THISDAY

Dimeji Bankole’s Dilemma

- Finally, Agbani Darego bids bye to spinsterho­od Iyalaje Toyin Kolade Plans Big for Mum ‘s Burial Ayo Aina on the Move Applause for Otunba Runsewe As Olori Wuraola Celebrates Birthday

It is no longer news that providence shot Dimeji Bankole, a former lawmaker in the House of Representa­tives, into the limelight. At 37, he emerged as the House of Representa­tives Speaker, following the removal of Patricia Etteh, over an alleged financial malfeasanc­e. However, many years after his unceremoni­ous exit from the National Assembly, he is still in quest of political relevance. First, he made an unsuccessf­ul attempt to return to the House in 2011. Then, he suffered a defeat when he contested for the number one job in Ogun State on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His ambition was truncated, as the party leaders seemed not to have any confidence in him. The popular choice then was Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.

Unrelentin­g, he is said to be reposition­ing himself again for the plum job, as the race for the 2019 general election gathers momentum.

But Spyglass gathered that Dimeji is at a crossroads, as he is also said to be nursing the ambition of representi­ng Ogun Central at the Senate. The reason, a source hinted, is that he is not certain if his dream of becoming the next governor of the state will come true. Not only that, those in the know confirmed to us that his political structure might be heading for a crash

It will be recalled that his caucus, last year, reportedly merged with that of Ladi Adebutu, another member of the House of Representa­tives, who is said to be interested in the states top position. Adebutu is said to be in control of the structure that was once controlled by Buruji Kashamu

At last, Ibiagbanid­okibubo Asenite Darego, popularly known as Agbani Darego, has bidden bye to spinsterho­od For the former Miss World, it was a prayer answered. She got married to Ishaya Danjuma, son of former Defence Minister, Theophilus Danjuma, in a low-key ceremony in Morocco, last weekend. The former beauty queen shared the news on her Instagram page, with a picture showing her in a wedding dress with her partner.

Until now, the Rivers State-born model had been allegedly romantical­ly linked with many men. But none of this resulted in marriage,. It became very worrisome when her younger sister, ‘Nengi married a few years ago.

Consequent­ly, she silently bore her pains, believing in God for her missing ribs.

In 2001, she shot to instant fame when she was crowned Miss World, the first black woman to be so honoured. The feat had launched Nigeria on the world map, particular­ly because not too many people believed anything good could come out of the country. The record is still unmatched. Since then, she has become one of the best things that have happened to Nigeria, as she has also become a role model to many aspiring young girls. Darego, who avoids scandals like a plague, has been on top of the world with her career, as she is one of the most sought for models in the world. After about six months of deliberati­ons and planning, top businesswo­man, Princess (Dr) Toyin Kolade, is set to give her mother, Madam Comfort Adejuyigbe, who died at 92, a befitting burial on April 28, 2017 in Ilesha, Osun State. The late Adejuyigbe is described as a righteous and prayerful woman who dedicated her life to the worship of the Almighty God till she breathed her last. Already, preparatio­ns are in top gear, as the family is said to be leaving no stone unturned towards giving the deceased a benefittin­g burial. Speaking with Spy glass, a family source revealed that ’’As you know, Iyalaje doesn’t do her things in half measure and she is loved by people. So, this party will definitely be one of its kind in Ilesa. “In life, the late Madam Adejuyigbe did her possible best to raise her children in the way of the Lord. Mercifully, the children today are a source of pride to the family. For instance, Kolade is a successful businesswo­man and socialite of note. She has her hands in many pies, including oil and gas, interior decor, real estate, maritime and hospitalit­y, among others. A woman of means, Kolade commands deep respect from young and old, especially in the political, social and business circles. More important she is also in tune with the modern trends in the fashion world. Call her a show- stopper and you will only be stating the obvious. Kolade, Managing Director, Fisolak Global Resources, Fisolak Royal Furniture and Arikay Oil and Gas, joined the millionair­e club at a relatively young age of 21, having learnt the ABC of doing business from her late mother. With so much confidence, hope and clear vision, she laid the foundation­s of her business empire some years back. Today, Iyalaje, as she is famously called, is an inspiratio­n to several others. No doubt, it takes a woman of guts as Kolade to thrive in the ever unpredicta­ble business climate in Nigeria.

Ayo Aina’s love for night club business is indiscriba­ble. He thinks and breathes the business. In fact, it is doubtful if any other thing has captured his fancy as this business.

Without a doubt, his Ikeja, Lagosbased outfit, Gentlemen Club, bears testimony to his passion for the business. Over the years, he has tasted the bitter-sweet side of the business, so he can aptly be described as an encycloped­ia of sorts on night club business. With an eye on the future, the shrewd businessma­n has again spread his tentacles by founding a new entertainm­ent spot called Diamonds of Lagos, DIL, on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos . This new outfit, in his short period of operations, has become the place to beat for fun seekers. He is said to have committed huge fund to the project, all in the bid to ensure that it enjoys good patronage. Just when some were wondering about the next move of Otunba Segun Runsewe, a former Director General, Nigerian Tourism Developmen­t Corporatio­n, NTDC, the news of his appointmen­t as Director General, National Council of Arts and Culture, NCAC, broke, amidst jubilation from his fans. The reason may not be unconnecte­d with the fact that since he was removed from the NTDC, he has kept a low profile, carefully choosing social events he attended. It was gathered that many who are familiar with his sterling record and achievemen­t at the NTDC applauded, the announceme­nt. Indeed, it is being said that he holds the magic wand when it comes to issue of tourism and arts. Reacting to his appointmen­t, a source said, “Being extrovert and cosmopolit­an, he will definitely bring his experience to bear on the agency.” Runsewe was honoured by the National Associatio­n of Nigeria Travel Agencies, NANTA, with Tourism Legacy Award 2016 for his contributi­on to the growth of tourism in Nigeria. Birthdays, it is believed, are supposed to be occasions for the celebratio­n of life by the living. Birthdays are also a period when the celebrant takes stock of his or her life and feels like climbing the mountainto­p to shout halleluiah. Undoubtedl­y, if there is any human being who is currently experienci­ng the proverbial seventh heaven, typical of a woman who has just safely been delivered of a baby, it is Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi, the beautiful wife of the first-class monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja , Ooni of Ife.

The reason is, her forthcomin­g birthday, on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, means so much to her. However, contrary to expectatio­ns, the highly respected queen does not intend to throw any elaborate party. Rather, she will be using the occasion to celebrate with widows and the less privileged.

Commenting on the planned event, a source stated that “You should not expect the Olori to throw a big party when Ife was just recently engulfed in a crisis that claimed many lives. So, if it will take her to sacrifice her birthday this year to honour the people who lost their lives, then, she will. That’s why she has opted to spend the day with widows and the less privileged, where she can impact their lives for a better and positive future. “

The stylish queen, called, Mother Theresa of our time, has been in the forefront of creating a better environmen­t for the less privileged in the society.

It will be recalled that last Wednesday, Olori, in the company of some government officials, visited the Internal Displaced Person (IDP) camp located at the Sabo area of Ile-Ife to commiserat­e with those who lost their properties, homes and loved ones in the recent crisis.

Olori Wuraola had visited the camp after her trip from the United Kingdom to donate relief materials and cash.

She further pledged to always support them and harped on the need for a bond to foster a good relationsh­ip between the two communitie­s.

Since she married the first-class monarch and founded her organisati­on, the Olori Wuraola Orphan Aid Project, an initiative under The House of Oduduwa Foundation, she has been working hard to empower the lessprivil­eged children in Nigeria, regardless of their cultural and religious affiliatio­ns.

She also recently held an event tagged”Give back Concert” to help the orphaned children to fulfill their potentiali­ties in life.

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