Entertainment
Why I established Oko Opo Foundation for widows – Dr Adeyemo, CEO, Pelican-Valley
Why I established Oko Opo Foundation for widows – Dr Adeyemo, CEO, Pelican-Valley
Dr Babatunde Adeyemo is the Chief Executive Officer of Pelican-Valley Nigeria Limited, a Real Estate company.
In an interview with Great Achiever Magazine, Dr Adeyemo speaks on the establishment of Oko Opo Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation that rekindles the hope of widows, in fulfilment of his life-long dream to give back to society.
Excerpts:
You have just come up with a new initiative called Oko Opo Foundation. Please tell us what it is all about.
The proposed Oko Opo Foundation is one of my life-long ambitions and dreams. The Foundation is a product of my personal experience about life generally.
Being a journalist who had been in the profession for almost 15 years, and had covered many people, including about four governors in Ogun State; I’ve covered the rich and the poor; seen the mighty fallen; seen people at the peak and the lowest part of their lives. After much thought, I’ve come to realise that life is vanity and I realised also that no matter the amount of money you have, it doesn’t secure the future of your children because money is like spirit which you can’t tie down except you invest it on institutions and people.
Look at the high and mighty in our society many years back; where are their wealth now? When they died, their wealth went with them and now you start hearing some news that you’ve not been hearing before. So, I realised that the only way you can leave indelible mark on the sands of time is by building people and institutions.
For instance, I’ve told my children that substantial part of my assets will be bequeathed to the widows, orphans and less privileged people in the society.
So, Oko Opo Foundation is a step towards walking my talk, and also a reflection of my life experience, that life itself is vanity, but while alive one should build people and institutions which I’ve dedicated my life to do.
Secondly, I’m the type of person that has passion for adding value to people’s lives. I love being a philanthropist; touching people’s lives positively, and this propelled me to establish Oko Opo Foundation.
What does the Foundation want to achieve?
The Foundation is about rekindling the hope of the widows, widowers, orphans and the less privileged people in the society.
How do you intend to achieve this?
Definitely we can’t do it alone. So, we are going to establish our presence on social media where we will seek support through partnership.
Again, I’ve earned a lot of goodwill in real estate and in journalism; I will deploy it in Oko Opo Foundation. I will also use my proficiency and integrity in Real Estate business to gather people of likeminds, while I also lead by example.
I have some properties which I’m donating to the Foundation immediately because the Foundation has been registered.
Equally, I’m building a mini multipurpose hall which is about 98% completed, and this will be used for the activities of the Foundation.
How do you want to identify and bring together beneficiaries of this Foundation?
We are going to look at it from the angle of direct assessment. We will make the entry open to everybody. People can just walk in; they will be interviewed and submit their credentials which will be verified. From the interview, we will determine their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that can be available for them and also their various peculiar needs.
Some of the things we will do for them are; granting interest free loans; there is a few acres of land, part of which will be made available to them for farming activities; we will also raise an endowment funds to build low income houses with modern facilities to solve the housing problems of the critically vulnerable ones.
In addition, we are partnering with one of our clients in the United States who will build old people’s home to cater for the elderly people. There will be a farm market and farm Estate which will create employment opportunities for the widows and elderly people who are still agile and want to engage themselves in physical activities to keep fit and kill boredom.
In a project of this nature, finance is always very crucial. Have you reached out to people who can support this initiative and what response have you got from them?
Like I said earlier, goodwill is very important. So, I’m not perturbed about finance. We have people of likeminds around the world. Presently, I have over 1000 Nigerians in the Diaspora who have keyed into the Pelican Real Estate project. If you are known as Mr Integrity, people will not hesitate to support and join you in what you are doing.
Don’t forget that I’m not doing this for money. I thank God for what He has done for me, and this Foundation is an avenue for me to give back to the society. My goodwill will surely come in handy, as people are ready and willing to support the initiative. Once you are transparent in whatever you do, people will donate generously to a worthy cause.
Oko Opo will have a strong presence online where we will be engaging people via various online programmes and they will donate willingly. Once people realise that there is sincerity of purpose, they will want to be part of the success story.
I will definitely lead by example. So far, I’ve spent almost N70 million on the mini multipurpose hall which is about 98% completed and very soon a very big generator will be installed there, while I’ve also donated five acres of land in a prime location to the foundation.
Can you speak on the peculiarity of the Foundation’s logo?
Yes, the Oko Opo Foundation’s logo carries a caricature image of a malnourishly dieing child with a vulture standing behind. That image depicts the present state of an average Nigerian orphan and widow, which Oko Opo Foundation is here to rescue, God willing .
How soon will the Oko Opo Foundation kick off?
We are planning to launch by September, and mostly, we are going to have so much online presence. We will organise World Press Conference and invite people of likeminds to talk, do interviews and such other things.
I’m very optimistic that Oko Opo Foundation will be a success.
Credit: Achievers
Entertainment
Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
The Nigerian music scene is mourning the loss of Afeez Adeshina Ayinde, popularly known as Destiny Boy, whose passing has left a deep sense of grief among family, friends, and fans. Though his life was brief, his story is one marked by determination, creativity, and a steady rise driven by passion rather than noise. Destiny Boy passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 22, cutting short a journey that many believed was only just beginning.
Early Life And Background :
Afeez Adeshina was born on june 24, 2003, into the Adeshina family of Odo Rori Compound, Ayetoro Yewa, Ogun State, Nigeria. He was the son of Mr. Adeshina Kamorudeen and Mrs. Saidat Adeshina, raised within a close-knit family environment that shaped his values and character.
From an early age, Afeez was known for his calm demeanor and respectful nature. Those who grew up around him often describe him as gentle, focused, and quietly ambitious. Music became an outlet through which he expressed himself, long before public recognition followed. What began as interest and experimentation gradually turned into purpose.
Music Career And Creative Journey :
Known professionally as Destiny Boy, Afeez carved out his place in music through persistence rather than spectacle. He was deeply passionate about his craft and committed to growth, often collaborating and featuring in songs and music videos across Nigeria and beyond.
While he may not have been the loudest voice in the room, Destiny Boy earned respect for his work ethic and humility. He approached music with seriousness, seeing it not just as entertainment but as a path to building something meaningful. Colleagues and collaborators consistently describe him as hardworking, disciplined, and eager to learn — traits that set him apart in an industry often defined by fast success and fleeting attention.
His presence in multiple projects across different platforms reflected a steady upward movement. For many young creatives, Destiny Boy represented the quiet grind: showing up, improving, and letting the work speak.
Family Life And Personal Milestones :
Beyond music, Afeez embraced responsibility early in life. He got married to Oluwatoyin Adeshina, and their union was blessed with a son, Adeshina Usman Obatide, born on November 12, 2024. Becoming a husband and father added new depth to his life, grounding him further and reshaping his priorities.
Those close to him speak of his devotion to family and his desire to build a stable future. Balancing personal life with creative ambition was not always easy, but Afeez carried these responsibilities with maturity well beyond his years.
His Passing :
The news of Destiny Boy’s death on January 17, 2026, came as a shock to many. At just 22 years old, his passing raised a collective sense of loss — not only for what he had achieved, but for the potential that remained unrealized.
While details surrounding his death have been kept private, the impact has been deeply felt across his immediate community and within creative circles. Tributes have highlighted not only his music but his character: kind-hearted, respectful, and sincere.
Burial Arrangements :
The Adeshina family has announced that Afeez Adeshina Ayinde (Destiny Boy) will be laid to rest on:
Friday, January 23, 2026 :
Time : 2:00 PM
Venue : His father’s residence, Odo Rori Compound, Ayetoro Yewa, Ogun State
Family members, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers are expected to gather to pay their final respects and celebrate a life that, though short, left a meaningful imprint.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers :
Destiny Boy’s story is not one measured by chart positions or awards, but by consistency, humility, and quiet influence. He represented a generation of young Nigerian creatives navigating ambition, responsibility, and identity in real time.
In remembering Afeez Adeshina, many will recall a young man who showed up for his craft, valued his family, and treated people with respect. His journey serves as a reminder that impact is not always loud — sometimes, it is built patiently, one step at a time.
As he is laid to rest, his music, memories, and the lives he touched remain.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Entertainment
Benin Summit Group Congratulates Rema, Shallipopi for Flying the Benin Flag at AFRIMMA Awards
Benin Summit Group Congratulates Rema, Shallipopi for Flying the Benin Flag at AFRIMMA Awards
The Chairman-in-Council of the Benin Summit Group, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has congratulated celebrated music stars Rema and Shallipopi for their outstanding achievements at the recently concluded AFRIMMA Awards, where they emerged as shining ambassadors of the Benin Kingdom on the global entertainment stage.
Rema, ( Divine Justice Ikubor) the internationally acclaimed Afrobeats sensation of Benin extraction, carted home three prestigious awards, while fast-rising artiste Shallipopi ( Crown Uzama) also clinched one award, marking a moment of pride not just for Edo State but for the entire Benin Kingdom.
In a statement issued by the Benin Summit Group, Osaro Onaiwu described their victories as a powerful demonstration of Benin excellence, creativity, and global relevance.
“I commend and congratulate Rema and Shallipopi for putting the Benin Kingdom firmly in the global space through their talent, hard work, and discipline. Their achievements are a source of pride to our people and an inspiration to our youths,” Onaiwu said.
He noted that the success of Benin sons in the global entertainment industry reinforces the importance of nurturing creativity and supporting young talents across music, film, fashion, and other creative arts.
“These accomplishments show what is possible when talent meets opportunity and determination. Benin land is rich in creativity, and the world is beginning to take notice,” he added.
Osaro Onaiwu further urged other Benin sons and daughters, particularly those in the creative and entertainment sectors, to remain focused and strive for excellence, emphasizing that global recognition comes through consistency, hard work, and commitment to craft.
“I urge others to strive harder to excel. Let the achievements of Rema and Shallipopi motivate the next generation to dream bigger, work harder, and represent Benin with dignity and pride wherever they find themselves,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Benin Summit Group to promoting unity, culture, and development, including the creative arts, which he described as a powerful tool for projecting the Benin heritage and identity to the world.
According to Onaiwu, celebrating the successes of Benin sons and daughters across various fields remains central to the group’s mission of fostering unity, pride, and collective progress within the Benin Kingdom and the diaspora.
Why Everyone Is Talking About GICANA: The New Nigerian Drama Shaking YouTube
A powerful new Nigerian drama, GICANA, has made its debut during the Yuletide season, sending a strong social message while keeping audiences glued to their screens. The film, now streaming on Mustapha Sholagbade Television (MSTV) on YouTube, explores the dangerous consequences of transacting one’s body for money, portraying it as a risky game with far-reaching emotional and moral implications.
Produced by Almatin Limited, GICANA is directed by the creative duo of Olayemi Adeodu and Ayanbode Simon. The directors bring depth and realism to the story, carefully unpacking themes of desperation, survival, greed, and the silent battles faced by individuals pushed to the edge by circumstance.
The movie, which was shot in Canada and Nigeria, boasts a rich ensemble of industry talents who delivered compelling performances, including Remi Surutu, Dotun Adebanjo, Mustapha Sholagbade, Bukola Kiitan, Temidayo (Starboy), Dare Melody, Jumoke Fadipe, Queen Blessing Ebigieson, Adejoke Adesokan, and several others. Their performances added emotional weight and authenticity to the storyline, making GICANA both engaging and thought-provoking.
Behind the scenes, the production quality of GICANA stands out. Cinematography was handled by Director Keny and Abiodun Bukola, while Mr Perfect served as script supervisor. Sound was recorded by Idrissound, with lighting by Tomcity. Makeup was expertly done by Ifeoluwa Adejumo, and Muhammed Hussein brought the film’s environments to life as set designer.
Released at a time traditionally associated with celebration and reflection, GICANA uses the Yuletide season to challenge viewers to think deeply about societal pressures and the hidden dangers of quick money. The film is already generating conversations online, with viewers praising its message, performances, and strong moral undertone.
With its timely release and compelling narrative, GICANA is more than just a movie, it is a cautionary tale and a must-watch drama for audiences seeking meaningful African storytelling this new year.
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