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Chike Okoli Foundation Celebrates 15 Years of Promoting Healthy Living and Entrepreneurial Culture
It was a night of elegance, enterprise and entertainment as Chike Okoli Foundation held its 15th Annual Heart & Soul Gala. The event was held at Kairos Hub, Lekki, Lagos on Sunday with the theme, “Rays of Hope, New Visions of Tomorrow” to celebrate the legacy of late Chike Edward Okoli. The 2021 edition of the event, which was held to mark the 16th year remembrance of the passage of Chike Edward Okoli and the 15th anniversary of the Foundation brought together thousands of families and friends who attended virtually.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Foundation, Dr. Stella Okoli, while thanking God for the grace to ensure that the short life of Chike Okoli is turned to an enduring legacy said; ” the event is about celebrating a Nigerian youth and a good example of an enterprising Nigerian.”
According to her; for the past fifteen years, Chike Okoli Foundation has been promoting a legacy of touching lives and building entrepreneurs. She further said; “the focus at Chike Okoli Foundation includes ensuing that every young Nigerian is fully knowledgeable about the dangers of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and the available preventive measures and treatment options, as well as adequately equipping every young Nigerian with entrepreneurial skills to enable him or her to set up and manage a profitable business of his or her choice. At the Chike Okoli Foundation, our aim is that every Nigerian youth shall be lifted in this great nation as a healthy individual to assist the nation to take the place it rightfully belongs.”
In the same vein, a Board member of the Foundation, Chief. Mrs Taiwo Taiwo said “It is over fifteen years that we lost a brilliant and enterprising youngster, but to the glory of God the legacy of the young man is renewed by the efforts of the Foundation through its commitment to raise young and healthy people as accomplished entrepreneurs.”
Meanwhile, it should be noted that since inception, Chike Okoli Foundation has successfully held programmes for youths and entrepreneurs in collaboration with leading corporate institutions in Nigeria. These programmes have enhanced the lives of over 12 million Nigerians especially youths. The Foundation has also reached over 10,000 aspiring entrepreneurs through its Brainchild, Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (COCES) situated at the main campus of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. In turn, many of Chike Okoli Foundation’s beneficiaries have continued to spread the message of healthy living in their environments, while most graduates of COCES have initiated various small and medium scale projects.
In this regard, the Heart & Soul Gala is an annual fundraising event organized by the Foundation, aimed at raising awareness about the foundation’s core projects, as well as soliciting support for the sustainability of COF’s vision. The Foundation has published 24 booklets and five posters on healthy living. These materials are distributed freely at designated hospitals, Clinics, Banks and pharmacies.
Congratulating the Foundation at the event, the wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun said the Foundation had gone a long way to resourcefully lift Nigerian youths and educate the people through its initiatives. She said, ” the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (COCES) situated at the main campus of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State is a big testimony to what the foundation has done to help the Nigerian youths and its publications and communication materials have provided millions of Nigerians relevant information on how to live an healthy and prosperous live.”
Remarkably, the event which was anchored by the elegant Dayo Benjamins-Laniyi featured a night of entertainment, enterprise, and art where some highpoints of the events included great and electrifying performances by music stars, such as delectable Yinka Davis, Soloist Preye, Alternate Band, Gospel Force Band among others. A special rendition on the activities of the Foundation for the past fifteen years was also done by a veteran Nollywood actor, Francis Nwuche as well as a live painting auction in support of the Foundation by a Nigerian paint artist, Ice Nweke.
The event also witnessed a health talk on common tips for keeping heart healthy by Dr. Ramon Moronkola, a Consultant Cardiologist, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, (LASUTH), Ikeja and a special session on entrepreneurship by an American based entrepreneur, Mr. Chika Nwobi.
The Chike Okoli Foundation (COF) is a non-profit organization established in May 2006, in memory of the young and vibrant Chike Edward Okoli, who passed away due to an undetected coronary artery disease, five days after his 25th birthday. A budding entrepreneur, Chike was until his death, the Founder/Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Carden Energy Services Ltd, an indigenous Oil Services Company in Lagos, Nigeria.
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
A new dawn breaks over Agunjin — a moment etched in gold in the annals of history — as the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home. With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.
The proud sons and daughters of Agunjin welcome His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye, Ariwajoye III of Agunjin Land, with joy, reverence, and boundless hope for the future.
A distinguished Nigerian based in New York, Oba Adekeye is a dynamic and accomplished professional whose illustrious career spans cinematography, international trade, and hospitality. Born into the revered Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family of Agunjin, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness now carries forward an ancestral legacy steeped in honor, dignity, and purpose.
The new Oba Adekeye is the proud nephew of the late Oba Jimoh Ajide Adekeye and the grandson of Oba Alade Adekeye — custodians of Agunjin’s noble traditions whose names remain deeply woven into the history of the land.
As the Yoruba say,
“Adé kì í wọ́ lórí aláìní orí.” — The crown does not rest on a head without destiny.”
His Royal Highness wears the crown not as a mere ornament, but as a solemn trust from his ancestors to his people.
The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to: His Excellency, H.E.AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chaiman GFON, Sadauna Ngeri of Ilorin, Executive Governor of Kwara State; The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba (Barr.) Alh. Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase Ipo; The Chairman, Ifelodun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola Arepo III, Elese of Igbaja; The Ifelodun Traditional Council Members and the Kwara State Traditional Council.
Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, and to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast commitment to upholding historical truths and safeguarding the cherished traditions of Agunjin.
As the newly crowned Ariwajoye III, Oba Adekeye brings decades of professionalism, global exposure, and deep cultural pride to his reign. His vision is noble and unwavering — to champion sustainable development across the Agunjin district, preserve the rich traditions of the land, and unite his people both at home and in the diaspora under one banner of progress, peace, and pride.
In the words of an old royal proverb, “When the king builds bridges, the people will cross to a better tomorrow.” Ariwajoye III now stands as that bridge — connecting the heritage of the past with the promise of the future.
Long live Ariwajoye III. Long live the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family. Long live Agunjin Land.
Prince Oluwatoyin Adekeye For the Family
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