LADI BALOGUN EMERGES YOUNG GLOBAL LEADER

                                              LADI BALOGUN and wife, Banke Balogun

 Ladi Baolgun's rating as an emerging global business leader was confirmed again recently when he was honoured with the prestigious This Day Newspaper's Young Global Champions award.  This highly rated award, which is specially reserved for  young, daring and enterprising Nigerians under the age of 50, who have taken the presence of Nigeria into the global competition, was recently bestowed on Mr. Ladi Balogun, the young but influential Group Managing Director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc. Ladi Balogun received this honour at the 16th Annual This Day Awards for Excellence and Good Governance which took place in Lagos, recently. Ladi Balogun was honoured for transforming a family owned bank in the face of the demise of other family owned banks. According to the organizers of the yearly awards, leaders of 14 corporate organizations in the country who have built new companies from scratch and made them world class received this year’s awards in this category.
Ladi Balogun, son of Otunba Subomi Balogun, remains one young man who has done tremendously well for himself. Ladi Balogun's impressive story could not have been otherwise, seeing that Ladi Balogun attended some of the best educational institutions in the world, which Ladi Balogun complements with his prestigious and enviable Otunba Subomi Balogun background. Ladi’s wealthy father appears to have conquered all challenges of life with his wealth, Ladi remains undaunted in his desire to further solidify and sustain the financial base of the balogun's mega-business, especially, the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), where Ladi Balogun sits as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

That Ladi Balogun rose to the leadership position in the thriving bank could be attributed to his  passion for hard work and resilience. Ladi Balogun joined the bank (now FCMB Capital Markets Ltd) as a Senior Manager/Team Leader in 1995 and rose to become Executive Director, Investment Banking Division. Ladi Balogun has been a team leader on capital raising, mergers and acquisition, as well as privatisation assignments 
Ladi Balogun has over 18 years experience in commercial and investment banking abroad. In 1996 Ladi Balogun joined FCMB as Executive Assistant to the Chairman/CEO. In 2000, he was made Executive Director in charge of Strategy and Business Development and in 2001, Deputy Managing Director. Ladi Balogun was appointed the Managing Director in 2005.

POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Hon. Temitope John Derby

 Monetize
Yesterday in the ancient city of IBADAN, Oyo State, i paid a visit to a friend who was hospitalized as a result of  injuries sustained in an auto crash. During the visit, i was confronted with a frightening scenario. Three young men were rushed into hospital's emergency centre with their badly mutilated body drenched in fresh blood. Checks later revealed that the guys were political thugs who got attacked with machete  in the head during a clash between their party and the supporters of the opposition party in the state.
As the 2011 elections got underway, every right thinking Nigerian should feel seriously worried that those in charge of security of lives and properties in Nigeria do not appear to be  prepared to provide a lasting solution to the nagging problems of  violence and general insecurity in the land. And i strongly believe that the solution to violence, brigandage, assassination and other vices in Nigeria's political system may remain elusive until these people saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order wake up from their slumber and do what they are paid to do.Some people would argue that they are trying their best, but it is obvious that their best is not just enough. Take for instance various cases of political violence that took place in the country between 2003and 2007 electioneering.Investigation to most of these cases are never concluded. After making few arrests (of mostly innocent people) shortly after the incident, nobody ever gets to hear about the progress made on such investigations anymore. In most cases, the investigators go the 'extra mile' of declaring some 'suspects' wanted. And even at that, nothing is achieved. For instance after a series of political violence and gruesome murders that took place in Nigeria around 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, some folks were declared wanted by the authorities. Some of those declared wanted in connection with those violent clashes include notable political figures like Sir Bosun Agodo and Chief Segun Awolo. Others include , Hon.Temitope John Derby (a close associate of former Lagos Senatorial aspirant, Otunba Segun Awolowo and the late Funso Williams). there are also others like, Semiu Dayo Okondo, Goke Olatunji and many more. In most cases, these political personalities, like in the case of  Hon. Temitope John Derby, are declared wanted mainlly as a result of sheer political witch-hunt and persecution. Up till now, the authorities are yet to get a clue about the real masterminds of these violence neither have they been able to track down the whereabouts of those political players declared wanted. There is no evidence also that any meaningful attempt is being made to do justice to the family of most of the victims. As another election approaches...May God Help Nigeria.

DEAR BLOG, I MISS YOU!

Really,  miss you dear blog. hopefully, i will restart you someday...very soon.

ADIEU SOJI ADEGBESAN

The Nigerian media community lost yet another illustrious member yesterday. Mr. Soji Adegbesan, the award-winning Photojournalist who worked with Punch newspaper died in a fatal motor accident on his way from Ilorin, Kwara state where he had gone to cover an event for Punch. He was travelling in a public commercial bus when the tragic accident, which reportedly claimed several other lives, happened.

Very hardworking, creative and free-minded, the industry and the entire high society will surely miss him. Adieu Soji Adegbesan.

WHERE ARE THESE POLITICIANS NOW?

Hon. Temitope John Derby

Any keen observer of the Nigerian political scene in the last few years will easily notice that things are changing gradually. Unlike in the past, the present political terrain lacks men and women of colour and this accounts for the lull in the political arena currently. The General election is coming up next year 2011 and yet there is noting on the ground in terms of political activities to suggest that a major election is approaching. Most political pundits in the land have attributed this to the exodus of certain political players whose participation in the process naturally add verve and colour to Nigeria's political landscape. Some of these notable politicians are currently either outside the country on self-imposed exile as a result of political persecution in the hands of the ruthless ruling class or are not just interested in the process this time because of their not-too-pleasant experiences the last time. For instance, politicians like Semiu Dayo Okondo, Goke Olatunji, Hon. Temitope John Derby(the associate of PDP stalwart Otunba Segun Awolowo and the Late PDP Lagos governorship candidate, Eng Funso Williams), Sir Bosun Agodo, Ogbuefi Alex Chijoke, Emeka Offor, Tanko Yussuf and many others are believed to be presently outside the country because of the fear of being persecuted by the ruthless hawks in power. Well, as the next election approaches, it is our hope that those running the show of power in Nigeria will be more tolerant and open up the political space in the interest of the masses.In the mean time, let us wish President Umaru Musa Yaradua a speedy recovery. God Bless Nigeria.

UPDATE

GOV. FASHOLA's SISTER SET TO WED

Olumide(left) and Bolaji

  At last, the much-awaited wedding between Bolaji Fashola, the captivating cousin of Lagos state governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and her heartthrob, Olumide Isimi comes up next weekend. According to the program of events sourced from the invites currently in circulation within the high society in Lagos, the Engagement and the Nikkah take place on Saturday January 23, 2009. The introduction ceremony had taken place in August last year. A top events manager, who was contracted to handle the planning is currently pulling all the stops to ensure Bolaji and Olumide have a befitting nuptial. An elaborate society reception is expected to follow immediately after the Nikka and from the look of things the wedding promises to be superb.

WHEN OTUNBA NIKE YUSUF ADDED A YEAR

Nike Yusuf (right) and Aboyade-Cole(left)

Otunba (Mrs) Nike Yusuf, the woman behind the wave-making Golden Triangle Private School in Alagbado, Lagos celebrated her 59th birthday recently. Though the ceremony was not very loud, yet it was classy and well-attended as most of her friends came from far and near to rejoice with her. Prominent among those in attendance were Pastor Sam Foli and his beautiful wife, Abosede, Deaconess Aboyade –Cole, Mrs Bisi Kuye, Mrs Dupe Fasawe, Mrs Doyin Ben-Cash, Mrs Funmi Olukoya, Mrs Ronke Savage,Mrs Bola Amodu and many others including the staff and management of Golden Triangle Schools. In a chat with metrogist-nigeria during the event, Otunba Nike Yusuf expressed her "appreciation to the Most High God for all His goodness, mercy and blessing over her and her household”. The ceremony took place in the premises of her late husband, Air Marshal Nureni Yusuf, the former Chief of Air Staff in Alagbado last December.

IMAGES FROM THE BEST OF NOLLYWOOD AWARDS

An award ceremnoy tagged "The Best of Nollywoods" took place on Sunday December 6th, 2009 in Ikeja, Lagos. The award, which was organised by The best of Nollywood Magazine, was put in place to recognise hard work and talent in the Nigerian movie industry. Expectedly, notable names in the industry were in attendance and quite a number of them smiled home with various categories of awards. The magazine is published by Seun Oloketuyi..

Below are some of the pictures of the event as presented by SOLA FOLOWOSELE.

                          People on the red carpet   (above)                

                   Lagos babes(above)
                                                       

             TV Presenter, Olori (above)
                                                  

                Emem Isong(above)

      Lagos Society woman, Islar Animashaun(above)

           Who is this?(above)

   Mrs Demilola Ossoffa(above)

who is this 2? (above)

      Grace Amah(above)

  Omoni Oboli(above)

   Bukkie Wright(above)

  Iyabo Ojo(above)

  Seun Oloketuyi, Islar Animashaun and Gbenga Adeyinka 1st(above)

 ANTP crowd(above)

  Yinka Quadri(left) and Islar (above)

(L-R)Monalisa Chinda, Emem Isong and Omoni Oboli

Actress Monlisa Chinda(above), appears to be at peace these days after the crash of her marriage to Dejo Richards few months back.

       Singer SHE-BABY(above), she was once rumoured to be dating married Juju singer Dele Taiwo

 Soundcity TV presenter, Denrele(above)
                                          

Denrele in boots under the Lagos hot sun, na wah!!

AT LAST

Well, after several weeks of inactivity and indecision, i have finally decided to continue with this blog.should i apologise for not updating since July? i don't think so!ask me why?

RAYMOND DOKPESI'S SON WEDS IN LAGOS

The Couple, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr and former Miss Adedoyin Karounwi


Shame to bad people! this couple, Deji Adenuga and his wife , Yemi Adenuga are still together intact in spite of rumours of separation that spread wild like fire sometime ago in 9ja. Yemi, a versatile broadcaster is now based in Dublin where she runs a number of businesses.

This guy, comedian AY, is seen here battling with the door of his Q4x5 Niassan SUV after mistakenly jammimg the key inside. he later called his brother to bring his spare key to Lekki all the way from Ikeja. Time was 8pm.

(above)Barr Grace Egbagbe(left) and Tony Akiotu

fashion

(above) AIT's Seun Olagunju(left) and Namure Edoimioya

Wives of PRIMETIME AFRICA's trio,{left-right) Carol Adeneye(D-one), Bolajoko Ogungbe(Keke) and Funmibi Ogungbe( ID)

Rear Admr Mike Akhigbe and his wife, Dr Mrs Josephine Akhigbe
Omolola Adeyemi(right) with her friends

Barr. Mrs Grace Egbagbe

Tosin and Raymond Dokpesi

Alh. Abubarkar and Alh Bamanga Tukur(right)

The groom and his mother, Mrs Elzabeth Dokpesi(from Poland) she met Chief Dokpesi and fell in love when the latter was in Poland to study as a young man many years ago. Now residing in her native Poland, she came down to Nigeria with some of her siblings all the way from Poland to witness the wedding of her son, Raymond Jnr.

MR SOLEK'S BIRTHDAY PIX

Recently London-Based Nigerian singer, MR SOLEK, tripped down to Naija to celebrate his birthday. the party took place at Da Nu Grotto on Victoria Island, expectedly Lagos babes turned up in various daring dresses . below are some of the pictures from thr event as captured by Sola Folowosele.

Toba Gold and Gloria Ibru(right)

Actress Badmus (gbogbo Bigz Girlz)

LKT

Mr SOLEK(in glasses) and friends cutting the cake

MR SOLEK

ID CABASSA(left) and STEEL performing their forthcoming duet

DJ NEPTUNE on duty at the party

MR SOLEK and kid singer, LIL H(right)

AY.COM(left) and pal performing "Yori-Yori"

ART QUAKE performing "Alanta" at the party

DJ ZEEZ performing "Ori-e-o-4kasibe" at the event

Comedienne Princess Dammy

Comedienne Princess Dammy