Lanre Da-Silva’s Winning Streaks

If anyone had told Lanre DaSilva-Ajayi while growing up that she would someday be a force to reckon with in the world of fashion designs, she might have dismissed it with a wave of the hand. But since she ventured into the business, it has been one laurel after another. Just recently, she shone like stars at the 170th anniversary of Vlisco in the Netherlands, where eight women from six different countries in Central and West Africa had featured as the faces of the 170 Years campaign. It was gathered that her collection was characterised by catchy Vlisco ankara prints mixed with Swarovski embellishments, velvety, chiffon prints and metallic mirrored fabrics. All these won her a standing ovation from the audience as well as other participants. No doubt, this is another proof that Da-Silva-Ajayi, who holds a Master’s degree in Accountancy, is cut for greatness. The business, which started like the mustard seed in her parents’ sitting room a few years back, has now grown into a reputable business empire. Her driving force as gathered has been her belief that success, as we all know, is not something that happens overnight. It’s a learning curve that comes with patience, perseverance, hard work and endurance. Even in the face of stiff competition LDA, as she is fondly called by friends and admirers, is still a leading outfit in the industry, thanks to her ingenuity. She is able to combine pattern, print, exquisite and even traditional fabrics to produce day wear, evening wear, gowns and cocktail dresses. She is into formal and casual wears and enjoys designing the formal wears more, as they are tailored for more elaborate events and show more couture which the LDA brand is all about. This has been her winning streaks. Come Monday, October 17, the ancient city of Ife in Osun State and its environs will literally stand still, as the the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, will mark his royal birthday. Already, friends, associates and loved ones are jostling to make the day a grand one for the respected monarch, who will celebrate his first birthday since he became the Ooni of Ife. So far, his enthronement as the Ooni has been attributed to a new dawn in the annal of the ancient city as well as the Giesi Ruling House that produced him. It will be recalled that immediately after the coronation, he began to unfold his development plans for the town to the admiration of all. It was gathered that many towns and hamlets that have one issue or the other have been enjoying his listening ears. It is also said that many of his decisions have been accurate, which confirms the belief in some quarters that he is a man blessed with uncommon sagacity. Ever before he was born 41 years ago into the family of Prince John Oluropo Ogunwusi, a retired radio and television presenter in the state and the late Margaret Wuraola, his emergence as the Ooni had been foretold. Until he became the Ooni of Ife, Ogunwusi had been a major player in real estate sector; he had constructed highbrow and eyepopping estates such as Jacobs Mews Estate, Yaba; Lake View Park 1 and 2 located along the Lekki-Epe Road and Chevron Toll Gate; The Northpointe Phase 1 and 2 Estates, Golden Leaf Estate and the Lord’s Estates. Also, he had been the main facilitator for Dangote Group’s break into the ‘up-country supply chain consortium’ between 1996 and 1999. About same period, he traded for Dohagro Allied, Global Apex, Olam, Clemco, Stallion Group, Milan Group etc. He also facilitated the biggest Lead and Aluminium recycling plant set up in Nigeria by National Steel Company of India in Ota, Ogun State.

If the list of brilliant pilots in Nigeria were to be compiled, his name would be given a worthy mention. Captain Henry Oludotun Ogunyemi is a pride to the nation’s aviation industry. His inspiring story began when he graduated as one of the youngest from the Flying School in Zaria, Kaduna State. He also attended the Aer Lingus Training School in DublinIreland, Varig Training School in Rio-Brazil and British Airways Training School, United Kingdom. Having bagged BAC 1-11, Boeing 707 and Macdonald Douglas DC 10 aircraft types on his license, he joined the defunct Okada Airlines at inception. After leaving the airline, he worked briefly with other airlines such as EAS Cargo Airlines (UK/ Belgium-based) DAS Air Cargo (UK-based) and BIMAN Airlines. Over the years, he has been involved in organising several charter and Hajj flights from several countries in Africa, South America and the Middle East. After he quit his flying career, he ventured into the petroleum business in 2003 with the establishment of Onedot Petroleum and Onedot Aviation, a frontline private jet charter business. He is the Executive President of Overseas Projects & Investment Services (OPIS), a Dublin- based group managing a number of projects involving aviation and oil and gas.

However, in spite of his towering records in the business world, the Ogun State-born pilot cum businessman prefers to remain in the background. This, according to him, is his major business philosophy. He is not given to ostentatious lifestyle. It was another moment of joy, laughter and thanksgiving for Hajia Bola Shagaya, as she marked her 57th birthday. This woman of substance, however, shocked many, as she held a low-key birthday. Interestingly, for her close family members and friends, it was another special occasion to show love to the very stylish fashionable woman who has been recognised at home and abroad as a successful entrepreneur. A source close to the Kwara State-born businesswoman revealed that she had vowed not to throw any elaborate birthday until she clocks 60. While she was growing up, she never allowed her pristine dream to be entombed; she pursued it with infectious gusto. She is a very strong woman who has never been hamstrung by any circumstance around her. She started her business very early in her life and has sown in sweats, so it is not surprising that she is now reaping in bountiful harvests. She is usually driven by an abiding quest to change the lives of her compatriots for the better. No one would tar her with the brush of a wheeler-dealer in her day-to-day business activities. Ravishingly beautiful Princess Ozolua, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, had revolutionised the beauty sector in Nigeria, when she pioneered cosmetic surgery in West Africa. She had wrought wonders with her aesthetic laser machine in Nigeria. But she fizzled out of the public glare and social scenes shortly after she relocated Abuja expand her business. Though the foregoing may not be news to many, the Edo Stateborn princess has found a new passion with the launch of an NGO, Empower 53. It was gathered that the kindhearted woman that marked her 43rd birthday last Tuesday, has taken up the challenge of rehabilitating internally displaced Nigerian women and children as a result of the activities of Boko Haram. She has reportedly been giving donations of food, mattresses and other relief materials to the IDPs, while also helping them get back on their feet. It was also gathered that the woman that was nicknamed Sarauniyar Alheri, meaning, Princess of Goodness for her disparate generosity ,has lately set up a school for 501 internally displaced children between the ages of one and 14 years at a camp. She gave them uniforms, shoes, and writing materials and has hired the teachers amongst the displaced Nigerians at the camp. Despite her successes and fame, her true passion is to selflessly serve the underprivileged, which she has been doing for a long time without making so much noise about it. to to When Benjamin Toba, younger brother of Abuja billionaire, Mayowa Seth James-Toba, recently wedded his heart-throb, Juliet, there was lavish display of wealth. From the COZA Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Asokoro extension, Abuja, venue of the wedding, it was clear to anyone in attendance that the families of the newly wed carefully put the event together. Apart of the numerous posh cars that filled up the parking lot, the marque set made hearts to flutter, as many looked in wonderment. The arrival of the couple was also dramatic, thereby generating cheers from the guests. After the church service officiated by Abuja popular pastor, Rev. Biodun Fatoyinbo and his beautiful wife, Modele, the wedding train moved to the beautifully festooned Yar-Adua Centre, Abuja for the reception. There, it was obvious to all that James- Toba had a commanding sense of hospitality, as the gaily dressed guests were treated to continental, Chinese and local delicacies and expensive wines. The lovely couple made their appearance at the Grand Ballroom that beautiful afternoon in eye-catching outfits. The billionaire brother of the groom, (MSJT) one of the leading figures in real estates and property business in Nigeria, showed all that he is surely a good host. The wedding, which attracted the cream of the society, will go down in the history as classy.