Ovation magazine issue 167

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SINCE 1996

VP OSINBAJO, AMBODE INSPECT DANGOTE’S GIGANTIC REFINERY IN LAGOS

S U PER EA GLES STA R

OGENYI ONAZI WEDS SWEETHEART, SANDRA OGUNSUYI IN A CLASSY CEREMONY IN LAGOS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

DR. ZANETOR AGYEMAN-RAWLINGS “WHY I WANT TO BE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT” IN GHANA

IYIOLA AYOADE GROUP CEO CHARTERHOUSE

© OVATION 2016

CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF GOD’S GOODNESS

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ISSN-1362-7309 Issue 167

CREW PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dele Momodu momodudele@yahoo.co.uk

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OGENYI ONAZI WEDS SWEETHEART, SANDRA OGUNSUYI SUPER EAGLES STAR,

IN A CLASSY CEREMONY IN LAGOS

The beautiful couple, Ogenyi Onazi & Sandra Ogunsuyi

(C) Jide Odukoya Photography

Story & Interview: Michael Effiong & David Adeyemi Photo: Abraham Falodun Photoshoot: Jide Odukoya & Family Album

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(C) Jide Odukoya Photography

(C) Jide Odukoya Photography

(C) Jide Odukoya Photography

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(C) Jide Odukoya Photography

S

uper Eagles star, and Trabzonspor midfielder, Ogenyi Eddy Onazi scored his greatest, sweetest and most memorable goal yet, when he wedded his darling, Sandra Osagioduwa Ogunsuyi at colourful ceremonies in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and Benin City, Edo State.

It was no surprise that Ogenyi came back to Lagos to host his nuptials, this was a city where he grew up and began his football career, it was therefore no surprise that during the occasion, his friends from way back, and family were all there for this celebration of true love.

Their journey to marital bliss began in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State, where there was a traditional

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(C) Jide Odukoya Photography

wedding ceremony. Very colourful and cultural, the event kicked off from the bride’s home in the heart of the city with lots of singing and dancing, and later, guests were entertained at Constantial Hotel.

A few days later, it was time for the solemnization of the wedding-and the train had moved to Lagos and the venue of choice was Ruby Gardens, Lekki. This was where a cosy and classy church ceremony was held and afterwards, a first-rate, star-studded reception unfolded.

On this special day, Ogenyi stepped out in a sparkling white single-breasted suit, black waist coat , black pair of trousers and a black bow tie courtesy, Kimono Kollection. All his other accessories were by Louis Vuitton. He looked as dashing as one who has just

stepped out of the pages of GQ. The bride was no less gorgeous, she was resplendent in a figure-hugging ivory dress crafted by top Romebased Italian couturier, Elvira Gramano and her footwear were made by none other than world renowned, Jimmy Choo. The bride’s maids and groom’s men were also spectacularly turned out.

Ogenyi and Sandra were joined by Ministers from The Faith Tabernacle, Elf Branch. The highest point of the ceremony was the exchange of rings. It was such a joyous moment that elicited laughter and cheers from all present.

As expected, there was a session of prayers and praises for the couple, before they danced excitedly out of the venue into the bright sunshine with immense happiness.

The couple, Ogenyi Onazi & Sandra Ogunsuyi in a stylish pose

(C) Jide Odukoya Photography

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(C) Jide Odukoya Photography

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(C) Jide Odukoya Photography

(C) Jide Odukoya Photography

The stylish groom, Ogenyi Onazi

Next was the reception. Another part of the Ruby Gardens had been prepared for the event, the décor was wondrous. The event planner, 2076 Events, created an ambience of pure style that was warm, welcoming and heavenly. Pepper Konsult and Catering Wok were there to ensure guests savoured gourment dishes, while canapes, fine wine, cognacs and champagnes were readily available However, the proceedings kicked off officially when the couple made their grand entry into the reception venue after a hilarious introduction by the Master of Ceremonies, top comedian AY. The couple showed that they have prepared well for the day, as they exhibited their dexterity on the dance floor. Ogenyi, the hard-tackling midfielder certainly met his match in Sandra-and many watchers declared the

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The beautiful bride, Sandra Ogunsuyi

battle a draw, Rev. Eze said the opening prayer and from then, the ceremony which had Mr. Victor Ugoh as Chairman, cruised smoothly.

The couple cut their lovely 5-tier cake, fed each other, exchanged drinks and rounded it all off with passionate kisses to the delight of all guests.

Around to celebrate with Ogenyi and Sandra were Nigerian Legend and Former Super Eagles Captain, Nwankwo Kanu, his brother, Ogbonna, Atlanta ’96 Olympics-winning goalkeeper, Dosu Joseph, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick. Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Adeyinka Adeboye, Mr. Francis Ortega, Italian Consular General, Dr. Andrea Pompermier.

The groom’s Super Eagles team mates, Brown Ideye, Sunday Mba, Ahmed Musa, Obinna Nsofor and Kenneth Omeruo as well as Emeka Okonkwo aka E-Money

of 5-star Records.

It was his team mate and Watford Striker, Odion Ighalo that proposed the toast where he described Ogenyi as a very humble, God-fearing gentleman. He wished the couple well and prayed that God will shower their union with blessings. Entertainment was also high on the agenda as different musicians and comedians thrilled guests.

In his vote of thanks, the soft-spoken, lion-hearted midfielder, was full of praise to all those who travelled from around the world to witness their special day. He wished them well and promised all that he and Sandra would never forget their expression of love.

It was indeed a beautiful celebration for a great couple, one that will be remembered for years to come.

Weeks later, we had this engaging interview with the love-filled and humble couple about their wedding, future plans and more:

(C) Jide Odukoya Photography

(C) Jide Odukoya Photography

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The beautiful bride Sandra Ogunsuyi

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Couple with little bride, Bernice Ighalo & Ring bearer, Osenema Ideye

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Couple in a romantic mood as groom’s men watch with keen interest

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THE BRIDE

Congratulations on your wedding, how does it feel to be married at last

It feels like the next phase of God’s love and faithfulness in my life, marriage is indeed honourable.

What responsibility does marriage now confer on you

Marriage is an active phase of life for me, I have to make it work. I have to commit to sacrificially loving my husband and be there in all ways that I can, and now that we are one, his happiness is my happiness and that is a top priority.

What are the attributes that your husband possess that convinced you that he is your Mr. Right

In truth, I actually never wanted a perfect man, because I am so flawed and moreover, there is no such thing as a perfect man. All I wanted was unconditional love and genuine acceptance.

Someone I can be myself with and won’t have to fake anything. A true friend and confidant. My husband gave me all of that and above all, we share the same faith, vision and beliefs.

Is there anything you do not like about him

I would not have married my husband if there was anything I didn"t like about him.

Trust me I love everything about my husband, though we all have our weaknesses but love covereth all things.

How did you meet, give us the unedited version

I met him in Lagos and that was how it all began.

When and how did your husband propose and how did you feel when he did

My husband proposed formally when I graduated from the university over a trip to Rome. We were on a flight and in Business Class when he popped the question. I actually did not expect it, it will remain one of the most beautiful moments we would ever share together. I was very elated.

Describe the first meeting with his family

I was very eager the first time I was going to meet his The bride and her train family because of the way he talked about them. He used to tell me that they were simple and funny. So I already knew what to expect before I eventually met them. When I There was a time he came down to Ile-Ife in Osun State where I was schooling to visit and stayed a week. All eventually did, it was just an awesome experience. through, he was very helpful, did most of my assignWhat is your relationship with his immediate family ments for me, and many more. Another was when he members like I am the last born of his family that is what I always had to wait up for me at the airport the first time I visited him in Rome he could not sleep just to receive me, he scream when I am around them because my husband is almost killed himself with excitement. the last child of the family, in other words, I am the baby What went through your mind the minute you were of the house and automatically get all the love and at- pronounced husband and wife tention I need. By God’s grace the relationship is growAll that went through my mind was thank you Lord ing stronger as a family. for the grace and honour.

Could you share some of the memorable moments you had with your husband while you were dating

Let me describe two of many memorable moments.

Tell us about the big day, was there something significant about the date chosen for the nuptials

The big day was a huge success to the glory of God

and a dream come through. The date chosen was very significant to my husband but it is personal.

What informed the choice of venues for the different ceremonies

We had a Wedding Planner who gave us a lot of options, and based on flexibility, we eventually chose Ruby Gardens.

Your gown? who made it and was it difficult to make up your mind

My gown is by Elvira Gramano. It was not difficult at all to choose what I wanted. I always knew I was going to wear a great dress on my wedding, it has always been my dream, just needed the right sketch and the right place to get it done.

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What of your other accessories, shoes, make-up artist etc

My shoes were by Jimmy Choo and my Purse too.

My bridal party dress was by Maison de Helen. Then my hair was styled by Bernard Style and make-up artist was Faces By Labisi

Did the day go according to plan, was this the wedding of your dreams

Yes it was the wedding of my dreams, I could not have asked for more and everything was positive as planned.

The whole wedding plans including decor was left in the care of 2706 Events, our MC was AY, the band was Vintage Band.

Tell us about yourself

I am Ogunsuyi Sandra Osas now Mrs. Ogenyi Eddy Onazi, from Benin City, Edo State.

I am from a family of four the last child of my father.

Growing up, I spent most of my childhood with my big mummy, Caroline Odia. She actually raised me to the woman I have become today and for that I am thankful.

I attended Airforce Primary School, Airforce Base, Ikeja, I had my secondary education at Command Day Secondary School, Military Cantonment, Maryland, Lagos finally I went to Obafemi Awolowo University for my First Degree.

So, when will the kids start coming and how many are you expecting

Any moment, we should expect a good gift from God. We look forward to having four kids

What do you do now or are you a full time housewife

Currently I am trying to go for my Masters and work too, full time housewife is not an option for me.

What's your typical day like

I wake up as early as 7am after domestic chores, I drop my husband off at the training ground, and go to the gym, I read or fiddle with the computer, eat with my family, listen to music and go for swimming. Later in the day, I pick my husband up when he is done with training. I prepare dinner, I get ready for bed, and sleep around 10 or 10:30pm.

What kind of a person are you and your philosophy of life

I am a very optimistic person. I am a very hard working, and I love to read good books. Life is a journey and like a road,it has many bends, ups and down .....life is not always perfect but that is what makes it beautiful.

Describe your fashion style

Classic and sophisticated is my fashion style.

Is there any fashion item you are crazy about like handbags, perfumes etc

My fashion style is simply classic and bohemian.

Describe your husband in a few words

My husband is caring, down-to-earth, God-fearing, family-oriented, lover of kids, outgoing, easy spoken, a lover and above all, my best friend.

THE GROOM

How does the transformation from being single to married feel like for you

Well for me it is another step in life which every man who wants to get a family must pass through I give all thanks to Almighty God.

What does marriage mean to you

For me marriage is something God has placed aside for man, it is scripturally sanctioned and I follow what the Bible says all the time. Also, marriage for me is another step in a man’s life to settle down, begin a family and enjoy the other side of life.

What are you doing now that you were not doing before

(Laughs heartily) Well a lot. Everything I try to do now, it will be double because we are now two in one. I now know I have someone to share everything, and someone who will help me in everything (laughs again) So, how did you meet your wife

I met my wife in Lagos, I actually went to the bank to make some payment and I discovered I left my pen in the car, then I asked her for her pen she gave me hers and that was how we started talking. It was a divine meeting.

What were the qualities that cemented the initial affection, what attracted you to her

Well to see this kind of my wife in this world we are now is difficult, her qualities are so much because

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if you don’t understand her, you might mistake her for something else. She tells you how things are, she is very open. She does not care what is going to happen, she is always out for the truth and very sincere too.

What kind of reception was she given the first time you took her home

Well when I took her home my parents were like hmmm this boy (laughs out loud) are you sure? But when they called me later I told them that if they had seen me with this girl outside, would they be happy?, so I had to bring her for the whole house to know her and they welcomed her very well. My brothers and parents were happy that I came home with her.

How long did you date before marriage

We dated for 5 years plus and when I met her with all these her excellent characteristics, I said thank you Lord, I have got THE ONE.

When and how did you propose to her

I actually proposed to her when we were traveling to Rome. We were travelling Business Class and I went to speak with the Air Hostesses about my plans, eventually, I was able to speak with the pilot too and some pas-

sengers were also involved. Together, we hatched a perfect plan. Everybody was to pretend that they were sleeping and the whole cabin light was off sometime during the flight and when the light came back on, I brought out the ring and popped the question. She was very surprised and happy.

The pilot also wished us well and we toasted on the flight with everyone. It was very wonderful.

What was the first meeting with her family like

My wife's family are really wonderful people till now when the mummy hears that I am coming, she begins serious preparation. Also her elder sister is a really fantastic person. The whole family was happy when I came around

Where you intimidated by her family background

Not at all because when we met, I actually asked God, if this is for me, make it happen. Also when we met, I was still struggling to get a grip of my life, so our relationship did not start today. People who know our story are very few and they know how we started.

Now let us talk about fond moments you have both shared, which ones stand out for you

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THE CHURCH SERVICE

Bride’s dad, Mr. Evans Ogunsuyi walks in the bride

The couple with bride’s parents

Always smiling, Onazi Ogenyi & Sandra Ogunsuyi enjoying the occasion

(Laughs) I can't forget so soon when she took a bus from school in Ife and was coming to see me in Jos. They came into Jos very late I was really scared because her battery was low and she only called me to say that they will arrive Jos at night. After that I did not hear from her again. I called her a couple of times but her numbers were switched off.

I was so worried and had to go to the Bus park where they were going to stop. I waited for a while, and luckily, I saw one bus and asked the driver please are you coming from Ife, he said yes. I then told him I have been looking for one passenger whose number has been switched off. He said he would go and check under a tree, that there was a lady there. This was at 1am. It was just a few minutes later, that I saw her seating by the tree almost in tears. Apparently, she too was confused because she could not reach me. I was really moved, I said wow, I will not disappoint this girl.

Did the wedding ceremony go according to plan.

By the special grace of God it went well we thank God for everything and also thank everybody who made the wedding. All I can say is God bless you all.

Tell us about the preparation for the wedding

We handed everything about the preparations to an Event Planner. Everything was sorted, all we had to do was to come and see, then approve.

How did you feel when you were declared man and wife

Awesome feeling. I just said thank you Lord, it is done.

Retrospectively, are you glad you are married

100 per cent

How many kids are you planning to have

By His Grace we pray for God’s blessing, four will be a maximum

Tell us about yourself

My name is Onazi Ogenyi Eddy, I am a professional football player for Trabzonspor and a Nigerian international.

What is your favorite food, colour, music etc.

I like local Nigerian dishes. I'm not really a colour type of person. I played music, and I still do by the way.

So I like highlife and performances by live bands.

Who is your favourite designer and why

If it looks good on me, trust me, I'd take it and move on. Although I'd like to believe I am highly fashionable, and will be quick to say I'm not the brand type.

Kindly describe your wife

Are you sure you want me to answer that question?

I will use up the whole magazine and use all the positive adjectives possible to describe my wife (laughs heartily).

Let me give you a short version of my answer. She's loving, attentive and always caring.

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Ogenyi Onazi & Sandra Ogunsuyi taking their vows

Phidelia Imuse with couple, Ogenyi Onazi & Sandra Ogunsuyi

Onazi Ogenyi exchange rings with her lovely wife, Sandra

Sandra Ogunsuyi exchanging rings with her lovely husband, Ogenyi Onazi

Onazi Ogenyi unveiling her lovely wife, Sandra

The romantic kiss by the couple

Couple, Ogenyi Onazi & Sandra Ogunsuyi during Holy Communion service

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Waziri Sadiq & Phidelia Imuse

Couple taking their Holy Communion

Couple, Onazi Ogenyi & Sandra Ogunsuyi with the Officiating Ministers

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THE RECEPTION

VENUE CREATIVELY PACKAGED BY 2706 EVENTS

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Groom with Dayo Enebi

Mrs. Nonyelum & Consular General Italian Embassy Nigeria

The groom with some well wishers

Mr. Ugoh Victor

Nwankwo Kano, the couple & Ogbonna Kanu

Mr. Roy Murray Bruce & wife

Ayo Makinwa with bride, alongside Matthew & Michael

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Doreen Evans, bride's sister with groom's mother & bride's mother

Ifada Johnson & Onazi Obande, groom's brother

Onazi Thompson, groom's brother with Kanu Nwankwo & Ogbonna Nwankwo

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The bride with Mrs. Nabila

The groom with some friends

Mr. Johnson, Anthony Adeboye, Alhaji Sergo, groom, Ogenyi Onazi, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi

The groom, with some of his friends & Michael Onazi (far right)

John Ogu, Colin Udoh & Fega

Andrea Zuccaro, Trombi Filippo, Tissino Alessandro & Massimo Celsi

Joseph Shoyemi & Dosu Joseph

E-money, Couple, Omodele Adebola, Bossee Chinedu & Jerry Uwangue

Ogagus Sakpaide, Raymond Okonkwo & Prince Edward Godswill

Toyin Ibitoye, Ademola Olajire, Seyi Akinwunmi, couple, Ogenyi Onazi & Sandra Ogunsuyi with NFF President, Amaju Pinnick

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NFF President, Amaju Pinnick conducting the cutting of the cake

(middle) NFF President, Amaju Pinnick with couple

Andrea Zuccaro, Trombi Filippo, Tissino Alessandro, Massimo Celsi, couple & friends

Comedians & M.C with Nwankwo Kanu

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Adibenma Chizoba, Caren Agwambo & Sharlet Akinyi

The couple with some friends

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Fashola Olakunle, Mr. Johnson & Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye

Ogee Onazi (2nd left) with family members

The couple with Mr Idris & his friend

Kunle Fashola, Alhaji Mustafa & Adeyinka Adeboye

The couple wit Onazi family

E-money & Omodele Adebola

Prince Edward Godswill, the couple & Raymond Okonkwo

Jide Odukoya & Abraham Falodun (Ovation Int’l)

Colin Udoh with the couple

The couple with Lawal family

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The couple with their parents

The couple with bride’s parent

The Couple with groom’s parent

The couple with Mr. & Mrs. John Enyi

The groom with Brown Ideye & family

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Ola, Idoko, Johnson, Chidinma, Matthew, Ify & Ngozi

Doreen Evans, Bride's sister (middle) with her friends

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The groom playing keyboard for his lovely wife

Deeply in love

Couple enjoying Comedian AY

Happy mood

Toast by Odion Ighalo

Care from Onazi to her lovely wife, Sandra

E-Money spraying money for the couple

Oritsefemi energizing the dance floor

Praiz thrilling guests

Vote of thanks by the groom, Ogenyi Onazi

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

DR. ZANETOR

AGYEMANRAWLINGS “WHY I WANT TO BE A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT IN GHANA Story & Interview: Michael Effiong Photo: Adekoya Adegbite & Dr. Zanetor Pics

Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings: Medical Doctor cum Philanthropist now a Politician

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lmost thirteen years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing her father, the great African son and Ghana’s gift to the World, the charismatic President Jerry John Rawlings.

Therefore, I was really excited when one of our friends, whom we fondly call Lady Patience dropped the hint that she could help facilitate an interview with Dr. Zanetor AgyemanRawlings.

Dr. Zanetor, the eldest child of JJ Rawlings had just beaten a sitting Member of Parliament to

grab the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket for Klottey Korley Constituency.

There was no shadow of doubt that she would be an interesting subject.

So when my team and I flew from Lagos to Accra, we were full of expectations because we had no prior interaction with Dr. Zanetor, but we knew if she was a true daughter of JJ who is affectionately called “the old man”, two things were certain: she would be a stickler for time and a no nonsense disciplinarian.

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For me, it is no achievement to be the only person in your family to move ahead. It is in many ways a let down if you are moving ahead and you can’t carry others along.

No matter where you find yourself, you should be able to carry people along and empower them so they can also lift other people.

We checked into the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel located in the heart of the city that evening but we slept very little because the appointment had been fixed for early the next morning and our Publisher, Bashorun Dele Momodu, in his usual manner, was calling almost every minute to ensure that all was well.

On first contact, it was obvious that Dr. Zanetor is certainly a chip of the old block, she combines the doggedness of her mother, the irrepressible Nana Konado Agyeman-Rawlings and the philanthropic or should I say, people-loving spirit of her dad.

Her handshake was firm, a result of her strict exercise regime, we later learnt, but her smile was welcoming.

We also noticed that though a politician, she was not too keen to hug the spotlight. To our surprise, she said she was not used to photo shoots, that she is at her best when she was working with the people on the streets. Impressive!

After our explanation that it was part of the package, and that doing the job of touching lives and selling your ideas to the people go parri passu. She

was very cooperative, it shows she is a lady who keeps her word.

When the shoot was over, she said she had some engagements around her constituency, that bright, sunny Saturday afternoon, and she graciously allowed our cameras join her entourage.

On the streets, she came to life, it was apparent that this was her forte, speaking confidently and with candor, she addressed players of Hope For The Future Club, a football team that had been promoted to Division 2, insisting that she would not defend anyone who goes into drugs or misbehaves in public. She charged them to be worthy Ambassadors of Klottey Korle.

At another meeting of Ghanaian youths, who have just been offered various employment opportunities (which she facilitated), Dr. Zanetor also charged them to be role models.

She urged them to work harder than any other set of workers so as to pave the way for more opportunities for others. Discipline, decorum and hard work were consistent themes throughout her speeches. Indeed my admiration for her shot up a few notches after seeing her, in what she jokingly referred to as her natural habitat.

Dr. Zanetor came across as a lady packed full of ideas, a lady who is passionate about touching lives and elevating society. A lady who is a gogetter.

Later, when we sat down for an interview in her parent’s Ridge Home, she told us more about her intention to become the next Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle. Enjoy!

How do you feel when you do good and touch peoples’ lives

For me, it is no achievement to be the only person in your family to move ahead. It is in many ways a let down if you are moving ahead and you can’t carry others along.

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The question for me is always this; why are you alive? What is your purpose in life. If you find yourself in a position where you are supposed to make a difference in peoples’ lives, to help, to empower people, then you have a duty to actually do so. I am passionate about what I do, so for me, what drives me is just knowing that that one can do something that can uplift communities or the society.

Was it that passion to uplift society that propelled you into politics

In many ways that was what actually pushed me in that direction because I was already doing a few things along those lines not mainstream politics though. Following a lot of consultations and investigations.

(Cuts in) Consultations? All Politicians always say that

It is important that we recognize that one doesn’t have all the answers, that is why consultation is important because you seek advice, seek counseling to add to what you know and sometimes you might have a blind spot that you don’t even know about. Having a different person offer their opinion or offer their advice can help you actually recognize that there is something you don’t even know about a particular situation and their perspective could help you build a better platform and a better strategy.

It was through asking and consulting and of course praying about it that made me finally make the decision to go ahead. Sometimes it is easier to bring all the resources responsible for community change or empowerment together when you find yourself in mainstream politics because

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you have access to more resources than you might ordinarily do in an individual capacity.

I am actually confused with your constituency, can you clarify tha name

The reason you are seeing the different versions is because the name has changed many times. It is actually Klottey Korle on the official book presently.

What part of Accra does this constituency cover

If you can use the Odo River as one boundary. That is the boundary on the Western side, it goes all the way down, it cuts across Graphic Road to Nkrumah Circle Area and then the Southern border of that will be the Atlantic Ocean. So all that extending right through Official Town, Adabraka, through Art Centre to Osu and the boundary of La, then you make your way up. And then, the Ring Road is the Northern boundary more or less.

You seem to know this area like the back of your hand

(smiles) You have to, having been around quite a bit

Having lived around here for years, what do you think are the major challenges of the residents

Under major headings; we can saysanitation, employment or unemployment whichever way you want to look at it are two of the big ones, skills development and education. But if you go down to the community level as opposed to the big titles, we can break it down further.

What I like to do is allow the communities say what their specific problems are because you can’t know better than someone who lives in the community or know what their situation is like.

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What I like to do is allow the communities say what their specific problems are because you can’t know better than someone who lives in the community or know what their situation is like.

What we have done as a team is to map out the constituencies based on their problems. The problems are either related to the environment or employment. If it is the people you are talking about, are we talking of the aged who need support or are we talking about a large number of youths who need to be employed or who have not done well enough in their exams or need to be either trained in some kind of skills or repeating certain exams or is it a case of certain areas where they need facilities like street lights or they need their roads to be repaired?

In some areas, the market always gets flooded when it rains, it’s a low-lying area. How do we manage that so that peoples’ goods or whatever commodities they have aren’t destroyed anytime it rains? Flooding is a huge problem and a huge part of us in this Constituency, it is a major affliction of this Constituency if I can put it that way and we have to develop a strategy to deal with it.

It is very obvious that the work to be done are enormous, is it not possible that people will be expecting too much from you as a Member of Parliament

It is possible, but I think once there is a recognition of the fact that it is a collaboration, it becomes easier.

I cannot do it alone and I have never claimed that I can do it alone, it is about getting the right people involved and also about getting people in the community to realize that they have an active role to play in their empowerment as well.

There won’t always be formal jobs that people can be employed in. Sometimes it is about creating a niche or sometimes it is about making people realize that for example along the beach where you have a lot of plastic waste, that is actually money waiting to be made.

Having the people in that community recognize that by collecting plastics and selling them to the recycle companies, it is a source of income.

That action does two things: keeps the beach clean and puts a bit of money in their pockets. Those kinds of things kind of shifts the paradigm from that expectations of constantly being a receiver instead, becoming somebody who is an active participant in

changing things and giving. That is the kind of thing that I generally like to focus on.

Otherwise, you create a sphere of overdependency and that does not help either parties. If you can help empower people so that they can be independent and also empower others, you have that kind of chain effect, where you start something with a group and each person takes on other people. For example, if you have a situation where you are able to create job opportunity as a result of training people in something, they have a responsibility of also training other people and so on and so forth. That is the kind of community spirit that we want to build. Yes the expectation is there

But are you sure you will be able to cope with the expectations

Of course, it is a team effort. I will be as strong as the weakest member of my team. When I talk about my team, I don’t mean officially specific members, I am actually talking about the community because it is a team building exercise, it is a movement and we are all part of it.

Let us step down a bit to your background, you are the first daughter of a man that is respected by many Africans especially Nigerians and I personally respect and admire him a lot, tell us a bit about growing up with the great Jerry John Rawlings.

In the early days, I tended to see him a lot more on television than I actually saw him in real life (laughs heartily). It was interesting because though we didn’t see him as often, because he lived in the Castle for most of the time and we lived separately with my mum and sometimes my grandma, but we felt his presence.

It was a case of each time he was around, it was more of an impactful interaction.

There was something new he shared, some new skills he would teach you. It is interesting because you saw him from a distance through the eyes of everybody else. It was not until we were much older that we really spent more time with him which was during National Democratic Congress (NDC) Period. The pressure was there because you were a sort of an ambassador of the family.

Whatever you did, people were watching, that was not easy at all. You get conscious with what you do because people would say look at them, his children are OK or they are not well behaved.

My mum had a huge role because she was the one constant in our lives and the disciplinarian in the family.

It was an interesting experience, you went to school, you are aware of your background but you don’t get any preferential treatment.

So you were normal

Pretty much except the awareness of what you are doing and how it reflects.

How did that lead to you becoming a Medical Doctor. Was that your personal choice

It was my choice actually; I always had this interest in healing. When I was younger, if there was an incident, I used to be the first to go and pick up the Fist Aid Box, it was just something that I was interested in and it just grew.

Basically, It was as a result of my interest in it that I went down that path. Initially, I remember I wanted to join the Airforce

(Cuts in) Because of your daddy

I actually enjoyed flying, I would have done that but then again through consultation, that word again (Laughs heartily). I chose to do Medicine.

Have you been practicing

I have not formerly practiced since I moved back from Ireland because the politics kind of took over and it has not been very possible to practice the same way I used to in terms of general practice However, I apply my knowledge in my every day life, in many ways, it guides my approach to life because I have a philosophy in terms of Medicine which says that you treat someone holistically.

When the person walks through the door, you don’t see a ear, a heart or kidney, there is a whole process, so you need to just take into consideration the fact that whatever it is that you are seeing, there could be an underlining factor related to other unrelated things that you might want to consider.

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Of course, it is a team effort.

I will be as strong as the weakest member of my team. When I talk about my team, I don’t mean officially specific members, I am actually talking about the community because it is a team building exercise, it is a movement and we are all part of it.

In the same way, that is how I approach politics or our community in building exercises of empowerment.

It is really just about looking at the different factors together to form a whole as opposed to just picking one thing which might be an effect rather than a cause. It is just about digging a bit deeper. There is another philosophy that when a patient walks through the door the diagnosis is based on what they tell you, so the ability to listen and also ask the right questions would actually bring out a response and it is very important.

You might go into a community and say this community needs street light but the priority may just be a gutter or it might be water. So when you listen, you will be able to find a balance of what it is important and what the person really needs. So whatever you do, you have to have the buy in of the people and the community who are in actual fact the primary beneficiary of what you are doing.

Before you formerly joined politics which is now taking so much of your time, what were you doing

I was mostly working towards setting up a holistic Wellness Centre in addition to actually attending various conferences where I speak about various developmental issues as well as encouragement and empowering of the youths.

How did your political journey begin, at what stage did you say that you were ready to go into the murky waters of politics

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That is a very difficult question to answer because I don’t think there was a particular day. There was a day when I said ok, I am in, which is basically when you have to take that decision to take that position of filing your nomination. If you haven’t committed to the codes at that point, you are not going to be filling a nomination.

The thing that pushed me along those lines was after that disaster last year, apart from working with TV3 and various partners at that time to actually provide relief for the various communities that were affected by the floods, we raised funds which was basically to help support all of that. For me, the relief items, going to meet the families, that was the effect side of it. But it was not deep enough. For me it was a case of; why was this always happening and what can we do to change the cause of event so that we don’t have a repeat of this? Is it a case of clearing the drainages to ease free flow, is it a case of maintenance?

How can you prioritize so that you can mitigate the effect of this annual rainfall. We needed to change in terms of how we prepare for this rain so as to reduce the effects. This rain causes so much damage and it is devastating for them. It was all of that, and the fact that it seemed to be the way to go and that propelled me to politics.

What did your parents say when you decided to join politics

I don’t think I can quote either of my parents in this one but it was a very big decision and it was really a case of: can you maintain your integrity as you take this path? Can you get past the noise to deal with issues, can you stay true to your purpose? So those were fundamental questions, it was really a case of don’t sell your soul in the process of trying to achieve something because then it is not worth it. It is really a case of how do you find that balance between politics and actually getting things done.

Talking about balance, your dad is Founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and your mum is the Founder of another party, National Democratic Party (NDP), do you have any conflict, how have you coped with this situation

To be fair, I am a registered member of the NDC, and I have been for many years.

(Cuts in) I thought I heard that you were never a registered member of NDC

You hear a lot of things. The fact is that my mum was instrumental to the creation of the NDC; she, in very many ways is a part of how the party came to be.

As to how things went the way they went, I will leave that to historians to write about it, perhaps I leave it to her to give her version of events. I will not consider it fair to speak on that.

Is it a conflict in some ways? No. I think the point is one should be able to exist without not being in total agreement with everybody but understanding the picture. For me it is not an issue because underneath all of that there is the major issue which is the people, our environment. How are we working together as a nation? If we allow partisanship to split us in such a way that we cannot work together to make things better, it makes me wonder what it is we are really working towards as a developing country. I wouldn’t consider that as any conflict of interest

Talking about conflicts, your candidacy has also brought up a lot of conflicts, how emotionally challenging have these been especially since you are doing this for the things you genuinely believe in and you are having all these road blocks

Some mornings I wake up and I just wonder, if as a developing country we are going to allow purpose for development be sidetrack by issues that are inconsequential. We should be careful not to usurp the power of the people in a bid to reach certain objectives.

If we are in a democracy and people have made their choice then we should abide by it. I didn’t impose myself on this constituency, it was a democratic process. There are also some technical things here and there, Has it been exhausting? In many ways I will say so because sometimes with some of these issues you are not quite sure what the end point is, it has been more tiring that even going out there and doing the actual work.

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DR. ZANETOR USING HER PROFESSION TO TOUCH LIVES

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We need more women to restore that balance, to make decisions because when a society suffers, it is the women and children that suffer most. If we have more women in positions of authority, in decision making, there is a long term thinking that comes into play

How did you feel the day you actually won the primaries because in African politics, it is not quite easy to remove a sitting MP especially from same party

It was an amazing feeling because a lot of people had come together to work as a team to make it happen so I cannot even take credit and say that I was solely responsible for it.

We moved as a team and it yielded amazing result. We thank God that it went well because it was a good day.

We have few women in politics

(laughs heartily) Are you surprised?

Considering what I am going through at the moment?

Anyway what will be your advice to aspiring female politicians

I think we need more women on board, we certainly do. Women have a different approach in general towards dealing with issues whether economic issues, or whether it is issue of conflict.

Women have an outward looking approach towards how things are going to affect the family, especially the children. How will it affect the community?, how can we manage our resources so that many people can benefit as possible?

We need people who can look at our communities in terms of whether it is a company, business or even an household, managing resources in such a way you have an happy household.

And a happy household happens when you have healthy people who are well balanced in their lives and are employed.

Definitely, we need more women; the more women we have in

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mainstream politics the more we will see a shift of events or a shift of attitude towards women in politics because there are a lot of issues I face along the way which would not have been raised if I was a man.

We need more work to be done in terms of gender sensitization, giving women that equal opportunity, I am not saying we should have perfect equality because you can’t compare apples and oranges.

I am just saying we should complement each other. It is a puzzle, we fit together. If we are the same it doesn’t fit well, but if we complement each other, we will have a strong union, complementing one another’s strength.

Women being who we are and men being men. By virtue of our physiology and anatomy, men and women are not the same. That balance it is what can create a better society.

In our traditional setting we have the Chief and the Queen Mother, the Queen mothers are responsible for who is made the King or Chief, so the roles are defined and each has unique roles to play.

So, we need more women to restore that balance, to make decisions because when a society suffers, it is the women and children that suffer most. If we have more women in positions of authority, in decision making, there is a long term thinking that comes into play such as how can we make our children happy?

How have you been able to balance motherhood and politics

It is a tough one. It has been another big challenge in many ways but with the family support, traditionally as Africans we don’t just have the nuclear

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Dr. Zanetor & her family: Her dad, former President Jerry John Rawlings, her mother, H.E Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings with her siblings

family, as communities we have the extended families, where we have the aunts, uncles and the cousins and that has made it easier. The extended family has been part of the support base in terms of the family aspect of things with the children in my case and we thank God for that.

Many acknowledge the fact that you are a beautiful and intelligent woman, despite the stress we went through today, you are still glowing, what is your beauty secret

Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings with her dad, the Charismatic JJ Rawlings

Should I say I thrive in adversity or what (smiles) I just try to manage things in terms of moderation and it helps me to keep my balance and focus. Minding what you eat, exercising when you can.

Try to keep a certain level of discipline in your life in terms of your intake, in terms of your activity.

Managing stress, that is one of our greatest problems as a people. If you actually trace the backgrounds of many peoples’ problems, you will discover that there is stress somewhere there. It

is about recognizing that the external environment could be at odds with your internal environment and try to create a balance.

How do you relax

Exercising is one of the ways and I listen to music or read too.

Who are your favourite musicians

So many of them. I always feel that it will be unfair to mention some and not mention the others. Depends on the mood, some are local and others are international

Your party has been in power for some years, how will you rate the NDC.

This rating question again.

Well, it is your party, you should be able to say what has been done right and what needs improvement

I think there have been a lot of structural improvement in various sectors under the NDC which I myself have seen. Any nation that is developing is an evolving one which means that your glories of yesterday will not hold until you can improve or maintain or bring more on board. We

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Dr. Zanetor addressing youths in Klottey Korle who have been offered new jobs through her intervention

Mr. Emmanuel Ashalem Tetteh, Mr. Tekpe, Lady Patience, Dr. Zanetor, Mr. Samuel Ankamah & Mr. Jojo during her visit to Hope for the Future Football Club

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Dr. Zanetor at the Crans Montana Forum, Brussels, Belgium

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Hope for the Future Football Club members with MP-Candidate, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings

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President Mahama is actually a very pleasant person to interact with and very knowledgeable too. He is actually very widely read.

Perhaps a lot of people don’t realize this, but he reads a lot. In discussions with him, you will rarely find a situation where his is actually ignorant about something, he likes to stay informed.

The Rawlings family

can actually do better. The day you say you cannot do better is the day you actually lose out because it is an evolving process.

We are aware that the president is seeking a second term, do you think Ghanaians should give him a second chance

Seriously (laughs heartily) Yes I do think so

What has he achieved in your view

In terms of his achievement, I think I would have to bring you the Green book. (It contains President Mahama’s strides in many sectors in all the regions of Ghana).

What are the things you believe he has done in the past four years that you believe should be consolidated upon in the next four years

I can’t tell you all the projects and not mentioning all of what he has achieved might be unfair. The evidence is there for everyone to see. Can we do better?

Of course, we can. I think it has to do with the large percentage of youths, we have been concentrating a lot on infrastructure but from what I have observed, it is time to move from infrastructure to investing in the youths. That shift would not be easy, it is going to be a challenge because we have a huge population that fall into the category of youth; there is also high unemployment which actually is global. I lived in Ireland, a lot of Irish Doctors were moving to Australia, Canada and South Africa. The issue of the job market changing is not just here, it is a global phenomenon.

The challenge is how to generate innovative ways of job creation. How do we move from that thought process of government should give us jobs to galvanizing the youths to see potentials around them.

That is where I would like us to explore going forward.

make yourself expendable to people in terms of empowerment. Otherwise, it is all resting on your shoulders and that is not how to build a society.

For me, empowering people is fundamental to it all.

And the interrelation between human beings and your environment, for me is direct. Your environment should be an extension of who you are.

If you are looking at people, you have to examine them in relation to their environment. Their behavior is directly linked to the environment, if you do not understand that, then you may not be achieving much.

I am big on health in terms of wellness. When I talk about wellness, it is not about the person, it is about wellness of you and your environment. Body, spirit, mind and environment. So it not only the external but the internal as well.

How do we move from reacting to actually initiating change, how do we move from constantly expecting things to actually being the one generating change, giving as against receiving because our continent has become generally continent of consumerism. Instead of manufacturing, creating, producing, we are only importing and using.

We are generating so much waste in the process and we don’t have the capacity to deal with such waste.

How do we ensure we do not end up with huge landfills? So that we have food material put separately from plastic waste or green waste? So that you can use it to make composite and it can serve as fertilizer, instead of the artificial forms of fertilizer. How do we recycle our plastics? How do we encourage people to stop shopping with plastic bags? Get people to make bags with renewable materials which can be easily recycled?

These are the kinds of things that drive me, being able to understand how to draw a balance between ourselves and the environment, then ourselves and one another, it is all connected. One’s perspective of life has to be holistic to make sense to me.

Lastly, I have always wanted to know this, what is the meaning of your name

It is an Ewe name which means ‘Let the darkness stop’.

That means you are the light, and in the present circumstances, the light of Klottey Korle

Yes, if you say so (laughs heartily)

Your voice is certainly not a small voice in your party, do you speak to the president

(smiles) O dear, yes I do. On occasions.

So what do you discuss

I certainly cannot be telling you that

Ok what kind of person is he

President Mahama is actually a very pleasant person to interact with and very knowledgeable too. He is actually very widely read. Perhaps a lot of people don’t realize this, but he reads a lot. In discussions with him, you will rarely find a situation where his actually ignorant about something, he likes to stay informed.

What are the principles that drive you

No matter were you find yourself, you should be able to carry people along and empower them so they can also lift other people along.

I don’t believe in creating a situation of dependency where people always need you. You have to be able to

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Dr. Zanetor & her dear dad, former President Jerry John Rawlings

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GROUP CEO CHARTERHOUSE

IYIOLA AYOADE CELEBRATES

50 YEARS

OF GOD’S GOODNESS

Story: Michael Effiong Photo: Adekoya Adegbite, Ben Dzakah & Charterhouse

I tell people, work hard because hard work pays but smarter hard work pays more. It takes a little bit more than hard work to succeed in my opinion. That is my first rule. The second rule is whatever you do, do it with all your heart.

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I

yiola Ayoade is the Group CEO of Multiple Concepts Group and Charterhouse, he is also the grandson of the great Oba Adesoji Aderemi, the late Ooni of Ife, but he does not carry any of these titles as a badge of honour on his shoulders.

When you meet him, he is so unassuming and humble, but this persona belies the steel that he has underneath. The strength of character, the passion for hard work and the knack for creativity that has enabled him and his team, grow a business from one room to a huge Pan African outfit with offices in Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cape Verde.

Though he would not admit it, Mr. Ayoade has a weakness for cars, he may not be a car freak but he just loves wonders on wheels. Another thing about him is the fact that he is a geek, he can be termed a technology junkie. He experiments with gadgets –and like he admitted in this our interview, his hobby is surfing the internet.

For someone whose company is in the public domain, it is funny that he detests publicity because according to him, he always likes his work, to do the talking.

But when one turns 50, it is a different kettle of fish, discussing the first half a century of one’s life is something you cannot avoid-and he really came out of his shell in an exclusive interview with OVATION. Before the interview though, he had a very classy and cosy 50th birthday party inside the highbrow Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra.

Unlike his 40th birthday which was a jamboree, this one was just a gathering of close friends and family-the celebrant and his wife, knew virtually everyone on the guest list. A rare feat in an African party setting.

The décor was heavenly, the ambience soothing and romantic, the music, the food, the drinks were carefully chosen to ensure that everyone was treated like a royal. It was first-rate.

As someone who deals with celebrities often, it was no surprise that the hall had a splash of Ghanaian entertainment and TV personalities.

On arrival at the venue, guests were welcomed by smiling hostesses with assorted cocktails and canapes.

The ceremony however kicked off formally with an opening prayer by Pastor Andy Yawson of KICC Ghana. This is the church the celebrant and family attends.

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Thereafter, the compere, George Quaye took charge. There were musical performances and speeches but the highest point of the evening was a special presentation by former staff of Charterhouse. It was indeed moving and emotional.

The celebrant’s closest friend, business partner and wife, Mrs. Theresa Ayoade aka Ma T gave a wonderful speech, pouring encomiums on her husband for his love, affection and companionship.

She praised him for being an exemplary father and dear husband, she prayed that God will continue to bless him with His wisdom as he starts another phase of his life.

A very elated celebrant also took centre stage to say thank you to all those who came for this golden jubilee celebration. He recalled with nostalgia, his first arrival in Ghana and how he fell in love with the country and one of their daughters.

He added that many years after, his love for that woman, who is now his dear wife and the country has not waned one bit.

He informed all that he has completed all the paper work that has officially made him a Ghanaian. Adding jocularly that his Ghanaian name was now Komla!

Assisted by his two children, Tobi and Shewa and his wife, the celebrant later cut his cake-and after which, the party dove-tailed into a mega dance zone.

The fun did not stop till the wee hours of the next morning.

Days later, while he was enjoying his yearly family holiday in the United Kingdom, he created sometime to have this all-revealing interview about life, business and more.

Those who attended included from Nigeria: Chief Dele Momodu Senator Afikuyomi Prince Damola Aderemi Corporate Ghana Ms Madie Arkutu Managing Director, Unilever Ghana Angela Kyeremateng Managing Director, IBM Ghana Mrs. Duplan Managing Director, Nestlé Ghana Mr John Asamoah of Dannex Pharmaceuticals Hon. Dzifa Gomashie Dep Minister Ghana Showbiz Joselyn Dumas EL Irene LOGAN Zynel Zuuh

Ms Vee Becca Doreen Andoh KKD Berla Adina Reggie Rockstone Akwaboah Nii Ayi Tagoe Sonia Ibrahim Sandra Ankobia Richie

On the day you turned 50 what did you ask from God and how did you feel

When we were younger, 50 used to seem so far away. We used to look at 50 year old people as old.

Suddenly you realise that you too have turned 50 and you too have become old.

It was a big deal for me and at this point you are reflective and you are thankful that you too have attained the age of 50, the golden jubilee. A lot of things were flying through my mind, you know I did not even want to have a party.

There was a lot of reflection about my life. I was thankful, I was like we should do more things for charity. It was supposed to be a happy moment yes. But the feeling was that now, there was a need to do more for your family, your people and you needed to plant footprints that goes beyond yourself or do what matters to others and not your mouth and stomach alone. It was a funny feeling. But overall, I would say, it was a fantastic feeling.

I was at your 40th

Yes you were there and you would agree with me that it was a jamboree.

This 50th was cosier and classier

That was how we wanted it. I needed to trim down.

I said to myself that at this moment, I only needed close friends and associates to be there on that day. People that I know by name, I had everyone’s telephone number. We missed some people in a bid to cut down though. I said I was not going to go beyond 100 but we ended up at 220, which was okay in the end. The 20 was my family and I.

All of us that attended had fun

I am glad you did

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It actually delights me to spend time with my family. It is the ultimate experience for me.

Nothing like it.

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For me though, the most moving moment was the presentation by your former staff, how did that make you feel.

I felt really honoured. Many of these guys did not leave in very happy circumstances, so you could imagine my shock to see them. A lot of them had worked with us for long before leaving.

Obviously there is no training institution for events management in Ghana, so Charterhouse was the University. Passing through Charterhouse was like going for a 4year degree.

It was a practical learning ground, some of them said we were a little too strict. But after going to work for other institutions, they have come to appreciate the work ethic at Charterhouse. Up till today, I get prayers, they will tell me, Sir, I am so grateful, I did not know you were coaching me then.

They have all come to realise that in event management there is no room for any defect, you must get it correct 100 percent because a one percent error may take all your hard work to zero and ruin everything. We tried to impact these principles, some thought we were too wicked and all that. They contributed money to buy me a gift and followed up with calls and letters. I really appreciated their guesture.

Till today, I still get calls, messages and prayers. Yes it was moving for me. I was overwhelmed with their expression of appreciation. This is just the beginning in my view, we will strive to do more, for much more people, impact more lives as the years go by.

These staff worked for Charterhouse and Multiple Concepts, tell us how these companies began especially as you were not very enthusiastic about coming to Ghana initially

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You know I was working for a company in Nigeria, at some point they felt they could do some things in Ghana and they told me that I would be the one to go. As a young Nigerian, when you hear that people are being

transferred, you are told that they have been sent to UK or America, but when it was your turn, you had to go to Ghana. Naturally, I was hesitant. But I eventually went, when we got to Ghana we worked for two years and after two years, I was recalled to Nigeria.

I fell in I love with the tranquillity of Ghana. When I got back to Nigeria General Abacha was in power, and you know how turbulent that period was in Nigeria, I told myself, that I would be better off in Ghana, I decided to go back, of course my company said no, so I resigned.

At that time too, I had also fallen in love with a smart and beautiful lady there. So I came back and the rest is history.

What would you say are the key principles that have kept you going as a businessman

I tell people, work hard because hard work pays but smarter hard work pays more. It takes a little bit more than hard work to succeed in my opinion. I hope I am making sense. That is my first rule. The second rule is whatever you do, do it with all your heart. That is whatever you do, in your transaction with anybody, always ask yourself how does this benefit the other party? Always come to the table with clean hands. A good summary of this is what Chief Bode Akindele summarised in his book, “I did it God’s way” when he said whatever you do in business, do it God’s way. There is God’s way to doing business.

Usually, I like to ask myself, what is in it for Mike, if the answer is not clear then you have to reassess you position. Of course, also going alongside these are you passion and prayers are critical but most importantly, one factor that has kept us in business is the fact that we have been very creative.

We have been restless. We are restless to have moved from a little one room space in Adabraka, straight up to a bigger space, we did major things in events, veered into TV Production, we still did not stop there, you

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know if you stop, there are horses behind you galloping fast, so you have to keep moving.

From there we went to Liberia. One day, I just carried my luggage went straight to Liberia, we went to see what the registration of businesses there was like, we set up there , after settling up there, we were in Sierra Leone, and got that done.

There was an opportunity to pitch for a job, and we flew to Cape Verde, a Portuguese-speaking country. We got there, went to hire Portuguese-speaking students to help put the proposal together, we won the pitch and we opened an office there. For three years, the office has been running and running profitably.

Then, of course, it was time for Nigeria. Nigeria is a very developed market and we must have the wherewithal and strength to play in that market, so we went to Nigeria.

So 16, 17 years down the line, We are no longer that little company we started in one room, we have now become a truly Pan-African Group to God be the Glory.

In all that, I have told you, you must work smart because it is the smartness that enables you see the smallest details, the smallest things that most people do not see. Like I said earlier, you must be fair to all and sundry in your business dealings.

I always believe that there is higher or hidden force, a God that interferes in the affairs of men. You must never forget God, God’s way is the only way. Those are the things that I truly believe in as far as business is concerned.

As you were speaking, something occurred to me, you have now built brands in Music, comedy and entertainment generally. Brands that can stand on their own. That must make you very fulfilled, any new offerings in that direction

Certainly the most popular arm of our business is events management, but it is not necessarily the most profitable interestingly. It is the loudest, it is the avenue that most people have come to know us, it is okay, we do not mind. In the Multiple Concepts Group, we have Advertising, Events Management and TV Production and until recently, we had a TV Channel, Ghone.

We used the Charterhouse brand to reach out to the rest of Africa going with the full basket of Advertising and Event Management, depending on what

opportunities we see there, we can go with this two.

We have many properties, we have got brands that are tested and trusted but it is all localized, what we want to do going forward in 2017, is to take advantage of our satellite location, and launch some real Pan African initiatives, that can cut across even to areas that we are not operating in at the moment like Kenya, South Africa, etc.

We have contacts and bridges all over Africa, so that is our goal for the event company. For our advertising business, it is our wish to reach out to so many other countries, and especially break that language barrier. I mean Togo is just next door, Benin is next door, so we intend to grab the bull by the horn and explore Africa.

How challenging has it been doing business in Africa, many businesses complain of poor infrastructure, where there times that you were frustrated

I would not say it has all been smooth sailing. But planning has been key. In Africa, we plan 30 per cent and work 70 per cent,that is hard work. But if you spend 70 per cent of your time planning, all you will need to do is a mere 30 per cent.

Some of the events we have done like you know seem like we are getting it done in 24 hours but we would probably have spent days planning, so that when you get on location, everything falls in place.

In the context of your question, yes, there are challenges, but when confronted with those obstacles, the question we used to ask ourselves is: how is the other person surviving?

If we are complaining, what happens to the smaller events companies? In Nigeria they always say, who you know helps but I would say do not build a business on who you know, because that person will not be there forever, let your work speak for you.

How did we do it. The first major event we did in Ghana was Ghana Music Awards (GMA), we threw in everything, and we shared it live on national television.

Based on what we did on national television, everybody was shocked, everybody went Wow! Of course some industry practitioners were envious and criticized whatever that we did.

But Corporate Ghana liked it, because it was shortly after that that I got a call from then Spacefone,

saying that they loved what they saw and they wanted us to introduce them to the company that produced the event.

Of course, we produced the event ourselves, so they said really, we were calling because we would like you to do our 5th Anniversary, and that was how we did that and somebody saw it again, and it went on and on.

The same thing is happening to us in Nigeria now.

We work with a big brand and through that big brand, we are meeting smaller companies that are associating with that brand. When they see what we have done, they come to us and say so you did that, how much was it. What is working for us right now is being able to do something good at the least cost.

Nigeria is a big market, there used to be a lot of money, but things are no longer the same, companies are cutting cost, so companies like ours with very good cost advantage are getting by. We are able to accommodate any budget no matter how small. From $1million, & $1000,000 or $10, 000. It does not matter, just bring your budget and we would work with you and deliver.

Earlier we spoke about those who have passed through what I would call the Charterhouse Academy, but there are others who have stood by you all these years, so you must be a good boss

(Smiles heartily) It will be uncharitable to rate myself but yes there are people who have stayed with us all these years.

I used to say that for them to have stayed, they are fans of the brand. So they like what we are doing they identify with what we are doing, they want to be in the industry, because if you want to remain in that industry and you leave Charterhouse, where will you go? We are towering above others in event management, so why leave the best.

It is pretty difficult to find an alternative, a one-stop shop that gives you all the exposure. Plus we try as much as possible to identify pillars within the group.

And we go the extra mile to make them comfortable.

We give them what you would get in Corporate Ghana. You know the event industry for a very long time was informal. There are very few players in the industry that are doing medical allowance, very few players that are doing paid vacation and a whole lot of

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things.

So people can see what we are doing as a serious career, and you can feel free because the company can actually help you achieve your professional aspirations. Right now people who have been with us for ten years are doing house warming, and I thank God for using the company to impact the lives of people like that. If you are good to us definitely, we would be good to you.

So we appreciate loyalty, and we have moved from having employee boss relationship to being one family. Some have even pledged that they will work and retire here.

Talking of family, how have you been able to balance, work and home.

There are seven days in a week, 5 days belong to the office and two belongs to the family to a large extent. On Sunday, when I go to church and come back, I don’t step out of my house. That day is for family. There is nothing you promise me that will make me step out, except it is extremely important.

Saturdays too if we have no serious engagement or commitment, I like to spend at least 70 to 80 per cent of my time at home.

Also I look for opportunity to bond with my kids, if there is mid term break, we look for opportunity to get away, it may be in-country, but we just travel and spend time together in a beach front or something and we also make sure that three weeks, once a year, we travel, we eat, we play, we do everything together, This is so that these kinds can have some wonderful experiences to reflection on later in life.The only thing they will remember is the moments and times you spent together.

So family is important in your scheme of things

Absolutely, it actually delights me to spend time with my family. It is the ultimate experience for me.

Nothing like it.

Related to that is the fact that you actually work in the same Company with your wife, is that a plus or minus

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(He takes a deep breath) I will say most times

it is a plus. There are a few times when the minuses crop up though. Let me tell you what the pluses are.

You know this whole marriage institution, you need to find common grounds with your wife to be able to take the relationship beyond I love you, you love me. You share similar interest and there is a kind of bonding that comes with that, working in the same office with your wife means you are planning and building a future together.

Especially if it somebody like the one I married that has special skill set, that you cannot easily get outside.

Then you should be like okay why should I go and pay for this same skill when I can have it in house. It is like what they say in Nigeria what you are looking for in Sokoto (Nigerian State) is actually in you sokoto (pair of trousers). Then of course by joining forces, it is an opportunity to make a big pie for everybody. Also, all you make comes to both of you and even the risk too is now shared by two people.

Even if you work in the same office, believe me sometimes for three days we do not see. It also keeps you out of trouble. You cannot lie about going to a conference or meeting because she knows your itinerary. You cannot wake up now and say you are going on a business trip, she would ask you, business trip to go and do what?

What I see as a disadvantage is the problem of taking work to the home, it is something the couple would have to work on seriously, So that you conversations at home is not dominated by stuff from the office. Basically, so that you do not take brain storming sessions from the office to the home.

How have you coped personally

It has been difficult trust me. In 2015, we deliberately resolved that there will not be any further conversation at home of anything we left at the office, except it is of utmost importance. If it is a weekend, it must wait till Monday. Before now, you will realise that you are still in bed and you are still reviewing a budget, or what about this or that project, you realise you are brainstorming in bed. One has to work at it.

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In the Multiple Concepts Group, we have Advertising, Events Management and TV Production and until recently, we had a TV Channel, Ghone.

We used the Charterhouse brand to reach out to the rest of Africa going with the full basket of Advertising and Event Management.

What we want to do going forward in 2017, is to take advantage of our satellite location, and launch some real Pan African initiatives.

We have now become a truly Pan-African Group to God be the Glory.

Do you have time to relax at all, what are you hobbies

My hobbies. You know some of them (laughs heartily) What would I call a hobby? I love to surf the net. Give me fast internet connection and I am good. Is browsing internet a hobby? if it is, then that is my No. 1 hobby.

Travelling, especially to places that I have not been before. That is another thing I love doing.

What fond memories of your childhood would you say have impacted your life and helped you along the way

My dad is from Ede and my mum is a Princess

from Ile-Ife. She is from a big family. A family with a big name, and usually with a big name, you are expected to have some cash. But we did not have cash unfortunately. There was a lot of catch up that was needed and I knew in my head that the catch up would have to happen in our generation. So that when they say all the grand children of Aderemi line up on a straight line, you can actually join the line and stand very straight.

The old man had 52 children, and you could see some that were wealthy and some that were not wealthy at all and you wondered what happened. I remember that very well.

I was born in Ile-Ife, lived at some point in Ede with my Dad, but moved back to Ife at age 11 and lived there till adulthood. So, Yes, I would say I am an Ife boy. My mum is from a big family, she is the daughter of Oba Adesoji Aderemi, which is a family with a big name. Usually with a big name, you are expected to have some cash. But we did not have cash unfortunately. There was a lot of catch up that was needed and I knew in my head that the catch up would have to happen in our generation. As a little boy what went on in my head was one day when they say all the grand children of Aderemi should line up on a straight line, I wanted to actually join the line and stand very straight.

The old man had 64 children, and you could see some that were wealthy and some that were not wealthy and you wondered what happened. I remember that very well. That kind of thought actually propelled one through life and God has been merciful to us.

So I remember all those days in Ife playing around as a little boy, we had very little but you dreamt that when you grow up you would have some money in your pocket to get the things you loved.

I needed to rise to that expectation as the grandchild of Oba Adesoji Aderemi. That for me was personal.

So from Primary to Secondary, to University, I went to University of Benin. At Uniben, I knew I needed to get a job. It was at that time that Nigeria was beginning to go wrong. So the course I had in mind was in the social sciences. Strategically, I turned down an admission to study Sociology and Anthropology, and had to wait one full year at home until I got Economics because I knew that was what I really wanted. I wanted a bank job. I wanted to be a Banker. When I finished the university, I got a job in the finance industry, I was there for about four, five years before I moved to another company that now transferred me to Ghana.

How helpful were those experiences that you got along the way

You are a product of your travels is that not what they say? Whether we like it or not, all of us are moulded by our experiences. Every one of those places I worked had helped me become who I am today. We still wish God to prosper us more and move us ahead to the next level but it all adds up.

Can you clarify the statement about you now officially becoming a Ghanaian, some of us Nigerians in the audience did not find it funny at all

No. You got it wrong. We have lived here for so long, we have planted so much here. I used to have people challenging me, that Nigerian man, I said Ok, this country, like Nigeria, allows dual citizenship. I have lived here for over ten years, and I can actually apply to become Ghanaian by naturalisation or through marriage. So on both fronts I was qualified. So I felt it was a complete waste of time to still be using Resident Permit after 15 years.

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The celebrant & elder brother, Mr. Adebowale Ayoade

Abisoye Fagade, Dapo Amao, Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Iyiola Ayoade, Mrs. Theressa Iyiola , Bashorun Dele Momodu & Micheal Effiong

Mrs. Theresa Ayoade, Mr. & Mrs. Philip Ayesu & children (far right) with Iyiola Ayoade

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Mr. & Mrs. Nii Ayitey Hammond with Mr. & Mrs. Iyiola Ayoade celebrant

Pastors Andy & Helen Yawson

Mr. & Mrs. Godfred Kumordzie with celebrant

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Mr. Yomi Adenuga, Mrs. Funke Oyewole, celebrant & Prince Damola Aderemi

Celebrant with Patrice Amegashie

Ms. Madie Arkutu with Mrs. Theresa Ayoade

Mr. Nathan Kwabena Adisi (Bola Ray) & wife

Prince Yemi Aderemi & celebrant

Chiamaka Ikediasor & Ada Ugo of Charterhouse Nigeria

Celebrant with Mr. Emmanuel Owusu

Hon. Dzifa Gomashie, Dep. Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture with Mrs. Theresa Ayoade

Mrs. Theresa Ayoade & Mr. Oscar Yao Doe, President & Executive Chairman, Eurostar Limousine

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Wole Awe, Sola Ojelade, Dapo Amao & Mr. Iyiola Ayoade

Ms. Angela Kyeremateng, Adesewa Ayoade, Mrs. Theresa Ayoade, Oluwatobi Ayoade & Caleb Jimoh

Micheal Effiong, Mr. Iyiola Ayoade & actress, Tayo Sobola (Shotayo)

Mrs. Theresa Ayoade, Mr. Don Obilor, celebrant & Mrs. Rachel Obilor

Music Star, Reggie Rockstone, Fred Nuamah & Mr. Iyiola Ayoade

Roland, Iyiola Ayoade, Nii Ayitey & George Quaye

George, Daniel, Mr. Iyiola Ayoade, Joojo & Ben, Joojo, Iyiola Ayoade, Daniel & George

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Fred, Ben, David Bossom, Daniel & Joojo

Teddy, Chris, Iyiola, Jason & Justin

We went through the process, obviously it took some time because we wanted to do it properly. It went through immigration, all manner of verification, eventually it was granted and I have officially became a Ghanaian. I am now a dual citizen of two great countries. But it does not deny the fact that I am 110 per cent Nigerian.

But I am happy I have done this after having lived her for long. Jokingly, the guys that were doing the process said they would use the day of the week I was born to give me a Ghanaian name as it is the norm here. They asked what day I

was born, I said Tuesday, and they said, you are Kwabena. I said since Gas or Ewes are historically, from Ile-Ife, I would like any of their versions of the name. I said it should Komla, So you can call me Komla (Laughs heartily).

Now you name, Iyiola is pronounced in different ways by Ghanaians, but what does it mean

My name Iyiola is Yoruba, And it means: It is prestigious to be wealthy.

Sure I agree totally. Thank you so much

Yes o. Thanks Mike. Only you can make me do this.

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Dromeryda, Samantha & Maya

Yomi Adenuga & Palmer Olugbenro

Sonia Ibrahim & Elizabeth Ibrahim

Adjoba Kyiame with Santi Andah

Phillipp with Clara

Mr & Mrs Kemevor with celebrant

Kwesi & Mr. Iyiola Ayoade

Oluwatobi, Shewa, Mrs. Theresa Ayoadea & Lady Karen Celebrant & wife with Dapo Amao

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Highlife Legend, Ben Brako

Hedwig Quist

Judith

Joselyn Dumas & Abisoye Fagade

Mrs. Eugenia Owusu with Mrs. Theresa Ayoade

Benedicta & Anitabel

Theresa & Grace

Kafui Dogbatse & wife

Celebrant with Sir Moses & Margaret Anibaba

Mr. & Mrs. Kwabena Poku

Mandy Poku & Kojo Poku

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Mawuena Seshie & friend

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Iyiola Ayoade & top event planner, Whitney Boakye-Mensah

David Bossman, Anitabel Asante & Ethel Adjorlolo-Marfo

Akwaboah & Mr. Iyiola Ayoade

Kwame Fakye, Celebrant & Adina

Koko, Theresa & Sheila

Simon Wilar

Sandra Ankobiah & Mr. Iyiola Ayoade

Mr. & Mrs. Muzzu with Iyiola Ayoade

Fred Nuamah & Bola Ray

Juanita Mesaha

Iyiola & Marian Toure

Hedwig, Hon. Dzifa Gomashie & Theresa

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Akiboat & Naa Ashorkor

Aisha Haruna & Mansa

Theresa & Anitabel

Theresa & Kafui Baiden

Louisa, Benedicta, Aisha & Afeafa

Okraku Mantey & friend

Rudy Kwakye, Edem Lumor, Beverlyn & Sheila

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Irene Logan, Brian Selby & Zynel Zuuh

Afriyie & Aisha

Mr. Gobson

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Prince Adedamola Aderemi, Bashorun Dele Momodu & Yomi Adenuga

George Quaye

Sandra Ankobiah with Bashorun Dele Momodu

Clara, Bea & Mary

Uncle Nan & wife with Ben Brako

Lady Karen & friends

Madie Arkutu, Hon. Dzifa Goomashie & Mr. Fred Duplan

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The Ayesu family with Mr. Iyiola Ayoade

Gifty, Eugenia. Tess, Adjoba & Santy

Mr. & Mrs. Eddy Duplan

Nasah, Dronergy & Sanantha

William Asiedu & wife

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Mr. Iyiola Ayoade with Kwaben Poku & wife

Ayitey Hammond & Kwame Sefa Kayi

Abisoye Fagade, Iyiola Ayoade & Mudi

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BEN-0574- Sandra, Fred & Becca

Dr. & Mrs. Hopeson with Bashorun Dele Momodu

Cabutey & wife, Naa Ashorkey, Iyiola & Rudy

Doreen Andoh & Richie with Iyiola

Bashorun Dele Momodu, Mudi & Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi

AJ Sarpong & Vanessa Gyan

Nii Ayi Tagoe

Chiamaka, Ben Osei Bansha (Ovation Int’l TV) & Ada

John Opare Asamoah

Justin & Lorraine

Eugenia Takyi (Mens On)

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Fred & former Staff of Charterhouse Ghana

Isaac Asare of Intiak presenting a gift to celebrant

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Akwaboah

Adina

Irene Logan & Mz Vee

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Pastor Andy Yawson of KICC (Ghana)

Mrs. Theresa Ayoade

Mr. Iyiola Ayoade

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DAPO ABIODUN CELEBRATES LIFE AT FIFTY SIX Photo: Adekoya Adegbite

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Mr. & Mrs. Dapo Abiodun, Lamissa Abiodun, Tunde Ayeni, Yomi Odunuga & friends

Mr. & Mrs. Dapo Abiodun Mr. Tunde Ayeni, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi, The Abioduns & celebrant

R-l: Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila with Papa & Mama Abiodun

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Dapo Abiodun & former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel

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t is not only the years one has lived that defines him but the life he puts and continue to put into the years, and that was the reason amiable gentleman, Adedapo Abiodun, the CEO of Heyden Petroleum and Chairman, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), marked his 56th birthday in superlative style at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence.

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As an operator in the top echelon of Nigeria's business, it was no surprise that the high and mighty were there to share this glorious birthday occasion.

In addition, the celebrant was over the moon with joy because his parents were alive and well to witness the landmark occasion- and were there live!

The oil baron told Ovation that he was thankful to God for blessing him with good health and protecting him all Eyimofe Atake, SAN & wife with celebrant

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R-l:Oyinda Abiodun, Celebrant, Lamissa Abiodun

Chike Chikeluba, Dr. Wale Babalakin, Celebrant & Otunba Gbenga Daniel

Yemi Osidero, Biodun Kuku, Celebrant & Niyi Ayisida

Timi Alaibe & Alhaji Kashim Imam

R-l: Bimbo Ogunbanjo, Dapo Abiodun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel & guest

Dapo Abiodun, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun & Ms Amosun

Omono Etomi, Eniola Leyimu, Lamissa Abiodun & Kasara Claude Enin

Celebrant, Anselm Tabansi & Otunba Lai Oriowo

Ronke Ademiluyi, Bola Awosika, Dayo Adebayo with celebrant

R-l: Prince Dapo Abiodun, Biodun Kuku & Jide Coker

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Shina Peller of Quilox with Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Chief Willie Anumudu, celebrant & Bayo Abdul

Biodun Faari-Arole & Tino

Eno Udoh, celebrant & Titi Ogunbanjo

Front 2nd left: Kunle Ogunmefun, celebrant & friends

Hon. Biyi Adeleye & Princess Olapeju Shote

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Isabella Davanso presenting a gift to Mr. Dapo Abiodun

R-l: Michelle Iwerebon, Damilola Odunowo, celebrant, Oyinda Abiodun & Kitan Ayeni

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R-l: Dapo Abiodun, Chief Annie Okonkwo, Mallam Kashim Imam with guests

Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Ogbechie with celebrant

Dayo Adeneye (D1) with celebrant

(R-l) Mr. & Mrs. Anumundu with celebrant

Sujimoto & Hon. Bola Elesho

Ada Irikefe, Mojoyin Dekalu-Thomas & Mary Fasharan

Kayode Alfred, Lanre Alfred & Sammie Omai

Cheif Annie Okonkwo

Dr. Bolu Akin-Olugbade & Otunba Gbenga Daniel

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CP Fatai Owoseni & Bayo Fatusin

Toyin Pinheiro, SAN & celebrant

Celebrant & Ricky Tarfa, SAN

Dare & Ayo Ademosu

Celebrant, Mrs. Ikepo Braithwaite & friend Awwal Akinnola (L) & friend

Mr. & Mrs. Segun Ogunsanya with celebrant Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo

through the years. He also praised his friends for turning up in large numbers to honour him.

Mr. Abiodun, the an amiable gentleman was a fantastic host. He laid out first-rate hospitality for guests by ensuring that everyone had loads of fun.

There was no dull moment as assorted meals and vintage drinks were readily available. The atmosphere was so lively that the jollity went on till well into the wee hours of the next morning.

Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko 58

Mr. & Mrs. Gbenga Adebija

Dangote, Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel Honourable Minister for Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Owoseni, Majority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Toyin Pinheiro, SAN, Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN, Rickey Tarfa, SAN were some of those who came to honour the jolly good fellow.

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NIGERIA’S VICE PRESIDENT, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO VISITS

DANGOTE’S GIGANTIC REFINERY IN LEKKI, LAGOS Story: Atangakak Annabelle Photo: Solomon Ekhayeme

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of Nigeria, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor of Lagos State & Mr. Femi Otedola

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Gov. Ambode, Alhaji Dangote & daughter

From 2nd left: Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, others during inspection

Anthony Chiejina, Devakumar V. G. Edwin, Group Executive Director & Alhaji Aliko Dangote

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mbitious and Intimidating”. These were the two words that were expressed by Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo when he was taken on a tour of the construction site of Dangote Refinery located within the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos.

Professor Osinbajo said the Refinery was in line with the vision of the government and therefore noted that the project will receive the attention and support of government.

The Dangote Refinery which include PetroChemical and Fertilizer plants according to President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote in terms of size, “

is eight times the size of Victoria Island.

He noted that the decision to site the refinery in the state was due to the investment-friendly posture of the state, adding that he embarked on the mega project to change the tide of fuel products importation and also create jobs.

He disclosed other benefits as professional development, technology transfer, generation of power, production of petrochemicals, saving of foreign exchange against imports, increase demands for domestic crudes, increased revenues to governments, foreign exchange from exports, development of local

area and auxiliary industries as well as unhindered availability of products.

Dignitaries present included, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Mr. Femi Otedola, Senator Alhaji Sabo Nakudu, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Industry, Trade and investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, Minister of Solid minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Directors of Dangote Group: Halima Dangote, Mr. Kunle Alake and Mr Joseph Makoju.

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AT T H E G R A N D F U N E R A L O F

MRS. LUCY NDUKUBA IN EHIME MBANO, IMO STATE Story: Atangakak Annabelle Photo: Adegbite Adekoya

The Ndukuba family at the maternal home of the deceased, the Palace of HRH Emmanuel Ibechi, Akagu 1 of Umuakagu

Her remains arrive at her husband’s compound at Dikenta Avutu Obowo

Her remains at her homestead Umualumaku, Ehime Mbano, surrounded by children & grandchildren

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or her industry, for instilling discipline and the value of serving God in her children as well as for being a worthy partner in progress, the family of Madam Neoha Lucy Ijeoma Ndubuka spared no cost to give her a very befitting funeral.

Madam Ndukuba who died at the age of 77 was born to the family of Anyaghaigwe-Agwo of Umudimokoro, Umuakagu in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state, South East Nigeria-and her funeral shook her homestead, as well as that of her husband, Dikenta Avutu, Obowo LGA of same state to their very foundations on account of the sheer grandeur and stately nature of the celebration of life.

Madam Lucy who was a strict Roman Catholic began her journey to eternal glory from Owerri, the Imo State The corpse at her homestead, Umualumaku, Ehime Mbano surrounded by daughters & grand-daughters

Capital where here remains were ferried from the mortuary.

Arriving in a convoy of exotic cars, with the streets lined with well-wishers and sympathizers, the Matriarch of the Ndukuba family was gingerly brought to her homestead by men of Apam Funeral Services As a respectable member of the community, her remains were well pampered. The family laid out a spectacular 5-star treatment for Madam Ndukaba complete with a horse-drawn carriage, an impressive funeral cortege and a team of dancing pallbearers and pipers.

To show how influential she was, her remains were received by His Royal Highness Eze Emmanuel Nzeadibenma Ibechi Abagu I and his Council at the Palace.

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Corpse surrounded by undertakers (Apams Funeral Services)

HRH Ibechi (Akagu 1), Chairman Council of Ndi Eze Ehime Mbano & other Ezes

Children of the deceased: Barr. Emeka Ndukuba, Engr. Ejike Ndukuba, Decr.

Onyinye Ndlovu, Chief Magistrate Okwuchi Okoroji, Lady Oluchi Ezeoke & Engr.

Chikodi Anyanwu

Children of Madam Lucy at Eze Ibechi's Palace

Eze Ibechi's Cabinet Members: The chiefs

Her remains being carried for lying in-state as the grandson, Chiemeziem looks on

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Corpse lying in state in her husband’s country home at Avutu Obowo

Eze Ibechi, Barr. Ndukuba & his bosom friend, Usanga

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Deceased’s family in the church during the Requiem High Mass at All Saints Catholic Church, Avutu Obowo

The Officiating Priest Rev. Fr. John Enyinnaya of All Saints Catholic Church, Avutu Obowo

The family in church with deceased’s brother, Chief Samuel Agwo

Sen. Athan Achonu & Barr. Emeka Ndukuba

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Their Worships: Chief Magistrates, Ogbu, Nwauwa, Nwakenta & Odom at the church

Sir Kelvin Chukwumobi (Apams), Sir Chukwumobi Vincent, Barrister Kebechukwu E. Ndukuba & HRH. Eze Emmanuel Ibechi Akagu 1

Evangelist Ajuma Nnawuihe & guest at church service

Barr. Emeka Ndukuba’s friend & wife

Hon. Kelvin Okamgba & Chief Godson Nwaobasi & Lolo Ngozi Nwaobasi

Barr. & Sir Vitus Obiora Ezeoke, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Anyanwu & Miss. Tara Anyanwu

Maurice Ndirika & Ralpheal Ugokwe Obasi

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Sir. Uche Uzowulu

Sir & Lady Sam Ugworji (brother of her Excellency Lady Victoria Mbakwe)

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Rev. Fr. preaching during the mass

1st child: Deaconess Onyinye Ndlovu & Barr. Emeka Alfred Ndukuba (1st son at church service)

Sir. Festus Uamolu & Chief Benedict Owo

HRH. Eze Barr. Dr. James Okoronkwo & wife

Sen. Athan Achonu with Barr. Ndukuba & other important dignitaries

Sen Athan Achonu with Barr. Ndukuba & Chief & Lolo Chris Okewulonu & other important dignitaries

Engr. Ejike with close friends

Barr. Emeka with son & Chief Charles Orie

Special guests at the church service

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Engr. Ejike Ndukuba (second son of the late Nneora Ndukuba) giving the vote of thanks at the church

His Lordship Bishop & Lady Alfred Nwaizuzu of the Anglican Communion, His Lordship Bishop Onuagha, Methodist Bishop of Onitsha & other clergy

Chief Joe Ohaegbatan, Chief Mma Agha Ndu & Chief Hon. Victor Onyebuechi

Their worships Ogbu, Nwauwa & Nwakenta

Motorcade leading to Ndukuba's compound

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Undertakers dancing

The horse-drawn chariot leading corpse during a procession

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Family praying with well-wishers at the grave side

Barr. Emeka Ndukuba performing the dust-to-dust rites

Barrister Alfred Ndukuba (r)

After commiserating with the family and showering them with royal blessings, he posed for pictures with the Ndukuba family before the funeral Cortege made its way to her husband, Pa Dominic Ndukuba’s residence for a brief prayer session.

Next stop was the Awutu Catholic Church where the funeral service was held. As soon as the cortege arrived the entrance of the church, the choir broke into a song “O paradise! O paradise, who doth I not crave for rest: who would not seek the happy land, where they who loved are blest?”

The service which began with prayers, also witnessed readings from the Bible. While the first Bible reading was taken by the first daughter of the deceased, Mrs Oyinye Ndlovu, the first son, Barr. Alfred Ndukuba took the second. There were words of exhortation and prayers for the family before the service ended.

There was a short graveside ceremony, sprinkling of Holy Water before Madam Lucy Ndukuba was lowered to mother earth at her husband’s compound.

Later, the Ndukuba family laid out a sumptuous reception for guests that was enjoyed by all.

Many of their family and friends were there to honour this great matriarch and commiserate with the family.

Fondly called Lulu, Mrs. Lucy Ndukuba who was born on December 13th 1938 is survived by numerous relatives including eight children: Onyinye Lawrita Ndlovu (first daughter), Chukwuemeka Okwu Alfred Ndukuba (first son), Okwuchi Dominica Okoroji, Oluchi Rosemarie Ezeoke, Chikodi Rosemary Anyanwu, Caroline Iheoma Lucy-Chineme, Kenechukwu Ejike Dominic Ndukuba, Sandra Uchechi Ndukuba and grand children.

Mrs. Caroline John-Chieme (5th child of the late Lady Lucy Ndukuba), Chuks Nwaobasi, Okey Chikwendu, guest & Barrister Alfred Ndukuba

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His Lordship Justice K.A. Ojiakor & His Lordship Justice P.O. Nnadi, Chief Judge of Imo State

Mrs. Chioma Okpeochi & Chinwe Okpeochi

Mr. & Barr. (Mrs.) Ekedebe

Barr. Ndukuba & Engr. Ejike's friends

Ngozi Chukwuyere, Chidi Chukwuyere, Chima Chukwuyere, Milicent Chukwuyere & Mrs. Miranda Ifere

Chief (Mrs.) Chinyere Azike & Dr. (Mrs.) Nkiruka Nwachukwu

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Uwadi, Jessman & guest

Obinna Agauiyi, Chineye Ngoku, K.C. Iroegbu, Jones Ndukme & Samuel Ejike

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Amb. Uwajuonye Shedrack, Amb. Udobia Obikwere & Engr. Ejiofo Charles

Barr. Osita Oparaugo with a friend

Barr. Ndukuba & Justice Ojiakor

Barrister. Osita Oparaugo, Chief Charles Orie & Chief Uwade Obieke

Pharm (Dr.) George Anyanwu, Engr. (Dr.) Ngozi Nwakwasi, Ben Anyanwu & other guests

Obiora Amobi & Barr. Alfred Ndukuba

Barr. Uche Okoronkwo, Usanga, Barr Ndukuba & friend

Ginika Nwoko, Jacqueline Ishiekwene & Amb. Udobia Obikwere

(R-l) Amb. Udobia Obikwere, Barr. Tayo Ayelowo, Barr. Uche Okoronkwo & friend

Itohan Barlow & Chukwuemeka Ndukuba Jnr.

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Lady (Mrs.) Rosemarie Ezeoke, Engr. (Mrs.) Rosemary Anyanwu, Chief Magistrate Okwuchi Okoroji, Mrs. Onyinye Naloru & Mrs. Caroline John Chieme

Friends of Barr. Ndukuba

The grandchildren

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Ihunanya, Ogechi, Chika, Natasha, Tana, Jennifer & Eunwanyi

Chiemezerem, Patrick, Clinton, Chiagoziem & Raymond

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Chike Osanife, Barr. Tayo Ayelowo, James Bassey Ubang, Jacqueline Ishiekwene & friend

Chuks Nwaobasi (left)

Mrs. Caroline Iheoma John-Chieme (r) with a family friend

Chief Okewulonu & Barr. Alfred Ndukuba

Seth Ebirin, Chibuzo Ezigbo, Chukwuto Ozuah, Iheoma Ndukuba, Pastor Obinna Okoronkwo, Dr. Fourtunatus, Engr. Chuks Nwaobasi & Arc. Maurice Ndirika

Barr. Ndukuba & his friends

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8TH LAGOS HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY AND JUNE 12 Story: Eric Elezuo Photo: Segun Lawal

S

Hon. Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly

ome used to say that human beings have such short memories that when something happens, they forget in a hurry, but this statement does not seem to apply to members of the 8th Lagos State House of Assembly as they used the occasion of a Special Parliamentary Session to mark their first Anniversary and also celebrate the 23rd Anniversary of June 12.

For those who do not know, June 12 should actually be Nigeria’s Democracy Day because it was that day in 1983 when Nigerians voted massively in what has been termed the freest and fairest election in the nation’s history in a presidential election that was won by Chief MKO Abiola. What made the date significant was that the election and the people’s mandate was annulled by the General Ibrahim Babangida-led military junta-and then began the June 12 struggle

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that lasted for years and eventually led to the end of Babangida’s government.

The event which took place at the Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja had in attendance all the 40 members of the House of Assembly and their wives who turned out in resplendent pink attires and and purple headgear as well as many others In a session which flowed in friendliness, the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, who moderated proceedings, canvassed on behalf of the legislative arm of government the need to set up a state police to cushion the effects of the high rate of crime. He reasoned that such measure will ensure a more people-friendly police.

However, in their various responses, the Lagos State Rt. Hon. Mudashiru A. Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly

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Guest Lecturer, Professor Itse Sagay

Guest Lecturer, Mr. Femi Falana

Discussant, Professor Eghosa Osaghea

Discussant, Siyan Oyeweso

Discussant, Mr. Musiliu Smith, Former Inspector-General of Police

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni

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Hon. Lola Akande & Lagos State First Lady, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode

Mr. Oche William & Mr. Mustapha Maikaba

Majority Leader, Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade, Deputy Speaker, Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni & Hon. Desmond Elliot

Hon. Adebola Mojeed Fatai, Hon. Ademola Alimi Kazeem, Hon. Jude Idimogu Emeka, Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliot & Hon. Oluwa Olatunji Fatai Mutiu Are & Hon. Tunde Braimoh

Mrs. Roseline Bello, Mrs. Bose Ogundimu, Medinah Famakinwa, Mrs. Oluwa & Mrs. Olaide Akande

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Mr. Wale Jafojo, Mr. Bashir, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni & Mary-Anne Onwuchekwa

Mrs. Mojeed, Mrs. Joimo, Mrs. Jimoh & Yetunde Braimoh

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, maintained that the various institutions already existing should be made to work optimally, more so, not all state governments can fund a state police.This position was also converssed by former IGP Musiliu Smith.

With many politicians from Lagos in attendance, the session proposed declaring Chief MKO Abiola winner of the June 12, 1993 election as well as dedicating the date as a national holiday.

Some of the attendees included: the

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and his wife, Bolanle; Prof. Itse Sagay, Mr. Femi Falana, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Majority Leader, Hon. S.O.B. Agunbiade, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande, Cardinal Odumbaku, former Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Aro Lambo; the immediate past speaker of Lagos House, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikufuriji and Oba of Ikorodu, HRM Kabir Shotobi.

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Wives of House of Assembly Members

Princess Toyin Kolade

Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu & Hon. Bisi Yusuf

Alhaji Aro Lambo, Hon. Funmi Tejuoso & Hon. Taiwo Kolawole

Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, Hon. Fatai Oluwa Olatunji, Mutiu Are, Hon. Jimi Benson & Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliot

Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni & Hon. Sultan Adeniji-Adele

Hon. Tunde Braimoh, Mr. Ganiyu Abiru & Hon. Moshood Oshun

Hon. Rotimi Olowo, Mr. Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru & Hon. Taiwo Musibau Kolawole

Alhaji Musiliu Smith, Mr. Femi Falana & Professor Itse Sagay

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Retired Justice & Mrs. Sola Oguntade with Alhaji Rasak Okoya

Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, Hon. Agunbiade & Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni

From 2nd left: Senator Ganiyu Solomon & Hon. Funmilayo Tejuoso

Hon. Folajimi Mohammed, Mr. Mutiu Are, Hon. Funmilayo Tejuoso & Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji

Oba Kabiri Sotobi & Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji

Hon. Dayo Fafunmi (right)

Mr. Musiliu Smith & Mr. Femi Falana

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Hon. (Engr.) Yisawu Olusegun & Hon. Ademola Alimi Kazeem

Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson (left)

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FAMILY AND FRIENDS CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF

ALHAJA BILIKISU ASHABI SHITTU

CHIEF (MRS.) SHADE OKOYA’S GRAND MOTHER IN LAGOS Story: Blessing Ehidiamen Photo: Solomon Ekhaiyeme

The family

Alhaja Nimota Adeleye, her daughter, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya & aunt

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hose who are spiritual always say abundant blessings usually trail people who remember, honour and celebrate their parents or grand parents, this statement seem to be the driving force for Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya, the Deputy Managing Director of Eleganza Group as she pulled all the stops to mark the final funeral ceremony of her grandmother, Alhaja Bilikisu Monisola Ashabi Shittu nee Shomoye with a bang.

It was obvious that Alhaja Nimota Adeleye (Chief (Mrs.) Okoya’s mother) was full of joy for the spectacular celebration of her mum as she was beaming with smiles all through the event held within the expansive home of the Okoya Family, Oluwa Ni Sola Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

In her interview with OVATION, She noted that the late Alhaja Shittu was a fantastic woman who was honest,

humble and hardworking. She also revealed that she was an epitome of peace who impacted her with wise counsel during her growing up years.

On his part, in-law of the departed, billionaire businessman, Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya described the departed as a mother in a million, who always had a word of cheer for everyone. “She was always fun to be with”, he stated.

Alhaja Shittu died at the ripe old age of 112 and was on March 3, 2016 and was buried the next day in accordance with Islamic injunctions at the Vaults and Gardens Mayfair, Lekki.

The event was compered by top Comedian Tunde Adewale, Tee A who expertly steered proceedings and ensure there was no dull moment.

She is survived by two children, Alhaja Nimota Adeleye and Deaconess Rhoda Adebanke Oduniyi.

Chief Rasak & Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya

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Chief Rasak Okoya, Bashorun Dele Momodu with LIRS Boss, Mr. Tokunbo Ogunsanwo

Chief Obasa, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya, Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun, Chief Rasak Okoya & Alhaji Okoya

Mr. & Mrs. Olu Okeowo with Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya

Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya

Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun exchanging pleasantries

Justice Olusola Oguntade (Rtd) & family members

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Chief Obasa, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya, Chief (Mrs.) Modupe Oguntade & a guest

The Okoyas with Mrs. Nkiru Anumudu

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Mrs. Tokunbo Awogboro, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya with Chief & Mrs. Samuel Adedoyin

R-l: Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Abiola with Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya

Azuh Arinze & Dr. Bisi Olatilo

Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Folashade Okoya & children

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R-l: Mrs. Modupe Oguntade, Olori Kemi Adetona & friends

Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande (right)

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Chief Samuel Adedoyin, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Abiola & Chief Demola Seriki

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Bashorun Dele Momodu, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal & Mr. Foluso Adeagbo

Alhaji Rasak Okoya, Chief Funso Lawal & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Mrs. Wosilat Seriki, Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Okoya & guest

Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Okoya (right)

Chief Demola Seriki, Mrs. Wosilat Seriki & Alhaji Okoya

Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya & friends

Omowunmi Akinnifesi

Tee A & Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya

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Oba of Ikate, Oba Lateef Adams & wife with Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Okoya

Mrs. Shade Okoya with Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adedoyin & Tokunbo Okoya

General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd) & wife, Gwen with Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya

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Chief (Mrs.) Modupe Oguntade, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya & wife of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Olori Kemi Adetona

Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya & Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande

L-r: Mrs. Kesington Ajisebutu, Mrs. Shade Okoya & Mrs. Okeowo

Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Olu Okeowo with Chief (Mrs.) Sade Okoya

Azuh Arinze, Alhaja Tai Elemesho-Okesanjo, Dr. Bisi Olatilo & wife

Lanre & Sophie Okoya, Chief (Mrs.) Sade Okoya with friends

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Bashorun Dele Momodu with Sade Okoya

Tee A, Bashorun Dele Momodu with Azuh Arinze

Omowunmi Akinnifesi & Mrs. Sophie Okoya

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RED CHINESE RESTAURANT

OPENS AT EKO HOTEL Photo: Ken Ehimen

Mr. Danny Kioupouroglou (General Manager, Eko Hotel & Suites)

T

he plan was simple: Get a guest list of sophisticated personalities under one roof to bask in the euphoria of good food and fine wine, and things wnt just as expected.

Occupying a vast space at Eko Hotel & Suites, the Red Chinese Restaurant was launched with pure grandeur and fanfare to the delight of all present.

The 62-seat capacity Chinese restaurant boasts of a lounge, a bar and dining area. The restaurant is well laid out. The interior dĂŠcor is elegant and

the oriental furnishing pleasing to the eyes. The ambience is also inviting especially as diners are enthralled with a view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. The menu is predominantly Asian fusion and the meals are splendid, well-presented, tasty, wellsized and fresh.

Unlike other restaurants at the 5Star Hotel, Red exclusively offers a wide variety of Chinese delicacies. It caters to tourists and executives who have a distinctive taste for Chinese cuisines.

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Rosemary Bob-Manuel with Ify Omordia

Mrs. Fachoukh & Mrs. Omorodion

Kike Awosika & Omolara Alakija

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Dorothy Ogunbiyi, Atinuke Ola Late, Adesewa Artistry & Nana Ozobia

Ghassan Faddoul, Mrs. E. Faddoul, Tony Chaanie, Noel Saade & Mrs. N. Saade

R-l: Lanre Onasanya, Remi Onasanya & Yemisi Folarin

Taofik Okoya, Mrs. Wosilat Seriki & Tokunbo Okoya

Collins Chikeluba, Mr. Danny, Aremo Segun Oniru, Mr. Terry Waya & Prince Dosunmu

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REV. OMOTOLA OYEDIRAN CELEBRATES 75TH BIRTHDAY IN IBADAN, OYO STATE Story: Adeoluwa Atayero Photo: Ken Ehimen

R-l: The celebrant, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, celebrant’s husband, Prof. A.B. Oyediran, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga & Mrs. Florence Ajimobi (far left)

W

Princess Adebisi Adegoke with Mrs. Adeola Abolarinwa

hen a woman is innately beautiful, it is expected that anything that has to do with her naturally reflects the elegance and poise that she possesses. There is a certain grace and charisma associated with this class of women. They are known for their active spiritual lives and their maven status in whatever field or career they are found in.

Hard work and diligence are qualities that make a true lady. These women, however, are not only lauded for the lives they lead outside their homes but also for the lives they live within the walls of their homes.

Their husbands and children are testaments to their success as wives and mothers.

One woman who definitely fits in with these

Prince Damola Aderemi with wife, Kemi Aderemi, Folajimi Ayodeji, Damilotun & Kepemi Aderemi

women of calibre is Rev. (Mrs.) Omotola Olubunmi Oyediran, the eldest daughter of the famous Nigerian Sage and Politician, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and when she turned 75, many used the opportunity to shower her with encomiums at a lively event held inside the Real Events Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan Oyo State.

Attended by her niece, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Vice President, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity Church and many others, the ceremony was thoroughly enjoyed especially as famous Shuga Band thrilled guests for hours.

While expressing her gratitude, Rev. (Mrs.) Oyediran in her speech thanked everyone who wasinvolved in planning and organizing a befitting burial for her late mother, Yeye Odua, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo.

She praised her loving husband, Professor A.B.O. Oyediran for standing by her for 52 years and being an amazing father to their children. She then thanked God for His protection and blessing her with good health.

She told all that she would spend the rest of her life serving in the Vineyard of the Lord and urged all those present who had not given their lives to Christ, to do so without delay.

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Oba Adedokun Abolarin & wife with celebrant’s grandchildren, Sekemi, Kepemi Aderemi

Mr. Olumide Oyediran, Mrs. Tola Oyediran with Mr. Ayo Subair

Mrs. Vivienne Ogde, celebrant, Her Excellency, Dolapo Osinbajo & Hajia Abba Folawiyo

Oba Adeyinka & Olori Oluyemisi

Mrs. Aderonke Eniade with Mrs. Atinuke Osunkoya

Mr. Yemi Aluko with Mr. Olumide Oyediran

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Engr. & Mrs. Biodun Okunuga

Mrs. Titilayo Ogungbe with Mrs. Jolomi Kolawole

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Mr. & Mrs. Clint Femi Longe

Mr. & Mrs. Lana Odutola

Mrs. Yemisi Ogunba with Mrs. Morayo Sonowo

Prof.Oyediran, Celebrant, Her Excellency, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Her Excellency, Mrs. Florence Ajumobi with Amb. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu

Hajia Abba Folawiyo & Dr. Doyin Abiola

Her Excellency, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo delivering the toast

Oba Abolarin Adedokun & his wife, Olori with Prince Damola Aderemi

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Pastor Ituah Ighodalo

Pastor Z.O.Odugbose, Pastor SAO Famadewa, Pastor P.A. Obisesan, Pastor E.A. Folorunso with Decn. D.O. Akingbade

Omoze Adedayo, Mrs. Sowunmi with Madam Funlayo Adegbenro

Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga with Rev. (Mrs.) Omotola Oyediran

Ayo & Yemisi Subair

Moniola Oyediran, Lase Subair with Mrs Yemisi Subair

Mrs. Yinka Tifase with Chinelo

Mrs. Bunmi Lekan Salami, Mrs. Tosin Kumi with Mrs. Tola Adefemi

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Prince Damola Aderemi with Dr. Duro Soloye

Prince Damola Aderemi, Prince Yemi Aderemi, Yomi Adenuga & Dayo Aderemi

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FAMILY AND FRIENDS GATHER FOR THE FUNERAL OF IN ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE

PA AMOS SODIMU

Story: Efemena Collins Photo: Ken Ehimen

Chief (Dr.) Quincy Ayodele & her husband, Engr. John Ayodele

The family

Mrs. Olufunke Sodimu with Mrs. Christiana Toyosi Sodimu (wife)

From right: Mr. & Mrs. Keeney with Mr. & Mrs. Abdul

I

t was a mixture of sadness and joy in Abekouta, Ogun State when highly respected son of the soil and patriarch of the Sodimu family, Pa Amos Oluwole Babalola Sodimu (Gbokoniyi) was laid to rest in his hometown at Idiape, Ogun State.

The burial rites commenced with a commendation service at the Cathedral of St. James African Church, Abeokuta.

The Officiating Priest started his sermon with a short exhortation and a message of hope to the deceased family, announcing that the deceased was a man who genuinely served God. This was corroborated by his eldest child, Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele who wrote“ Daddy you led my entire household to Christ and you gave your life singing "Amazing grace, how great thou art...I know you are resting in the right hand of God�

Later, he was interred in a private ceremony. After which there was first-rate reception for guests.

Chief Amos Babalola, fondly called Gbokoniyi, was born on October 20, 1926 by late Madam Mabel Sodimu and Mr. Gabriel Abiola Oyinbo Sodimu at Olorunsogo/Gbogbo village, Abeokuta, Ogun State. He attended Baptist Boys High School, Owu, Abeokuta. He was a brilliant student and earned the appellation of Sodium Chloride because he was an outstanding Chemistry student. He later went to Cooperative College in the University of Ibadan.

Pa Sodimu worked as the Local Government Secretary at Egba Owode District under the Chief Obafemi Awolowo administration of the old Western Region. He was later transferred to Ila-Orangun District in Osun State from where he proceeded to

London to further his education, he read Law at the Cambridge College, London.

He wooed and married the beautiful Madam Susan Olufunke Sodimu and took her to London, where they lived for many years and were blessed with five children.

He empowered lots of people and gave scholarships to lots of students to study abroad because he was a strong believer in education.

Pa Sodimu was a one woman person to the extent that it took his children by his first wife, many years to convince him to remarry after his first love died. He later married Mrs. Christiana Toyosi Sodimu and they were blessed with three children. He is survived by eight wonderful children, 30 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

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Engr. John & Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Ayodele and their grandchildren

Olori Adedotun Gbadebo with Admiral Jubril Ayinla

The Venerable Samual Abiodun Adeyemi

Mrs. Adeniyi, Mrs. Julia Shinaba with Chief (Mrs.) Moji Dokpesi

Pastor Idowu Iluyomade with Pastor Yemi

Mrs. Toyin Oguntola, Mrs. Aderanti Ogundele with Chief (Mrs.) Titi Odeyemi

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Pall bearers before burial possession

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Mrs. Bimpe Adeyemi, Princess Vicky Haastrup, Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Abiola, Mrs. O’Naps with Mrs. Bola Akinsehinwa

Princess Vicky Haastrup, Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Abiola with Olori Ladun Sijuade

Dr. (Mrs.) Flora Titilayo Shopade with Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Ayodele

Olori Ladun Sijuade, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, Engr. & Mrs. Ayodele with Mrs. Toni Keeney

Mrs. Toks Adeola with Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo

Prince & Princess Adeniyi and their son

Eniola Dada, Jejelola Craig with Olugbemisola Sodimu

Mrs. Bolaji Sodimu with Mrs. Bimpe Adeyemi-Wilson

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Princess Vicky Haastrup, Erelu Tola & Otunba Lekan Osifeso

Mrs. Luara Dada with Eniola Dada

Admiral Jubrila Ayinla with Otunba & Mrs. Abdul

Yomi Adelekan, Mr. & Mrs. Bolaji Akinshilo with Bola Adebowale

Abiola Salako with Foluke Balogun

Mr. & Mrs. Adekunle Abdul with Otunba & Mrs. Aderemi Abdul

Olori Ladun Sijuwade (right)

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Mr. Bolaji Akinshilo, Alhaji Yomi Adelekan with Mr. Sunday Ademola

Mrs. Olayinka Abimbola, Mr. Wole Sodimu with Mrs. Honeywealth Esan

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O VAT I O N R E V I S I T S T H E W E D D I N G O F

AYOMIDE OLADIYUN AND OLUMAYOWA ADETORO IN LAGOS Story: Adeoluwa Atayero Photo: Solomon Ekhaiymhe

The couple

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enowned man of God, Pastor Wole Oladiyun , Founder and General Overseer of Christ Living Apostolic Mission (CLAM), was visibly radiant and exuberant when his first child and 24 year old daughter, Ayomide, tied the nuptial knots with Olumayowa Adeoto Oke. Ayomide, a graduate of Dansol High School and Covenant University, currently works as a Cake Expert while her husband, US-based Olumayowa, the son of Reverend Adebiyi and Ayodeji Oke is a Pastor and Motivational Speaker. The dashing husband proudly holds an MBA from Texas A&M University, Dallas.

It was a wonderful celebration of love that began with a traditional engagement ceremony on Christmas Day-and this made the event extra

special.

One major highlight of the ceremony was the return of the bride price by Pastor Oladiyun, who noted that his daughter was a jewel of inestimable value, and therefore, he was giving her hand in marriage whole-heatedly without any strings attached.

Next day was the highly anticipated solemnization of this wedding which took place at CLAM Centre, Omole, Ikeja, Lagos. Of course, the parents of the bride were in their turf, and they glowed with so much joy.

God really took control of the ceremony because there were no hitches and everyone including Ex First Lady of Lagos, Dame Abimbola Fashola had a lot of fun.

The groom with Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) Wole Oladiyun (bride’s parents)

Bride with Pastor Adebiyi & Rev. (Mrs.) Onake Oke (groom’s parents)

Bride with her Parents, Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) Wole Oladiyun

The groom with his parents

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Couple with both families

Bride & her father stepping into the church

Couple exchanging marital vows

Couple exchanging ring

Groom signing the register

Bride signing the register

Couple with the Officiating Ministers

Couple with both families

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Couple with Pastor (Mrs.) Oladiyun & friends

Pastor Sam Adeyemi of Daystar Christian Centre praying for couple

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Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) Wole Oladiyun (bride’s parents) Couple

Couple with Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) Sam Adeyemi

Pastor Adebiyi & Rev. (Mrs.) Oke (groom’s parents)

Dr. & Pastor (Mrs.) Olu Adetimehin

Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) Wole Oladiyun & church members

Couple with family members

The couple dancing

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Couple cutting the cake

Captain Chris Najomo, Mrs. Adebayo & Mrs. Martha Najomo

Mr. & Mrs. Taiwo Afolabi

The Olaleye family

Mr. & Mrs. Akinrinsola with Chief Sylvester Odigie

Sherry Alate, Mary Balogun, Ranti Martins & Funmilola Alaka

Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) Wole Oladiyun & children

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Linda Olumese, Pastor (Mrs.) Bukola Oladiyun & Kate Omole

Pastor Adebiyi (r)

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THE LIVELY WEDDING CEREMONY BETWEEN

OGECHI IGWE AND UCHECHUKWU MEREM Story: Ehidiamen Blessing Obehi Photo: Abraham Falodun

The couple

Raju, couple, Swapna & Akshata Don & Racheal Obilor with the couple

The couple receiving blessing

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othing can be more beautiful or can compare to two people who are deeply in love and have decided to spend the rest of their lives together as one.

This was one of the many reasons that Ogechi Precious Igwe and Uchechukwu Hyginus Merem sealed their years of friendship and love with a lively wedding in Lagos.

The ceremony witnessed by family and friends, some who travelled from outside Nigeria was held at Swarm Hall located inside the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos.

The bride was gorgeous as she arrived elegantly with her bridal train who were all beautifully dressed. The groom was smashing as he stood excitedly waiting for his jewel. They were indeed a perfect match.

During the solemnization of the marriage, the pair was tutored by Pastor

Austine Aluevbose on the roles each should play in order to make their marriage work. He implored them to continue in love in spite of all odds.

Immediately after the Christian ceremony which saw them exchange rings and kisses, the event planner dutifully repackaged the venue for the reception.

It was a medley of songs by DJ Snipes that welcomed the couple who are both working in different banking institutions and their guests back to the hall.

Of course, the entry of Ogechi and Uchechukwu was spectacular, after a wonderful dance session and prayers, the reception took on a life of its own and glided smoothly.

Mc Bonus thrilled the audience and created a convivial atmosphere that many would remember for years to come.

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Deaconess Abimbola Oluwasanmi presenting couple with wedding certificate

Administering the holy communion to the couple by Pastor Mrs. Bukola Aluvebose

Officiating Ministers with couple

The groom, Hyginus Merem with groom’s men

Couple with Fidelity Bank Staff

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Couple with Don & Racheal Obilor’s friends

The couple with bridal train & groom’s men

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Mrs. Racheal Obilor with Michael Effiong, Editor, Ovation International Magazine

Mrs. Vicky Ahiwe & Mrs. Obilor

Rowland & wife Roli with their daughter

Mr. & Mrs Nedd Ayodele

Dr. & Mrs. Osejenwune Chris

Mr. & Mrs. Menkiti Uchena with baby Obianuju

Mr. & Mrs. Ifeanyi Achibiri

Don Obilor & Sola Lawson

Joke Omoigui & Funke Pegba-Otemolu

Mrs & Mrs I.S Adegunle, Mr. & Mrs. Tolu Ogunkoya & Rachel Obilor

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Editor, Ovation Media group Micheal Effiong James & MC Bonus

Felicia Anya, Joy Ezetah & Nonye Duru

Uche Nwankwo, Vivian Okolo & Kingsley Nwandu

Waheed, Wale, Sodeeq, Wole & Omobola

Clara Merem, Roli, Racheal & Patience Fiberesima

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Couple & friends toast with the bride's mother, Mrs. Felicia Igwe

Mr. & Mrs. Obilor, Lizzy Iroha & Mrs. Azu Awosika

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Mr. & Mrs. Kayode Olagesin with the Obilors

Uchenna Nwankwo, Uche Merem & Slam

Roli, Rachel, Uncle Kenny, Don & Auntie Tayo

Madam Afis of Afis Cuisine flanked by Mr. & Mrs. Obilor

Toyin Adeitan & Racheal Obilor

Tolu Ogunkoya & Michael Effiong

Slam, Couple & Orji Gold

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NAIL STUDIO UPGRADES

GIVES CLIENTELE ADDITIONAL FIRST-RATE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Photo: Abraham Falodun, Sunmisola Olorunisola & Nail Studio Official Pictures

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hen Mrs. Adetokunbo Awogboro started The Nail Studio all she had in abundance was her passion for excellence, her will to make a difference, her knack to satisfy customers and her strong faith in God. These principles ensured that The Nail Studio which had an exciting mix of an arty ambience, first-rate customer service and innovative products soon became the one-stop beauty shop of choice for discerning Nigerians.

And year after year, its objective of providing world class nail services were met with relish and customers kept stepping out of the facility with loads of smiles.

As expected, over the years, the business expanded to incorporate several divisions namely hair, spa, barbing, juice bar and a large retail division.

Located on busy, Bishop Aboyade Cole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, The Nail Studio which now has Mrs. Awogboro and her daughter, Mrs. Irene Symiris as a 2-person team at the helm of affairs, decided to stream-line the retail division and a relationship with the ELC (Estee Lauder) Group was born.

Today, The Nail Studio is an official retailer of the high-end skin care brands Estee Lauder,

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Clinique and Smash box. Designer fragrances were added to the line up and an on-site beauty emporium came into existence too.

This new direction of the business led to an aesthetic upgrade of its facility-and the result is not only pleasing to the eyes but entices visitors to explore

the various products and brands-and most importantly spend time to do some shopping.

The Nail Studio hosted members of the media, beauty bloggers and a few family and friends to a cocktail launch of this new retail section. It was a very lively ceremony.

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WHEN NAIL STUDIO OPENED ITS PERFUME GALLERY

Mrs. Tokunbo Awogboro

Mrs. Irene Symyris & Mrs. Tokunbo Awogboro

From 2nd left: Lady Maiden Alex Ibru, Olorogun Oskar Ibru, Mr. Francis Awogboro, Mrs. Wanda Ibru, Mrs. Tokunbo Awogboro, Princess Oluwatoyin Adedoyin, Mrs. Irene Asake Symyris & Toun Oni Adebiyi

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Temi Olatunde, Mrs. Tokunbo Awogboro, Mrs. Irene Symyris, Makashe, Fidel Awogboro & Kayode Awogboro

Fidel, Makashe, Mrs. Awogboro, Asake, Temi & Tayo Awogboro

Chief Tony, Dr. Charles Hammond, Prince F.O. Awogboro, Olorogun Oskar Ibru & Mr. Martin Ikediashi

Michael Effiong & Arch. Tunji Olaogun

Mrs. Bola Fashola, Princess Toyin Adedoyin, Mrs. Irene Asake Symyris

Sabihe Witt, Liebheir Alice Knoerref, Lufthansa Joyce Guyon, Air France, KLM Sophie Liron, French Embassy Regine Thumm, Dantater, Kawee & Mrs. Tokunbo Awogboro

Mrs. Tokunbo Awogboro with Mr. & Mrs. Fachoukh

Mr. Awogboro, Mr. Hammond & Olorogun Oskar

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Miss Amina Buba, Mrs. Awogboro & Kabir Shagaya

R-l: Michael Effiong, Olorogun Oskar Ibru

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Mrs. Awogboro & grandson

Kate Henshaw & Mrs. Tokunbo Awogboro

Mrs. Tokunbo Awogboro & Chief Samuel Adedoyin

Mrs. Toyin Adedoyin & Mrs Tina Ihama

Michael Effiong, Kate Henshaw & Ebuwa Martins

Lady Maiden Ibru

Mrs. Nneka Jibunoh & Mrs. Irene Symiris

Mr. Eze Ude & Mrs. Irene Symiris

Mrs. Awogboro & Mrs. Aniola Durosimi-Etti

Genevieve Nnaji & Mrs. Tokunbo Awogboro

Mr. Olu MacGregor & Prof. Theo Ogunbiyi

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Mrs. Irene Asake Symyris

Mrs. Mona Fachoukh, Mrs. Tokunbo Awogboro & Ebele Omorodion

Doyin Ubani

HRH Mrs. Pelebo Banigo (middle) with guests

Anand Somaya, Tolu Betine, Toks & Waresh Parayeni

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Sars Eshin & Lolade Mr. & Mrs. Niyi Moses Awogbade

R-l: Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya, Chief (Mrs.) Sena Anthony & Olamide Okoya

Compere with Mrs. Irene Symyris

NOMORELOSS

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TEARS FLOW AS MUYIWA OSINUGA (NOMORELOSS) GOES HOME IN LAGOS Story: Ehidiamen Blessing Obehi Photo: Funmilayo Adeyemi

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Ruggedman delivering his tribute

Ibliss

riends, family and people in the entertainment industry shed genuine tears, indeed there was anguish in the air when Olumuyiwa Adeyemi Osinuga popularly known as Nomoreloss was buried in Lagos.

His burial ceremony began with a service of song and evening of tributes which was held at Koga Studio, off Kudirat Abiola way, Alausa Ikeja.- and the music industry was well represented. They came in droves to honour one of their well-respected members.

The solemn and sombre ceremony

saw Pastor Sunday Bankole delivering a powerful sermon on “eternity�. His theme was that people should live on earth but should remember to invest in the life after. That was why he noted that "Christians don't die, they sleep".

He concluded that as a Christian, Nomoreloss, has embarked on a journey where he would be at peace with his creator.

His death touched many but they were comforted by the fact that he would forever be remembered for his contribution to the Nigerian music industry.

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JMartins & Efe Omorogbe

LTY, Korede Okungbowa & OJB

Ify, Mr. Jide & Chris

Wierd MC performing on stage

Gbenga Adeyinka, K-Solo & Essence

Blessing Ehidiamen, (Ovation), Rugged Man & Funmilayo Adeyemi (Ovation)

Ruggedman with the Osinuga family

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Ego performing on stage

Demola Osinuga giving the vote of thanks

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The bereaved family

During the first bible reading

Mr. Abayomi Orekoya giving his tribute

Mr. Dairo giving his tribute

L-r: Nikky Laoye, Weird MC

Ebony Pallbearers carrying the casket

Prayer for the bereaved family

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50 HEARTY CHEERS FOR THE PUBLISHER OF GLAM AND ESSENCE, SUSAN EYO-HONESTY IN LAGOS Story: Adeoluwa Atayero Photo: Funmilayo Adeyemi

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Celebrant cutting her cake

op style writer and publisher, Susan Eyo-Honesty, celebrated a new milestone as she turned 50 in Lagos.

A proud alumnus of the University of Lagos, Ms Eyo-Honesty has become a legend in her genre of journalism after 25 years of practice, little wonder many colleagues and the fashion world came to celebrate with this wonderful personality.

Her career began at then leading softsell journal, Vintage People Magazine where she worked for several years before she went on to work as Deputy Editor-In-Chief of City People Magazine. After years at City People,

where she led the magazine’s ambitious foray into fashion and style, she resigned to launch her own publication, Glam & Essence.

A woman of many talents, Susan as she is fondly called is also a respected fashion designer. And member of the Fashion Designers Asssociation of Nigeria (FADAN) . She is currently the Chief Administrator of EVE2000, an exclusive fashion designing company located in Lagos.

Her golden jubilee which took place at Devine Hall, off Salvation Road, Opebi-Ikeja, Lagos was well attended by many, including OVATION Publisher, Bashorun Dele Momodu.

Celebrant with mum

Ndidi Obioha, Susan Eyo-Honesty & Grace Egbagbe

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Mrs. Adeola Adedayo

Mrs. Bunmi Ayodele

Lara Shoyemi

Yemmy Desalu

Essence

Mr. & Mrs Bode Benard

Mary Charles

Barrister Babatunde Ogala

Mandy

Essence singing

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Mrs. Martha Najomo

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Mrs. Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Doyle

Otunba Lai Oriowo & Arc. Biodun Fari Arole

Adaobi Izekor, Funke Rowaye & Bimpe Anodu

Bashorun Dele Momodu giving his speech

Celebrant with Hon. Ronke Shokefun

Mrs. Deola, Susan & Mrs. Jumbo Olaniyi

L-R: Yinka Adewumi, Lara Shoyemi, Oyin Onime & Olori Jaiyeola

Essence & Ebuwa

Bashorun Dele Momodu & Mayor Akinpelu

Valerie Takim, Joy & Gloria

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Omowunmi, Sonsy Udeke, Alhaja Tai Okesanjo, Susan, Kenny St. Best & Lars Shoyemi

Kemi Otegbade, Mrs. Joy & Mrs. Foluke Abodunrin

Mayor Akinpelu, Kemi Otegbade & Barrister Babatunde Ogala

Bridget, Susan & her mother

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Lisonell, Celebrant & Isabella

Ebuwa, Chief Dele Momodu, Susan & Essence

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MRS. NKECHI

ALIBALOGUN CLOCKS 60 IN STYLE

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Story: Blessing Ehidiamen Photo: Koya Adegbite

od gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well. Mrs. Nkechi AliBalogun, the former Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is not only glad to be alive but she has made sure those years have been impactful.

Married to foremost movie practitioner and businessman, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, the celebrant pulled all the stops to ensure that her 60th birthday celebration held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos was not only colourful but memorable.

As one of those indefatigable women who has aged with grace, Mrs. Ali-Balogun was close to tears when her closest and dearest painted a picture of her life-a picture of hardwork, spreading love, touching lives and excelling in her chosen profession of Public Relations.

The celebration began with a session of prayers and praises, and later a soul-stirring sermon was delivered by famous Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of Fountain of Life Church.

The service dove-tailed into a reception which was a wonderful gathering of close friends and associates. The event was enough proof that the celebrant has been a gift to the world.

The celebrant: Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun

The Ali-Balogun family

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Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) Taiwo Odukoya with Mr. Mahmood Ali Balogun

Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) Femi Paul

Ayo Megbope, Femi Megbope & Amaka Maduneme

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Eniola Saliu & Bukky

Mr. & Mrs. Soremekun

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Prof. & Mrs. Ralph Akinfeleye

Ogor Efobi, Sabella Efobi & Idara

Christie Ray Okoye, Lolade Aina, Caro Ufere, Celebrant & Chinwendu Ugwe

Lolade Aina with Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun

Amaka Maduneme, Ayo Megbope, Moji Williams, Celebrant, Biola Kujore & Pst. Kujore

Hajia Lamin Tumaka & celebrant

Udy Umondak & Ken Egbas

Sola Olomu & Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun

Constance Oyolu, Ikeoluwa Ali-Balogun, Mr. & Mrs. Mahmood Ali-Balogun

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Moji Williams, Deola Kujore & Ayo Megbope

Celebrant with Cousins & In-laws

Chinyelo Anyiam-Osigwe, Celebrant & Inyen Agbonifo

Mr. & Mrs. Usiade

Christy Onwuzilike, Bunmi Oke, Joy, Ijioma Oyeri, Celebrant, Caro Ufere, Christie Ray Okore & Pst. Gloria Esama

Yinka Ogunde, Bunmi Oke, Celebrant, Christie Amida & Mrs. Nyong

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Marcel Anyanwu, Bola Kujore, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Bolaji Okusaga, Femi McMedal, Celebrant, Lola, Muyiwa Ojelabi & Ken Egbas

Bukky, Funmi Ademoye, Kemi Biwoye, Bunmi Badamosi, Moji Bakare, Celebrant, Juliet Biniti with Mr. & Mrs. Emma Isina

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Bose Adebiyi, Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, Eva Emakpore, Celebrant, Alero Adolo & Benita Osifo

Ken Igbeta, Jimmy Soyebo, Celebrant, Funmi Balogun, Biodun Balogun & Gbemibo Ogunfidodo

Chudi Ugwe & family

Ikeoluwa & mum

R-l: Yomi Badejo-Okunsanya, Celebrant & friend

Angela Febeshi, Paul Obazele, Celebrant, Fred Amata, Ify Kagho & Ray Echebulem

Wole Adesanya, Celebrant & Femi Odumabo

Mrs. Arofin, Mrs. Modele, Celebrant, Mrs. Akingbade & Ikeoluwa Ali Balogun

Yele Okeremi, Celebrant & Dupe

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AT THE COMMISSIONING OF NEWLY RENOVATED YABA MODEL NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL BY THE BUNMI ADEDAYO FOUNDATION Story: David Adeyemi Photo: Segun Lawal

Chairman, Board of Directors, (BAF), Babatunde Akinleye, Mr. Adekunle Adedayo. Mrs. Yemisi Adedayo, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule & Chairman, Bunmi Adedayo Foundation, Mrs. Olayinka Adedayo

Chairman Board of Directors, Babatunde Akinleye, Mr. Adekunle Adedayo. Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule & Chairman, Bunmi Adedayo Foundation, Mrs. Olayinka Adedayo

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he name Oluwabunmi Adedayo has now been cast in gold!. It is now firmly planted in the hearts and homes of many as his family had decided to immortalize his name through the launch of the Bunmi Adedayo Foundation (BAF) In case you do not know, Bunmi Adedayo was the hard-working, innovative Executive Director of Tastee Fried Chicken who died at a very young age, and because of his passion and love for children, the foundation has specifically set out to upgrade schools attended by not too privileged children.

The foundation has taken it upon itself to bridge the gap between private and government-run schools and more importantly? continue Bunmi’s dream of

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Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule delivering her speech the unveiling

improving the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The foundation intervenes in schools through advocacy, enhancement of content and learning environment of teaching methodology, instilling a sense of civic responsibility in the children and encouraging them to achieve their potentials.

At its launch, BAF’s Board of Trustees members were introduced to the world. They are: Mrs. Olayinka Adedayo (Chairman), Dr. Doyin Abiola, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Prof. Wole Atoyebi and Mr. Foluso Phillips.

In addition there is also a Board of Directors and the members are: Mr. Babatunde Akinleye (Chairman),

Mrs. Abimbola Dada, (Vice Chairman), Ms. Odunoluwa Longe, (Secretary), Bashorun Dele Momodu, Dr. Dele Adegoroye, Dr. Ayo Adeniji, Mr. Akin Amosun, Dr. Fowoke Akinleye, Dr. Adeyinka Adepoju, Dr. Abimbola Jaiyesimi and Mrs. Yemisi Adedayo.

And to show that it is on a serious mission, BAF kicked off its activities with the commissioning of its first project, the refurbished and equipped Yaba Model Nursery and Primary school. Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Adebule performed the official unveiling to the delight of all present especially the teachers and pupils who were all beaming with joy.

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Back view of the school

Front View of the school

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule inspecting the class room

Opening prayer by Engr. Niyi Ogunusi

Dr. Ganiyu Oluremi Sogbeyin during his speech

Mr. Babatunde Akinleye

Mrs. Bukunola Ogunnusi during her speech

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Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Chairman, Bunmi Adedayo Foundation, Mrs. Olayinka Adedayo & Mr. Adekunle Adedayo

Chairman, Dangote Foundation, Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Chairman, Bunmi Adedayo Foundation, Mrs. Olayinka Adedayo & Mr. Adekunle Adedayo

Akin Semowo

Dr. Ganiyu Oluremi Sogbeyin & Chairman, Dangote Foundation, Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou

Elder Abayomi Paseda & Elder Mrs. Dupe Paseda-Ajayi

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Mrs. Toyin Bakare & Oreoluwa Adebo

Hon. Sheriff Balogun & Hon. Adejare

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Chairman, Bunmi Adedayo Foundation, Mrs. Olayinka Adedayo

Mrs. Yemisi Adedayo with children

Mr. Adekunle Adedayo

Dupe Ademola & Anthonia Kadri

Mrs. Kehinde Okunowo, Mrs. Inena Ikele & Mrs. Bukunola Ogunnusi

Odusina Akeem, Bunmi Odesanya & Akin Semowo

Award of scholarship to Master Joshua Daniel Olaniyan

Mrs. Elizabeth Ekundayo, Mrs. Grace Adenike, Ejiromi Christopher Oladele & Shokunbi Adenike Ayodele

SB Bakare

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CHILDREN CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF

MRS. AYINKE OLUBUNMI ADEAGA Story: Adeyemi Funmilayo Photo: Ken Ehimen

The family

Dr. Shola Adeaga, Mrs. Funke Adeaga, Mrs Titi Akinsanya & Mr.Yemi Akinsanya

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ooking at the children Mrs. Olubunmi Adeaga left behind; there will be no doubt that she died fulfilled. As we know so well that mothers are usually the connecting factor in families; they set the standards of life and qualities they expect in their children. Little wonder that the painful exit of the matriarch was felt by members of the Adeaga family-and they went all out to celebrate her.

Born in Akogun Oke Compound, Totoro, Ago Owu, Abeokuta, on 19th of June, 1931, Mrs. Winfred Olubunmi Adeaga started her primary education in 1940 at Owu Baptist Day School, Abeokuta. After her Secondary School education in Baptist Girls School, IdiAba, Abeokuta, she attended Baptist Women’s Teachers College, Idi Aba, Abeokuta, where she graduated as a Grade II Teacher in 1953. She proceeded for an Advanced Teacher’s Training, shortly thereafter.

She began her teaching career at Ade-Oshodi Memorial Baptist Primary School in Lagos, from 1954-1956. The indefatigable lady grew through the ranks and in 1977 she was made Headmistress at St. Gorges Girls School, Falomo, Lagos.

She retired in 1984 after serving as pioneer Headmistress of Federal 130

Housing Estate 1004 Flats, Primary School, Victoria Island.

After active service, she committed her life to the work of God-and everyone at Yaba Baptist Church felt her presence as she served in many committees and belonging to various groups.

After her retirement from the Teaching Profession and because she was a very good cook and could not remain idle, Madam Adeaga started a catering business in 1992 which she operated till she passed on to glory.

It was at Yaba Baptist Church that her funeral service was held and the turnout was impressive. Rev, Sam Oluniyi coordinated the service and it was a session of praise and thanks to God for a life that was well spent.

The most moving moment was the tribute of her only son, Dr. Shola Adeaga, his vote of thanks was also well received by all.

Attended by First Lady of Oyo State, Her Excellency Florence Ajumobi and wife of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mrs. Janet Adeyemo amongst others, the reception later at the Harbor Point Victoria Island, Lagos was a wonderful expression of appreciation for all those who came to honour the Adeaga family.

Frank Ozomoh, Bimbo Ozomah, Aileme Unuigbe, Oyindamola Unuigbe,Tomi Somefun & Jide Somefun

L-r: Tubosore Adeaga, Lotechi Ozomah, Temilayo Adeaga, Soluchi Ozomah& Kikelola Soyode (grandchildren)

Dr. Femi Taiwo, Mrs. Noru Ani & Mrs. Ronke Iwayemi

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The church service

Women Union Workers for Christ special tribute

MIC pall bearers with the casket

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Pastor (Mrs.) Debola Okusanya (MIC)

Oyo State Governor’s wife, H.E. Florence Ajumobi

The Officiating Ministers

Burial Procession

Pastor Sam Oluniyi

Burial Procession

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Family at the graveside

Adetayo Akinsanya

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Capt. Bunmi Sandey, Mrs. Seye Sandey & Mrs. Bisi Ayomide

Mrs. Onafeko, Pastor Sola Adeaga & Pastor Mrs.Yinka Odogwu

Soluchi Ozomah, Frank Ozomah & Lotechi Ozomah

Soluchi Ozomah,Titi Abraham & Lotechi Ozomah

Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Mrs.Bimbo Ozomah & Ms Taiwo Adesina

Toyosi Ogedengbe,Yinka Ogedengbe & Pastor Sola Adeaga

Mrs.Titi Akinsanya, Mrs. Funke Adeaga & Mrs.Yewande Zaccheaus

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Nike Diyaolu,Temidire Akingbade & Mosun Oyefejobi

Mrs. Adeola Oloketuyi & Mrs. Teniola Jaiyeola

Gbemisola Adeaga, Deji Delano & Toyin Imoyo

Olufunmilola Bucknor & Mrs. Ronke Bucknor

Bimbo Oworu, Mrs. Bola Ayorinde & Mrs. Bodun Doyle

Mrs. Bisola Oduyale, Mr. & Mrs. Tola Mobolurin, Mrs. Bola Ayorinde, Mrs. Bodun Doyle & Mrs. Bimbo Oworu

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Mrs. Bababunmi, Mrs. Somefun & Mrs. Hamman

Mrs. Odulaja, Mrs. Iyabo William, Mrs. Angela Adegboyega, Mrs. Abimbola Osula & Mrs.Toyin Lajumoke

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Mr. Jide Somefun, Mrs. Funke Adeaga & Pastor Denrele Runsewe

Pastor Wunmi Oladunjoye, Mrs. Funmi Durosinmi-Etti, Mrs. Okunsanya & Mrs. Funke Adeaga

Prince Adelekan Aderemi, Pastor Wale Gybson-Whyte, Lulu Manza & Pastor Ifechuckwu Ntuanya

Pastor Wale Gbyson-White, Mr. Ayobami Olunloyo, Mrs. Laide Olunloyo & Prince Adelekan Aderemi

Olumide Anure, Aileme Unuigbe, Damola Anure & Oyindamola Unuigbe

Funke Olowoyo,Yinka Obaoye, Chika & Irene

Mrs. Theresa Evuleocha, Mrs. Hetty Ugboh, Mrs. Bimbo Ozomah (Daughter), Mrs. Nkem Adeogun & Mrs.Chika Sanni

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PA IMEH JAMES, FATHER OF

OVATION EDITOR, GOES HOME IN STYLE Story: Eric Elezuo Photo: Ken Ehimen & Abraham Falodun

The Imeh James family: Sons, daughters in-law & some grandchildren

D

eath, a necessary end, came the way of Mr. Gregory Imeh James, the father of Editor of OVATION International Magazine, Mr. Michael Effiong James, at the ripe age of 80.

His journey to eternal glory began with a lying in-state at his residence after which the remains of the octogenarian was conveyed to St. Athanasius Primary School, Nung Oku-Ibesikpo, IbesikpoAsutan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, where a funeral service conducted by Ministers of The Church of Christ was held.

Pa Imeh James, who began his career as a Naval rating, later started his own business in 1976, excelled in his trade, gaining the leverage to build his home and train his children to great height in their fields of chosen endeavour.

After the service, where Minister Ability Abraham preached about the need to serve in the vineyard of the Lord, the remains of the accomplished family man was returned to his compound where he was interred.

Thereafter, there was a lavish reception held inside a giant marquee at the St. Athanasius Primary School field.

The venue was beautifully decorated by Inanwolay Creation (They also enhanced Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Udom Emmanuel, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, Speaker, Akwa State House of the lying in-state with decor and fine Assembly, Michael Effiong, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Information & Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, lighting), food was provided by De Bashorun Dele Momodu & Prince Adedamola Aderemi Potters Limited and Limelight Catering government, business and media sectors such as the Former AIG of Police, Chief Tunji Alapini, Owner, while Unstoppable Handlers and De Potters Cocktails took charge of drinks. Good music was provided by Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Bevista, Mr. Benny Obaze, MD/CEO, Vivid Catholic Media Band, Uyo Diocese while the Master of Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, Honourable Commissioner for Imagination, Mr. Godwin Mekwuye, Group CEO, Ceremonies was Radio Presenter/Comedian, Sunny Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, CPS to Governor Charterhouse, Mr. Iyiola Ayoade, celebrated Activist Idiga aka Nna Men. Udom Emmanuel, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, Chairman, and Journalist, Richard Akinnola, Publisher, Yes The ceremony drew notable personalities from the OVATION Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Magazine, Azuh Arinze; Founder, African Women in 136

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The Widow, Mrs. Affiong James, Mrs. Oluwakemi James & Affiong Okon James

Fifth son, Edidiong James, wife & son with Asuquo James, fourth son

R-l: Min. Ability Abraham, Min. Friday Udoh & a colleague from Church of Christ

Michael Effiong, Mrs. Justina Evans James, Ifreke James, Aniekeme James & first grandson Anietie James

Second son, Michael Effiong James delivering his speech

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Eldest son, Evans James, Chief Augustine James, nephew & Edem James, third son

Evans James, Eldest son

Cross section of guests

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Effiong James

Ms Deola Owolabi, Mrs. Abisola Abegunde, Mrs. Toyin Ayegbusi, Deola Macaulay, Hon. Deji Owolabi & Toyin Adeola

Mrs. Oluwakemi James, Mrs. Justina Okon James with Mrs. Edidiong James & son

Anietie James, first grandson & Aniekeme James

Leadership Organisation, Mr. Elisha Attai; Prince Damola Aderemi, Group Head, Corporate Communications, UBA, Mr. Charles Aigbe, Ultra Moda owner, Dr. Julius Nwokoro, Publisher of the TheEagleonline, Mr. Dotun Oladipo and his wife, Taiwo, Lagos Civil Servant, Mr. Hakeem Anjolaiya, top businesswoman, Princess Toyin Kolade, ace photographer, Dayo Adedayo, Arch.

Niyi Adelaja, Publisher E24/7 Magazine, Mr. Biodun Kupoluyi, Brands Specialist, Prince Adeyemi Aseperi, NTA’s Bayo Ogori, 138

L-r: Segun Inawole Okunuga, Michael Effiong, Pastor Adesoji Adeniran & Ifiok Offiong

Entertainment Investor, Bayo Odunsami, Writer and hotelier, Akin Adeoya, Publisher, News of the People, Loye Amsat, Mr. Dapo Amao, Creative entreprenuer, Sola Folabi, top Printer, Kingsley James, Publisher CKN, Chris Nwandu, Hon. Deji Owolabi, Mrs. Abisola Abegunde, Ms Deola Macaulay, FAAN’s Ms Adeola Owolabi, Boxing Promoter, Remi Aboderin, Sodium Brand Solutions MD/CEO, Abisoye Fagade, Publisher, Abuja Inquirer, Dan Akpovwa, Lotus Communicaions boss, Mr. Solomon

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Adekoya Adegbite, Michael Effiong, Dayo Adedayo & Oyebanji Damilare

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Information & Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, Speaker, Akwa State House of Assembly, Bashorun Dele Momodu & Prince Adedamola Aderemi

Remi Aboderin, Ekerete Udoh, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Prince Damola Aderemi, Biodun Kupoluyi, Hon. Elisha Attai, Rt. Hon Onofiok Luke, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Azuh Arinze, Dr. Julius Nwokoro, Akin Adeoya & Chris Nwandu.

Mr. Iyiola Ayoade, Bashorun Dele Momodu & Dapo Amao

Mr. Benny Obaze, Hon. Elisha Attai, Rotimi Obey, Bashorun Dele Momodu & Godwin Mekwuye

Dan Akpovwa, Prince Damola Aderemi, Bashorun Dele Momodu & Michael Effiong James

Mrs. Toyin Kolade & Mrs. Oluwakemi James

L-r: Justina James, Esther Inwe, Ngozi & Aunt Elizabeth

Bayo Odusami, Arch. Niyi Adelaja, Michael Effiong & Bayo Ogori

AIG Tunji Alapini, Dan Akpovwa, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Information & Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, Prince Damola Aderemi & Bashorun Dele Momodu

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L-r: Aniekan Umanah, Commisioner of information, Akwa Ibom State, Michael Effiong & Dotun Oladipo, Publisher, TheEagleonline

Divisional Head UBA. Charlse Aigbe with Publisher, TheEagleonline, Dotun Oladipo

Shola Fajobi, Kingsley James, Michael Effiong, Biodun Kupoluyi & Remi Aboderin

Mrs. Oluwakemi James with Bashorun Dele Momodu

R-l:Dayo Adedayo, Mrs. Toyin Kolade, Michael Effiong, Biodun Kupoluyi & friend

Hon. Deji Owolabi greeting Bashorun Dele Momodu

Bayo Ogori, Michael Effiong James & Remi Aboderin

Benedict Osei-Banash, Abraham Falodun, Enitan Okesanya, Adekoya Adegbite, Michael Effiong, Damilare Oyebanji & Akintunde Akinpelu

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Bashorun Dele Momodu & Bayo Odusami

Olamitunde Williams, Michael Effiong & Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adeola

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(R) Mrs. Toyin Kolade & friend Mrs. Bukola Akinsola, Mrs. Sade Orolugbagbe & Mrs. Biola Oni

Azuh Arinze, Dr. Julius Nwokoro, Chris Nwandu, Michael Effiong, Loye Amsat & Prince Adeyemi Aseperi

Bisoye Fagade & AIG Tunji Alapini

Mrs. Abisola Abegunde, Michael Effiong, Deola Owolabi, Hon. Deji Owolabi

Dan Akpovwa, Michael Effiong James & Solomon Kolade-Olotu

R-l: Iyiola Ayoade, Dapo Amao, Godwin Mekwuye, Azuh Arinze, Michael Effiong, Rotimi Obey, Dapo Amao & Hon. Elisha Attai

Michael Effiong with Hakeem Anjolaiya

Raymond Atimah, Akintunde Akinpelu & Abraham Falodun

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Benny Obaze, Koya Adegbite, Godwin Mekwuye & Arc. Adeniyi Adelaja

Mr. Richard Akinnola (3rd left) & Bashorun Dele Momodu with friends

Tunde Martins, Femi Akande, Mr. Mandu Uwem-Udoh & Asuquo James

Bashorun Dele Momodu & Dayo Adedayo

Mrs. Deola Macaulay, Michael Effiong, Mrs. Abisola Abegunde, Ms Deola Owolabi & Hon. Deji Owolabi

Oyebanji Damilare, Mrs. Deola Macaulay, Princess Toyin Kolade, Mrs. Abegunde & Toyin Adesola

Olotu, Members of January 9 Collective, Rotary Club among others.

It was indeed a worthy celebration of life for a man who touched many lives during his earthly sojourn.

Tributes

My best friend of over 60 years and my loving husband. I will miss you so much.

Though you have gone, I am comforted by the fact that you spent your last days in the vineyard of the Lord. You were a good Christian and was faithful to God. We shared very good times and very bad times, but we survived together, and that was the commitment we made to God and my father when you came for my hand in marriage. You are a true man of your words.Continue to enjoy your deserved rest, till we meet at Jesus feet.

Your Dear wife Papa, you were indeed a great father, your demise from the world at a time like this has left deep sense of grief in our heart, but were are consoled in God because you lived a worthy and amiable life on earth. You were a great source of encouragement to me, a coun6sellor and industrious father who believed in dignity of labour, integrity, discipline and peaceful co-existence.

We bid you Good night. Adieu Papa! Esiere oo!!

Your son, Mr. Evan James, first son In the words of Robert Bryne “The purpose of life is a life of purpose” my earliest memories of my dad were that of a hard man. A man in a deep blue and white uniform, who eats the best meal in the house and never goes to Church. As I grew older, my perception of him changed. I found him friendly, witty and free-spirited.

He was always concerned about our report sheets, and was always quick to praise when you came tops and

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encourages when you fall short. He was one man who loved people around him, and who never tolerated nonsense.

He was an upright man. I remember his prayer when I brought home my first pay packet from Fame Magazine: He simply said “Spend it on others, just a little on yourself, but most importantly, never forget the Lord”. Those words rang in my ear so much every day that when I had my first child, a lovely daughter, I named her, Kufreabasi (which means, never forget the Lord).

My papa or like I used to tease him “Ete Evans” believed in responsibility, duty and accountability.I thank God that we are the ones burying him today, Rest in Peace, God be with you till we meet again!

Michael Papa whom am I to question God? Papa you were indeed an epitome of bravery, courage, and a perfect gentleman, you were not only a father to us but to all.

You have touched several lives but the truth is every life has an end. Rest in the Bosom of the Lord my great father.

Edem James Sleep well Papa!

Papa! I still find it hard to believe you've slept eternally. Who will lighten my heart, when all seem wary? Who will console Mama? Who? Questions!!!

Really, God knows best. But, I take solace that you trained me well. To be courageous. Fearless.

Principled. Hardworking. Selfless. Truthful. Happy. To have a great sense of humour and above all to be God fearing.

More so, I'm so happy that you slept peacefully as

a member of the Church of Christ.

Your grand Son, Aniebietabasi, Your wife, Vivien and I will greatly miss you. Na ye Obong...e ya sobo ke obio Obong Asuquo, Son We thank God that you have gone to be with the Lord after fulfilling all your days. May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord. Amen.

Mr. Edidiong James and family Papa was full of humour and life, never a dull moment when you are around him. I remember my first meeting with him in Dec of 2004, when Michael introduced me to him as the one he wants to marry he just said ' How many girls are you going to bring to me?

Michael said Ha papa this is the only girl I have ever showed you and he started explaining to me that his dad can make a joke of everything. Papa later told me he wanted to see my reaction.

Papa lived well, he loved everybody and was never one to bear a grudge. I will miss the money you give me any time you sell your pigs. We love you but God loves you more.

Oluwakemi James, daughter in law The news of your exit from the earth was received with shock by us, because you were such a loving and caring father whose great love was so precious to us.

We know that your reward awaits you in Christ for all your labours on earth. May God Almighty grant you blissful repose in the Lord’s bosom. Papa Esiere Ooo! Your daughter-in-law, Mrs. Justina Evan James

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AT THE 80TH BIRTHDAY PARTY OF MRS. COMFORT FAJANA IN EKITI STATE Story: David Adeyemi Photo: Segun Lawal

Celebrant with Children

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Mrs. Comfort Olufunke Fajana & daughter, Hon. (Mrs.) Jumoke Fajana-Thomas

t was joy unlimited for Mrs. Comfort Fajana when she celebrated her 80th birthday in good health and surrounded by her family and friends in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The birthday anniversary which started with a thanksgiving service at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Odo-Ado, Ado Ekiti saw how loved the ‘motherof-all’ was with the way the church was packed full with those whom she had encountered and impacted in the course of her life.

It was obvious that the whole essence of the service was simply to thank God for a life of service to God and humanity. The Pastor-in-charge Arch Bishop Odunaike reeled out the exemplary life of this wonderful woman.

Her devotion to the church, people

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around her and humanity as a whole.

Later, there was a reception at her residence which began with an opening prayer by Mr. Oluwole Olambo. Again, there was a session of tributes by family members and friends who came from far and near.

The Comperes were Charles and Bolu who thrilled the audience with ribcracking jokes and also steered the event well. The funny duo it was, who invited the celebrant and her family to cut the birthday cake after which a toast was proposed by Barrister Peju Omotayo.

The ceremony was officially brought to an end with a vote of thanks by the celebrant’s son, Mr. Nicholas Fajana but the festivities continued till well into the night.

Celebrant cutting her cake

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Arc. Odunaike

Mrs. Comfort Olufunke Fajana & Arc Odunaike

Mrs. Comfort Olufunke Fajana & Nicolas Fajana

Mrs. Abby Shodunke & Miss Afolake Adeoso

Mr. & Mrs. Oluwole Olambo

Miss. Nifemi Omotayo, Miss. Jovita Amosike & Modupe Jongbo

Mr. Nicolas Fajana, Mrs. Comfort Fajana & Mrs. Fatode Folasade Adebimpe

Mrs. Comfort Olufunke Fajana, Hon. Jumoke Fajana-Thomas & Princess Temilade

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Oluwole Olambo & Mrs. Jumoke Fajana

(R) Mrs. Jumoke Fajana

Mr. & Mrs. Oluwole Olambo with Mrs. Comfort Fajana-Thomas

Mrs. Adekemi Biodun-Fajana, Mrs. Comfort Fajana-Thomas, Mrs. Racheal Ojo & Biodun Fajana

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Tribute by Mr. Jolayemi

Tribute by Emmanuel

Tribute by Racheal Fajana

Tribute from Mrs. Elizabeth

Tribute by Mrs. Bolanle Tadobo

Tribute by Mr. Emmanuel Alatiyi

Tribute by Pastor Yinka Borisade

Tribute by Barr. (Mrs) Peju Omotayo

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Pastor & (Mrs) Borisade Adeyinka

Mr. & Mrs. Oluwole Olambo with celebrant

Kayode Elesho, Mrs. Bunmi Ogunniyi, Mrs. Comfort Fajana with Mr. & Mrs. Yinka Borisade

Tunde Idowu, Femi Oyebode,Tope Asebieko, Mosunmola Falade & Suleiman

Prophet & Evang Aseye

Ayo Fasusi & Sunday Fatoye

Sesan Popoola, Bello Olawale & Odunayo Babatunde

Mrs. Comfort Fajana & Mrs. Racheal Ojo

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Vote of thanks by Nicolas Fajana

Mosunmola Falade with friends

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ALEXANDER EDEM AND TOLULOPE OJO UNITE IN MARITAL BLISS

Story: Adeoluwa Atayero Photos: Segun Lawal

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he dream of every man is to find a woman that you so love and cherish that you would like to take her as wife. That dream came true for Alexander Effiong Edem when he wedded his heathrob, Tolulope Fiwasope Ojo in Festac, Lagos.

Their years of courtship and love for each other came to a joyous end with a lively wedding ceremony held inside the TFC Hall, Festac Town, Lagos.

The venue was beautifully decorated by Ellaposh, and everyone agreed that the rising company did

a good job.

It was a day of joy for the couple as they were joined as one, exchanged rings, kisses, cut their lovely cake provided by Funke Ojo (the bride’s mother) and danced gleefully in the presence of their family and friends.

The event was not only lively because of the expression of love displayed by the couple time and time again, but also because of the sumptuous meals and qualitative drinks served guests. In deed, it was such a wonderful occasion.

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Couple with their parents

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Couple with groom’s parents: Mr. & Mrs. Edem

Couple with bride's parents Mr. & Mrs. Ojo

Mr. & Mrs. Emechete with couple & little brides

Bimbo Ojo, Couple & Sope Ojo

Couple with Mr. & Mrs. Emechete

Couple with their siblings

Couple with bride's niece & nephews

Bianca, Uyoyo, Bimbo, Maria, Ejiro with the bride

Couple with bride's mother, sisters & friends

The groom with his men

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Toast by Mr. Chris Emechete

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Chairman of the event, Festus Unuigbe

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Jasmine Ekpenyong with the couple

Arc & Mrs Okey Ugboaja with the couple

Mr. & Mrs. Oshevire, Mrs. Ojo & Nike

The Nnah family with the couple

Couple with Edmund Inyang, Blackky

Tomi Ashade, Couple & Temitope Ashade

Bola Adefopa, Couple with Mr. & Mrs. Chris Emechete

Tosin Ojo, Toyin Ojo, Tayo Ojo & Tolu Ojo with the couple

Extended family of the bride with the couple

Mr. Lewis, Couple & Mr. Akinbiyi

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Grail land Cross bearers with the couple

Couple with bride’s aunties

Mrs. Cecilia Adeoti, Mrs. Adeola Akinmokun & Mrs. Fadeke Oladipo

Oyin Uwadiale, Mayen, Nike & Chika

Frances Bakre, Barr. Azuka & Mrs. Sylvia Emechete

Akin Ariyo, Mr. & Mrs. Edem, Raymond Akalonu & Kunle Bakare

Mr. Marcus Ojo, Mr. Sola Oyinloye, Mr. Toyin Oyinloye & Mr. Tolu Ojo

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Groom with his sweet mother

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AT THE LAUNCH OF

AMBSAM IN LAGOS

Story: Funmilayo Adeyemi Photo: Segun Lawal (Iroko)

Former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode & other special guests

A

Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji

s part of the steps to immortalize the six illustrious sons of Epe Community who lost their lives in a boat mishap while on electionrelated assignment and the need to cater for lessprivileged indigenes of the community who may suffered similar fate, a group of friends and wellwishers have formed the AMBSAM Memorial Foundation in Epe division.

The victims were Adewale Olakunle , Mogaji Gbolahan, Bello Muiz, Salau Tunde, Agoro Shamuseen and Mogaji Wale and it is the first alphabet of their names that form the acronym of the foundation which would now be used to touch lives and ensure they would never be forgotten.

Welcome address by Mr. Gbenga Abass

The event which was held at The Charlet, Epe, Lagos began with an opening prayer by Alhaji Shile Shefau. During the event, Imam Sadala Abdul Rahman Abiola enjoined guests to pray for the deceased families.

In attendance were Former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Chairman Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Babatunde Rotinwa, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, and former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Aderenle Adeniran Ogunsanya , Desmond Elliot, Hon. Segun Olulade Qeen Salawa Abeni amongst others.

Lagos Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode gave an emotional speech. In his words “ I stand before you on their behalf to say that whatever it is that I’m doing today is because of them. I want to say exactly that almost two years back, they were the first set of people that I really sat down with that I was interested in doing what I am doing today and I remember that it was in my office in Victoria Island that they gave me words of encouragement that I should proceed.

And for doing this for me, I believe strongly that there is no way to pay them back than to support their families and work hard for a greater Lagos because they died for our sake and they will never die in vain’’.

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Opening Prayer by Alhaji Shile Shefau

Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya, Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora & Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa

AMBSAM Biography read by top broadcaster, Funke Moore

Eulogies of the AMBSAM by Ajobiewe

The Elejirin of Ejirin, Oba Babatunde Balogun & The Omola of Odomola Kingdom, Oba Sikiru Taiwo Adewale Odukoya

Chief Tajudeen Agoro, Chief Ajiborisa Tajudeen Olalekan & Chief Oshubaloju Ademola

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Fola Adeyemi, Mr. Rasheed Giwa & Mr. Ola Oresanya

Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya & Sen. Olorunnibe Mamora

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Hon. Desmond Elliot & Hon. Segun Olulade

Chief Wale Mogaji & Otunba Oludare Alogba

Ambsam members

Olabisi Mogaji & Olabisi Bello

Alhaja Kudirat Alaka & Mrs. Oluremi Mogaji

Remi Sanusi & Alhaja Salawa Abeni

Prince Bolanle Mogaji & Alhaji Sola Mogaji

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CELEBRATING A WOMAN OF VIRTUE

CHIEF (MRS.) IBIPO ALAPINI Story: Efemena Collins Photo: Solomon Ekhaiyemhe

Mrs. Ibipo Alapini & family

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fter years spent in meritorious public service to the government and people of Oyo State, it was celebration time for charming Chief (Mrs.) Ibipo Alapini, a former Permanent Secretary as she hosted her friends, former colleagues and family members to her exciting retirement party.

The celebrant who is the beautiful wife of well-loved Officer and gentleman, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Chief Tunji Alapini began her retirement celebrations with a thanksgiving service at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Arometa, Ibadan, Oyo State as a devout Catholic.

The service was conducted by Reverend Felix Etaphemi, who prayed for the celebrant. The man of God spoke glowingly of her contribution to

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the church and people around her.

After St. Rita’s choir delivered a special ministration, the reverend father rounded off with a prayer of preservation and prosperity for the celebrant and her family.

An amazing reception party was held at the Prince and Princesses Hall, Iyangaku, Ibadan. An opening prayer was given by Fisher Adetokunbo, after which the cosy but classy event flowed smoothly.

During the course of the event, an elated AIG Alapini delivered an emotional speech where he poured encomiums on his dear wife for her love and friendship of over four decades and how the union has been blessed with children and grand children.

Her colleagues also attested to her character, describing her as honest, disciplined and fair.

Celebrant & husband, retired AIG Chief Tunji Alapini

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Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Alapini with family & friends

Yewande,Toyosi & Chief (Mrs.) Ibipo Alapini

Bankole, TJ, celebrant, AIG Tunji Alapini (rtd) & Demola Alapini

Alhaja Badmus, Chief (Mrs.) Ibipo Alapini & Mrs. Olofin

Very Rev. Fr. Felix Ethapemi baptised Julia Alapini

Retired AIG Alapini with his granddaughter, Julia

Bankole Alapini taking the bible reading Mr. & Mrs. TJ Alapini

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Oloye Lekan (Aare Alaasa Olubadan of Ibadanland) with Dr. Tony Marinho

Olorogun Lovett Yembra, Adetokunbo Fisher & Tunji Benjamin

Rev. Fr. Felix Ethapemi

Yewande taking the bible reading

Bankole & Toyosi Alapini

Bola Oyefesan with Chief (Mrs.) Ibipo Alapini

Retired AIG & Mrs. Alapini, Rev. Fr. Felix Ethapemi & family

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Chief (Mrs.) Alapini & friends

Temi & Tope

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Chief (Mrs.) Ibipo Alapini & friends

Otunba Yomi Idowu, Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Alapini, Otunba Lekan Bello & Tunde Odulaja

Chief (Mrs.) Ibipo Alapini

Retired AIG Alapini with Tunji Benjamin

Chief (Mrs.) Ibipo Alapini with Debola Oyefeso with Doyin Zacheus Dr. Tony Marinho with Retired AIG Alapini

Chief (Mrs.) Ibipo Alapini, Prof. Olaniyi & friends

Chief (Mrs.) Alapini with friends

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SURPRISE PARTY FOR FINE GENTLEMAN, HON. KOJO ADU-ASARE IN ACCRA, GHANA Story: Adeoluwa Atayero Photos: Koya Adegbite

Hon. Kojo Adu-Asare & Jane Awoonor

Hon. Kojo Adu-Asare & Jane Awoonor with Bashorun Dele Momodu

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Joselyn Dumas & Shirley Frimpong-Manso

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Christine, Bashorun Dele Momodu & Maame Sarwa

t was a special night of friendship and expression of love at the prestigious MĂśvenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra, Ghana as close friends and colleagues of an exemplary man, Hon. Kojo Adu-Asare gathered to honour him.

It was his birthday and his dear fiancĂŠe, Jane Awoonor who is an entrepreneur and the owner of Spa 216 in Accra connived with others to organise a surprise party to celebrate the occasion and put a smile on the face of the fine gentleman.

The understated but classy occasion

lasted for just two hours and had about thirty guests in attendance but everyone had loads of undiluted fun.

The honourable, who hails from Abiriw-Akuapem in the Eastern region, operates in a number of fields. Apart from having a good career as a politician, Hon. Asare is also the CEO of Vital Concepts Limited based in Ghana, Sierra Leone and Guinea. A devout Christian, Hon. Asare who is without a doubt an all round success story was so happy that many came to share this wonderful day with him.

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Mr. & Mrs. Boafo

Mawutor & wife with Hon. Kojo Adu-Asare

Otuwa Sackey & Fifi Thompson

Jane Awoonor & Shirley Frimpong-Manso

Jane Awoonor & Kojo Asare

Jane Awoonor, Usman & Kojo Asare

Benita Sena Okity-Duah & Jane Awoonor

Duke Awoonor & Jane Awoonor

Hon. Kojo Adu-Asare, Benita Sena Okity-Duah, Nana & Jane Awoonor

Christine, Kojo Asare, Jane Awoonor & Maame Sarwa

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Jane & Kojo Asare

Zaynab

Fifi Banson & celebrant

Jane, Kojo Asare & Daniella

Jane Awoonor, Ken, Shirley, Kojo Asare & Joselyn Dumas

Patric Savage, Jane & Kojo Asare

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Daniella & dad

Kojo Adu Asare & Yaw Adu Larbi

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OVATION REMEMBERS

OGBENI OJA OF IJEBULAND

CHIEF BAYO KUKU Story: Efemena Collins Photo: Segun Lawal

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Olorogun (Dr.) Sunny Kuku (r) coordinating proceedings

t is over a year since Business mogul, Philanthropist, industrialist, administrator, and the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Chief Bayo Kuku took a final bow from life’s stage but his impact is still etched in the hearts of many.

OVATION is paying glowing tribute to Chief Kuku who was described variously as a rare entrepreneurial mind, a practising and committed Muslim, a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

When he died, most people who eulogised him said they related with him due to the largeness of his heart, honesty, integrity, and that legendary generosity that earned him a commendation from all who came in contact with him.

Encomiums poured in from all across the country

for the business giant. Former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel described the departed as “an accomplished legal practitioner and a man of huge corporate experience" stating, “although he lived up to an old age, his death came as a rude shock to me. He was an illustrious son of Ijebuland.”

The late community builder and mobilizer was a man of impeccable character, therefore it was no surprise that his funeral played out like a canival as well-wishers from across and beyond turned up to bid their final farewells to this trailblazer.

His funeral was massive beginning with a wellattended 8-day Fidau prayers at the Central Mosque, Ijebu-ode, in Ogun State.

Afterwards, the remains of Chief Bayo Kuku were

committed to earth according to Muslim rites in his imposing compound. Dignitaries that attended the Aljanat Fidaus prayer included Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Olorogun Sunny kuku, Femi Kuku and Kola Abiola amongst others.

A reception was later held at the Kuku family residence-the "Olorogun Kukus Descendants" house.

The event was compered by media mogul, Chief Bisi Olatilo. The Faith Band thrilled guests till well into the night..

Chief Bayo Kuku was born on the 14th of September 1930 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. He attended University College, London (1959-62); and University of California (1962-63). He started his career as a State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of

L-r: Tokunboh Kuku, Titilola Ogunbanjo (nee Kuku), Chief (Mrs.) Abiodun Kuku, Mr. Abi Kuku & Mrs. Lape Adebayo

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First son, Femi Kuku, Olorogun Sunny Kuku & others during prayer

Erelu Abiodun Kuku

Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dapo Abiodun & Sen. Toks Ogunbanjo

Olorogun Sunny Kuku, Kola Abiola & Prof. Idowu Shobowale

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Kola Abiola & Femi Kuku

Mrs. Sola Kuku & Aunty Motola Sowemimo

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Femi Kuku & Aunty Motola Sowemimo

Otunba Niyi Adebayo & Chief Demola Seriki

Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi

Otunba & Mrs. Michael Subomi Balogun

Segun Awolowo, Ibrahim Babayo & Femi Kuku

Otunba Seun Badejo, Dare Kuku, Dupe Badejo, Mrs. Iriobe & Barr. Fadahunsi Tunde

Chief Demola Seriki & wife, Wosilat

Segun Shebanjo & Tayo Ayeni

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Erelu Abiodun Kuku, Chief (Mrs.) Olayinka Ajayi & Olorogun Sunny Kuku

Mr. Femi Kuku & Chief Musiliu Akanbi Kuku

Mr. & Mrs. Kayode Odukoya

Terry Waya, Mrs. Lape Adebayo & Segun Awolowo

Mrs. Lape Adebayo & Yetunde Amusan

Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade & Prince Bisi Olatilo

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Erelu Abiodun Kuku & Otunba Gbenga Daniel

Senator Lanre Tejuoso & wife, Mojisola

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Tribute by Dr. Hayford Alile

Tribute by son in-law, Bimbo Ogunbanjo

Tribute by Senator Biyi Durojaiye

Chief Ayo Adebanjo & Oba Otudeko

Mr. Femi Kuku, Olorogun Sunny Kuku & Abi Kuku

Femi Kuku & Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun

Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Oba Otudeko & Senator Ibikunle Amosun

Justice (1963-64) and rose to become the Executive Vice-Chairman of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (1964-81) and Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (1981-83). He also served as Member, Federal Board of Tax Appeal Commission (1967-73); Chairman and Acting Pro-Chancellor, University of Ife Governing Council (1978-79) Founding member, Board of Directors FBN (Merchant Bankers) Limited; Member, International Bar Association (IBA); and was a member of several committees.

Chief Kuku headed the Board of Directors of various companies and he was the President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (1987-91). He has received many awards, including the Distinguished Service

Award of the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce (June 1991); DCL (Honorius Causa)Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (December 1992); Fellow, University College, London (December 1994); and he became Honorary Citizen-City of New Orleans, USA (1977).

He was the Ogbeni-Oja of Ijebuland, ChairmanCouncil of Ijebu Chiefs, Honorary Life Vice President, Ijebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

His numerous philanthropic activities included Endowment of Professional Chairs in Nigerian Universities, Annual prize-Best Student in Oil & gas Law, University of Lagos, scholarships to indigent Students etc.

Chief Kuku was married with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

An enlightened, broadminded, astute businessman was in many respects a blend of refined pedigree, an amiable personage that produced unique brands that cast him in the mould of one of the leading lights of his generation. His invaluable contributions to the society did not go unnoticed as he was acknowledged by the Federal Government of Nigeria with the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his far reaching and outstanding contribution to Nigeria.

Chief Bayo kuku up till his death was a mentor, hero, confidant to many and a great ambassador for his country.

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NIGERIAN-AMERICAN CELEBRITY ENTERTAINER AND LAWYER

MEKKA DON MARRIES LOVELY JNA BAEZ IN SCENIC CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO

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Emeka & Jna

Jna Baez

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Greg McGowan, MattieYoung & CharlesYoung

ome weddings are classy. Some are merry. Some are exclusive.

Some are emotional. The wedding of Nigerian-American celebrity artist, Mekka Don and his sweetheart, Ms. Stephanie Jna Baez was all of the above, and more. The 2-day out-of-thisworld private destination wedding in gorgeous Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, was no surprise to all those who knows the groom as a man of eclectic style.

Mekka Don, born Chukuemeka (Emeka) Nnamdi Onyejekwe, is the son of Professor Okey Onyejekwe, PhD, and United Nations diplomat, and Professor Egondu Onyejekwe nee Ezirim, PhD, Systems Engineer and Professor of Health Informatics.

Born in the early 1980s as the youngest of four children, Mekka Don grew up with his parents; his older brother, L. Okey Onyejekwe, Jr., MD, Esq, a family Physician and Attorney who is the CEO of Zobreus, a tech startup in Silicon Valley; his older sister, Professor Jacqueline Nwando Olayiwola nee Onyejekwe, MD, MPH, also a family physician, the Director of the Center for Excellence in Primary Care, Associate Professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and World Renowned Primary Care leader; his immediate older sister, Ms. Sylvia Ifeyinwa Onyejekwe, Esq, an Attorney with her own law firm that specializes in family law.

Emeka, very much a fan of his older siblings, was always determined to find his own path and become his own person. At a young age, he took an interest in music and learned to play the drums, which he ultimately played in a

band with his older brother and fellow Nigerian-American friend.

Graduating at the top of his St. Francis DeSales high school class with a perfect 4.0 GPA, Emeka was a state Champion in both American football and soccer and then went to the Ohio State University as both a scholar and an athlete, joining the Ohio State University football team. Graduating from college in only 3 years, Emeka took a year off to study and acquaint himself with the music and entertainment scene in New York. And it was in that year, full of high profile TV appearances, modeling bookings and music appearances, that Mekka Don was born.

Before he started Law school at New York University the following year, Mekka Don had already splashed onto the scene with a vigor that everyone knew would take him places…like Cabo San Lucas.

But before Cabo, Mekka Don has become a household name in many states in the USA, either for his anthems that have energized sports fan bases across the country like “Juice,” and “Let’s Go,” his more ubiquitous songs about forward and upward mobility like “Pilot Boys” and “Here We Go,”, or his critically acclaimed album released in 2014, “The Dream Goes On,” which has a short interlude that any child of Nigerian heritage can relate to. Mekka Don has performed his music across the United States often in sell out crowds, as well as Nigeria and Dubai. While completing his law degree and becoming an Attorney in the State of New York, Mekka Don continued to build his brand and portfolio. His

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AT THE TRADITIONAL WEDDING

Jna drinking from the cup

Emeka & Jna

Emeka drinking from the cup

Emeka & Jna head table

Emeka & Jna with Drs. Egondu & Okey Onyejekwe

Emeka Ejiogu

Jna, Pamela Robinson & Emeka

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Emeka's full family

Drs. Okey & Egondu Onyejekwe, Chinyere Nwaneri, Jna, Emeka & Dr. Ngozi Nwaneri

Emeka with Groom’smen

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Emeka & Emmanuel Ezirim

Emeka & Jna with Paul & Nwando Olayiwola

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Emeka, Nwando Olayiwola & Jna

April Ashburn, Brandon Taylor, Annette Black & Clay Johnson

Charles & Genesis Young

Charles Young & Emeka

Ellen Singletary

Emeka ,Shanele McGowan & Jna Baez

Emeka with Dr. Ngozi & Chinyere Nwaneri

Genesis, Messiah & Charles Young

Greg & Cheryl McGowan

Greg McGowan & Emmanuel Ezirim

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Zuri Giddings, Jna Emeka & Pilin Giddings

Emeka and Jna posing

Pamela Robinson, Jna & Shanele McGowan

Jna with Oshebi girls

Dr Egondu Onyejekwe and Ego Omameh

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Jna dancing

Emeka with Ego Omameh

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Clay Johnson & Ashley McGowan

Brandon Taylor & Pilin Giddings

Kaz Oliver & Danielle Peoples

Viswant Korrapati & Monya Vanderpool

Okey Onyejekwe Jr. & Shanele McGowan

Ricky Bryant Brittney Hampston

Darius Olayiwola & Jazmine McGowan

CC Ezirim, Angel Ezirim & Arinze Ezirim

Demetrius Akpan & Zuri Giddins

Tres Onyejekwe & Sage Onyejekwe

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Nissi Olayiwola

Jna & Emeka

youtube docudrama, “Legal Hustler,” chronicles his story as a young entertainer and 6-figure salaried lawyer, who despite working at one of the top law firms in the United States, was looking for something more.

Many wondered who would steal this young man’s heart and 10 years ago, he began a journey with the lovely Jna Baez, which ended, or truly now began, in Cabo San Lucas in April 2016.

Ms. Baez, now Mrs. Onyejekwe, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and is the pride and joy of her late father and her mother, Pamela Robinson. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) and currently works in management hospitality for one of the most exquisite boutique hotels in New York.

She has joined Mekka Don and his family on two trips to Nigeria, to better understand his heritage as well as what would soon be hers. Given the names “Ajoke,” “Ndidi” and “Adamma” by various elders in Mekka Don’s family and extended family, Jna immersed herself into Nigerian culture and traditions, so much that the wedding experience in Cabo was greatly infused with Nigerian customs and details.

This wedding was everything one would have expected from a celebrity like Mekka Don, and his lovely bride. The couple has traveled all across the United States and to Dubai, where they were engaged, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Nigeria , but it was in Mexico that they chose to celebrate their love for each other and say “I do”. And truly, the weekend of events brought together so many of their shared experiences.

The weekend began with a Friday evening traditional ceremony at the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Spa and Resort in Cabo San Lucas, with perfect weather and a private beach setting where guests could enjoy, kick their shoes off, and dance on the dance floor or in the sand. It was fun all the way.

From the table settings to the full spread of Nigerian food, which Mekka Don’s mother assisted the resort staff in cooking, the event was a taste of Nigeria for the Nigerian and American families alike.

As the Master of Ceremonies, Emmanuel Ezirim,

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Jna & Quinn Johnson

RpH, also known as E-doggy Dogg welcomed guests with “Igbo kwenu” and other greetings, the guests were all mesmerized by the aroma of jolloff rice, stewed meat, okra soup, fried dodo and pounded yam. The Chairman gave his opening remarks and the event kicked off with prayer. The bride, chose a beautiful handmade Nigerian lace and organza gown, strapped with embedded coral jewelry and coral headgear fit for a queen, made her first appearance and greeted her guests and well wishers. The bride was then escorted out by her aso-ebi women as a medley music flowed.

Later, the groom’s Uncle Emma explained the tradition of Igba Nkwu, wine carrying, to the bride’s Uncle who served as the bride’s father figure. He now sipped the palm wine from the wooden cup and asked his niece to carry the wine to the man she wants to spend the rest of her time with. And the festivities began! Jna, with her aso-ebi accompaniments complete with coral beads, searched the crowd for her beau, while getting cat-calls from some of Mekka Don’s friends, former football players, musicians and other professionals, all to the popular “My Darling” by Tiwa Savage. But fortunately, Jna found her man, Mekka Don, in the crowd, so when she handed him the palm wine and he sipped it in acceptance, the crowd roared with excitement and Mekka Don and Jna headed onto the dance floor in great spirit.

The rest of the night featured dancing and spraying of the bride and groom, toasts to the parents of the bride and groom, eating and other festivities. Mekka Don’s nephew, Mr. Darius Arinze Olayiwola, read a heartfelt prayer and toast to the couple. His Uncle Emma, accompanied by Mekka Don’s Uncle, Chudi Omameh, led the “league of nephews” for a traditional War dance, including his own sons, Nnamdi Ezirim, Kamsi Ezirim, and Arinze Ezirim, and Mekka Don’s nephews – Demetrius Emeka Akpan, Darius Arinze Olayiwola, & Tres Onyejekwe.

Later, Mekka Don’s mother, Dr. Ego Onyejekwe, joined by Mekka Don’s Aunt, Mrs. Ego Omameh, RN, did a traditional Igbo mpete dance to acknowledge the bride and groom, after which the floor was opened again for some more dancing. At the end of the night, a

special fireworks show capped off what was a spectacular evening.

The next morning, the sun was shining bright in Cabo, and the wedding party assembled for a run through of the white wedding at the Pueblo Bonito Sunset resort.

The children laughed and played, and some of the young boys and girls were hesitant to link up their arms for fear it would indicate they would get married soon.

It was an enjoyable rehearsal, and the couple, along with their attendants and families, were in bright spirits. The wedding organizers ensured that every detail was reviewed, and practiced, and that there was plenty of room for the bridal and groom parties to put their own swag on it! The church wedding rehearsal finished with plenty of time for participants and guests to enjoy the sand and blue water beaches of Cabo before the evening event.

That evening, everything was perfect for D-Day!.

The guests arrived to a splendid cocktail reception in the foyer of the Pueblo Bonito Chapel, with bubbly champagne, delicious canapes, and a smooth jazz and mariachi band. Though the bride was yet to be seen, as she was prepared and pampered for her special day, the groom and his men were busy posing for photos, entertaining guests and soaking in the sounds and the scene.

After an hour of socializing, the wedding processional started in complete elegance. The groom was accompanied into the Chapel, followed by the mother of the bride and the parents of the groom who all turned out in lovely outfits.

They were followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen who entered the chapel with joy. Other members of the party included the Junior Brides – Zuri and Jasmine, Angel Ezirim, Junior Grooms – Demetrius Emeka Akpan, Darius Arinze Olayiwola; the ring bearers – Mr. L. Okey Onyejekwe, III (Tres) and Ms. Sage Onyejekwe, and finally, the flower girl Ms. Nissi Amara Olayiwola who ensured that the “red carpet” was fully adorned with lovely flowers in preparation for the bride.

Following this beautiful and classy procession, we

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Jna & Emeka

Emeka signing

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Emeka & Jna with Pamela Robinson (Jna's mother)

Emeka & Jna with Mattie & Charles Young

Chinyere Nwaneri, Emeka, Jna with Dr. Stella & Dr. Julius Kpaduwa

Egondu & Okey Onyejekwe

Georgina & Emeka Ejiogu, Dr. Stella & Dr. Julius Kpaduwa, Dr. Egondu & Dr. Okey Onyejekwe, Chinyere Nwaneri with Dr. Ngozi Nwaneri

Jna with bridal party

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Emeka with bride’smaids

finally caught a glimpse of the bride, who, accompanied by her two grandfathers, entered the chapel in full splendor, to the famous ballad Here and Now by Luther Vandross. Mekka Don’s jaw dropped when he saw his beautiful bride and the rest of the guests gasped in love. The ceremony, conducted both in Spanish and English, consisted of the usual exchange of vows and the rings, a symbolic pouring of sand by the bride and groom into a shared vessel, a metaphor for the new union that cannot be easily separated. Finally, the bride and groom shared their kiss, amidst the excitement of their guests, and the giggles of their little nieces and nephews. The cheers when they finally said “I do” was awesome.

After the couple signed the marriage register and were presented with their certificate, they exited the church in probably the most enjoyable chapel exit

ever, dancing to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” reminiscent of President and Michelle Obama’s admiration for the famous tune. Though there were tears earlier in the ceremony, everyone was full of smiles and energy during the exit and the guests danced their way out after the bridal party.

As expected, the couple joined by family and friends spent time taking pictures for posterity ,later, an entourage of golf carts escorted guests from the chapel down to the reception hall, where they were seated in the beautiful dimly lit décor of the room. The ambience was heavenly.

As the Master of Ceremonies announced the arrival of the bride and groom, they entered the hall in grand style, waltzing lovingly to their wellchoreographed first dance and the song

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McGowan family

Onyejekwe family

Onyejekwe family extended

Okey Onyejekwe Jr., Okey Onyejekwe & Emmanuel Ezirim

Chiebonam & Emmanuel Ezirim

Nwando, Nissi, Darius & Paul Olayiwola

Wedding Party

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Dr. Oji & Mrs. Chinwe Ohajuruka

Dr. Ngozi Nwaneri & Mrs. Chinyere Nwaneri

Dr. Julius & Dr. Stella Kpaduwa

Emeka & Georgina Ejiogu

Maame Dankwah-Quansah & Nwando Olayiwola

Matthew Cooper, Jna & Rhonda McGowan

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Okey & Sephanne Onyejekwe

Swan McGowan & Emmanuel Ezirim

Nnamdi, CC, Arinze & Angel Ezirim

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Jna & Emeka dancing

Danielle Peoples & Kaz Oliver

Paul Olayiwola, Okey Onyejekwe Snr., Emeka Onyejekwe & Nwando Olayiwola

Ify Onyejekwe, Prof. Okey Onyejekwe & Dr. Nwando Olayiwola

Emeka finding Jna's garter belt

Egondu & Okey Onyejekwe

of choice was “So amazing” by Luther Vandross. What a wonderful surprise for the guests-no one expected it and it was in perfect sync!

The reception ceremony continued smoothly with lovely fusion of Nigerian and American elements, including the breaking and sharing of the Kolanut, introduction and remarks of the Chairman, Dr. Julius Kpaduwa, MD, who then paved the way for Mekka Don’s oldest nephew, Mr. Demetrius Akpan, to deliver a heartfelt prayer.

Through dinner, guests were entertained by compelling toasts, first from Mekka Don’s best friend, Indian brother and long time business partner and manager, Mr. Viswant Korrapati, MBA, who spoke about their years growing up together and their pre Mekka Don days, plus the strength of the family that Mekka Don comes from, which has contributed to his success.

There was a lovely a moving toast by the maid of honor and cousin of the bride, Dr. who spoke about her years of fun with the bride. She shared fond childhood memories and expressed the fact that she was losing part of her soul.

In the final toast, Mekka Don’s older brother, Dr. L. Okey Onyejekwe, Jr. provided a funny yet sentimental glimpse into his relationship with his younger brother, asking the crowd-“how the ‘bleep’ did we end up in Cabo?”-to which, at the end of the toast, there was a simple answer. We ended up in Cabo at a lovely destination wedding because Mekka Don asked us, and we all know that this is the type of wedding he would have and very much deserves.

The remainder of the reception was

formality free, with a special Ojojo dance by Mekka Don’s mother Dr. Ego Onyejekwe and other women supporters. A nice touch was added to the day’s excitement when professional singer and friend of the bride’s family, Mr. Darryl Phimesse serenaded guests by belting Luther Vandross’ Always and Forever-there was certainly no dull moment as the couple and guests later took to the floor to show their dancing skills.

Professor (Dr.) Okey Onyejekwe, Mekka Don’s father, who came to the wedding from Nigeria, was all smiles and shared a few special dances with his son and new bride.

When the night ended, Mekka Don and Jna gave warm thanks to their supporters and closed out the evening with another emotional dance.

According to his older sister, Dr. Olayiwola “For those of us who have known Mekka Don before he was Mekka Don, we’ve known him to be classy yet simple, confident yet humble, private yet social, funny yet serious, exclusive yet inclusive, and understated yet brilliant” As one of his older brother’s college friends said when he first met Emeka in the mid-1990s, “Emeka brings sunshine to any room.” And it’s that same sunshine that has been part of Emeka as he became the famous Mekka Don, his stayed with him through all of his successes, and finally led him to sunny Cabo for one of the most memorable, beautiful and elegant wedding weekends ever.

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PA

A BEFITTING FAREWELL FOR JAMES ERNEST AIDOO IN ACCRA, GHANA

By Ben Dzakah

Pa James Ernest Aiddo

F

rom the humble beginning of a pupil Teacher from gold-rich Adansi town in Ashanti Region to the high office of Deputy Director of Ghana Prisons, affable James Ernest Aidoo touched lives and impacted so many, little wonder that hundreds turned out to celebrate him when he passed on in Accra, Ghana at the age of 85.

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Pa Aidoo’s homeward journey began with a pre-burial service held at the Prison Church, Cantonments before the family laid out a lavish reception at the Forecourt of the State House where guests were pampered endlessly and encomiums poured on the departed.

Fondly called Grand Pa Lion, the deceased, a committed Methodist who is the father of celebrated broadcaster

KOD with Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings & Ms Amina Rawlings

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Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Kobina Adisi (Bola Ray) George Hammond & Gideon Ayikwei with Mrs. Kofi Okyere Darko

Ruby & sister with Kofi Kapito

Comotion, Basiwa & Coded

Dzifa, Nannie & friend

Wendy Tay, Esther Kemie & Ashley

Famous, Mariam & Giovanni

Edwina Baaba Banda (m) & friends

and entertainment impresario, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) was born on June 20, 1922 to Nana Kwaku Tano, Chief of Asotwe (Near Ejitsu) From Asona Clan and Obaapanyin Nana Akua MIntaa of the Asene Clan.

He was the only boy of nine children, being a royal and the last of his mother’s children he was a typical mummy’s boy. He started his education at Akrofroum Methodist School and then Wenchi Methodist Middle School in the Brong Ahafo Region.

Due to financial constraints, he could not continue with his education but took to teaching. And it was in the course of teaching activities that he met his wife, Margaret B. Aidoo whom he married in 1957. A year later in 1958 he joined the Ghana Prison Service as a recruit and rose to the position of Deputy Director before his voluntary retirement in 1992.

He will be missed by his children and grandchildren.

Shirley Frimpong-Manso (right)

Tsatsu Tsikata exchanging greetings

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Edwina Baaba Banda (r)

Sister Afia & Esther

Ms Amina, Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings & Madam Giffty (Just Here)

KOD with a representative from South Africa High Commission

Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Janyne Awoonor, Fred Nuamah, Mrs. Samira Bawumia & Kojo Adu Asare

KOD with Paddies

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Randy Abbey & Kojo Adu Asare

From 2nd left: KOD, Gabby Okyere Darko, Famous with friends

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KOD with Kwaku Sintim-Misa

Nana Nyarko Afriyie & entourage

Desmond, Mr Mrs. Adjomah, Oparebea & Levis Bill

Mrs. Samira Bawumia exchangin greetings with KOD

Kekeli & Diamond

Mrs. Nathan Kobina Adisi ( Bola Ray’s wife) (r) with the EIB ladies

R-l: Kojo, Mrs. Kofi Okyere Darko with guests

Frimpomaa & Ms Mavis

Cox Tamakloe, Famosu & Nana

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Mikky Osei Berko & KOD

Yvonne Okyere Whalley & Allan Whalley

Son in-law, Kofi Okyere Darko, Joselyn Dumas & Dan Blagbodzi

Prof. Azumah Nelson & Benjilo

Mrs. Kofi Okyere Darko with guests

Lawyer Kwame Akuffo & wife

Mr. & Mrs. Agyapong-Gaskin, KOD with Barr. & Mrs. Mike Oquaye Jnr.

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Mrs. Kofi Okyere Darko dancing with Mr. & Mrs. Tsatsu Tsikata

KOD & siblings

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LORETTA ADENUGA WEDS EMMANUEL OLANIRAN IN IJEBU-ODE, OGUN STATE

Story: Jesuloluwa Adebiyi Photo: Ken Ehimen

T

he aura of love is felt in the celebration of the union of two people who love each other dearly.

The case of Loretta Ayodeji Adenuga and Emmanuel Mofoluwajuwon Olaniran was a typical example as the love birds tied the nuptial knots at The Apostolic Church, Molipa Assembly, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.

It was a wonderful scene indeed to be joined to a soul mate. With smiles on their faces, the bride and her father, trailed by the bridal train marched majestically into the church, serenaded by the opening hymn. The ceremony officially began with an opening prayer.

Afterwards, the Superintendent of the Ijebu-Ode Area of the church, Pastor G.O Ogunkoya, joined the couple in holy matrimony as well as gave them some worthy marriage tips.

To celebrate this wonderful coming

together of this lively couple, special numbers were rendered by the choir of C.A.C. Oke Alafia, Agege and T.A.C Molipa Assembly before Pastor Olufemi Sokan preached the sermon, and also conducted special prayers for the couple and their families.

Soon the solemnization was over and Loretta and his beau, walked hand-hand, amidst laughter and applause, out of the church hall.

Thereafter, they proceeded to the Conference Avenue, Ijebu-Ode, where the Reception ceremony, which had Dotun Taylor and Jide Morounfolu as Masters of Ceremonies was held.

The MCs., were at their best on the day, they set the ball rolling with the introduction of the Chairman of the occasion, Oba Idowu Basibo, as well as the parents of the couple with lively music playing in the background. Soon it

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F.E. Ashiweje, A.A. Olaniran, Dr. Tunde Adesanya & Deji Adenuga

Mrs. Yemi Adenuga with Mrs. Seun Olaniran

Mrs. Bucky Odesanya with Kemi Ayelabola

Mr. & Mrs. Seun Olaniran

Jiire Kuforiji, Faith Nkems & Rosemary Wilkey

Tosin Dokpesi, Jumobi Mofe-Damijo with Namure Edoimioya

Mrs. Odukoya, Fatimo Sode with Toyin Dokpesi

Helen Bassey-Osijo & Tomiwa Solarin

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Adetoun Reilly, Esther Reilly & Titilayo Oladeji

Lulama Oyetunji & Lola Bello

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Pastor Olufemi Sokan

Couple

Couple signing the register

Maids of honour

Tosin Dokpesi, Yemi Adenuga, Jumobi Mofe-Damijo with Namure Edoimioya

From left: Bello, Deji, Dupe & Toyin

Couple with Officiating Ministers

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Couple with bridal train

HRM Oba Awosunle Tokunbo, Olu of Ejesi Ife Kingdom & his Olori with Deji Adenuga

Ibiyemi Olufowobi, Namure Edoimioya, Dayo Adeneye & Buchi Lenoir

Bisi Olatilo, HRH Oba Idowu Basibo & his Olori Kehinde with Mr. & Mrs. Deji Adenuga

Olori Funmilayo Ope, Olori Akanke Alakanke & Ayaba Moji Oloko

190

Kate Adepegba with Semoore Badejo

was the turn of the newly-wedded couple to make their grand-and they did not disappoint in the dancing department. They matched each other toe to toe, step for step and style for style to the excitement of all present.

In his speech, the Chairman encouraged the couple and advised them to be prayerful while they begin the journey ahead.

This was followed by the cutting of the cake, toast to the health and prosperity of the couple and then guests were pampered with loads of victuals.

While the guests were savouring the

sumptuous dishes, the father of the bride relived memories in an emotional dance with his beautiful daughter. After a while, the groom took over from the father in what is generally known as the couple’s dance. It was such an emotional moment.

The father of the bride later delivered a touching speech while the groom rounded it all off with the vote of thanks.

The bride’s parents are from the Broadcasting and Film industry little wonder that many of their colleagues were there to share the great occasion.

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