For a good scriptwriter, the story of Christopher Alao Akala, ex-governor of Oyo State, will not only make an interesting read, but also a box office success.
Akala, who was the Labour Party (LP)
governorship candidate in the 2015 governorship election Oyo State, has given his compatriots cause to confirm that an average Nigerian politician is capable of spewing surprises.
A few weeks ago, he shocked all when news filtered that he had made a dramatic entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he so much vilified towards the build-up to the governorship election in the state.
In the thinking of many, his action reeked of desperation for power, political relevance and lack of clear-cut ideology.
This perception about the Ogbomosho, Oyo State-born politician began when he had allegedly betrayed his boss, Alhaji Rasheed Ladoja, who was governor of the state, in 2006.
Also, after allegedly ganging up against his former boss alongside the late Ibadan top politician, Lamidi Adedibu, he later became governor on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
However, in 2011, he was labelled a political paper weight, when he failed to return to power in the state.
Prodded by what many described as his over-bloated ego and activities of his political hangers on, he, again, contested for the number one job of his state under the same PDP in 2015, but it turned out a wild goose chase.
Still desperate for power , he began to romance the Labour Party. But sadly, his hope of winning the election was met with defeat.
Society Happenings gathered that he kept romancing the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, preparatory to defecting to the ruling the party. But it was a wrong political step.
He had expected a rousing welcome into the APC, but he was said to have been rejected by the Oyo state chapter of the party.
Consequently, he may be said to be a political pariah in the current political calculation in the country.
Akala a retired police officer started his political career as a member of New Dimension, a political association of progressive young elements. He participated in the zero-party local government election of 1996 and later co-founded the UNP before its fusion with UNC to form UNCP. In the 1997 local government elections.
He contested and won the chairmanship seat of the Ogbomoso North Local Government along with seven councilors under the platform of APP in 1998. He was elected vice-chairman of ALGON, Oyo State Chapter between 1999 and 2002. A versatile and visionary political leader, Alao-Akala founded the Ogbomoso Unity Forum, a political association which later joined the PDP. He was the Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government from 1999 to 2002. He became the Deputy Governor of Oyo State from May 2003 to January 2006. He attained the pinnacle of his political career when he became the governor of Oyo State in January 2006, a position he occupied till May 2011.
Steve Omojafor Turns 70
Sir Steve Bamidele Omojafor! Yes, that is one name that is synonymous with marketing communication in Nigeria.
In this creative endeavour, he is recognised as a leading light. As chairman of STB McCann, Omojafor’s wealth of experience as a marketing communication professional almost beggars description.
Probably because he has been around for so many years and the fact that a number of people who have drank from his fountain of knowledge are today ‘irokos’ of sorts in the nation’s thriving marketing communication industry, there is the tendency to think that he is much older than he really is. Yet, for the records, the genius only turned 70 last Wednesday.
As he gracefully joined the septuagenarian club, it should be expected that a lot of heavy-weights in the industry would like to honour him with their presence.
So, it was, to put it mildly, a convergence of the leading lights in advertising sector and titans of the corporate world on that memorable day at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
As gathered, Omojafor was full of appreciation to God and some individuals who had contributed in different ways to his success story.
It is a fact that his company is one of the most successful advertising companies in Nigeria. Having been in the business for over 40 years, it is no exaggeration to say that he eats and breathes advertising!
Interestingly, the occasion also coincided with the 40th anniversary of his marriage to Lady Mojisola. The marriage is blessed with three children: Oluwayemisi, Kencho and Modupe.
The advertising guru, who holds a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, is a Fellow of the Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria (AAPN). He was at various times a Sub- Editor, Daily Times; Group Head, Client Service, Lintas Limited and co-founder of Rosabel Advertising.
This genius, who loves to think out of the box and sits on the board of several reputable companies, is a past President of the AAPN and Vice President of IAA (Nigerian Chapter). He serves as non-executive Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc and was Chairman of the Board of Zenith Bank Plc. from August 2010 to July 2014. He was honoured by the Pope in 2009 as Knight Commander of St. Sylvester for his commitment to the Catholic Church and humanity.
AGAIN, MICHAEL PREST FINDS LOVE
For obvious reasons, the mere mention of his name will bring memories of his divorce mess to the mind of anyone who has been following his story with unalloyed interest. It was one high profile divorce case that was highly celebrated not only by Nigerian press but it was also feasted on by the UK media.
Michael Prest, a top player in the nation’s oil and gas industry, it will be recalled, had reportedly been involved in a divorce mess with his ex-wife, Yasmin. The marital war, so to say, started in 2008, but it eventually ended in 2013, following a court pronouncement on the matter. It was, indeed, a protracted legal tussle owing to the fact that it involved Prest’s multimillion dollar estate and other debts that his ex claimed he owed.
However, it appears Prest has now put the ugly development behind him, just as one might say that the wound has healed in his heart.
It was gathered that the respected businessman is currently entangled in a sizzling affair with Bunmi Tejuosho, widow of the late Kunle Tejuosho, one of the sons of the Osile Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho. The late Tejuosho, who was one of the Polo Club big boys, passed on five years ago.
A source hinted that both Prest and Bunmi had allegedly been on the romantic adventure, even before the former’s celebrated divorce case was resolved. As gathered, the romance flame was ignited by Prest’s elder sister, Helen Ajayi, a former beauty queen.
Prest- Ajayi, we gathered, shares a strong bond with Tejuosho and she was the one who set the machinery that brought her brother and his new love together in motion.
In fact, it was gathered that the first public outing Tejuosho made (about a year after her husband’s death) was Helen Prest-Ajayi‘s 50th birthday celebration.
It was further confirmed that the affair has grown so strong and might lead to the altar very soon.
KAY OVIA’S HEART OF GOLD
When you think of women who are blessed with beauty and brains, Kay Ovia, wife of billionaire banker, Jim Ovia, Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc., will come to mind.
By all standards, she could be said to be one of the few born under the proverbial lucky star. But unlike many in her shoes, she loves to identify with the hoi polloi. It is a fact that she loves kids and she is doing everything humanly possible to give hopes and a bright future to disadvantaged ones through her talent hunt project.
Society Happenings gathered that the amiable woman, who is very motherly, loving and welcoming, embarked on the project to help Nigerian children who are creative and talented, but don’t know how to explore their God-given talents. Since the inception of the project, many have benefited immensely. She organises a party annually for orphanages at her house.
In spite of her privileged position, her doors are always open to all.
PASTOR TAIWO ODUKOYA, WIFE CELEBRATE
In December 2005, death dealt a big blow to Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of Fountain of Life Church, when his wife and companion of many years, Bimbo, died in the ill-fated Sosoliso plane alongside other passengers at the Port Harcourt International Airport. It was really a heart-rending experience for the respected man of God.
It takes only a man of strong faith to survive this kind of fatal blow. But his level of spirituality coupled with pure love poured on him by his entire family and members of the church had helped greatly in making him get over the devastating shock in time.
Like a popular quote, ‘‘No matter how big the world is, if we are meant to be together, love will lead us to be together,’’ Pastor Odukoya, soon found another love, this time, in a South African beauty, Nomthi Rosemary Simangele Zulu, after the demise of his late televangelist wife.
Today, it is obvious that the revered pastor is having the best of marital bliss, as he recently took to the Instagram to unearth his inner feelings, saying, ‘‘it has been six years since I started this incredible journey with @pastornomthi. She is a blessing I cannot describe with words. And every day, I celebrate God for the gift she has been, not just to me, but to my family and The Fountain of Life Church. I look forward to an exciting lifetime with her. May God keep our home in His love, grace and faithfulness.#weddinganniversary#faithfulGod”.
It will be recalled that Odukoya met his new wife in London, where he had gone to minister at Triumphant Church International, London. One thing led to another, and they eventually got married six years ago.
MICHAEL ADEOJO’S LOVE FOR GOLF
For some, the game of golf is no more than a hobby for the rich. For some others, it is a serious business. But of one of the people in the latter group is business Czar and Chairman of Elizade Motors, Michael Adeojo. His love for the game is beyond words. Perhaps, this explains why he has invested so much in it.
For some, the game of golf is no more than a hobby for the rich. For some others, it is a serious business. But of one of the people in the latter group is business Czar and Chairman of Elizade Motors, Michael Adeojo. His love for the game is beyond words. Perhaps, this explains why he has invested so much in it.
To reinforce his love for the game, the businessman has recently opened a world-class Golf Resort in his Ilara Mokin, Ondo State hometown known as Elizade Golf Resorts. The 18-hole golf resort is set to become the latest addition to Nigeria’s list of growing golf courses. The layout is breath-taking, while the sheer aesthetics surpasses expectations.
The project, it was revealed, gulped several millions of naira from the Chairman of Toyota Nigeria and father of renowned fashion designer, Deola Sagoe. It is said to be in the same category with some others such as the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja and Le Meridien Ibom Golf Resort, Uyo, the only Nigerian courses with world- class attributes.
The 77- year-old auto mogul and philanthropist is the biggest Toyota distributor in Nigeria, having been in the business for over 40 years. He is also the owner of Elizade University in Ilara Mokin in Ondo State.
The business mogul in 1968, only a couple of years after he left the University, registered a business name, which he called Elizade Trading Stores, The Trading Stores, which handles general textile sales (including underwear) was followed with Elizade Independent Agencies (formed in 1971) with a focus on automobile marketing.
This business expanded quickly, with Toyota as the main product. In June 1973, the company was formally incorporated as Elizade Nigeria Limited and in 1976 the company secured Federal Government license, along with four other firms, to become a direct distributor of Toyota Vehicles and spare parts in Nigeria. Notably, of the four firms so licensed in 1976, only Elizade Nigeria Limited still remains afloat till today.
RAZAK OKOYA COUNTS BLESSINGS at 76
That Lagos State-born billionaire, Chief Razak Akanni Okoya, is one of the greatest industrialists in Nigeria is like stating the obvious. Also, that the story of the Aare of Lagos would make an interesting read and inspire many souls is not in doubt.
So, as the billionaire will be marking his 76th birthday on Tuesday, it is certain that he will be celebrated to high heavens on the occasion for so many reasons.
That Lagos State-born billionaire, Chief Razak Akanni Okoya, is one of the greatest industrialists in Nigeria is like stating the obvious. Also, that the story of the Aare of Lagos would make an interesting read and inspire many souls is not in doubt.
So, as the billionaire will be marking his 76th birthday on Tuesday, it is certain that he will be celebrated to high heavens on the occasion for so many reasons.
As a young man, he started his business on shoestrings. But his resilience, determination and I-can-do spirit have all made him soar higher and placed him in an enviable position today. There is no gainsaying the fact that he also typifies a soul who enjoys abundant luck and grace of God, particularly when you consider his grass-to-grace story.
Okoya started business early after working in his father’s tailoring business, which also included the sales of tailoring accessories. The experience gave him the confidence, early in life, to start mini- tailoring activities on his own. As a wise man, he saved every penny he made; and with the support of his mother and blessings of his father, he went into importation of stuff from Japan.
His business expanded swiftly and he travelled far and wide, learning the rudiments of importation and exportation. Today, under his chairmanship, the Eleganza Industries produces a wide range of household goods and utensils, including cutlery, food warmers, ice chest, electric fan, cosmetics and ballpoint pens. The company now directly employs over 5,000 Nigerians and non-Nigerians, including those working in his RAO Property Investment Company. Okoya’s Eleganza Group is one of the biggest home-grown conglomerates in Nigeria today.
GERALD ANOZOBO GETS BACK HIS GROOVE
At a time, multi-millionaire Gerald Azonobo aptly fitted the description of King of Groove, if there was anything like that.
Apart from his academic qualifications, his other credentials in the social circle, so to say, were that he drove posh cars, wore expensive designer watches and was a VIP card-carrying member of many A-list night clubs on the Lagos Island.
In fact, Society Happenings gathered that club owners could afford to shut any other person out of their clubs as long as the man was around.
At a time, multi-millionaire Gerald Azonobo aptly fitted the description of King of Groove, if there was anything like that.
Apart from his academic qualifications, his other credentials in the social circle, so to say, were that he drove posh cars, wore expensive designer watches and was a VIP card-carrying member of many A-list night clubs on the Lagos Island.
In fact, Society Happenings gathered that club owners could afford to shut any other person out of their clubs as long as the man was around.
But suddenly, Azonobo’s face became a rarity at his regular hangouts and social events. This phase, no doubt, gave a lot of his friends serious concern. During this period of hiatus, many claimed that Azonobo, aka Dagogo, was broke, while some maintained that he was only trying to kick some old habits. But one thing was obvious: many night clubs counted their losses with his new found ‘lifestyle’.
Interestingly, Anozobo seems to have found his groove, after experiencing a temporary reversal of status. Just as many were wondering what had really become of the top player in real estate, he made a sudden appearance.
Almost immediately, he, again, won the admiration of night clubs owners with his usual heavy spending. And many are quick to confirm that he has again gotten back his groove.
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