9ice and Toni Payne's son, Zion comes of age

ZION, son of singer 9ICE and his estranged wife, Toni Payne looking so cute, he lives with his Grandmum in The United States

ZION, with mum, Toni Payne

Toni Payne's Mum and Zion's Grandmum, Ms Bolanle Coker, looking charming and elegant

JOKE SOGUNRO’S MUM CELEBRATES 70

It was celebration galore in the home of the Sogunro sisters last weekend as the Matriarch of the famous family, Deaconess Adebisi Sarah Sogunro (nee Onitiri) attained the age of 70. The grand birthday celebration of Mama Sogunro began with a Holy Communion service in the morning and later culminated in a well-attended reception later in the day. Some of the children of the celebrant are Mrs Joke Sogunro-Umah, the CEO of Soggys Couture on Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, Lagos and Abuja. Joke is a hardworking business woman and a front row member of Nigeria’s high society. Of course, she is highly successful in her business and well-connected. Others include Bola Sogunro, CEO, Honey Bee Caterers, Yeye Toyin Sogunro-Adeyeni, CEO, All-in-One Fashion Center, Kafila Sogunro (Yuppie), Anthonia Sogunro and others. Their friends turned up enmasse to honour Mama on her 70^th.

LAGOS SUPER CHIC, BOLAJI FASHOLA LOSES GRANDMUM

Transclean Ltd MD/CEO and cousin of hard working Governor Fashola of Lagos State, Bolaji Fashola-Isimi, is bereaved. Shortly after returning from her trip to the United States where she spent several months, giving birth to her cute son along the line, ever-radiant Bolaji has lost her maternal grand mum to the cold hands of death.

The late woman, popularly known as Alhaja Aminat Abeje Ogundairo (nee Aleshinloye Wiiliams), was a well respected community leader and a successful businesswoman. She passed on at the age of 89 and is survived by 8 children, namely: Abiola Fashola, Atinuke Davies, Tunde Ogundairo, Fatai Ogundairo, Titi Gbenro, Alade Ogundairo, Ayoku Akinlade and Adetutu Areoye. The 8th day Fidau Prayer took place recently and Governor Fashola and other personalities were in attendance. Information reaching me indicates that plans are already afoot for the 40^th Day Fidau prayers for the late matriarch, which comes up on May 24^th, 2014.

LAGOS DEMOCRATS SET TO ELECT EXCO

LAGOS DEMOCRATS SET TO ELECT EXCO

Fast-growing political pressure group, LAGOS DEMOCRATS, has perfected arrangements to elect its Executives any moment from now. This decision was reached at a recent meeting of the group held in the Central Business District (CBD) axis of Ikeja, Lagos. During the meeting, a joyous celebration erupted when the Certificate of Registration of the group, was presented by Barr Oladotun Hassan.  The implication of this historic feat is that the forum is now a legal entity, duly registered under the relevant Nigerian laws. In the course of the meeting also, an electoral committee to handle the coming elections was put in place. The committee, to be headed by the current coordinator of the group, Prince Dayo Asade as BOT/Electoral Committee Chairman, also has Mr. Kunle Kayode and Mr. Soremi Tolulope as members. The electoral committee swung into action immediately by calling for nominations into various EXCO slots available.

LAGOS DEMOCRATS, a burgeoning forum of young professionals who are doing well in their various fields, is on the mission to activate a positive change that will ultimately lead to greater transformation of Lagos state and the Nigerian nation at large for the benefit of all.

 The group is currently growing exponentially and spreading its tentacles to all nooks and crannies of Lagos state.

Apart from Mr Joseph Zannu who is already functioning as the group’s General Secretary in Interim capacity; others nominated for Executive posts in the coming elections include Barr. Moyo Ogunlewe, Barr Oladotun Hassan, Mr Abiola Salami

, Mr Uzor Chijioke, Mr. Kunle Martins, Miss Oyelami Feyisayo and others. Those present at the recent meeting include,Prince Adedayo Asade,Mr Joseph Zannu, Mr. Soremi Tolulope, Mr. Kunle kayode, Barr Oladotun Hassan and Mr.Sola Folowosele.

The election promises to be interesting, watch out!

WHY GOV. OSHIOMOLE FIRED OMOREDE OSIFO

WHY GOV. OSHIOMOLE FIRED OMOREDE OSIFO

                                  The Patrick Obahiagbon Conspiracy

Hon Omorede Osifo

Until the shocking announcement of her sack as the Edo State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Social Mobilisation two weeks ago, most people thought all was well between Hon Omorede Osifo and her boss, Gov Adams Oshiomole. However, to close followers of the dog-eat-dog politics of Edo State, Omorede’s sudden dismissal did not come as a surprise. Her days in office had been numbered by forces arrayed against her shortly after her assumption of office about 10 months ago.

Gov Adams Oshiomole

Hon Patrick Obahiagbon

Though no official reason has been given so far for her exit, her sack however might not be unconnected with the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Floodlights scandal which reared up during the recently-held Youth Summit and Concert. The Concert, which was hosted by Edo State mid January 2014, attracted the major players in the Nigerian entertainment circuit. Prior to the event, the Governor, who attached serious importance to the concert due to its youth-oriented nature, constituted a committee headed by the Chief-of-Staff, Hon Patrick Obahiagbon and mandated them to ensure the success of the concert and use it to further launder the image of his government . Curiously, Obahiagbon refused to include Omorede Osifo, the Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Social Mobilisation as a member of the committee. Gov. Oshiomole was said to have approved the sum of N75Million for Obahiagbon’s committee but few days to the day of the event, Obahiagbon was said to have disbursed the sum of N200, 000 to Omorede’s office with an instruction that the Governor wanted all the malfunctioning floodlights at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the event would hold, fixed before then event. The job was contracted out immediately by Omorede and the lights were fixed and tested before the event. On the night of the concert however, the floodlights refused to work, thereby messing up the whole event. When this happened, the hawks that were after Omorede, allegedly, went to Gov Oshiomole to misinform him that Omorede did not fix the light as instructed by the governor. This naturally infuriated Oshiomole ordered the immediate termination of her appointment via a terse radio announcement.

Sources close to the Edo State Cabinet have however revealed that, Omorede’s firing last week was the climax of several dangerous political manipulations orchestrated against her by Gov Oshiomole’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, who saw her as big threat to his political aspirations in the state.

For those who do not know, both Obahiagbon and Osifo hail from the same Oredo Local Government and contested for the House of Representatives ticket in 2011 but lost. Thus, a tense political rivalry had been existing between the duo for long. Being very close to the Governor as the Chief of Staff therefore, Obahiagbon was said to have formed the habit of systematically misinforming the Governor about Osifo, with the aim of painting her black and ultimately destroying her political career, so that the coast could be clear for him (Obahiagbon) in 2015. Though very famous (or infamous) across the nation as a result of his jaw-breaking English grammar; in Oredo politics however, Omorede Osifo is perceived to be far more popular and acceptable among the people than the grammar-inventing Obahiagbon. Aside this, Obahiagbon wanted to be seen as the defacto APC political leader in Oredo, therefore Omorede’s charisma and popularity is said to be a huge threat to his ambition. Hence, the ‘Operation Destroy Omorede-Osifo-at-all-cost.’ This ‘battle’, according to insiders, had occasioned Hon.Obahiagbon to constantly blackmail Hon, Osifo before Gov Oshiomole severally and had on many occasions blocked her tactically on crucial issues relating to her job as a commissioner, just to incapacitate her politically.

What appears to be most painful to Omorede’s followers was the fact that, the termination of her appointment came on the very day the highly-respected Oba of Benin bestowed on her the much -coveted Royal Bead. A section of these followers viewed the whole saga as an affront on the personality of Benin Monarch by Gov Oshiomole. That is, the Governor calculatedly dis-honoured a woman honoured by the King.

Though another Commissioner has been sworn-in in lieu of Omorede Osifo, it is however certain, that despite the unexpected sack, her reputation as a charismatic woman leader remains intact and might even swell her to greater heights than that of commissionership.

MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC BEGINS 2014 WITH CORPORATE THANKSGIVING

Mutual Benefits Assurance Group is one of the biggest corporate organizations in Africa today. The group is into all aspects of Insurance, Transportation, Banking, etc. and has branches in Liberia, Niger Republic, Ghana and other African nations. On Saturday January 18, 2014, the company gathered together all its workforce, from the highest to the lowest, to offer thanksgiving to the Most High God. The event took place at The Haven Event Centre, GRA Ikeja. The Company's Group Managing Director/CEO , Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, the Chairman, Mr Chamberlain Oyibo, the Mutual Benefit Niger Republic, CEO, Alh Mamadu Abdulaye Traore, MD Mutual Life and MD Mutual General, Mr Segun Omosehin & Mr Femi Asenuga as well as notable men of God like, Prophet S.K.Abiara of Agbala Itura CAC, Pastor Bamigbayan and others were in attendance.

(L-R): Grp MD/CEO, Mutual Benefits, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, Prophet S.K. Abiara & Mrs Ogunbiyi

Mutual Benfits GMD, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi with dancers at the event

Chairman, Mutual Benefits Group, Chief Chamberlain Oyibo addressing the gathering

(L-R): Dr & Mrs Akin Ogunbiyi, Mr & Mrs Segun Omosehin, with Mr & Mrs Femi Asenuga

Prophet S.K. Abiara's SUV

Thanks for reading, more pictures coming....

MRS ABIODUN OPEIFA'S FOUNDATION PUT SMILES ON WIDOWS' FACES

 Mrs Abiodun Olajumoke Opeifa

The Hydra Edge Foundation (T.H.E), is a not-for-profit and non-political organisation, created in June 2008 by Mrs Abiodun Olajumoke Opeifa and some concerned individuals to promote individual community empowerment development and prospects through wealth creation. Since its establishment, this people’s empowerment initiative for Leadership, economic and personal development has made remarkable impact on the lives of thousands of youth and women, especially widows. On annual basis, T.H.E organizes an end-of-the-year get-together where the less-privileged, including widows and children are empowered with various items including cash gifts. The 6^th edition of this novel empowerment programme came up on December 23, 2013 at the NYSC Camp, Agege, Lagos. During the programme, which was attended by the Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola and other prominent members of Conference of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), several business tools were given out to some lucky widows. In total, 10 Grinding Machines, 6 Deep Freezers and 1 Sewing    Machine were given out to various beneficiaries. Apart from these, a  free Micro-finance empowerment of N50, 000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) each, were disbursed to 20 beneficiaries.   There were also thousands of bags of rice, vegetable oil and other vital items distributed to the less privileged at the event. Another high point of the event was the presentation of N1, 793,000 Scholarship Cheque to Master Ayomide Adebayo. The cheque provided by The Hydra Edge Foundation under the Dame Abimbola Fashola Scholarship Scheme, was given to Adebayo, a 13-year old student of Methodist Boys High School as result of his exceptional academic brilliance in the school. Towards the end of the programme, The Award of Life Patron of the Foundation was presented to Prince Adebisi Adedokun (Baba Odeomu) in recognition of his unprecedented support for Foundation.

Notable on the First Lady’s entourage were Mrs Yemisi Tinubu and Mrs Azeezat Tijani. Other personalities at the event include, Chief Shafar Adisa Adaranijo (APC Chieftain), Mrs Esther Olufunke Opeifa (JP),COWLSO officials, Royal Fathers, community leaders and thousands of women, widows and children. The programme was anchored Taiwo Adelanwa a.k.a Bountiful and Nollywood actor Yemi Solade while MC Kirikiri provided jokes at intervals.

The Founder/CEO of The Hydra Edge Foundation, Mrs Abiodun Olajumoke Opeifa, holds a degree from Loyola University in Chicago, she also has a Masters degree in Social Work from Governor’s State University in Illinois, Chicago in the United States. An exceedingly selfless individual and a noteworthy philanthropist with an unusual passion for the down-trodden, Mrs Abiodun Olajumoke Opeifa is happily married to award-winning Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon Kayode Opeifa and the marriage is blessed with wonderful children.

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola and her entourage arriving at the  event

Some of the Empowerment Items

Some of the Empowerment Items

MC KIRIKIRI

Officials of COWLSO (L-R) Mrs Funmi Obajimi, Mrs Olaitan Ipaye, Chief (Mrs) Sherifat Adetoro & Mrs Elizabeth Ayilara

Mrs Bisola A Alausa, Mrs Idera Oki, Mrs Alaba Fujah and Pastor (Mrs) Lara Abari

A cross section of beneficiaries

Mrs Esther Olufunke Opeifa  (JP) (right) & Mrs Adesola Folarin

(L-R) Dame Abimbola Fashola, presenting a scholarship cheque to student Ayomide Adebayo (2^nd left)  on behalf of the Hydra Edge Foundation while, Mrs Opeifa (2^nd right) and parents of the recipient, S.E (Prophet) Olajide Adebayo (Middle) & Mrs Adebimpe Adebayo (Left), and his Sister looks on

Compere of the Event, Actor Yemi Solade and Taiwo Adelanwa (aka Bountiful)

(L-R) Snr Evang (Prophet) Olajide Adebayo, Student Ayomide Adebayo, Actor Yemi Solade & Mother- In- Celestial Adebimpe Adebayo

APC Leader, Chief Shafar Adisa Adaranijo (Left) presenting a Sewing Machine to Mrs Funke Adekoya on behalf of T.H.E with them is Mrs Opeifa

COWLSO Officials joined Dame Abimbola Fashola and Mrs Opeifa to cut the Hydra Edge Foundation Cakle

Lagos First Lady & some Royal Fathers posed with some of the Recipients of Grinding Machine at the Event

Dame Abimbola Fashola & Mrs Opeifa with some Royal Fathers celebrate with the recipients of Deep Freezers

Large quantity of Bags of Rice, given out

Prince Adebisi Adedokun (aka Baba Odeomu) receiving the Life Patron Award Plaque from Mrs Opeifa

(L-R) Mrs Yinka Gbemibade, Mrs Zainab Sanni and Mrs Titi Ajirotutu

Mrs Abiodun Olajumoke Opeifa addressing the Press

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