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OMOWUNMI AKANDE GOES HOME IN A BLAZE OF GLORY By Idowu Ajanaku

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OMOWUNMI AKANDE GOES HOME IN A BLAZE OF GLORY

By Idowu Ajanaku

“A wife of noble character who can find?

 She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life”.

– Proverbs 31: 10-12

The recent sudden demise of Mrs. Omowunmi Bisi Akande, one-time First Lady of Osun State and late wife to the All Progressives Congress(APC) chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande at the age of 73 years brings to the fore the nobility of a life well spent in the selfless service to God and Mankind. At this moment of grief it is natural for the husband, children, grand children, members of the family and friends to mourn, to groan and lament the great loss of the epitome of humility, simplicity and an uncommon grace. But what matters now are the lessons of life hers has taught those left behind. That is what this tribute is all about.

“Mama”, as she was fondly called by her many admirers symbolized Love as an unfailing element of sacrifice of one’s cherished comfort and convenience in the pursuit of that of others. That is the first fascinating factor about her -an attribute her bereaved husband would gladly tell one and all.

For instance, not many knew that she, a renowned, devout Christian was married to Akande, a man steeped in the practice of Islam!  As the great thinker, George Sand rightly noted: “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved in return”. That was the symbiotic relationship that existed between her and her loving husband.

Mrs. Akande, in her lifetime and more so for the 51 years of her marriage became a beautiful brand for lasting love. In fact, it was such that they were so bonded in fruitful friendship like Siamese twins that remained inseparable come ringing rain or scolding sunshine.

The second lesson is Consistency. There were testy periods of trials and tribulations, painful, perilous times she had to go through in her chequered journey of life. But she bore it all with uncommon tolerance and equanimity. For instance, she remained stoic when her beloved husband was sent to jail after the 1983 coup d tat by then General Muhammadu Buhari- led military putsch.

Also, recently she remained a pillar of support in her husband’s trying time when he had to undergo knee surgery in Philadelphia, United States.  So cool and calm was she that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode could not help but notice the trait in her when he paid a surprise visit to the family there in the U.S. Yours truly could attest to this as well.

Another easily noticeable virtue that defined her life trajectory was Humility. Perhaps, this could be attributed to her proper grooming from childhood and her devoted service in God’s vineyard. As Ephesians 4: 2-3 states: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”.

She was such one humble First Lady that would go out of her way to cook, not only for her husband but everyone who visited them. And this was amply demonstrated when Chief Akande was a Deputy Governor in the old Oyo State and later when he became the governor of Osun State.

In all these, Mrs. Akande remains an enduring inspiration to the younger generation of Nigerian girls. They should bow to drink from her fountain of biblical knowledge which she put to good use in her family and the links with the world at large. She lived according to the wise words in Titus 2: 4-5: “ Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,  to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

One is not surprised therefore, that despite the fact that her husband is a Muslim he never considered nor regretted not marrying a harem of women. He found in her exceptional qualities others could not have possessed. This is an eloquent  testimony to her being a virtuous woman and also Akande living as a man of high moral standards. These are lessons for all couples to glean from.

It also falls in tandem with what Hubert Humphrey said, that: “The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it”. Akande, in reminiscing over his late wife  can say that all over again. As we commiserate with his family, we pray the good Lord grant her gentle soul eternal bliss.

Ajanaku, a journalist writes from Lagos

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Wilfred Ndidi Spreads Christmas Cheer to 2,000 Kids in Ajegunle, Lagos

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Wilfred Ndidi Spreads Christmas Cheer to 2,000 Kids in Ajegunle, Lagos

Wilfred Ndidi Spreads Christmas Cheer to 2,000 Kids in Ajegunle, Lagos

 

In a heartwarming gesture of generosity, Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on Thursday, December 26, brought immense joy to over 2,000 children in the bustling city of Ajegunle, Lagos. The festive spirit filled the air as the star athlete, alongside local dignitaries and notable figures, made Christmas unforgettable for the children in this vibrant community.

 

The grand event, held at the Maracana Sports Centre, was a collaborative effort between Ndidi, renowned businessman Yemi Idowu, Fatai Ayoola, the chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, and the traditional ruler of Iwa and Apapa, Mohammed Amodu-Tijani. The Boxing Day children’s party became a major highlight of the Christmas season in Ajegunle, attracting widespread attention from locals and the media.

 

Despite currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Ndidi took the time to give back to the community in a deeply personal way. The 28-year-old midfielder was seen serving food to the excited children and distributing gifts, bringing smiles and happiness to everyone present. His presence at the event served as an uplifting reminder of the power of generosity and community spirit.

 

Speaking to the crowd, Ndidi explained that his own childhood experiences were a driving force behind the initiative. “I feel like it’s a festive period and these kids deserve something like this. It’s something they will have to remember and the memory sticks with them,” Ndidi said, his voice filled with sincerity.

 

He continued, “The happiness on the faces of the children can’t be explained. When you do something for adults, the emotions stay with them only, but when you do something for kids, the adults see it as well, so they also try to do the same. All we are trying to do is to create memories, and I’m happy to be doing this because some of us didn’t have this experience while growing up. I grew up in the barracks like most people know. This is not about football now. Schools are on break and this is a time to create memories, especially among kids.”

 

The event was not only about the celebration but also about fostering a sense of unity and shared joy. Yemi Idowu, CEO of Cana Sports, expressed his admiration for Ndidi’s involvement. “This is part of something we do every year to try and celebrate with the kids, especially because we are here in Ajegunle and they are friends. I am very happy to have the king, the chairman, and Wilfred to support us in doing this. It has a bigger impact when we all work together.”

 

The Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Chairman, Fatai Ayoola, commended the collective effort to bring smiles to the faces of the children. He highlighted the meticulous organization that made the event a success, explaining, “What we have done is to first accredit them from the LGA secretariat and we drove the kids into this venue. We also made arrangements for those who would come unannounced at the Maracana Park, and they would equally be taken care of as much as those inside so we can have a perfect party. It’s a back-to-back celebration for the kids of Ajegunle, and we are elated to host Ndidi. This month alone, we have had three visitors who have given the kids befitting Christmas gifts. So, what we are doing is to make them happy in grand style.”

 

The event served as a beautiful reminder of the true essence of Christmas — bringing people together, spreading joy, and creating lasting memories. For the children of Ajegunle, it was a day filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments, thanks to the unwavering commitment of Wilfred Ndidi and his collaborators.

 

As the community continues to celebrate the season, the impact of Ndidi’s kind gesture will no doubt be felt for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to be part of the festivities.

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Nollywood Star Omoborty Seals Her Love Story with a Stunning Legal Wedding

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Nollywood Star Biodun Okeowo, “Omoborty,” Officially Ties the Knot in Legal Ceremony

 

Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Biodun Okeowo, widely known as Omoborty, has officially tied the knot with her partner in a heartfelt legal ceremony. The event, which comes months after their traditional wedding, was held on a significant day for the actress—her birthday.

 

Omoborty took to Instagram to share the joyous news, posting stunning photos from the ceremony. The images captured the love and joy of the occasion, which marked a new chapter in her life.

“In the euphoria of my birthday, I’m thrilled to share the memories from one of the most beautiful days of my life. The day I legally said ‘yes’ to the man of my heart before God and man,” she wrote in her caption.

The actress emphasized that all necessary customs and protocols were observed, expressing pride in her journey to becoming “Mrs. Biodun Sofuyi.” Reflecting on the milestone, she added, “My first wedding, and by God’s grace, the last. Amen.”

Omoborty’s fans and colleagues have since flooded her social media pages with congratulatory messages and heartfelt well-wishes, celebrating her new status as a legally married woman.

The actress, known for her captivating performances and entrepreneurial spirit, continues to inspire with her authenticity and joy. With this union, she embarks on a fresh chapter filled with hope, love, and the blessings of a bright future.

Nollywood Star Omoborty Seals Her Love Story with a Stunning Legal Wedding

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Fuji Star, King Saheed Osupa Celebrates Nollywood Legends with Awards and ₦500,000 Each at Exclusive White Agbada Party

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Fuji Star, King Saheed Osupa Celebrates Nollywood Legends with Awards and ₦500,000 Each at Exclusive White Agbada Party

 

Yesterday, Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, Fuji music maestro Saheed Osupa brought the festive spirit alive with the much-anticipated Friends of Osupa Exclusive White Agbada Party. The grand event, which took place in Lagos, celebrated some of the most revered legends in the Yoruba Nollywood industry, blending entertainment, recognition, and cultural significance.

The occasion was not just a party but a heartwarming tribute to the dedication and contributions of veteran thespians who have left an indelible mark on the Yoruba film industry. Speaking passionately about the event, Saheed Osupa stated, “It is a privilege to celebrate these iconic individuals who have worked tirelessly to promote and grow the Yoruba Nollywood space. This event is not only a celebration of their achievements but also a way to spread love and joy this yuletide season.”

*A Star-Studded Event*
The all-white-themed Agbada party was attended by an array of Yoruba Nollywood legends, including Oga Bello, Baba Wande, Iya Rainbow, Iya Awero, Ogogo, Yinka Quadri, Peju Ogunmola, Lola Idije, Madam Saje, and Dele Odule. In a special moment, the legendary Queen Salawa Abeni, a trailblazer in Nigerian music, was also honored, adding another layer of prestige to the gathering.

Also in attendance were Ibrahim Chatta, Oladapo Lala, Lukmon Raji, Azeez Owo, Adeniyi Johnson, Foluke Damola, Kemi Korede, Monsuru Omo Alfa, Aminatu Papapa, Sodik Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani, and Hip-hop act, Skales.

Each of these icons received an award recognizing their lifelong commitment to the growth of Yoruba Nollywood. Beyond the awards, they were also gifted the sum of ₦500,000 each, a gesture that underscored the high regard Saheed Osupa holds for their contributions.

*Entertainment and Prayers*
The event was not only a celebration but also a deeply spiritual occasion. A session of prayers was held, led by Sheikh Albarizy Salaty alongside three other Alfas (Muslim clerics), in honor of the late Barrister, the founder of Fuji music. This solemn moment reflected the strong cultural and religious values underpinning the event.

Guests were also treated to an array of thrilling performances from artists such as Mudasax Aljiyally, Arole Zambo, Idris Aloma (Obalola), Ishola Saridon 2 Kamoru, Kehinde Oriyomi, Muri Thunder, and Queen Tosin Eniba. Their performances set the stage for Saheed Osupa himself, who delivered a soulful and captivating performance to the delight of fans and honorees alike.

*A New Tradition*
The Friends of Osupa Exclusive White Agbada Party marked its debut this year and promises to become an annual tradition, taking place every Christmas Day. This first-of-its-kind celebration was organized seamlessly, with ushers ensuring smooth coordination and adequate security measures in place.

*The Organizers*
The event was expertly coordinated by Lahmad Concept, with its CEO, Ahmed Lawal, spearheading the efforts as the chief organizer. His meticulous planning ensured that every aspect of the event, from the awards to the performances, ran flawlessly.

*A Celebration of Legacy*
The Friends of Osupa Exclusive White Agbada Party was more than just a social gathering; it was a celebration of legacy, culture, and unity. The honorees expressed their gratitude for the recognition and generous gifts, commending Saheed Osupa for his thoughtfulness and vision.

As the event drew to a close, it was clear that this celebration was not only a highlight of the yuletide season but also the start of a cherished tradition. Saheed Osupa has undoubtedly set a new standard for honoring icons in the Yoruba Nollywood and Fuji music spheres, leaving many excited for next year’s edition.

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