Business
Festival of India : A Huge Success
“This is the most colourful phenomenon I have ever witnessed in my life!” Exclaimed Bamidele, a Lagos based banker, who had shared the fun filled weekend with his family.
The much-anticipated Festival Of India has come to stay. Period! The parade was a total showstopper, as three gigantic hand pulled chariots from the ancient city of Orissa towered high into the Lagos skyline. Only a cluster of birds flew higher. But wait, these were not birds at all; they were drones -cameras in the skyes! After all this was the only way the event could have been filmed. The parade was a human sea stretching as far the eye could see.
Igbokiti from Western Nigeria slugged it out with the Kerala Samaj – an ethnic group from Southern India. While the Durbar Horsemen raced with their Punjabi counterparts from Northern india – heavily bearded, Powerbiking, turbaned and screaming Punjabis who added spice to the blend! What entertainment! This showstopper could be Nigeria’s premier international tourist attraction. The Igbokiti cultural group won 1stprize in the Parade category, while the Oriya Samaj won 1st prize in the Chariot Design category.
But we’ve only just started! What about the Indo-Nigerian EXPO that followed? And the concert nko? Phase two of the Festival was an international EXPO, with up to one hundred and fifteen corporate bodies, ethnic exhibitors and retailers taking stalls at the TBS grounds. The Lagos Ministry of Commerce also accompanied 15 SMEs to the venue, to help showcase their works in the international arena. Sponsors like MTN, Airtel, GTB, Godrej and Z-World were bustling with activity. The food court occupied a section of the grounds and you could buy anything from Briyani, capatis, assorted masalas, you name it. Honestly I was a bit of a greedy pig. I asked for a takeaway pack so my wife would know what she just missed! As I moved along the stalls I encountered the much-advertised fashion and jewelry section. Yes, all those Bollywood sarees, Punjabi suits, trinkets and whatnot where all available at affordable prices. All the stalls of the Festival of India were beautifully decorated and the prize of best stall went to the Rajasthani Samaj. A word of advice to the organisers here. Never plan such an event in the rainy season. Twice it started drizzling and I was afraid for the worst. Luck shinned on them that Saturday. But it was risky.
Finally dusk ushered in the final leg of my adventure at the Festival Of India – the concert. The performances began with colourful children from the various Indian Samajas and cultural shows from all over India. Up-and-coming acts like Aditi (Nigeria) and Pandey (India) were also given an opportunity. Pandey surprised and thrilled the Nigerian audience with his rendition of Emergency from Dbanj and other Nigerian songs in Nigerian languages. Top Bollywood star, Yuvika and Anup Jalota, as well as Nigeria’s Sammy Okposo, Tee Mac and his Gold Convention, Ara and Pasuma were in a class of their own. Nollywood personalities such as Desmond Elliot, Tina Mba and Saheed Balogun to name a few, spent precious moments sharing thoughts with their Bollywood counterparts in the special Artists’ green room.
The surprise of the day must have been when Yamuna, a Nigerian dancer (Eastern Nigeria), who had studied in India, took the lead in the Indian classical dance category. Yamuna was brisk and controlled, with intricate finger gestures, characteristic of the complex Kathak style. Even the Indian audience was held spellbound by her footwork. Yamuna had chosen a particularly difficult repertoire and I believe this is what earned her the title. While Nigerians await medals in the ongoing Rio Olympics, we’ll just have to make do with this! Well-done madam for making us proud.
I interviewed Bolaji Rosiji, Chairman of Gaurapad Charities (the official sponsor of the Festival) and Chairman of the Festival organizing committee. He had this to say: “Now that the festivities have taken off, we’re asking Nigerians to please join us as we embark on a collaborative project for the revival of our SMEs in Lagos State. We need to come out of this unprecedented economic crisis by building Nigeria from the bottom up. The largest economy in Africa (Nigeria) and the second largest SME network in the world, India, will partner for mutual benefit.
Bank
Alpha Morgan Bank Expands Footprint with Three New Branches
Alpha Morgan Bank Expands Footprint with Three New Branches
Alpha Morgan Bank announced the opening of three new branches in Maitama Abuja, Garki Abuja and Olu Obasanjo Road, Port Harcourt, a strategic move that reinforces the bank’s commitment to expanding access to satisfying banking services across Nigeria.
With headquarters in Wuse 2, Abuja, and kickstart with over 14 branches nationwide, the bank’s expansion is expected to create several opportunities, supporting employment opportunities, stimulating small business growth and development initiatives through strategic partnerships and outreach.
“This growth is about deepening our connection to the communities we serve,” said Mr. Ade Buraimo, Managing Director/CEO of Alpha Morgan Bank. “We are not just opening doors; we are opening opportunities.”
The bank also offers tailored banking solutions, through its digital and *734# USSD banking. Alpha Morgan Bank is ensuring that individuals and businesses, regardless of background or digital literacy, can participate fully in the financial ecosystem.

Alpha Morgan Bank’s growth is anchored in a bold commitment to delivering satisfying banking to customers.
As the new branches open their doors, the Bank invites individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporate clients to walk in and experience its approach to Satisfying Banking.
Business
Actress Joke Lawal Unveiled as Brand Ambassador for Giant African Real Estate Firm, Masterpiece Homes
Actress Joke Lawal Unveiled as Brand Ambassador for Giant African Real Estate Firm, Masterpiece Homes
– Seals Three-Year Contract
By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
Masterpiece Homes Development and Gardens Limited has taken a bold step in strengthening its brand presence by unveiling celebrated Nollywood actress Joke Lawal as its new brand ambassador. The landmark announcement came with the signing of a three-year contract at the company’s head office in Lagos on Friday, August 22, 2025.
The unveiling ceremony, described as a major milestone in the company’s growth, featured a symbolic presentation of a branded Masterpiece T-shirt and the signing of official documents by Joke Lawal and the company’s Chairman, Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, alongside the Group Managing Director, Mr. Emmanuel Oladimeji. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as dignitaries, industry stakeholders, and guests applauded the partnership.
Speaking at the event, Prophet Ogundipe expressed pride in the company’s achievements despite industry challenges. He emphasized the importance of youth participation in Nigeria’s real estate sector for long-term sustainability. “Masterpiece Homes continues to be a trailblazer in the industry. This partnership with Joke Lawal is a testament to our vision of connecting heritage, innovation, and trust,” he said.
Group Managing Director, Mr. Oladimeji, hailed the initiative as a strategic move that positions Masterpiece Homes beyond the confines of a conventional real estate firm. “This is more than business—it is about celebrating our resilience and creativity as Nigerians. Our new brand ambassador will play a pivotal role in reinforcing our value chain while ensuring we preserve a genuine real estate culture for generations,” he stated.
Joke Lawal, visibly elated, described Masterpiece Homes as a symbol of innovation and authenticity in Nigerian real estate. “This unveiling represents a bold step in redefining the real estate sector in Nigeria. Masterpiece Homes is not just a company—it is a celebration of identity, trust, and vision,” she remarked.
The event featured vibrant performances, with guests clad in branded attires, reflecting the company’s culture of community celebration.
Masterpiece Homes Development and Gardens Limited has long been recognized as a reputable real estate brand connecting Nigerians at home and abroad to legitimate homeownership opportunities. With Nigeria’s real estate now ranked as the nation’s third-largest sector—behind crop production and trade—the company has renewed its commitment to bridging investment opportunities between Africa and the diaspora.
The unveiling of Joke Lawal as brand ambassador, according to Mr. Oladimeji, is not only a milestone for Masterpiece Homes but also a stimulus for broader industry growth. “Diaspora investments in Nigerian real estate remain vital. By creating systems that make homeownership seamless, Masterpiece ensures a win-win for all stakeholders,” he noted.
With this partnership, Masterpiece Homes Development and Gardens Limited positions itself to expand its influence and uphold its reputation as a trusted leader in Africa’s booming real estate market.
Oluwaseun Fabiyi is the official media consultant to Masterpiece Homes Development and Gardens Limited
Business
Adron Homes Chairman Hosts NSE Ibeju-Lekki Executives, Explores Strategic Partnership
Adron Homes Chairman Hosts NSE Ibeju-Lekki Executives, Explores Strategic Partnership
The newly approved Ibeju-Lekki Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), which recently emerged as the 91st branch of the Society, has paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, at the company’s headquarters.
The delegation of engineers, led by Engr. Olufemi Dare, FNSE, the Chairman of the Branch, described the visit as a strategic step towards strengthening relationships with corporate organizations that have consistently upheld professionalism and structural integrity in their projects.
In his remarks, Engr. Dare praised Adron Homes for its exceptional commitment to quality housing delivery across Nigeria and beyond, emphasizing that its reputation for structural integrity and innovation in real estate development stands as a reference point for engineering excellence. He further informed the Adron Chairman that the branch would be conferring an award of recognition on him at their forthcoming official inauguration ceremony, in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to housing development and infrastructural growth in Nigeria.
The discussions also explored potential partnership opportunities between NSE Ibeju-Lekki and Adron Homes in engineering, professional development, and sustainable housing innovations.
Responding, the Chairman of Adron Homes, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed delight at the prospect of a lasting partnership. He acknowledged the critical role engineers play in national development, while also noting the numerous challenges facing the engineering sector in Nigeria. He stressed that these challenges can only be surmounted by engaging qualified and dedicated professionals, a principle upon which Adron Homes has built its reputation.
According to him, “Engineering is the backbone of any meaningful infrastructural advancement, and as developers, we cannot afford to compromise on professionalism. This is why I am excited about this partnership and look forward to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the NSE Ibeju-Lekki branch.”
The NSE Ibeju-lekki delegation included Engr. Tiramisu Bello, MNSE (Vice Chairman); Engr. Omolola Adetola, FNSE (General Secretary); Engr. Taiwo Musa, MNSE (Assistant General Secretary); Engr. Ayodele Agunloye, MNSE (Financial Secretary); Engr. Opeyemi Olabisi, MNSE (Technical Secretary); Engr. Oluwadare Raji, MNSE, among several others.
On the part of Adron Homes, the Chairman was joined by key members of the executive team, including Adenike Ajobo, Managing Director; Tolani Roberts, Deputy Managing Director, Business Investment and Development; Mr. Kunle Ifeanyi Konwea, Director of Brand and Communications; Maureen Echefu, Chief Press Secretary, among others.
The visit not only highlighted Adron Homes’ enduring commitment to professional engineering standards, but also set the tone for a new chapter of collaboration between the real estate giant and the newly inaugurated NSE Ibeju-Lekki Branch, with both parties pledging to drive innovations that will redefine housing and infrastructural development in Nigeria.
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