAWON AND TOLULOPE AJAYI IN ABEOKUTA Photo: Segun Lawal

136

T

here was a good mix of colour and culture at the lively traditional wedding ceremony of Yewande Ajoke Okanlawon and Tolulope Oluwemimo Ajayi in Abeokuta, Ogun State The bride who is the beautiful daughter of the CEO of Fountain Bleau Consulting, the amiable Ambassador Toye Okanlawon was the cynosure of all eyes at the event attended by top Nigerians including former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga, Secretary

to the Ogun State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, Ogun State Chief of Staff, Mr. Tolu Odebiyi, Chairman, OVATION Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Chief Executive Officer of Cumnavig Securex Limited, Mr. Foluso Adeagbo, South African Consul-General, Mr. Darkey Ephraim Africa, AIG Tunji Alapini rtd, Otunba Johnson Fasawe, Hon. Segun Showunmi and Mr. Gboyega Isiaka.

Guests who turned out for the occasion were well taken care of with excellent gourmet dishes and exotic drinks while qualitative music was provided by Evangelist Ebenezer Obey.

Reading the Engagement letter, Miss Toyosi Owolabi

Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa & Pastor (Mrs.) Bodunrin Okanlawon with Amb Toye Okanlawon

Chief Mrs. Janet Aduke Okanlawon & Tolulope Ajayi

Bride’s parents with the groom, Tolulope Ajayi

Groom’s parent with the bride, Yewande Okanlawon

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo unveiling the bride

Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo showring bride with royal blessings

Mr. Biodun Fari, Otunba Lai Oriowo with friends

137

The Couple, Tolulope Ajayi & Yewande Okanlawon

Groom‘s family

Bride’s family

Amb. Toye Okanlawon, Chief Farid Abou (Edorado), Pastor (Mrs.) Bodunrin Okanlawon, Ali Soufan & General Manager Federal Palace, David Kiegel

Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo, Yewande Okanlawon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Amb. Toye Okanlawon & Mr. Ajayi

138

Mrs. Enitan Odeleye, Couple & Mrs. Yewande Adewole

Chairman of the occasion, Ogun State Chief of Staff, Mr. Tolu Odebiyi

Couple about to cut their cake

Couple with Bride's maids

Couple with groom’s men

139

Couple with friends and family

Couple with both parents

Couple with Bashorun Dele Momodu

Bukola Olopade, Amb. Toye Okanlawon & Hon. Segun Sowunmi

Bashorun Dele Momodu & Amb Toye Okanlawon

Pastor Koye Okanlawon, Mrs. Funmi Omo, Chief Adil Abul Husein, Mr. Uche, Amb. Toye Okanlawon & Obase Modi

Amb. Toye Okanlawon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Chief Farid Abou (Edorado)

Chief Olayinka Kufile & Amb Toye Okanlawon

140

Amb Toye Okanlawon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Otunba Oyewole Fasewa & AIG Tunji Alapini (Rtd)

Bashorun Dele Momodu, Chief Gboyega Okegbenro & Mr. Foluso Adeagbo

Senior Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Funmi Ajayi, Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Sokefu & Ogun State Commissioner for Environment , Mr. Bolaji Oyeleye

Amb Toye Okanlawon & Viola Bolaji Basia

Chief & Mrs. Kareem Daramola with Amb Toye Okanlawon

Engr. Cyril Ajagu with Amb Toye Okanlawon

Bayo Adeyemi, Amb Toye Okanlawon & Chief Derin Adebiyi

Hakeem Dickson, General Manager Federal Palace, David Kiegel, Obase Modi, Farid,Mona & Ali Soufan

Yetunde Salako with The Orolugbagbes

141

Amb Toye Okanlawon with friends

Bride’s mother with Mrs. Anuoluwapo Odulaja, Yinka Sokanlu & Mrs. Mary Shogunle

Chief Adil Abul Husein, Mrs. Funmi Omo & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Bashorun Dele Momodu with Adeshinas

Amb Toye Okanlawon, Bashorun Dele Momodu & Tolu Odebiyi

Blessing, Dammy & Fefe

142

Amb. Toye Okanlawon with Peter & Folorunso Okanlawon

Adeshewa

AT THE INSTALLATION OF RTN KOLA SODIPO AS GOVERNOR, ROTARY DISTRICT 9110, NIGERIA Funmilayo Adeyemi

During the installation of Rotarian Kola Sodipo

Rotarian & Mrs. Kola Sodipo

I

Otunba Bimbo Ashiru & Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi OFR,mni

Past District Governor Yinka Babalola delivering his speech

t will certainly stand out as one of the most glorious days in the life of Rotarian Kola Sodipo and this was when he was installed as the 38th Governor, Rotary District 9110, Nigeria.

Held at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, the event was attended by Rotarians from far and near as well as captains of industry.

The event kicked off with the recitation of rotary songs, conducted by Past Assistant Governor, Leke Adepeju which then dove-tailed into the the procession of Council of Governors before the National Anthem was sang.

Thereafter, there was a welcome address by the Chairman, Installation Committee, Past Assistant Governor Wale Adegbite, followed by a farewell address by the outgoing District Governor, Rotarian Adewale Ogunbadejo.

Prince Femi Tejuoso & wife, Ope

The event reached a crescendo when District Secretary, Kolawole Ojelabi, presented Rotarian Kolawole Sodipo as the new District Governor to all and he was then formally installed to the delight of all in the arena by the immediate past District Governor and other very senior Rotarians.

In his acceptance speech, the trained Pharmacist from the then University of Ife (Now Obafemi Awolowo University) who worked at Neimeth Plc before setting up his own private practice, promised to touch as many lives as possible and impact people in Lagos and Ogun States during his one-year tenure.

According to him " We are here to help others, many of whom we may never meet. We are here to live a life that is worth emulating.We are here to leave a lasting legacy that will outlive us".

He urged corporate bodies and individuals to take

advantage of the different Rotary platforms to touch lives. Adding "Come and join me to be the inspiration" The event which had popular broadcaster, Yemi Shodimu, himself a past Rotary Club President as compere, was fun-filled.

Special guests in attendance included Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Idayat Oluranti Adebule, who was represented by Commissioner For Energy, Mr. Wale Oluwo, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, represented by Ogun State Commissioner For Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Senator Ganiyu Solomon as well as Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, Aare Segun Philips, Founder of Leadership Newspaper, Sam NdaIsaiah, CEO Greenwich Trust Limited, Mr. Kayode Falowo as well as Prince and Mrs. Femi Tejuoso.

143

The new Governor & wife with Members of Rotary Club of Ikeja South

Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi OFR, mni, a guest & Sam Nda-Isaiah

Mainta Debroy, Geetika Tandon & Sanseev Tandon

Mr. Azuh Arinze & Senator Ganiu Solomon

PDG Yinka Babalola with a guest

Rotarian Favour Madu with Past Rotary President Fani Sodimu(Compere)

L-r: Alhaji Alaba Olalekan, Iyalode Adunni Jackie Kassim with other guests

Princess Adenike Sodipo with friends

144

Dolapo Oluwasola, Tina Ogundare, Jumoke Osuntuyi, Mrs. Bayewu Yetunde & Mrs. Remi Olaogun

Isaac Olaogun & Yomi Bayewu

AT THE

WINES OF SOUTH AFRICA GRAND TASTING IN LAGOS Story: Michael Effiong Photo: Segun Lawal

Chief Executive Officer, Wines of South Afric, Siobhan Thompson

W

Marketing Manager, WOSA, Mr. Matome Mbatha

ines of South Africa, a group of leading South African Wine Makers has once again wowed wine connoissuers, wine sellers, buyers and distributors as it held its annual grand wine tasting event in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital and Ghana’s famous capital, Accra.

The Lagos event unfolded first and it was held at the at the prestigious Four Points By Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, the evening witnessed an exhibition by many wine brands that demonstrated the depth and variety of the South African Wine industry. The winemakers and their teams also showcased arresting bottle and packaging designs as well as assorted products that titillated the taste buds of guests.

Siobhan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Wines of South Africa in her welcome address stated that the event was to create a convivial ambience for Nigerians to interact with South African Wines, their

Mr. Bill Bedzrah

makers and distributors. She noted that the Grand tasting event was returning to Lagos because it has become a major hub for wine consumers.

She also used the opportunity to invite guests to CapeWine 2018, reputed as the biggest gathering of Wine enthusiasts in the world and scheduled for September 12-14 in Cape Town. The event which has DHL as main sponsor usually attracts the best and the brightest collection of wine lovers, makers and media from across the globe.

Marketing Manager, WOSA, Mr Matome Mbatha in his own speech stated that unlike last year, WOSA has brought a whole new set of wine makers and distributors to the event. He noted that WOSA 's aim is to form a strong partnership with the Nigerian Wine consumers with a view of increasing market share.

The event which had Bill Bedzrah as compere was

lively, as ligh music wafted from the PA System while guests enjoyed assorted canapes and engaged in light conversation and networking.

The Accra event took almost a similar shape, the venue was the top-star Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra-and guests enjoyed soothing music, exquisite wines as well as good networking and conversation.

Wines of South Africa (WOSA) is a fully inclusive body, representing all South African producers of wine who export their products. WOSA, which was established in its current form in 1999, has over 500 producers on its database, comprising all the major South African wine exporters. It is constituted as a notfor-profit company and is totally independent of any producer or wholesaling company. It is also independent of any government department, although it is recognised by government as an Export Council.

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Marketing Manager, WOSA, Mr. Matome Mbatha & Mr. Bill Bedzrah during the wine tasting

Boschendal

Stellenbosch Vineyard

Balance

Wellington Wine

Noble Hill

Cape Point Vineyards

Vintales

146

Robertson Winery

The Centenary (KWV)

Chief Executive Officer, Wines of South Afric, Siobhan Thompson & Marketing Manager, WOSA, Mr. Matome Mbatha

Stephen Any-James & Editor, Ovation International Magazine, Micheal Effiong

Jonathan Pigden & Ronke Jalil

Saskia Lesch & Chief Executive Officer, Wines of South Afric, Siobhan Thompson

Guest during the wine tasting

Wilson, Yinka & Richard

Elizabeth Wilson, Paul Wilson & Stuart Pay-Savage

Caren, Reaan & Lourens

Mariam, Merci, Chika & Tessy

Chief Executive Officer, Wines of South Afric, Siobhan Thompson & Billy Martin

147

Editor,Ovation International Magazine, Mr. Michael Effiong

Katheryn Lademo Ceo Cti & Emmanuel Edem

Mr. Kayode Olufon

Folasade Adegboyega & Atley Adejola

Tolu & Kelechi

Mosun & Abimbola

148

Regional Business Manager, West Africa, KWV, John Terfa Mka

Sarah & Alex Igbinoba

Dora Obaseki & Owen

Ushers

Motunrayo, Keelvin, Stella, Dalington, Deji & Bimbo

Elidoni, Muizz Momodu & Stella

Kelechi, Lai & Devid

Damiete, Oyinkan & Tonye

Mr. Bill Bedzrah, Chief Executive Officer, Wines of South Afric, Siobhan Thompson & Marketing Manager, WOSA, Mr. Matome Mbatha

Esiri Ovie & Dennis Cox

John Terfa Mk, Billy Martinwith other guest

149

WOSA THRILLED WHEN

ACCRA, GHANA

By Ben Dzakah

Stephanie Walikins & Mr. Bedzrah

150

Anita & Ronald Westbrook

South Africa High Commissioner to Ghana H.E. Mad. Lulu Xingwana

Nancy Sam, Addison T. & Tonis A.

Serah Cooper & Porew Bockhart

Star Ladies

Hannah Quansah & Francisca Yamoah

Priscilla Lokowiga

Abena Kusi, Ernest Quao & Ama Asantewaa

Jennifer Zheng, Meghan McCormick & B. Huang

Ms. Lerato Leisoso

Ruvinbo

Adomah Darter-Adjei & Richmond Doku Ameyaw Debrah

Nalelz Kadri and Alex Estades

Adedia Kafui & Fafa Apetse

Patience Woods

Benedicta Oklileah

Anetha Connan & a Staff

151

Exhibitor explaining a point to guests

Guests

Christine, Mapeete, Caroline & Nwapisa

Jorge displaying his wines for guests

Valerrie, Christine, Mapeete, Caroline & Nwapisa

South Africa Citizens in Ghana

Ms. Inna Party,Aicha Bhartson with friends

152

Vanessa Haizel, Basteen & Khadjiya Abdel

Issac Tetteh (T.T. Brothers) (middle) with friends

MOTHER OF THE SERVING OVERSEER OF LATTER RAIN ASSEMBLY MADAM EEBUDOLA BAKARE GOES HOME IN GRANDEUR Photo: Adekoya Adegbite & Funmilayo Adeyemi

Aremo Olusegun Osoba , Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife, Mrs. 'Layide Bakare

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, H.E. Senator Ibikunle Amosun & H.E. Mrs. Folusho Amosun

Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife, Mrs. 'Layide Bakare

M

Mr. Femi Otedola, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu & Alh. Aliko Dangote

ost funerals are embodiments of sighs, regrets and loud wailings. But not that of Madam Abigail Eebudola Bakare, mother of the Serving Overseer, The Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, as she passed on at the ripe age of 108.

Consequently, the crème de la crème of the society converged at Victory Life Bible Church, Ajebo Road, Abeokuta Ogun State to celebrate her life and thank God for showering her with blessings.

Prior to the service of songs was a night of tributes held in her honour at the Latter Rain Assembly, Ogba, Lagos.

Having spent over a century on earth, the family led by the vocal preacher, heaped encomiums on her for a life well lived, and for affecting their

lives positively. It was an atmosphere of wholesome joy and thanksgiving.

Dignitaries at the night of tributes included Rtd. General Alani Akinrinade, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Rev. Wilson Badejo, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) Chika Uwazie among others.

The service of songs which took place at The Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State also had notable personalities in attendance such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Pastor & Mrs. Chinedu Ezekwesili, Mr. Dapo Adelegan, Otunba Gbenga Daniel among others.

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Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife, Mrs. 'Layide Bakare

Bishop Mike Okonkwo (left)

L-r: Aremo Olusegun Osoba & Rtd. Gen Alani Akinrinade

Rev. Wilson Badejo & Bishop George Amu

L-r: Mr. Biodun Shobanjo & Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN)

Cross section of dignitaries

Dr. & Mrs. I.S. James

Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi & Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili

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R-l: Pastor Banks Akinmola & Kunle Akinmola

(Middle) Rev. James Temidara

Aremo Olusegun Osoba

Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife, Mrs. 'Layide Bakare

Bishop Mike Okonkwo praying for the family

Dr. Joe Odumakin

The service of songs was followed the next day by the funeral service at the Victory Life Bible Church and was officiated by notable gospel preachers including Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Rev. Wilson Badejo and Rev. Yomi Kasali.

At the church service, which saw the General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev Wilson Badejo, praying wholeheartedly for the family of the deceased, the choir held the worshippers spellbound as it dished out one soul lifting song after another to the dancing pleasure of all present.

Afterwards, everyone moved to DLK Event Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State for a grand reception where guests were thrilled by the ageless Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, and rising star, Korede Bello, with first class comedian, Tee A as master of ceremonies.

Their performances were superlative.

In attendance at the glamorous event were the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and wife, Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola , Ogun State Chief of Staff, Chief Tolu Odebiyi, Mr. Segun Awolowo, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Mr. Tunde Ayeni, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Hon. Bimbo Ashiru, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Former Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kayode Fayemi, Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, Mr. Tunde Lemo among others.

Madam Abigail Eebudola was born on the 28th of October, 1909 to Chief Kilani Afuwape and Madam Banjoko Afuwape in Oba Village, Abeokuta, Egba Kingdom.

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Pastor Bank Akinmola, Kunle Akinmola, Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife, Mrs. 'Layide Bakare

Mr. & Mrs. Akinola Onifade

Peter Oma & Mrs. Funke Adekolu

Ken Chikewere & Mrs. Olajide Ogunlewe

Oshame Juliet, Shobande Bisi & Brown Adejoke

Yaqub Rodoye & Bashir Kareem

Her father was a successful produce farmer who owned vast cocoa and kolanut plantations. He also owned a forest of palm trees and founded a successful palm oil manufacturing business. Her mother was a trader involved in marketing the produce from her husband's farm.

The family relocated to Balufe compound, Ago Oba , Abeokuta, when her father became the Balogun of Oba just before Mama Eebudola's eighteenth birthday. She was one of the eight children by her mother for her father and the first daughter, with five brothers preceding her and a sister and brother born after her.

Mama spent her early life assisting her mother with her trade. While her brothers were enrolled in school, the long, daily trek was a deterrent to Mama who concluded that what those who went to school earned as

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wages was not worth the trouble.

At About twenty-one, the very year the centenary Hall was opened in Abeokuta, Mama Eebudola switched gear from selling farm produce to selling imported chinaware-awo tanganran-which she sourced from Lagos. According to her, the journey to Lagos took her and fellow traders three days by foot, but , upon returning, her turnover made the arduous journey worth her while. She made sufficient money from her trade to eventually acquire two mammy wagons to transport her wares.

Mama was so successful in her business that men her age were too intimidated to approach her with a marriage proposition. However, she eventually settled for a man popularly called Baba Ajura. Mama acquired several plots through him and built her first house.

This first marriage did not last very long because

Mama was barren; she eventually opted out of the marriage when her husband and his family alleged that she had sacrificed her "eggs" in exchange for wealth. In agony , she left the house for Baba Ajura, sold some of her land , gave some to her friends, and returned to her father's house as the reproach of barreness caused her significant grief and sorrow as well as subsequent business setbacks.

In 1994, during one of the Muslim festivals, Chief Sanni Adekunle Bakare, the Anibi Juwon and Otun of Iporo Sodeke Muslims, and the first son of the first Chief Imam of Iporo Sodeke mosque, visited his friend , the Balogun of Oba , Chief Kilani Afuwapa - Mama's father. Chief Sanni was served a sumptuous meal cooked by mama for the guests at the occasion.

In the course of their discussion, Chief Sanni

expressed his interest in marrying Eeebudola whose father had told him of the circumstances surrounding her failed marriage . Marriage rites were concluded within that year and Mama was given a new name, Wulaimot, amidst an outpouring of prayers and hope that her barrenness would be reversed.

Mama was well-received in her new home and she became the "official chef" to a wealthy farmer with vast cocoa and kolanut plantations in the South as well as a large farm in Sokoto, Northern Nigeria, which earned hin the nickname Sanni Arewa.

In spite of the turn of the tide in her favour, the reproach of barrenness remained for another eight years, after

which she gave birth to her first child who passed away shorthly after delivery.

She contemplated returning to her father's house once again due to the excessive sorrow and humiliation, but she had nowhere to go because her father died around the same time. This was a particularly difficult period because her father was her formidable pillar of strenght. However, like Hannah of old, God had mercy on Mama, turned her sorrow into joy and her mourning into dancing by opening her womb again and blessing her with a son, Gbolahan Babatunde Bakare, the 22nd and last child of Chief Sanni Adekunle Bakare, born on the 11th of November, 1954.

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WAKE-KEEP IN ABEOKUTA

Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife, Mrs. 'Layide Bakare with family

(R) Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Dr. & Dr. (Mrs.) Ezekwesili

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Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel & Chief Ayo Adebanjo

The profound joy in the family occasioned by the new addition was again short-lived as her husband, Chief Sanni Adekunle Bakare, died on September 7, 1957 after a prolonged illness.

Following the death of her husband, Mama became even more enterprising as she was entirely responsible for herself and her son, and she established three different streams of income. In a storey building in Kobiti, she opened a shop where she sold garri and plantain at wholesale and retail prices; at the Itoku market, she maintained her Adire business and at Isabo market, she had a store for her kolanut trade from where her produce was regularly transported to Northern Nigeria.

A major breakthrough came for her in 1975 through her Adire trade when she participated in a workshop coordinated by Augusta Sandstrom, a lecturer in the Fine Art Department at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who also acted as a translator. Mama was selected to travel to America exclusively for the purpose of showcasing her textile artistry.

Over the course of several weeks, Mama creatively displayed her Adire wares and taught master classes on several university campuses in several cities, demonstrating how Africans made their clothes before the advent of Europeans . Mama was the first to travel to Europe and America in the entire Afuwape and Bakare clans.

Frank Wale Gomez & Rt. Hon. Titi Oseni, Pastor Toyin Mathews & Pastor Kemi Onanuga

Mr. Idy Enang (right)

Mr. & Mrs. Abayomi Ayodeji

L-r: Deacon Titilayo Bakare & Pastor Banks Akinmola

Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife, Mrs. 'Layide Bakare, Fisayo Bakare with Mr. & Mrs. Moteleola

Olusegun Bakare, Oluwaseyi Bakare & Olurotimi Bakare

(R) Mr. Idy Enang

Cross section of guests

The Choir thrilling the congregation

Prayer for the family

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Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife, Mrs. 'Layide Bakare

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Olurotimi Bakare

Oluwaseyi Bakare

Mallam El. Rufai

Abayomi Ayodeji

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Rev. James Temidara

Senator Lanre Tejuoso

Olusegun Bakare

Senator Gbenga Obadara, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Ayo Adebanjo & Mr. Tunde Ayeni

Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Chief Ayo Adebanjo

Chief Ayo Adebanjo with daughter

Mr. Wale Gomez & Hon. Titi Oseni-Gomez with Pastor Tunde Jalade

Mr. & Mrs. Abayomi Ayodeji

Mrs. Ebi Ghariokwu & Senator Gbenga Obadara

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H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife, Mrs. 'Layide Bakare

Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife, Mrs. 'Layide Bakare

H.E. Mrs. Funsho Amosun, Apostle Lawrence Achudume & wife

Fisayo Bakare with Mr. & Mrs. Moteleola

Olusegun Bakare, Olurotimi Bakare & Oluwaseyi Bakare

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Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, H.E. Senator Ibikunle Amosun & H.E. Mrs. Funsho Amosun

Deacon Titilayo Bakare, Mr.& Mrs. Abayomi Ayodeji

Alh. Aliko Dangote, Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife, Mrs. 'Layide Bakare with Mr. Femi Otedola

Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel & Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

Mr. & Mrs. Tunde Ayeni with Mr. Segun Awolowo

Sen. Senator Lanre Tejuoso & Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa

R-l: Mr. Tunde Lemo & Olori Amororo Of Owu

H.E. Senator Ibikunle Amosun, H.E. Mrs. Funsho Amosun, Apostle Lawrence Achudume & wife

Cross section of The Family

Mr. Segun Awolowo, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu & Kemi Adeosun

(Middle) Olori Ladun Sijuwade

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Apostle Lawrence Achudume

Pastor Tunde Bakare

Rev. Wilson Badejo

Pastor Tunde Bakare with wife, Mrs. 'Layide Bakare

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Rev. Wilson Badejo pray for the family

Mrs. 'Layide Bakare

B.J. Sax

Cross section of the family

Dr. & Mrs. S.I. James

R-l: Pastor Ituah Ighodalo & Chief Bukola Okunowo

Mr. & Mrs. Fola Adeola & Dr. Wake Babalakin, SAN

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Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Dr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, HE Mrs. Funsho Amosun, H.E. Senator Ibikunle Amosun, H.E. Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alh. Aliko Dangote & Mr. Segun Awolowo

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Olori Omolara Tejuoso, Olori Ladun Sijuwade & Olori Yetunde Tejuoso

R-l: Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Mr. Donald Duke, Mrs 'Layide Bakare with Dr. & Mrs. Wake Babalakin, SAN

Mr. Kayode Fayemi, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, H.E. Senator Ibikunle Amosun, H.E. Mrs. Funsho Amosun, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Mrs 'Layide Bakare with Mrs. Kemi Adeosun

Rev. Wilson Badejo, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Ayo Adebanjo & Mr. Akin Osuntokun

The Obey-Fabiyis

L-r: Mr. Akin Osuntokun, Mr. Donald Duke, Dr. Wale Babalakin & Pastor Tunde Bakare

Olori Ladun Sijuwade with Staff of Ooni of Ife

Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife, ' Layide

Upon her return to Nigeria, she performed a holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina as a devoted Muslim to thank God who gave her the breakthrough.

In 1985, Mama left her shops for others to run and relocated to Lagos, her maternal grandmother's homestead, to live with her son and help his family when his first child, Olubunmi was born.

On the 23rd of March, 2017, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Mama received the Adire Celebrity Award (2017) in recognition of her immense contribution over the decades towards the growth and development of

Adire fashion in Nigeria and worldwide, on the occasion of a public presentation of A book titled: Adire Eleko Fabric Art: Vanishing Nigerian Indigo Impression by Prof. Tunde M. Akinwunmi.

Mama slept in the Lord aged 108 (One hundred and eight years old) on the 5th of May, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in her son's house.

Her exit was peaceful and glorious. She is survived by her son and his wife, Pastor and Mrs. 'Tunde Bakare, her daughter, Deaconess Titilayo Bakare, stepson, Mr. Similoluwa Bakare, grandchildren, great grand children, nieces and nephews.

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Korede Bello

Korede Bello with Evang. Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi

Olori Ladun Sijuwade & Pastor Tunde Bakare

Pastor Tunde Bakare, Mrs 'Layide Bakare

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(L) Pastor Ituah Ighodalo

‌AND OVATION CHAIRMAN PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO PASTOR BAKARE

Mrs. 'Layide Bakare, Pastor Tunde Bakare & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Bashorun Dele Momodu & Pastor Tunde Bakare

Sijibomi Ogundele & Pastor Tunde Bakare

A

Tunde Martins, Mr. Segun Adebowale, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Biaca & Mr. Michael Effiong

few days after the funeral ceremonies, a powerful team from OVATION Media Group led by our Chairman, Bashorun Dele Momodu visited Pastor Tunde Bakare at his church, the Latter Rain Assembly, Ogba, Lagos. The team, made up of Michael Effiong, (Editor), Segun Adebowale (Managing Editor), Mr Sijibomi Ogundele (Sujimoto), Babatunde Martins (Administrative Officer/PA to Chairman), Bianca Ugowanne (Presenter), Temitope Ogunleye, Ben Osei-Bansah and Segun Lawal was received by Pastor Bakare and his wife, Mrs. Olayide Adufe Bakare, as well as his staff.

After the warm reception, the team joined thousands of church members for the Sunday service which was

spirit-lifting and soulful. Just before his sermon for the day, Pastor introduced our chairman and yielded the floor to him to make a speech.

Bashorun Momodu first broke into a song before informing the congregation that he had come to commiserate with the Pastor, his family and the church over the passing of his mother, Mama Abigail Eebudola Bakare. He used the opportunity to praise Pastor Bakare for his forthrightness and consistent rebuke of non-performing governments even at great personal risk. He prayed that God will continue to strengthen and shower him with wisdom.

The visit was rounded off with a sumptuous lunch with the Pastor & Mrs Bakare.

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Pastor Tunde Bakare preaching during sunday service

Speech by Bashorun Dele Momodu

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Sijibomi Ogundele, Bianca Ugowanne, Tunde Martins & Mr. Segun Adebowale

Bashorun Momodu, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Mrs 'Layide Bakare with members of Latter Rain Assembly

BLISSFUL WEDDING OF

OLUWATOSIN SHEDOWO AND OLAWALE BAMIDELE

I

Photo: Ken Ehimen

t is usually a joyful moment when a father gives out his daughter’s hand in marriage.

Banker and administrator, Mr. Isaac Shedewo could not hide his joy when his beautiful daughter, Oluwatosin Adenike wedded Olawale Sunday, son of Pastor Michael Bamidele in marriage at a lively ceremony in Akure, Ondo State.

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Rt. Rev. Samuel Adedayo Abe during his prayer

Olawale Bamidele, groom greeting the family of the bride

Pastor & Mrs. M. A. Bamidele (groom's parent)

Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Shedowo (bride’s parent)

Oluwatosin, bride with Pastor & Mrs. M. A. Bamidele, groom's parent

Mrs. M. Wale with Adeniyi Shedowo

Mrs. Dolapo Abiodun-Ojo & Mrs. Olanike Abimbola Ajatta

Shedowo Oluwaseun, Ayeni Adebola & Dunsin Olonisakin

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Pastor & Mrs. Omowaye

The two-day ceremony started with the traditional wedding at the Fonts Hall, Akure, Ondo State. The happy groom and his family showed they were fully prepared as they stormed the venue with all the required items to seek the father’s consent to marry beautiful Oluwatosin.

When the bride who was simply dressed without any make-up was called to pick from the many mouthwatering items brought by the in-laws, the well cultured Tosin, to the delight of all especially her mother, Mrs Grace Olufunke Shedowo picked the Holy

Bible, then danced to meet the waiting groom who welcomed her with prayers.

The next day, the couple and their families led friends and well-wishers to witness the solemnization of the couple's years of friendship and love at the Deeper Llife Bible Church, opposite Green Park, Oke Aro, Akure.

As it is usual with the church, hymns and choruses flowed freely as the choir ushered in the couple.

Marriage, they say is not a bed of roses, the presiding Pastor, Pastor A Oguntunji did his best to equip the love birds with words of admonition as they

Pastor Ofuri, from Ghana & Mr. Bola Ojo

Prince Tunji Olatunde, Odeyemi Samuel & Rev. Primate Williams

Couple with both parents

Adewale Folowosele with couple

Couple with bride’s family

Couple with bride’s family

Fifehan Bamidele, couple, Tolu Bamidele & Yamife Bamidele

Mr. Fadahunsi, Mrs. Isaac Shedowo, Mr. Fadola, Mr. Isaac Shedowo with Adewale Folowosele

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CHURCH SERVICE

The officiating Pastors

Couple during the bible reading

Couple

Couple reciting their marital vow

Ladies Choirs giving a special tune

Zubi Deborah, bride’s maid & Bamidele Toluwanimi, groom’sman

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Couple with their both parent

Mr. Isaac Shedowo signing the marriage register

Mr. & Mrs. Sam Ayinnoula (Director, Energy Bank, Ghana)

Mr. Tunji Adeniyi with Adeniyi Shedowo

Prof. Moji Oyarekua & Mrs. O.O Owolabi

Venerable & Mrs.Segun Agbetuyi Mr. Niyi Shedowo with Mrs. Ogumola Bolajoko

Mrs. Ogunmola Bolajoko, Odetola Ifeoluwa & Ayeni Adebola

Mrs. Shedowo & Hon (Chief) Folashade Akininuola, Mr. Isaac Shedowo with Mrs. Christiana Olaoye (Director Energy Bank, Ghana)

start the journey into matrimony.

The women group of the church thereafter welcomed the new bride to the Virtues Group with the rendition of a special song.

Being a recognized body by the Federal Government to award marriage certificate, there was a brief session for the official registry celebration.

The wedding train returned to The Font Hall, Akure, Ondo State for a most

enjoyable reception. The groom who was radiating in joy thanked God for making it possible as he led the guests in songs of worship to show his gratitude to God. Some notable dignitaries who graced the occasion were; Mrs Christiana Olaoye, Director, Energy Bank, Ghana. Prince Adetunji Adeyemi and Mrs Adefunke Aroma.

Pastor A. Oguntunji with Mr. Isaac Shedowo

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Dr. Barth Toochukwu Ufoegbunam & Mrs. Ijeoma Ufoegbunam (Nee Ezike)

THE LIVELY WEDDING OF DR. BARTH

UFOEGBUNAM AND IJEOMA EZIKE IN LAGOS Photo: Segun Lawal

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T

here is nothing as sweet and lovely as spending the rest of your life with your friend with whom you share a special bond and this was the case when Medical Director of Gracevalley Medical Centre, Dr. Barth Ufoegbunam wedded Ijeoma Ezike at a lively ceremony in Lagos.

The wonderful couple began their special day in the presence of the Lord when they had their solemnization at the St Peter Claver Catholic Church, Ajao Estate, Lagos.

It was a very fun-filled service with loads of songs and prayers before the couple took their vows, they said “I DO� promising to live together as one forever and then

rounding off the session with exchange of rings.

When that session ended, there was great applause from friends and family who had come from far and near to witness the occasion.

Later, the couple hosted guests to a sumptuous reception at the PEFTI Hall.

There, everyone savoured good music, nice lunch and assorted drinks.

The couple also played a wonderful game that elicited laughter, cut their cake, fed each other and danced. This was certainly a memorable occasion that will linger on many hearts for years.

Bride Ijeoma Ezike

Rtn. Dr. Barth Ufoegbunam

Barth

Ijeoma

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Officiating Priest. Rev. Fr. Kelechi with the bride & bridegroom and their sponsors Pharm & Mrs John Paul Nzewi

Fr. Kelechi Onyenedum presenting, the Marriage certificate while Mr. John Paul Nzewi watches on

The Couple with Mr. Maximus Okoye (Best Man) & Dr. (Mrs) Obiamaka Ede (Maid of honour), Dumebi & Chinecherem

Couple with the bride's elder brother, Mr. Sunday Ezike & mother of the bride, Mrs. Caroline Ezike

Chief & Mrs Godfrey Ufoegbunam parents of the bridegroom

The couple With Pharm & Mrs John Paul Nzewi

Friends and well-wishers with the couple

Couple with the officiating Priest Fr. Kelechi Onyenedum alongside the best man & maid of honour with Dumebi and Neche

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The Couple with the relatives of the bride

Couple with tn. Dr. Bobbie Iwe. MD Chinaza Specialist Hospital & Rtn. Azuh Arinze, Publisher Yes Magazine

Rtn. Michael James Effiong, Editor Ovation Int. Magazine & wife with Mrs. Ayoola Ikhizama

The couple cutting the cake

Rev. Cannon Chikaodili & wife

Rtn. Azuh Arinze, Publisher, Yes Magazine with Kunle Bakare, Publisher, Encomium Magazine

High Chief Opone Johnson & wife with the Couple

Rtn. Dr. Julius Nwokoro, MD, Ultramoda Boutique & Dr. Bobbie Iwe, MD, Chinasa Specialist Hospital

Mrs. Ifeoma Ubah & Dr. Promise Ubah of Gracevalley Medical Centre

L-r: Mr. Okezie Ufoegbunam, the couple,Chuks Ufoegbunam & Solomon Nwalieji

Mc Mr. Chidex Brown with Members of Rotary Club of Ikeja South & the couple

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Mrs Caroline Ezike (Osinigwe) mother of the bride

Mrs. Angelina Oramunwa, The couple & Mrs. Onyeka & son

L-r: Maximus Oloye (Best Man), Chief Edozie Onyeakor. MD, (Cospharma Ltd.) Dr. Barth Ufoegbunam (Bridegroom) & Mr. Nkem Orakwe of Digital Hands

Members of Staff of Gracevalley Medical Center, Okota with the Couple

Bride with friends

Rtn Femi Adesina & a friend

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Lolo Scholastica Nnaji the wife of HRM Igwe Michael Nnaji with Mrs Chiamaka Obimma of Gracevalley Medical Centre

Chidex Brown (MC) & his wife

S

Rev. Bukky Ogunkanmi, Oluwatoyin Alakija, Seyi Alakija, Alero Alakija & Dr. Adetokunbo Alakija

FAMILY AND FRIENDS CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF

ALAKIJA

DR. OLUFUNMILAYO IN LAGOS

Story: Eric Elezuo Photo: Adekoya Adegbite & Segun Lawal

ighs, long faces, heightened emotions of sadness were prevalent as Dr. Augusta Funmilayo Alakija, the accomplished daughter of one-time Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman, National Communications Commission (NCC), Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, was laid to eternal rest at the age of 59.

Described as strong-willed based on her great achievements while on earth.

Dr. Alakija's final journey home began with a solemn wake keep held at the Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, where Pastor Tony Rapu of This

Present House, ministered, intimating the mourners that though the lovely Mrs. Alakija was gone, everyone should be happy and take solace in the fact that she lived a life worthy of emulation, and will be practically resting in the bosom of the Lord.

Corroborating Pastor Rapu’s stance was the General Overseer of Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, who eulogized the outstanding qualities of the deceased, and prevailed on the family, friends and well-wishers to rejoice as a result of the worthy footprints she left on the sands of time.

Mrs. Sola Sowemimo, Tamilore Durojaiye, Dr. Remi Durojaiye, Mrs. Kemi Durojaiye, Alero Alakija, Dr. Adetokunbo Alakija, Seyi Alakija, Oluwatoyin Alakija, Rev. & Rev. (Mrs.) Ogunkanmi, Mrs. Oyin Aje , Ore Ofe Ogunkanmi, Femi Durojaiye with Seyi Abdulahi

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WAKE KEEP

Seyi, Oluwatoyin, Alero & Dr. Adetokunbo Alakija

Rev. & Rev. (Mrs) Ogunkanmi, Mrs. Bolaji Balogun & Titilola George

Cross section of guests

Bashorun Dele Momodu & wife, Bolaji

Shade Olubanjo & Ranti Kasim

Lola Ogunbambi, Yinka Alyson & Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija

Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie (right)

Femi Durojaiye & Bashorun Dele Momodu

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Alero Alakija & Mrs. Funmilayo Osunsade

Dr. Adetokunbo Alakija with daughters

Pastor Tony Rapu

Pastor (Mrs.) Rapu

Alero Alakija

Seyi Alakija

Femi Durojaiye

Mrs. Ajumogobia

Olori Akintola Balogun

Prince Bisi Olatilo

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MAGNETIC ELEGANCE

VALERIE DAVID

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TARYOR GABRIELS BESPOKE

ELIZABETH & LACE

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TARLOR GABRIELS BESPOKE

KOSIBAH

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