Powerful dignitaries, high net worth personalities storm Omorede Osifo’s diamond jubilee celebration in Marbella Spain

.. How she has attained so much professional, political heights at 60 

The beautiful city of Marbella in Spain was thrown into a colorful and electrifying mood when one of Nigeria’s most celebrated, iconic political Lionesses, the debonair banker turned politician, Lady Omorede Osifo was serenaded with a sumptuous and deluxe 60th birthday gig.

The dynamic political empress and symbol of selfless service to humanity who served diligently and faithfully as the honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Edo State was flabbergasted by the amazing love shown to her by friends, family and well-wishers who thronged the alluringly beautiful hall to give her an indelible birthday celebration. The event tagged @omorede_osifo is now the talk of town as high networth dignitaries, celebrities from all walks of life and different parts of the world all made their presence significant for the celebrant to ruminate over in many years to come.

Lady Omorede Osifo is a quintessential democrat who committed much of her time and energy in serving the people. The birthday babe whose special day fell on 8th of May has come, saw and conquered in the so-called murky waters of Nigerian politics. She served perfectly as State Commissioner, Deputy National Treasurer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),

Special Adviser on Women Mobilization in Edo State and as a distinguished representative of her people.

As the celebration of the 60th birthday of this lady of glam, glitz and panache unfolded, it became clear that this gathering was not just a personal milestone for Hon. Lady Omorede Osifo but also a reaffirmation of commitment among political leaders to work together. The convergence of these key figures in the political arena serves as a reminder of the potential for collaborative efforts to foster progress and uplift the community.

Her birthday celebration was a testament to the strength of unity in political engagement, highlighting the significance of personal connections in the realm of governance.

As Hon. Lady Omorede Osifo embarks on another year, the expressions of support and solidarity from her fellow dignitaries promise a future filled with collaborative achievements and shared goals for the betterment of their constituents.

Hon. Lady Omorede Osifo is a fantastic leader who wants the best for her people. She is personally committed to the transformation of women and two girl child in Edo State and she has also been at the top echelon of her political party, the APC with her selfless efforts recognized and appreciated by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as well as her superb democratic contributions to the growth and development of Edo State under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo who has overtime shown appreciation to her for being a dedicated and patriotic loyal daughter of Edo State. Even the Oba of Benin Kingdom bestowed on her the Prestigious Royal Beads which is given to Chiefs in recognition of her deep passion for the historical city of Benin.

This year, all road led to the serene city of Marbella, Spain for the celebration of her 60th birthday and a opportunity for her to appreciate her Creator, the Almighty God as well as every single individual that has played significant roles in her life.

Attaining the diamond age of 60 is never a child’s play, it’s a moment of sober reflection and commendation to God. We at Black Celebrity Magazine wish the indefatigable and indomitable Hon. Lady Omorede Osifo a very happy 60th birthday and many more years to live in perfect health and more success.

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

Lagos, Nigeria – Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its reputation as a strong supporter of Nigerian businesses, receiving the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award for 2025 from the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) at the Nigeria National SME Business Awards, held recently in Lagos.

The award was presented to the Bank in recognition of its strategic leadership in advancing the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises, through a differentiated suite of solutions designed to enable business expansion and long-term value creation.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, Ayokunnumi Abraham, Head of SME Segment at Union Bank, described the recognition as a strong endorsement of the Bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses. He said:

“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to helping SMEs grow by making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible. Through enhancements to our specialised platforms such as Union360, we have meaningfully reduced the time it takes for businesses to come on board and begin transacting. These improvements have shortened onboarding, increased digital adoption among our SME customers, and supported the acquisition of new business clients. Our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that help Nigerian businesses thrive.”

Organised by ASBON in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, the event convened stakeholders from the public and private sectors to recognise individuals and organisations driving meaningful impact across Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.

Union Bank remains focused on deepening its support for SMEs through customer-led solutions and processes that strengthen business growth across the ecosystem.

‎Nollywood Stakeholders Rally Behind Desmond Elliot, Appeal for Political Intervention in Surulere Assembly Crisis
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‎By Ifeoma Ikem

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‎A coalition of Nollywood stakeholders has stepped into the unfolding political tension in Surulere Constituency 1 Lagos State, appealing for high-level intervention to secure the return bid of actor-turned-lawmaker Hon. Desmond Elliot for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
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‎The appeal was made during a media parley held at the Sam Shonibare Recreational Centre, Surulere, where industry figures gathered to express concern over what they described as a growing political uncertainty surrounding the constituency’s next legislative cycle.
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‎Speaking on behalf of the group, veteran writer and producer Zik Zulu Okafor called on the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to intervene in what he termed a “crisis of continuity” affecting representation in Surulere I.
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‎Okafor stressed that the meeting was not merely political rhetoric, but a strategic appeal rooted in loyalty, historical alliances, and what stakeholders described as years of sustained engagement between Elliot and key political actors in the area.
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‎He recalled that during Gbajabiamila’s earlier political struggles for a fifth-term bid in the House of Representatives, Elliot reportedly stood firmly in support of his aspiration,a gesture stakeholders now cite as part of a broader political debt of loyalty.
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‎According to him, such loyalty should not be overlooked, adding that Elliot’s continued presence in the State Assembly would reinforce stability, strengthen institutional memory, and enhance constituency development planning.
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‎Supporters argued that a fourth term would place Elliot in a stronger legislative position, allowing him greater influence in attracting infrastructural projects, shaping policy discussions, and deepening grassroots representation.
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‎They further highlighted his track record in office, citing interventions in education support schemes, healthcare outreach programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, electrification projects, and community development efforts across Surulere.
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‎Veteran filmmaker Zeb Ejiro described Elliot as a symbolic bridge between Nollywood and governance, noting that his political journey reflects the growing intersection between entertainment and public service.
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‎Ejiro added that Elliot’s presence in politics has given Nollywood a voice in policy discussions, extending the industry’s influence beyond cinema and into legislative and developmental spaces.
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‎Other stakeholders echoed similar sentiments, insisting that experience in public office remains a critical factor in effective representation and that continuity would benefit Surulere residents.
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‎The gathering also featured prominent industry figures including Fred Amata, Emeka Ossai, Ejike Asiegbu, Ralph Nwadike, Francis Onwochei, and Bimbo Manuel.
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‎Their presence, observers noted, transformed the event into more than a political endorsement, but a symbolic alignment of Nollywood’s institutional voices around a figure many consider one of their own in governance.
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‎Speakers repeatedly emphasized that Elliot’s dual identity as an entertainer and legislator has helped strengthen visibility for creative professionals within political structures, particularly in Lagos State.
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‎As discussions continue around the Surulere I constituency’s political direction, stakeholders maintain that their appeal is rooted in continuity, representation,and what they describe as the need to preserve an “experience-driven” legislative voice for the area.