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Engr. Dr Funmi Ayinke Celebrates 40th Birthday With Close Associates, Releases Chocolate Video

Published

2 years ago

May 30, 2023

Foremost Nigerian engineer and musician, Dr. Funmi Ayinke Waheed-Adekojo has celebrated her 40th birthday in a classy manner with close associates in Lekki, Lagos state.

Similarly, she released the much-anticipated video for her hit single, Chocolate.

The event which took place on Saturday, 27th of May, 2023 had important personalities and celebrities who are friends of Funmi Ayinke. The likes of Gbenga Adeyinka The 1st, Kunle Afod, Fiokee, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, a member of the national assembly, Honourable Phillips, APPON members, Members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, to mention but a few honoured the Engineer cum musician with their presence.

Funmi Ayinke, who had gotten a huge surprise earlier in the day and two car gifts last month to celebrate her birthday was astonished at the calibre of personalities present at her birthday celebration and the amazing things they had to say about her.

For the former VC of the University of Lagos, Funmi Ayinke was a huge part of his success during his tenure. He revealed that the musician, who is more like a daughter to him, helped him in different ways including saving him from committing a grave error.

‘’I want to return all Glory to almighty God. When I think about my success as Vice Chancellor, I can’t talk about my success without the contribution of Funmi Ayinke. I would have committed an error if not for her intervention. I would have gone into a trap if not because I consulted with her and she warned me about the problems ahead.’’

‘’Some of our funds were locked somewhere, she asked me not to worry and she told me what to do to get it. We put everything together and today we have a testimony ‘’

‘’Thirdly, the confidence she brings into whatever she’s doing and professionalism. She says it the way it is. I want to thank God for her life, husband and children’’

Honourable Phillips, who was just elected into the national assembly, extolled the positive contribution of Dr Funmi Ayinke to his victory at the last election. He spoke about the encouragement she gave him during the election and how she made some of his constituents vote for him.

‘’I am glad to be here tonight to celebrate Dr Funmi Ayinke. During my election, she was helpful. She encouraged me through some of her philanthropic gestures, she made some of my people vote for me. If we call her three-faced or four-faced, we will be wrong, I would like to call her many faces. She’s multiple personalities in one person. As busy as politicians are during this period, I deem it fit to be here. We will be inviting her to the National Assembly so that Nigerians will learn from her’’

The members of APPON who came from Abuja described the celebration as a professional and great woman. They expressed surprise at how easily she combines her thriving music career and profession without both clashing. They also announced that she has been nominated as the matron of the association and will be properly confirmed at an event later in the year.

‘’She’s been a professional, a great woman. If you go to the music industry she’s there, due process and professionalism in public procurement she’s there. She’s done so much for the profession. I bring greetings from all our platforms to celebrate with her. I pray God keeps you and blesses you. I want to announce that she has been approved as the matron of APPON, she will be confined properly at the event.’’

Similarly, the national chairman of the national institute of mechanical engineers described Dr Funmi Ayinke as a fantastic and dynamic woman who has done so much for the profession. She noted that women are few in the mechanical engineering field but Funmi Ayinke is one of the best in the industry.

‘’She’s one fantastic lady, dynamic, beautiful, hard-working and someone dynamic in nature. We are limited as ladies in mechanical engineering but she’s one of the best we have. I was called from Ghana about giving her an award, I told them she deserves it. She’s indeed a change agent God has brought into the industry.’’

Furthermore, Professor Waheed Adekojo, husband to Funmi Ayinke, showered her with praises for all she has been through over the years. The highlight of his testimony about his wife was the fact that she is a prayer warrior who believes so much in God and has taught him to always run to God whenever there are issues.

‘’If I want to talk about my wife it will take a lot of time. She’s someone who so much loves God, believes in God and prays to God and that’s why whenever there’s a disappointment, she’s always run to GOD.’’

‘’She has taught me to become prayerful and believe that with God there’s nothing one can’t achieve. This motivates her to impact people. She doesn’t want to see people in pain, She doesn’t want people to be in need. She’s ready to spend the little she has for people.’’

‘’She doesn’t want failure, she moves sometimes at night to sort out problems for people. She’s too hardworking and I am not surprised at her success. She believes in quality, if you have quality things it will last. She wants the country to work, she doesn’t think about herself alone. I am not surprised God is doing all these for her.’’

‘’She doesn’t joke with her children, she has taught them to be prayerful. Above all, I love her so much’’

In her reactions, Engr. Dr Funmi Ayinke appreciated everyone present at the party while speaking about how little she started and how God has tremendously blessed the work of her hands.

She revealed that her major motivation for success was the sacrifices of her mother while she was growing up. She noted that her mother took so many loans to sort some of her bills and this made her motivated for success.

‘’I want to thank everyone here tonight. People who know me when I was much younger know the journey was not easy. To every girl child, we all celebrate success but truly there’s a process to success. I thank my mother and sincerely speaking, each time I see my mother make sacrifices for me back then, I am determined to slap poverty. I pledged to make it and I want to tell every Nigerian girl that they can be successful without losing integrity. What kept me going is believing in God. He is the one that can take you without giving up on you.’’

Funmi Ayinke stated that she once sold Kerosene at a time to add value to society and through this initiative, she empowered many widows in the city of Ibadan.

‘’I believe in a person of value, I pursued value and didn’t care about money. I was selling kerosene as a nursing mother, I repaired pumps for filling stations, and each time I go to my office, people call me ‘Iya Ayo onikerorsene’. I made so many kerosene sellers in Ibadan and that is why whenever I cough in Ibadan, people rise for me.’’

Continuing, Funmi Ayinke encouraged women in society and campaigned against looking down on the ‘girl child’ because women are agents of change in every society.

‘’I notice in life that when you are a goal-getter, the enemy targets you. While I was coming up, I faced so many hurdles. I once received a 36-page petition against me but God saw me through’’

‘’When you look down on one woman, you kill a society. I want to tell everyone to pick a girl child, don’t give up on them. My kids and I embark on fasting and prayers sometimes. I am a product of God’s grace and what I am today has taken care of thousands of women. ‘’

society

Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2025

Sahara Weekly

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.

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HRH Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye Ascends the Throne of Agunjin Land

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2025

Sahara Weekly

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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From Ejigbo to the World: How Primate Ayodele’s Prophecies Shape Public Debate

Published

3 days ago

August 16, 2025

Sahara Weekly

The Man Who Makes Nigeria Listen — Primate Elijah Ayodele’s Prophetic Influence

Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens

By Femi Oyewale

Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.

Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.

Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.

Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood

The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:

• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.

• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.

• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.

Philanthropy and institution building

Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.

What makes him unique

Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:

1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).

2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.

3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.

The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism

To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.

Looking ahead

As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.