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Ife Agog As Ooni, Shina Peters, Obanla Light Up Olapeju Oke 50th Birthday

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Ife Agog As Ooni, Shina Peters, Obanla Light Up Olapeju Oke 50th Birthday

Bolaji Israel

 

Canada-based Nigerian businesswoman, philanthropist, and diplomat, Olapeju Naomi Sigismund Oke, concluded her week-long birthday festivities with a luxurious party at the Ife Grand Resort on Saturday, October 5th.

The event drew an impressive array of dignitaries and elite guests from Nigeria and around the globe, including attendees from the USA, UK, Canada, and beyond. Notable figures included the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; legendary musician Sir Shina Peters; and US-based Prophetess Bola Obanla, founder of the Devoted Beloved Christ Ambassadors Store House (DEBASH).

As the Republic of Vanuatu’s Trade Commissioner to Ontario, Canada, and founder of the HopeForSure Foundation, Olapeju expressed her fulfillment at reaching the milestone of 50 years. She emphasized her renewed energy to continue serving humanity through her various initiatives in education, health, skill acquisition, and widow empowerment.

PJ as fondly called reiterated her commitment to fostering trade and enterprise connections between Nigerian and Canadian entrepreneurs through her Africa-Canada Investment and Expo Summit (AFRICIES) outreach programmes.

“I feel incredibly happy seeing my loved ones celebrate with me from all over the world, including Canada, USA, and the UK. I’m especially delighted to have my son join me from Canada,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey over the past 50 years, she shared, “It has had its ups and downs. I have been an orphan for about 30 years, but God has been faithful. I am a goal getter, and everything I desired, God has granted. I am grateful for my life, the people around me, and the spirit of humanity that God has bestowed upon me.”

She continued, “I believe in one guiding principle: we come into this life with nothing and will leave with nothing. Life is vanity, and our time here is short. We should help others as much as we can. Serving and supporting people is what completes me, and I believe we should be our brother’s keeper.”

The ambassador expressed her optimism for life after 50, stating, “This is a new chapter, and I look forward to a greater journey of serving and doing good to the best of my abilities.”

The festivities began with a feeding programme for the less privileged, followed by medical outreach initiatives aimed at combating cancer and addressing eye health, named the “Cancel Cancer/Jigi Abebi Olapeju” programme. These included activities at the Palace of His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

An embodiment of grace and charm, the celebrant also launched her book titled “The World Betrayed,” sharing the occasion with secondary school students in attendance. She hosted a diverse group of dignitaries and notable personalities, including traditional rulers, government officials, industry leaders, and icons from the entertainment, fashion, and cultural sectors.

The lavish celebration was marked by luxury, glamour, and an unforgettable ambiance. Renowned Nigerian music maestro Sir Shina Peters provided entertainment, ensuring that the celebrant and her guests were thoroughly entertained.

Naomi Olapeju is the founder of the Hope For Sure Foundation, convener of the Glam African Fashion Festival (GAFF), and project director of African Canada Investment, which organizes AFRICIES—a prestigious business gathering that connects African businesses with Canadian investors, promoting robust trade relations and offering valuable networking and investment opportunities.

Known for her impactful philanthropic efforts, Olapeju has made significant contributions to the lives of the less privileged in critical areas such as education, health, trade, and skills acquisition through her foundation. She is deeply dedicated to enhancing trade between Vanuatu and Canadian enterprises, as well as African businesses, through various enabling platforms, including AFRICIES and more.

 

Ife Agog As Ooni, Shina Peters, Obanla Light Up Olapeju Oke 50th Birthday
Bolaji Israel

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Abubakar Kabir Bichi: Honouring Excellence and Service* By Philip Agbese

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Abubakar Kabir Bichi: Honouring Excellence and Service* By Philip Agbese

*Abubakar Kabir Bichi: Honouring Excellence and Service*
By Philip Agbese

 

The recent honorary doctorate conferred on Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, alongside notable figures like First Lady H.E. Senator Remi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Aliyu Wammako, is a well-deserved recognition of their exceptional contributions across various fields.

Abubakar Kabir Bichi: Honouring Excellence and Service*
By Philip Agbese

The conferment of this honour by the Federal University of Dutsin Ma (FUDMA) raises awareness of the positive impact that members of the 10th House of Representatives are making in their communities and the nation at large.

Conferring an honorary degree is a gesture of appreciation for an individual’s commitment to meaningful societal impact. In the case of Hon. Bichi, his recognition highlights his unwavering dedication to community service and academic advancement. According to the vice chancellor, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, the lawmaker’s contributions include the construction of two faculties, two residence halls, and two lecture halls, reflecting his commitment to enhancing higher education. These tangible assets aim to improve the academic environment, providing future students with essential resources for success and fostering long-term excellence at FUDMA.

Hon. Bichi’s achievements extend beyond infrastructure; he has consistently advocated for, and financially supported students from Bichi Federal Constituency. Notably, he contributed N16,874,996.55 to cover tuition for over 1,000 students at a college in his constituency during the 2019/2020 academic year. In a nation where access to education can be hindered by financial constraints, Hon. Bichi’s interventions have opened doors for countless youth.

Recently, he provided scholarships to 21 constituents to study in Malaysia, where they will pursue an 18-month program in Engineering, Computing Science, and Technology at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), one of the country’s top-ranked universities. Additionally, he sponsored 59 science and technical students from SS1 to SS3, providing them with educational kits, and recruited 150 temporary classroom teachers along with 50 Islamiyya teachers to teach in various schools across the local government area. He also approved salary increments for the first batch of 106 teachers. These actions underscore his dedication to the growth of his constituency and represent a significant transformation in Nigeria’s educational sector.

For Hon. Abubakar Bichi, building a thriving constituency goes beyond fulfilling his representative duties; it reflects a deep commitment to creating lasting change. In just about two years in office, his efforts have positively impacted countless lives, fostering growth and opportunities while enhancing the quality of life in his town and surrounding communities.

From tackling infrastructure challenges to addressing human capital concerns, he consistently makes significant strides toward progress. Through his investments in people and structures, he has established a leadership model that prioritises grassroots growth and community empowerment. Undoubtedly, he has also become an inspiration to his colleagues in the House of Representatives and to Nigeria’s youth seeking role models of positive change.

The honorary doctorate awarded to Hon. Bichi also serves as a testament to the collective achievements of the 10th House of Representatives. His recognition, alongside that of other esteemed individuals, highlights a shared commitment to national advancement. This sentiment was echoed by the recent conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)—one of Nigeria’s highest honours for those who have made significant contributions to the country—on Speaker Abbas Tajudeen by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

On October 1, President Tinubu, in his 64th Independence Anniversary broadcast, conferred the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award on the Speaker and Deputy President of the Senate, leading to controversies regarding the Speaker’s eligibility for higher honours. Hon. Bichi’s persuasive efforts and the united stance of the 10th House members ultimately resulted in President Tinubu granting the GCON to Speaker Abbas, correcting what had been a historical oversight.

Recognised for fostering success through collaboration, the support and encouragement he received from his fellow members exemplify a collective acknowledgment that transcends individual accomplishments, embodying the spirit of the House as a whole. This event also underscores the unity and resolve within the House of Representatives, reinforcing its role as a pillar of support for the nation and its leaders while shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.

Alongside Hon. Bichi, First Lady Remi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Aliyu Wammako also received accolades for their exemplary service. H.E. Senator Remi Tinubu facilitated the safe release of kidnapped female students from FUDMA, demonstrating her commitment to security and social justice, leading the institution to name a 36-bed female hostel in her honour. Senate President Akpabio received an honorary doctorate in Political Science for his leadership and support of FUDMA’s expansion, while Senator Wammako was recognised for his efforts to enhance security in an area plagued by insecurity.

These honours serve as a reminder to Nigerians of the immense potential of their leaders to effect positive change in society. By recognising these distinguished individuals, FUDMA has set a precedent for honouring leaders who go above and beyond their official duties to create lasting impact, encouraging others that every effort to improve society will be acknowledged in due time.

Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi exemplifies transformational leadership through his work in community development, education, and human empowerment. His vision for his constituency aligns with the aspirations of a renewed Nigeria, where leaders are not only expected to fulfill their mandates, but also actively advocate for and implement solutions to community challenges.

For Hon. Bichi, education is not merely a sector but the foundation for societal development. His initiatives—funding scholarships, building educational facilities, and championing accessible quality education—demonstrate a profound understanding of the transformative power of education, especially in regions where financial barriers hinder access.

The conferment of an honorary doctorate upon Hon. Abubakar Bichi is therefore, a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his career to improving the lives of those around him. This honour, alongside President Tinubu’s GCON award to Speaker Abbas, recognises leaders who serve with integrity, commitment, and vision. It underscores that true leadership requires not only rhetoric but tangible, meaningful contributions to society.

Hon. Abubakar Bichi has truly exemplified what it means to serve with purpose, prioritise self-development over self-aggrandisement, and teach others how to use their positions of power and influence for the public good. His honorary doctorate represents more than just personal achievement; it embodies the journey toward a Nigeria where leaders are valued for their dedication, celebrated for their contributions, and recognised for uplifting the oppressed.

*_Philip Agbese, MHR is the Deputy Spokesman of the 10th House of Representatives, writing from Abuja._*

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Grace Nation Partnership Sunday: The Spirit Of God Knows The Foundation of Everything – Dr Chris Okafor

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Grace Nation Partnership Sunday: The Spirit Of God Knows The Foundation of Everything – Dr Chris Okafor

…… If you are not a witness of Jesus, You cannot witness his Prosperity

 

 

When God created the Earth nothing was working, but immediately the movement and surveillance of the spirit takes charge everything began to take shape, why ?, Before any foundation there is the spirit of God.

These and more are the foundation raised at the Grace Nation Partnership Sunday on November 3rd 2024 held at the international Headquarters of Grace Nation world-wide in Ojodu Berger Lagos Nigeria.

Teaching on the Subject “Prosperity By The Spirit” Senior Pastor Grace Nation Global also known as the Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor opens the eyes of faithful explaining with scriptures that without understanding and following the Principles of the spirit you cannot enjoy the prosperity of the spirit.

The clergyman who backs his Teaching with the Book of Act 1 vs 8, re-emphasised that the Holy Spirit is the power that has the ability, Power and what it takes to change Narrative Positively.

The Oracle of God, stated further that , it takes understanding the power of God to make wealth, but for the power to come and be Evidential in your life, you must first understand that, the major reasons for empowering you is for you to become his witness, therefore if you are not a witness of jesus , you cannot witness his Prosperity.

When you witness Elohim, through your commitment in the vineyard, he empowers you with Prosperity, Hence to enjoy Prosperity in the spirit, you must Promote his kingdom by winning souls and engaging yourself in the Business of kingdom inheritance, this will pave ways for you in whatever you do, you cannot Partner with God and remain in one place, when you partners with God he open doors of Prosperity,Dr Chris Okafor concluded

Special Prayers were released over all Grace Nation Partners across the Globe, The Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor declared that as they continue to Partner with God with there substance,Lack will never know their doors and Prosperity shall be Evidential in their Life.

The Prophetic movement took to a new dimension as directed by Elohim, There is always this saying that Every service in Grace Nation is a Plus, you can never get less,as God uses his servant the Generational Prophet of God in a strange manner, breaking evils stronghold over the life of many, People History were re written, Death sentence over many cancelled while Miracles babies were released by Elohim to awaiting mothers.Miracles, Healings, Deliverance of different kind make the Partnership Sunday service a day to remember in the life of faithful, for those in attendance and Viewers through Liberation TV.

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Michael Sijuade Bandele, distinguished legal expert and trailblazer, observes another birthday

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Michael Sijuade Bandele, distinguished legal expert and trailblazer, observes another birthday.

 

 

~By Oluwaseun Trust BethNews Media

 

 

Who is Michael Bandele?

 

Sijuade, a notable son of ErukuCity, hails from the renowned family of the late Baba Bandele, with their residence located directly opposite the Catholic Church on Oke Ogi Road

 

Michael Sijuade Bandele, distinguished legal expert and trailblazer, observes another birthday.

 

Michael Bandele, or ‘Mike’ to friends, displayed intelligence and determination during his early years at Secondary Commercial School, ErukuCity

 

 

This young man displays profound gratitude and a heart characterized by remarkable resilience and simplicity, reflecting the exemplary character of his late parents

 

 

The Law, my preferred name for him, has had a lasting impact on Kwara’s urban landscape and surrounding areas through his meticulous execution of duties and unwavering commitment, setting a benchmark for excellence

 

 

Michael Bandele’s outstanding achievements in fostering the growth and profitability of ErukuCity’s Ankara Night carnival exemplify his steadfast commitment and exceptional brilliance, earning recognition within the committee. His unwavering commitment to culinary excellence at Ankara Night, demonstrated by his expert preparation of Asun, Chicken, and Turkey, is truly exceptional

 

 

Michael Bandele exemplifies exceptional distinction, divinely appointed to pursue, overtake, and reclaim excellence

 

 

Through this feat, he maintains his status as an iconic figure of accomplishment amongst his equals, persistently innovating and leading the way

 

 

Today, I am delighted to be among distinguished associates, loved ones, acquaintances, and genuine well-wishers in celebrating your birthday, offering sincerest felicitations and warmest regards for many joyful years to come.

 

 

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a media practitioner writes from Lagos.

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