DE- APPLAUSE

Folorunso Alakija rocks Lagos'

2011-08-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

Prominent society woman and businesswoman, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija and her better-half, Modupe, proved their class once again penultimate Saturday, when they serenaded Nigeria's A-list celebrities with a 3-in-1 party that practically left guests almost wishing it never ended, report Olusegun Rapheal

Who is Mrs. Folorunso Alakija?
Does she really need any introduction? Very doubtful, many would dare say. A style icon, businesswoman, fashion designer and philanthropist per excellence, Alakija is a former President of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), founder of Rose of Sharon, a leading fashion house and the Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil $ Gas Limited. Happily married with four grown-up young men, Alakija is also grand mother and a forebearer in upper echelon of Nigeria's social establishment.

A multi-million naira 3-in-1 bash
It was a mind blowing event that lived up to its billing. And of course money, we mean good money, was deployed to make that happen. No expense was spared,
as full attention to details from the organisation to execution was strictly adhered to. Take the INVITE for instance, that was a study in creative imagination. And the venue? The prestigious Convention Centre, Eko Hotel $ Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, and the adjoining halls was the place to be. Foremost events company, Elizabeth R owned by Ibidun Ighodalo handled the beautiful decoration from the lobby of the hotel right into the hall. Wave m,aking comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka took charge of the proceedings. Why a 3-in-1 party? First, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija marked her 60th birthday, then her 35th wedding anniversary to her husband, Modupe, while her grand-daughter, Femi, also marked her 3rd birthday.

What a party
For sceptics, who had doubted how rich and influential Mrs. Folorunso Alakija is, the class and magnitude of the party finally shut them up for good. For a woman, who is known not to do things in half measures, the party was another opportunity for the 'birthday girl' to drive home that point more succintly. The success of the party was, no doubt, a just reward for months of nerve wrecking preparations that preceded the D-day. Sources disclosed that Mrs. Alakija had confided in a few of her close friends that her birthday gig would set a benchmark that would be difficult to surpass on the social scene for a long time to come. It was not an empty boast, because days after the party held, celebrities who were privileged to attend can't stop talking about it.

Thanksgiving Service
What better way to begin the day than giving thanks to God. And trust the highly religious celebrator, her first point of call to kick off the celebration was the Catheral
Church of Christ, Marina. The church was filled to the brim, with the Alakijas' friends, family members and business associates making their presence visibly felt.

A befitting birthday presents
At the party,Mrs Folorunso Alakija and her loving beau displayed their class for all to see. While the 'birthday girl' arrived in a brand new black Mercedes Benz S-Class 600 Limosine, her husband prefered a wine colour of same brand and make. That the two automobiles left many onlookers breathless was like stating the obvious.

2020… 110-year-old preacher says he will be alive

2010-09-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

The birthday boy was celebrating his 110th year, and he took advantage of a thanksgiving service to foretell that he would still be alive to celebrate his birthday in 2020. A capacity crowd turned up, awed by the Methuselah’s headline-grabbing longevity. Called ‘the world’s oldest Preacher’, Rev Samuel Akinbode Sadela, Founder of Gospel Apostolic Church Worldwide, Gbadgada, Lagos, exuded an aura of graceful aging as he enjoyed the festivity in his church on August 28.
He wore native clothes made of white lace and colourful Ankara. In his talk, he said over and over, that dying at 70 is a premature death. According to him, three of his sisters lived to be 130 before they died, adding that his longevity is hereditary. During the service he danced so much and with such vigour that many wondered at the spectacle.
In his sermon on the day, the guest Minister Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Ota, Ogun State, preached that people could enjoy the good life like Sadela if only they would draw near to God. The Nation learnt that Oyedepo enthusiastically later told members of his own church: "At 110, it is incredible how agile Pa Sadela is. He is still able to stand to preach every Sunday and dance when people who are not half his age can’t. I really love this kind of long life, and I am always glad to meet Pa Sadela. He is a confirmation of the Lord’s promise to grant us long life." Sadela believes longevity is the inheritance of all obedient and faithful children of God, according to the Bible in Isaiah 65:22; I Kings 3:14. Ahead of his 110th birthday, Sadela was honoured by the Bible Socety of Nigeria (BSN) at its 6th Annual Luncheon and Awards Ceremony at MUSON Centre, Lagos, where he promised, "I will contribute immensely to Bible Society of Nigeria, so that the word of God can reach the people who are yet to know Christ." The Chairman of BSN’s Special Members Forum, Pastor Festus Daramola, said the group deemed it appropriate to reward Sadela who God had empowered to be in the pulpit tirelessly for 78 years.
The story of the beginnings of his church has been told by the old man. His narration: "Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola was my master; he trained me along with several others who are prophets, pastors and founders in Nigeria today. I grew up in the Anglican denomination but when I met him he showed me the Lord Jesus Christ. We thank God for today. I lived in his father’s house in his home town, Odo-Owa for seven years and restructured the house from four large rooms into several rooms. We started a church close to the house. The church grew into a district headquarters in Christ Apostolic Church."Whatever is not biblical, I will not accept. What Apostle Babalola taught me is to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I ate with him, slept on the same bed with him and went on a long-term fast with him. That is why Pastor S. S. Jemigbon of the Apostolic Church said at one time that I was the only one who could tell the full story of Apostle Babalola. In the Christ Apostolic Church today there are many people who worked with him but they didn’t start with him.
"It’s the Bariga church that I first established to carry out his instruction. I spent 14 years at the church located at Olarewaju Street but the youth of the church revolted and planned a coup to ease me out of the church. It was God that answered my prayer because I had wanted to leave the church but I didn’t want to leave without a cogent reason. We thank God that today there are 5 branches of Gospel Apostolic Church in Oworo, Lagos, alone. We now have several branches in Nigeria and even abroad. Likewise, our church has been registered in London. Apostle Babalola told me to establish this Church when I complained that I was not satisfied with the administration of Christ Apostolic Church." Sadela established Gospel Apostolic Church in 1972. In his comments during the celebration of "the 80th
anniversary of the call of the late Apostle Babalola" two years ago, Bishop Oyedepo said, " I salute our living legend and Apostle of faith Pa Samuel Sadela constantly reminding one of the old path."

WHERE is Kafilat Ogbara?

2010-09-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

WHERE is Kafilat Ogbara? Yes the same Kafilat Ogbara who came into politics few years back in a very big way. Ever since she lost the 2007 general election into the House of Representatives under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), she has been keeping a low profile, which belies her antecedents on the social scene. The society heavyweight who was very much at home with jumping from one party to the other seems to have dumped the social firmament and embraced the warmth of her private home.
Sources informed us that this may not be unconnected with the plight of her godfather, Chief Bode George who is currently serving a jail term.
It therefore came as a rude awakening when her face which always added colour and glamour to society happenings in Lagos, suddenly became an essential commodity.
Those who are very close to the very stylish and beautiful lady are still wondering about her political future. And whether she will contest in the forthcoming general election is still a matter of conjecture.

SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR MRS LOIS OBIYO

2010-09-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

Surprise!Surprise!Surprise!that was the language to describe the reaction af Chief Mrs Obiyo, she was told that she is attending another friends birthday dinner not known that it was her's as she steped in to the Hall the guest sing Happy Birthday song, she almost burst into tears the surprise birthday bash was organized by her children; Amara, Oby, Chuki, Ozii and Ure they all make sure all guest were treated well.. Photos: TRENDY AFRICA ONLINE.COM

How Dambazau got news of retirement in US

2010-08-29T01:10:00.000-07:00

Ex-Army Chief Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau PHOTO: Reuters
FORMER Army Chief Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau was in high spirits on Wednesday in New York, United States – thousands of kilometers away from home where a major decision that was to change his mood was being taken.
He was in a two-piece suit, looking strange (he is usually seen in public in the all-green army uniform, with the red-neck insignia and epaulette of a General).
Gen. Dambazau was shaking hands with dignitaries as Nigeria’s Representative to the United Nations, Prof Joy Ogwu, and Defence Minister Kayode Adetokunbo introduced him to guests.
Gen. Dambazau was on a working visit to the UN when President Goodluck Jonathan announced the retirement of all service chiefs.
Gen. Dambazau, and other senior military officers were on the entourage of the Minister on a five-day working tour.
The visit, which began on Tuesday, was scheduled to end tomorrow.
The team, including Lt.-Gen. Chikadbia Obiakor, outgoing UN military adviser on peacekeeping operations, was on a courtesy call on Ms Susana Malcoraa, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, when calls hit Dambazau’s mobile phone.
"The calls reportedly came from family members who informed him of the change of baton," a close aide told NAN.
After the meeting on the eighth floor of the DC One building of UN, the former army chief and Director of Finance Maj.-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, hurriedly left.
The team did not attend other assignments scheduled for the day, including a briefing on UN peacekeeping missions at the UN office on Madison Avenue, Manhattan, New York.
Gen. Dambazau was also absent at a cocktail party organised at the Nigerian Mission later on Wednesday.
Other visiting Nigerian defence officials continued their meetings but at intervals they made frantic calls to Nigeria.
Army officers on the minister’s entourage were Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onwuamaegbu, Commandant, Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, and Maj-Gen. E.D. Atiegoba, former head of the Nigerian Army College of Logistics.
why were the service chiefs retired? The question was still popular yesterday, with many speculations flying on why the president suddenly disbanded the nation’s security machine on Wednesday.
"The timing is perfect. We have elections coming up next year and we have other issues coming up and the country is fairly stable and safe," Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, said yesterday.
The minister, in company with the ousted Chief of Army Staff, was on a week-long duty tour to the United Nations (UN) when the announcement was made in Abuja.
Kayode told reporters that the service chiefs were already aware that their respective tenures had expired last month, and it was subject to renewal based on the wishes of President Jonathan.
"They know that this is a normal, regular, statutory and constitutional exercise of power by Mr President," he said.
The Defence Minister, however, maintained that the service chiefs were not removed, saying: "under the rules and terms of condition of service they are entitled to two years and their tenure has expired.
"Mr President, exercising his prerogatives under the Armed Forces Act and under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has every right to make new appointments," he said.
Jonathan’s replacement of security leaders came a day after at least 700 prisoners escaped during an attack on a jail in Bauchi by members of a religious sect known as Boko Haram.
Kayode, however, said the change of guard had "absolutely nothing" to do with the attack on the prison.
"The Armed Forces continue to be committed to the internal security in Nigeria and, on the issue of Boko Haram, we have been on top of it and have been monitoring it over time.
"We are already prepared, but we know that it is inevitable that this will happen because there is religion in it and we have to be very careful the way we tackle it," he said CALLED FROM thenationonline, pix Reuters

CRISIS IN PDP ANAMBRA STATE AS STATE LAWMAKER PLAN MASS EXODUS TO APGA

2010-07-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

There is tension in the Anambra State House of Assemby as many members plan to decamp to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Before two members of the House, Hon Chinwe Nwebili (Ogbaru I) and Hon Benson Nwawulu (Ogbaru II) defected to APGA last week, all the 30 members of the Assembly belonged to PDP. At a meeting held last week in Abuja, the PDP National Chairman, Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo had appealed to the Anambra PDP stakeholders, including the legislators to show commitment to the party. That was when the party leadership got wind of the planned massed defection of the party supporters to APGA. Lawmakers told repoters that they intended to defect to APGA because of the crisis rocking the PDP in the state. Some of them also said that they could not abandon the governor who had just defected to the party because of the agreement they had with him to cooperate with his administration. ‘’Can you tell me now, even as a journalist, that you are happy with what is happening in PDP? So, I am interested in contesting and that is why I’m making every plan to see that I secure my seat," said a legislator at the weekend. The former governorship candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Hon Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, has also defected from the party to APGA. Her Media Adviser, Clems Aguiy, confirmed the defection, explaining the party is close to the heart of the people of Anambra State . Aguiyi further said that Ekwunife saw PDP as a sinking party, adding that politics in Anambra State had gone beyond individual interest. He said that on July30, Ekwunife would officially declare for the party at her country home, Agukwu Nri, Njikoka Local Government Area. Many Anambra lawmakers who spoke at the weekend, said that they would join APGA since the platform on which they rode to the House of Assembly had collapsed. Meanwhile, our reporter equally gathered that no fewer than four PDP members of the House of Representatives would soon follow the footsteps of Ekwunife.

DNA test clears American musician after 28 years in jail for rape

2010-05-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

For a man wrongly convicted of rape almost 30 years ago, Raymond Towler did not look anxious. Perhaps it was because a few more minutes in custody made little difference after so long. Perhaps it was because he had a reasonable idea of what Judge Eileen Gallagher was about to say.In an extraordinary scene, barely noticed in America this week amid coverage of the enormous oil spill and the New York bomb plot, Mr Towler, a 52-year-old musician, walked free from a Cleveland court after spending more than half his life in prison for a crime of which he always maintained his innocence and which DNA analysis proved he did not commit.His case is not unique, but the way it ended was uniquely moving. It may serve to galvanise a national movement of lawyers and activists who have used DNA evidence to free more than 250 inmates since 1992, almost all of them black men, but who have so far lacked the resources to tackle thousands of other cases in which experts’ fear of "junk science" and racial bias have produced unsafe convictions.The moment of truth came just after 9am on Wednesday. After a brief recap of his arrest, trial and conviction for the rape of an 11-year-old girl in 1981, Judge Gallagher turned to the results of DNA analysis of skin and semen samples that she ordered two years ago from a lab in Texas. Both samples came from the victim’s underwear. They did not match the girl’s DNA, but they did match each other. "They are consistent with deriving from the same individual, the assailant of the victim," Judge Gallagher said. "And that individual was clearly not Raymond Towler."Mr Towler, in a white shirt and black V-neck sweater, blinked and briefly lowered his head. "It’s been a long time coming," Judge Gallagher noted. Her voice breaking, she then read to the court an Irish blessing more commonly heard at weddings: "May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm on your face, may the rain fall softly upon your fields. May God hold you in the palm of his hand, now and forever."Wiping tears from her face, the judge stepped forward to shake the hand of a man known to the state of Ohio for more than quarter of a century as Inmate A16468. "Good luck to you, Mr Towler," she said. "You’re free."Mr Towler shook hands with his lawyers, a team of three from the Ohio Innocence Project at the University of Cincinnati, then hugged his brother and sister. Asked how he had been able to get up each morning knowing he had been wrongly convicted, he said: "You’ve got to get up, you know what I mean? Get up with God in your spirit and God will lead the way forward."Under state law, Mr Towler is entitled to $40,330 (£27,350) for every year of his wrongful imprisonment, not including lost wages and any damages he may win by suing the Ohio Department of Corrections. A previous inmate wrongfully jailed for a shorter period was awarded $1.4 million.Mr Towler appeared to bear no grudge. "Evidently a crime was committed and I’ve got to respect that they tried the best that they could," he said. "They had the wrong person. It took them a while to straighten it out but all I care about right now is that they did straighten it out."The authorities still have no idea who the culprit is, but the prosecutor, Bill Mason, said that the case was open and there would be a new examination of crime scene evidence.Outside the court Mr Towler began taking in his new surroundings en route to a pizza restaurant. "Even though I was raised here I’ve still got to do a lot of sightseeing," he said.Despite pleading not guilty and offering a solid alibi, Mr Towler was sentenced to life without parole on the basis of a Cleveland police officer’s suspicion during a routine traffic stop that he resembled the man sought in a rape that had occurred two weeks earlier. He was later picked out by the victim from an identity parade."One of the leading causes of these wrongful convictions is witness misidentification, especially with crossracial identification," Carrie Wood, one of Mr Towler’s lawyers, said. "There is still racial prejudice in our society. Anyone who tells you different just doesn’t have those interactions."

DR SEYE KEHINDE 45TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

2010-05-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

SOJI ADEGBESAN GOES HOME

2010-02-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

Ace Photojournalist's Soji Adegbesan body was committed to mothers heart, soji worked with Punch news paper he was known for his social diary page with PUNCH newspapers, Mr. Adesoji Adegbesan, is dead.He died in a ghastly motor accident on Sunday at Eyenkorin, near Ilorin, Kwara State, on his way back to Lagos from where he had earlier attended a social event.Born on June 22, 1964, Adegbesan attended Egbado College, Ilaro, Ogun State, between 1976 and 1982 and was at Egbado Teacher‘s College, Ilaro, between 1982 and 1984.He was a 1997 graduate of Guidance and Counselling/Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan.He also studied English/History at the then Ogun State College of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode (now Tai Solarin College of Education) and held a National Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos.He had at different times worked as reporter/photo journalist with Fame Weekly Magazine, Marvel Weekly Magazine and Global Excellence Magazine.Admired for his enthusiastic mien and sharp wit, Adegbesan was fondly addressed as S.O.J.He was a regular face at many social events in Lagos and all over the country as a professional.His commitment to his job and exceptional drive endeared him to many important personalties in the country.He was a photojournalist with PUNCH.The 45-year-old deceased is survived by an aged mother, a wife, Funke, and four children. A wake was held in his honour on Monday, January 25, 2010 at the Saviours African Church Cathedral, 104 Old Abeokuta Road, Agege, the service conducted by Venerable Gabriel Adebanjo, relatives, friends and associates extolled the virtues of the deceased, with all describing him as having led a humble, but eventful life. Meanwhile, Adegbesan‘s lying-in-state was before the commendation service was also held at the same church on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 by 9am.Funeral service was held at Bethlehem African Church, Odopotu, after Erunwo Ijebu, Ogun State, his remains was interred at the cemetery In his tribute, a brother of the departed photojournalist, Bimbo, said that the late Adegbesan fondly called S.O.J by friends while alive lived an exemplary life.“He was like a father to all of us. He was a brother in need and a brother in deed. He did all he could to make life comfortable for all of us,” he said.A friend and a member of Adegbesan’s church, Mr. Olamilekan Opatola described the late photojournalist as God-fearing.Another church member, Mr. Onitayo Kehinde said, ”He never procrastinated whenever there was any job to be done.” GOOD NIGHT my Mentor, My Destiny Helper see you at the feet of Christ.

OBA ADEDAPO TEJUOSHO GIVES OUT DAUGHTERS HAND IN MARRIAGE

2009-08-31T04:11:00.000-07:00

Friday 28th & Saturday 29th of August, 2009. His Royal majesty Oba Adedapo Tejuosho the Osile Oke-Ona Egba gives out one of his Princes Adebosoye Arinade the Daughter of Olori Yetunde out in marriage to Idowu Oyeyinka Ogunkanmi, the Traditional Marriage was held at Abeokuta sport club, while the Solemnization of the holy matrimony was conducted at Cathedral of St James African Church, Idi-Ape Ago-oko Abeokuta Ogun state after which the Wedding train moved to Abeokuta sport club for the reception where guest were treated with their choice of food and Drinks. the Formost Nigeria Music Band Shuga Band lead by Akinloye Tofowomo was on the band stand...

BY Olusegun Rapheal 08033572821

OSHIFESO BURRIED MOTHER IN IJEBU-ODE

2009-08-25T03:01:00.000-07:00

CHIEF MRS. FOLORUNSHO ALAKIJA CELEBRATES 58th BIRTDAY IN STYLE

2009-07-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

Last week Thursday it was funfair when Mrs Folorunsho Alakija celebrateS her 58th birthday in grand style, she and her husband host family and friends at their victoria Island home to celebrate. The classic event was put togrther by Ibidun Ighodalo's Elizabeth R and Lagos State first lady Mrs abimbola Fashola was the special guest. story and photographs. Olusegun Rapheal

GLIT AND GLAM AT ENCOMIUM WHITE GIG

2009-07-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

Sunday 12th will remain ever green as Encomium Magazine held its Annual white party the 3rd Edition was tage White Gig and was held at the new Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. here we serve you the Exclusive Photographs recorded by our able Photographer..Oluesegun Rapheal

NDUKA OBAIGBENA IS 50

2009-07-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Popularly known as the Duke, Nduka Obagbeina marked his golden age in grand style. For many who attended the grand reception, they will not forget in a hurry. The event was held at Tafawa -Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos on Teusday,14th July. He is a dreamer and dream maker at once. A media magnate, entrepreneur his no doubt a great man.

TOSIN DOKPESI 40TH BIRTHDAY

2009-07-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

Peultimate Sunday 12th of july 2009, Tosin Dokpesi Celebrated her 40th birthday in grand style at The Hall Alausa Ikeja Lagos. Tosin who married High Chief Ramond Dokpesi some years back , The marriage was blessed with a baby Girl on 27th of April 2009. Tosin was born on 12th July 1969. she went to Mainland local Goverment Primary School, Fadeyi, and Holy Child Colledge Obalende, she attended Methodist Girls High School for her A'level, she studies Zoology from University of Lagos and aquire a diploma in mas communication. she join AIT as a youth corp as a presenter and producer and moved on to programs officer and now she is the Managing Director/chief Executive Officer of AIT.

GBENGA OBASANJO AND MOJI AT IT AGAIN

2009-07-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

Many thought that the legal battle between the son of formal president Olusegun Obasanjo Gbenga and his ex wife Moji as ended but it was not the duo as engage in another legal battle over their children custody both Gbenga and Moji his ex wife as returned to Lagos High court on Teusday for another battle over the access to the two kids of the divorced couple according to the gist Moji insisted that her children should not be allowed to stay with her ex mother –in-law because she will poising their mind against her, because her ex hubby still stays in his mother house, Moji was praying the court that Gbenga should have access to the kids only from 10am to 6pm of the Saturdays and one week before and after the holiday while the driver and nanny are with them .but Gbenga was asking for was a minimum of one week during shot holidays and one Saturday in a month with allowance for the kids and to be returning nextday but the parties could not reach a compromise agreement the case was adjourned, The question now is that when will the battle over?

SHEDDI BABA REACHES OUT TO THE LESS PRIVILEGE

2009-07-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

Ace comedian, Sheddi Baba, recently demonstrated his resolve to alleviate the plight of the less privileged in our society when he staged a first-of-its-kind charity event at the Silverbird Galleria on the Island. The project, tagged Orphans Mix Celebrities (OMG) which took place last Sunday, 28 June, 2009, saw the multi-talented comedian bringing together some of his friends within and outside of the entertainment industry to interact and inspire some orphan children drawn mainly from Nigerian Red Cross Society (Lagos) orphanage.
In attendance were Alariwo of Africa, Tosin Martins, Mrs Doris Braimoh, Mrs Tinu Osho, Mrs Tessy Gambo, Chike Onuorah, Monica, Mrs Juliana Obanife who led the Red Cross team, and the parents of Sheddi Baba himself, Engineer and Mrs Joel Baba. The event got to the peak when a beautiful artwork donated to by famous fine-artist, Chike Onuorah was auctioned. The proceeds were immediately donated to the orphanage. Various items like bed sheets, pillow case, towels and wine were also given out to the home. The Fisrt Lady of Lagos state, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, who could not make it to the event in person sent her representative who delivered her goodwill message. Aside the First Lady, others who lend one form of support or the other to the include, Mr Ben Bruce of Silverbird Group, Hardley Apartments and Suites, Hans International, Papilon wine, Gbenga Adeyinka 1st and several other well meaning personalities. Upcoming comedians like, Daniel Baba (MC Dannie B), Aboki and others were also on hand to entertain. It was no doubt a laudable project which will go a long way in putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged in our society. In his closing remark after the event, Sheddi Baba expressed his “appreciation to his partners like Ufoma Ejanabor, Adaora Achumba, Chike Onuorah and everyone supporting the project. He also disclosed that the door is still open for any individual or corporate bodies who might be interested in providing any form of support”.

Suicide blasts at Jakarta Ritz, Marriott kill 8

2009-07-17T05:11:00.000-07:00

By ANTHONY DEUTSCH, Associated Press Writer Anthony Deutsch, Associated Press Writer

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Suicide bombers who checked in as guests smuggled explosives into American luxury hotels in Indonesia's capital and set off a pair of heavy blasts that killed eight people and wounded more than 50, investigators said Friday.
The near-simultaneous bombings ended a four-year lull in terror attacks in the world's most populous Muslim nation. At least 18 foreigners were among the dead and wounded.
The blasts at the J.W. Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels, located side-by-side in an upscale business district in Jakarta, blew out windows and scattered debris and glass across the street, kicking up a thick plume of smoke. Facades of both hotels were reduced to twisted metal. An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw bodies being shuttled away in police trucks.
Alex Asmasubrata, who was jogging nearby, said he walked into the Marriott before emergency services arrived and "there were bodies on the ground, one of them had no stomach," he said. "It was terrible."
Two Australians and a New Zealander were believed to have been killed, but there was confusion about the exact number of victims.
"I have grave concerns for three Australians following the terrorist bombings in Jakarta earlier today," Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told reporters late Friday. "One of these Australians is an Australian Embassy official. These figures may be the subject of further change."
An Australian think tank, the Strategic Policy Institute, predicted the Southeast Asian terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah might launch new attacks just a day before Friday's deadly strike.
A paper released Thursday said tensions in the group's leadership and the release of former members from prison "raise the possibility that splinter factions might now seek to re-energize the movement through violent attacks."
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the attack was carried out by a "terrorist group" and vowed to arrest the perpetrators. He also suggested a possible link to the national election last week that is expected to hand him another five-year term as president, but he provided no details.
Suspicion will fall on the Southeast Asian Islamist militant group Jemaah Islamiyah or its allies. The network is blamed for past attacks in Indonesia, including a 2003 bombing at the Marriott when 12 people died.
"Those who carried out this attack and those who planned it will be arrested and tried according to the law," a somber-looking Yudhoyono told a news conference.
The Manchester United football team canceled a planned visit to Indonesia. The team had been scheduled to stay at the Ritz on Saturday and Sunday nights for a friendly match against the Indonesian All Stars, the Indonesian Football association said.
Jakarta police chief Maj. Gen. Wahyono said two suicide bombers carried out the attacks at the hotels. The suspects of the Marriott bombing stayed on the 18th floor, where un-detonated explosives were found after Friday's twin explosions.
"There were several perpetrators," he told reporters. "They were disguised as guests and stayed in room 1808."
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton condemned the bombings as reflecting "the viciousness of violent extremists" and said they "remind us that the threat of terrorism remains very real." She said the United States was prepared to provide assistance if requested by the Indonesian government.
The European Union condemned the blasts as "brutal."
The Marriott was hit first, followed by the blast at the Ritz two minutes later.
Security Minister Widodo Adi Sucipto told reporters at the scene the hotel blasts happened at 7:45 a.m. and 7:47 a.m. (0045 GMT, 8:45 p.m. EDT) and that "high explosives were used." He said eight people were killed and 50 wounded.
Anti-terrorist forces with automatic weapons were rushed to the site, and authorities blocked access to the hotels in a district also home to foreign embassies.
"This destroys our conducive situation," Sucipto said, referring to the nearly four years since a major terrorist attack in Indonesia — a triple suicide bombing at restaurants at the resort island of Bali that killed 20 people.
The security minister and police said a New Zealander was among those killed, and that 17 other foreigners were among the wounded, including nationals from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea the U.S. and Britain.
The dead New Zealander was identified by his employer as Timothy David Mackay, 62, who worked for cement products manufacturer PT Holcim Indonesia. He was reportedly attending a business meeting at the Marriott Hotel when the explosions occurred.
Noel Clay, a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington, said that several American citizens were among the injured. Three Americans were listed as patients at the Metropolitan Medical Center hospital.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks, but terrorism analyst Rohan Gunaratna said the likely perpetrators were from the al-Qaida-linked Jemaah Islamiyah.
"The only group with the intention and capability to mount attacks upon Western targets is Jemaah Islamiyah. I have no doubt Jemaah Islamiyah was responsible for this attack," he said.
There has been a massive crackdown in recent years by anti-terrorist officials in Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim nation of 235 million, but Gunaratna said the group was "still a very capable terrorist organization."
Police have detained most of the key figures in the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah and rounded up hundreds of other sympathizers and lesser figures.
But Gunaratna said radical ideologues sympathetic to the group were still able to preach extremism in Indonesia, helping provide an infrastructure that could support terrorism.
In October 2002 two Bali nightclubs were attacked killing 202 people, many of them foreign tourists. Jemaah Islamiyah was accused of responsibility.
___
Associated Press writers Niniek Karmini and Ali Kotarumalos in Jakarta and Tanalee Smith in Adelaide

SEN. AZU AGBOTI SON'S WEDDING

2009-06-10T03:31:00.000-07:00

The much talk about wedding in Nigeria right now is the wedding of Sen. Azu and Cordilia Agboti son's Obinna and Ngozi Oyolu's wedding. The grand wedding started on thursday, 7th May 2009 with a Traditional Marriage at the Oyolu, family house at Mongoro bus-stop by Punch News Papper office Ikeja Lagos, while the solemnization of the holy matrimony service was held at the Catholic Church of DivineMercy Lekki Phase 1 Lagos. after the service the wedding train moved to Lekki water front for a Grand reception, the reception was anchor by no other person that the Guru of Entertainment Bisi Olatilo. of Biscom, the ocssion was chaired by Chief Nwayahun. The Applause Editor Olusegun Rapheal capture the best Moment

PASTOR WOLE OLADIYUN AT 50

2009-04-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Senior Pastor of Christ Living Spring Apostolic Ministry knows as CLAM Celebrated his 50th birthday in grand style the event begin with communion service on Thursday followed by foundation laying of a three stories building for Hospital and Maternity which was his childhood ambition,the Centre will be equipped with modern Diagnostic equipments. Pastor Oladiyun was born to the family of Elder and Deaconess Samuel and Dorcas Oladiyun, he was born at Ile-Oluji in Ondo State, south west Nigeria in April 1959. He add his primary and secondary Education in Ondo state. He gain admission into the University of Ile Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University were he study Engineering ,he married in 1990 to his beautiful wife Bukola( nee Olubakinde )and they were blessed with four Children.

SEN. OYOFO WIFE OYINKANSOLA 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

2009-03-31T05:26:00.000-07:00

Mrs Oyindamola Oyofo on Saturday 28th March gather friends and family for her 50th birthday in lagos, the glamorous event was held at the prestigious Civic Centre, Ozunba Nbadwe road Victoria Island Lagos. Olusegun Rapheal was there.

ZAINAB HAYATUDEEN AND FAROUKS UNAR MOHAMMED'S WEDDING

2008-09-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

Friday 22nd to sunday 24th August 2008, will be forever be a memeorable day for the residents of Maiduguri and Kano. The day was the holy wedlock Islamic wedding between Alhaji Hayatudeen's first daughter, Zainab and Farouk Umar Mohammed. The colourful ceremony commenced on friday with a baquet tagged Arabian Night. which was held at Forshams Event Centre, Dapcharama road Old G.R.A Maiduguri
On Saturday, 23rd August the wedding Fatia took place at the Hayatudeen's Familly house located at Kumuze Along Kazeem Ibrahim Road, Maiduguri. Although traditionally the bride price is 25 pieces of Gold and each of the gold is 21 carat but the wedding you can bet gulped several millions of naira.

On Sunday, 24th August the wedding train moved to Kano for the grand Reception. It was held at Sanni Abacha Stadium kano. Why Kano? this is question on every body's mouth, the Groom's parents are from Kano likewise the Brieds Mother Hajia Afsat Hayatudeen.

Among top Dignitries that were part of the occacion were, Executive governor of Kaduna state, Governor Namadi Sambo, Immidiate Past governor of Nassarawa State, Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi, Professor Ayan O Anya, Dr. Haford Alaile, Alhaji Saleh Sambo, ALhaji Adamu Bello, Alh. Ammed Joda Charman NCC, Mrs Saudatu Sani, Alh. umar Yahaya Among Others.

Ace Photographer, Olusegun Rapheal bring this Report and the Exclusive Photograph.

AT CITY PEOPLE MUSICAL CONCERT IN PORTHARCOURT

2008-08-14T05:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday 2nd August 2008. will not be forgortten in a hurry for those who attended the City People Musical Concert in the Garden City of Port-Harcourt. It was a day Many have been waiting for. The Atlantic Hall of the Presidential Hotel Port Harcourt was thrown into a frenzy as Gongo -Aso croner 9ice, Weird MC, Roof Top MC, and ALariwo, & MC Abbey treated the audience to a nice time with nice music and jokes. PortHarcourt"s best hands in Music and comedy were not left out. The likes of Baba King, Pupa Spaco, B. Best, LIlly Jean, Kunle Tatafo, Dan, Waterside and others were at their best. Our chief Photo Editor Olusegun Rapheal Brings you the Exclusive photographs.

Seye Kehinde city people publisher & Ibinabo

LISA FOLAWIYO FASHION EXIBITION

2008-06-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

In this edition we present to you the faces of celebrity at Lisa Folawiyo's (Jewel by LISA) fashion exibition in Lagos. Olusegug Rapheal was there.

FACE HOLDS ANGELS NIGHT TO MARK BIRTDAY

2008-06-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

Ify the lady behind face of afric, make-up studio Celebrated her Birtday in Style, with exclusive party which was held at Saipam Resturant, Bishop Aboyade cole Victoria Island, Lagos. for selected friends, the party was taged Angels night, in which everybody dressed in all white, the celebrant was looking tantalizing. De applause Photo Editor, Olusegun Rapheal Brings you the exculusive photographs from the party.

Julius Agwu wed's Ibiere.

2008-06-10T02:30:00.000-07:00

The ace Comedian Julius Agwu weds his heart rob Ibiere.

The three days event withness cream de la cream of Celebrities accross the country. The event kick off on Thursday, May 29 2008 with traditional marriage at Abonnema River State the Bride's Home town, followed with the Grooms party Port Harcourt.

Saturday May 31st the wedding continue at St. Paul's Cathederal Church, Garrison, Aba Road, Port Harcourt for the solemnization of the union, after the service the Wedding Train moved to the Civic Centre for the wedding reception were the guest were treated with there chioce of food and Drinks, thre were more than enough to wine and dine with. among the personalities who witnesss the wedding are, Gov. Rotimi Armechi,( River State, )Hon, Tony Harry,( speaker River State house of assembly),Barr, Frank Homoh Frm. anthony general River State, is the Charman of the occassion.Ali Baba, Segun Arinze, kate Hensaw-Nuptial, Okay Bakassy, Basorge Tara jnr, Chief (Mrs) Najomo, Achike Asiodu, Mrs Joke Shogunro, DJ Jimmy Jatt and his wife, etc.

the wedding Cake by Tosan, Bride's Shoe Benny Obaze, Bride's make-up Banke Meshida- Lawal..

Photo & Story by ; Olusegun Rapheal photo Editor