celebrity radar - gossips

ONOCHIE: THE AMAZON DESTINED FOR THE TOP By Idowu Ajanaku

Published

3 years ago

November 28, 2022

ONOCHIE: THE AMAZON DESTINED FOR THE TOP By Idowu Ajanaku

Love or hate her persona of courage and candour, there is no denying the fact that in the leadership equation, here in Nigeria and elsewhere in every democratic dispensation, loyalty and commitment to service pay. Those factors come of course, with character, hard work and being passionate to a cause one firmly believes in.

That may perhaps, explain why the name, LaurettaOnochiesends shivers down the spine of her traducers, all because she has stood solid and strong with her abiding loyalty to the President Muhammad Buhari’scause to promote integrity, quality service delivery and gender equity especially in the political spectrum.

In essence, that would also explain why the leadership of Project Niger Delta, PND, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for heeding the calls of the good people of the Niger Delta. That is precisely so in the recent nomination of men and women of proven integrity to constitute the substantive board of the controversy-riddled Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC. Good enough, this falls in tandem with the Act setting up the CommissionNiger-Delta Development Commission (Establishment etc) Act 6 of 2000 as part of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

It would be noted that in spite of the barrage of verbal attacks that have trailed her commitment to sanitizing the New Media, which she has been spearheading as the Senior Special Assistant to Mister President she has remained resolute. She has therefore, acted as a beacon bearer against the dark background of unproven innuendoes and insinuations, even from some of her own Niger Delta people.

On the other hand, some others, like members of PND recognize her worth. What that implies or the point it proves is that President Buhari has made this rare appointment beyond loyalty, to competence. The confidence he has exhibited in Onochie, the graduate of Harvard University, University of Greenwich, University of Benin, University of Calabar, will surely go a long way for her to prove her mettle again.

In fact, as the PND group rightly noted, the inauguration of the substantive board of the commission was long overdue. Onochie’s appointment has therefore, revived the hopes of the people of the oil-rich region that the lost glory of the commission will be restored under her able watch.

Interestingly, Onochie, once approved by the Senate is coming as the fifth chairman of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the first woman to do so. That is history in the making.

Her appointment is coming some three years after the last chairman of the board, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba was dropped by the president on January 25, 2019. The senator was appointed in 2016.

It is also on record thatOnochie was a national commissioner nominee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but was rejected because her state, Delta had already produced a commissioner in the electoral body.

In retrospect, the NDDC was established in 2000 by the administration of former President OlusegunObasanjo, to fast-track the development of the oil rich Niger Delta region.

The past chairmen of the NDDC board were Chief OnyemaUgochukwu from Abia State and Air vice Marshal Larry Koinyan (rtd) from Bayelsa as well as Senators Ewa-Henshaw and Victor Ndoma-Egba, all from Cross River State.

In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, Buhari also announced the nomination of 15 others as NDDC board members.

It would be recalled that in September 2008, President UmaruYar’Adua(of blessed memory) announced the formation of a Niger Delta Affairs Ministry. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) became a parastatal under the ministry.

One of the statutory functions of the commission is for human capacity development- to train and educate the youths of the Niger Delta region. The objective is to curb militancy and the attendant destruction of lives and property, whilealso developing important infrastructure to promote diversification and productivity of the region’s economy.

Similar to PND, the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has praised the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint LaurettaOnochie as chairman of the NDDC board.

Also appointed as acting executive director, Finance and Administration of NDDC is Chris Amadi, while Samuel Adjogbe, an engineer, becomes acting executive director, projects.

According to MOSIEND president, Kennedy Tonjo West, because Onochie has worked closely with Buhari, he has no doubt that Onochie will implement the president’s vision for the Niger Delta.

West said: “I think this is the first time we are having a woman as chairman of the board. It is a novel idea. But first, she is an SA (special assistant) to the President and she is doing her job. And the kind of job as an SA, she will definitely do what her boss says.

“If you have put that as a yardstick, then, I am quite sure that was what had endeared her to her boss for being thorough and resolute when it comes to her job.

“Coming back as a chairman, she is a Niger Deltan, she has equal right like every other person that should be nominated. I think the National Assembly should expedite action in giving her the pass to come and serve.”

In a similar vein, the National Coordinator of PND, Comrade PrincewillEbebi in a statement in Yenagoa, the group is convinced that with LaurettaOnochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as Chairman and Managing Director respectively, the narratives of the board will change for good.

Ebebi said: “We believed that having duo as the Chairman and Managing Director, the Niger Delta will witness the needed transformation especially now that the pains and agonies running through the heart of people after the calamitous flood disaster that has destroyed the livelihood of the people.

“We charge them to bring their wealth of knowledge to bear in the lives of our people and change the narrative of the current dwindling status of the oil-rich region. We congratulate Mrs. LaurettaOnochie and Chief Dr Samuel Ogbuku and others for their well-deserved appointment to move the Niger Delta forward”.

Though some may view her current nomination for the NDDC headship as a form of compensation for her travails since she was turned down by the Senate for the INEC job, people should not lose sight of the fact that had she betrayed the cause she stood by, the pendulum of the appointment would have swung otherwise. That reminds us of Benjamin Disraeli’s statement that: “The secret of success is constancy of purpose”.

Ajanaku, a journalist writes from Lagos .

celebrity radar - gossips

Beauty Meets Glamour as Olaide Ogunyemi Opens New Studio in Mushin

Published

3 days ago

April 5, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Beauty Meets Glamour as Olaide Ogunyemi Opens New Studio in Mushin

Popular Nollywood actress and professional makeup artiste, Olaide Ogunyemi Oluwayemisi aka Damilola, has expanded her footprint in the beauty industry with the grand opening of her new makeup studio in Lagos.

The talented thespian, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of @Dobc_makeovers_andmore, officially unveiled the ultra-modern beauty space last Thursday, April 2, 2026, in a colourful ceremony filled with glamour, fashion, and pageantry.

Strategically located at 101 Palm Avenue, right beside FitPlus and Sparklight Hospital in Mushin area of Lagos, the new studio is designed to offer top-notch beauty services, reflecting Ogunyemi’s commitment to excellence and professionalism in the ever-growing makeup industry.

The opening ceremony attracted friends, colleagues from the Nollywood industry, beauty enthusiasts, and well-wishers who came out in large numbers to celebrate the entrepreneur’s latest milestone. Guests were treated to a vibrant atmosphere that showcased creativity, style, and the evolving standards of the beauty business in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Ogunyemi expressed her excitement and gratitude, noting that the new studio represents years of hard work, dedication, and passion for her craft. She reaffirmed her commitment to delivering premium beauty services while empowering aspiring makeup artistes.

The launch of the studio further cements her reputation as a dynamic force, successfully blending her career in Nollywood with a thriving beauty brand.

With this latest development, Olaide Damilola Ogunyemi continues to inspire many young entrepreneurs, proving that talent, consistency, and vision remain key drivers of success in Nigeria’s creative and business landscape.

celebrity radar - gossips

Daniel Eromosele Eulogize Adams Oshiomole as he turns 74 years

Published

4 days ago

April 4, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Daniel Eromosele Eulogize Adams Oshiomole as he turns 74 years

Today, I celebrate an exceptional leader, a fearless voice for the people, and a man whose life has remained a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice—Distinguished Comrade Senator Adams Aliu Oshiomhole.

Your journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From your days as a vibrant labour leader to your impactful tenure as the Executive Governor of Edo State, and now as a respected Senator of the Federal Republic, you have consistently demonstrated what it means to serve with integrity, strength, and purpose. Your contributions to the growth of our nation and the development of Edo State remain indelible and deeply appreciated.

You have not only built structures and institutions but have also built people. I am personally a beneficiary of your leadership, your guidance, and your belief in empowering others. Your influence in my life has been profound, and I remain grateful for the opportunities and inspiration you have given me.

On this special day, I celebrate not just your achievements, but the man you are—resilient, principled, and ever committed to the progress of Nigeria and her people.

May this new year bring you renewed strength, greater wisdom, good health, and more remarkable accomplishments. May your legacy continue to shine brighter with each passing year.

Happy Birthday, sir. Wishing you many more fruitful and impactful years ahead.

celebrity radar - gossips

Accolades to Empress Genevieve Wining as she Celebrate birthday in Grand style

Published

4 days ago

April 4, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Accolades to Empress Genevieve Wining as she Celebrate birthday in Grand style

Emmanuel Clement

Vilnius, Lithuania – The Grand Hotel Vilnius will host a grand birthday celebration in honor of Her Majesty The Empress Genevieve Wining of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) on April 4th, 2026.

The four-day event promises to be an extravagant affair, marking the special birthday of Empress Genevieve Wining. The celebration will take place at the prestigious Grand Hotel Vilnius, Lithuania, renowned for its luxurious ambiance and exceptional service.

According to the event flyer, the birthday celebration will be a spectacular occasion, fitting for an empress. Guests can expect an elegant setting adorned with golden accents, sparkling champagne, and festive decorations, creating a regal atmosphere befitting the occasion.

The Empress Genevieve Wining of UKA is expected to grace the event, which will include various festivities and celebrations in her honor. The occasion aims to bring together dignitaries, followers, and guests to commemorate the empress’s birthday with grandeur and joy.

For media inquiries, accreditation, or further information about the birthday celebration of The Empress Genevieve Wining of UKA, please contact the event organizers.

Courtesy of His Excellency Emperor Prof. Solomon Wining. UKA