celebrity radar - gossips

The Luxury Reporter Magazine Celebrates the Fifth Anniversary

Published

7 years ago

June 26, 2019

Sahara Weekly

…announces TLR International Luxury Conference

The Luxury Reporter Magazine celebrates its fifth anniversary with a well-attended event by experts in the luxury sector held at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos on Thursday.
The exclusive event afforded attendees a glimpse into the activities of the magazine since it was founded on May 24th, 2014.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Funke Osae-Brown, founder/publisher of The Luxury Reporter said the idea for the magazine came to her at a point in her career when she knew she wanted to embark on a new adventure.
According to her, the magazine kicked off five years ago with a website, www.luxuryreporter.comg.ng before it began its print edition three years later.
“We ran the website for more than a year. Before we migrated to www.luxuryreporter.ng. We later introduced the digital edition of the magazine which we did for two full years with 24 digital editions. Along the line, we identified a market for print. Hotels, private jets operators, airlines, automobile companies, retail stores need print editions for their clients. In January 2018, we announced our first print edition which had on the cover emerging brands and a buyer, Abela, TPS Luxury, Pere Lei, Okiki Marinho, Scentify, and Ndidi Obioha,” she said.
Besides, she explained that The print edition paved the way for our exclusive partnership with PrivateJets Nigeria as advertisers in The Luxury Reporter print edition will have 30 seconds clips of their advert placed in the in-flight entertainment screen of all the aircraft of PrivateJets.
“Our vision is to report on the African Luxury by projecting Nigerian brands. We are constantly in search of indigenous luxury brands that will compete with international brands. We believe this will contribute to the economic growth of Africa. At TLR, we don’t just want Nigeria to be a consumer of luxury but also the manufacturer of luxury products that can compete with their counterparts not just on the continent but globally,” she explained.
She also said the magazine has been deliberate in its approach to reporting on luxury lifestyle by featuring top players in the industry some of whom are quiet players in the local luxury sector. “We have been reporting on emerging luxury brands on the continent. Also, we hope to bridge the divide between African Luxury brands and their counterparts abroad. In a bid to kickstart this, we attended the 2019 edition of the Baselworld in Switzerland where we interacted with CEOs of renowned luxury brands in the watch and jewellery sector. We also had exclusive interviews with some new brands and some other major players. Some of them are in the latest edition of the magazine that will be unveiled here today.”
To commemorate the fifth anniversary Mrs Modupe Ogunlesi, CEO, Adam and Eve Homeware delivered a keynote address titled: Luxury Retail In Nigeria: The Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Options. She observed that in the luxury sector, an understanding of what one sells, the psyche of the expected consumers are very basic ingredients for success. While defining luxury across different stages, she said:
“An experience that puts you in a bubble of euphoria, boosting your feeling of wellbeing. Incidentally, Luxury as an experience is the fastest growing concept of luxury at the moment worldwide. In Nigeria, we are a mix of all four definitions of Luxury.”
Furthermore, Ogunlesi’s keynote address was followed by a panel discussion where issues affecting the growth and development of the Nigerian luxury sector were discussed.
Speaking on the panel, Mrs, Ini Abimbola, CEO, Thistle Praxis said lack of data is impeding the growth of the luxury sector. “As someone who works with data, I found out that there is no available date on the local luxury sector, which makes it impossible to track the growth properly. Most of the HNIs we have in Nigeria prefer to shop abroad. Therefore, I discovered that Europe and America have data on the number of Africans who shop there and how much they spend. HNIs usually won’t shop locally, which makes it impossible to have accurate data on what they spend on and how much they spend.”
Mr Omotade Lepe, Chief Operating Officer, PrivateJets Nigeria, explained that it had become the norm in Nigeria that when there is a change of government spending power of some HNIs drop.
“Change of government does not affect the market in the most country as it does in Nigeria, which is the uniqueness of Nigeria,” he said.
On her part, Funmi Onajide decried the lack of proper shopping malls for luxury retail stores. She argued that the current infrastructure of Nigeria has does not support luxury retail. “You can’t have a 5-star hotel without a 5-Star infrastructure. The kind of infrastructure available in Europe is not here in Nigeria, and if you want to create that kind of infrastructure you will have to pay a lot to get that,” she said.
As an expert in the Automobile Sector, the Group General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Coscharis, Abiona Babarinde said: “for us, automobile is about lifestyle to complement your successful life to give people experience they deserve because average Nigerians is a car freak, that you want to drive a good car you have a bad road and are insecure.”
At the event, the latest edition of The Luxury Reporter Magazine was unveiled just as the panel discussion signalled the commencement of TLR annual International Luxury Conference

celebrity radar - gossips

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

Published

1 day ago

April 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

The management and staff of Adron Homes and Properties Limited have joined family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across the globe to celebrate their Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, as he marks his 51st birthday.

In a statement released by the company, the milestone was described as a celebration of an exceptional leader whose vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial brilliance have not only transformed Adron Homes into a household name in Nigeria’s real estate sector but have also redefined affordable housing across the country.

Under his dynamic leadership, Adron Homes has continued to expand its footprint, delivering value-driven residential solutions while empowering thousands of Nigerians with opportunities for home ownership. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction has remained the driving force behind the company’s sustained growth and industry leadership.

The statement further highlighted Aare EmmanuelKing’s passion for nation-building and community development, noting his significant contributions to job creation, youth empowerment, and the promotion of socio-economic development through real estate investments.

“As a leader, mentor, and visionary, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing has consistently inspired a culture of excellence, integrity, and dedication within the organization. His ability to turn bold ideas into reality continues to position Adron Homes as a trailblazer in the industry,” the statement read.

The company expressed profound gratitude for his steadfast leadership and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and sound health as he embarks on another year of impactful achievements.

As he celebrates his 51st birthday, the entire Adron Homes family proudly honours a man whose legacy continues to shape the future of real estate in Nigeria.

Happy 51st Birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing!

celebrity radar - gossips

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Published

4 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Taofik Afolabi

The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.

Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.

The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.

Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.

In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.

celebrity radar - gossips

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Published

5 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.

From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.

Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);

Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);

Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;

Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;

Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.

Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.

The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.

” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.

To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.

Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.

The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.

The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’

Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.

” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.

The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.

Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.

” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.