Connect with us

Society

ABUJA BIG BOY, OTUNBA OKE BACK IN STYLE

Published

on

Otunba Kayode Oke needs little or no introduction. Oke, chairman and CEO of Softess Group of Companies, Abuja, is one of the “happening”guys in the capital city. The dashing business mogul who has been scarce in the social circuit lately, has bounced back in style.
The Softess boss, said that he made what he called a “tactical retreat” for some strategic reasons. “It’s true that I haven’t been as visible as before in the political and social circuit, but it’s not out of frustration or disillusionment as alleged by some detractors. I just opted to make a tactical withdrawal of sort, mainly to take my business to another level and do more for my people in terms of philantrophy.”
It was learnt that he is making arrangement to launch a foundation called Otunba Kayode Oke Foundation soon. “The idea behind the foundation is to give back to the society,” he enthused. “To empower the youths, widows and the less privileged in general, so that they would be able to stand on their own feet economically. As you know, I have a passion for charity and helping humanity in general. It is not about politics but about giving back to the society.”
Truly so. Investigations revealed that in recent times, the softess Group boss has been expending his resources in charity as well as expanding his business tentacles across the nation, particularly in Kaduna, Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Calabar and the Federal Capital Territory. In particular, his hotel chain (Softess Hotels and Suites, including the recent branches in Dubai and Accra, Ghana) have been making waves in the hospitality arena lately. This is even as plans are being finalized to open a multi-purpose entertainment complex Abuja.
Explaining his passion for the entertainment arena in general and the hospitality sector in particular, Otunba Oke declared that: “Though I started out as a dealer in stuff like soya bean, oil and the like before venturing into other sectors like real estate, and construction, I have an abiding passion for oil and Gas, and for the hospitality arena in particular and the entertainment industry in general”.
He added: “The hospitality industry, which encompassed tourism, accommodation and the like, occupies a pride of place in our heart here at Softess Group of companies. And that explains why we are devoting extra attention to this area, by upgrading our infrastructure and services alike. Indeed, we want to be the best, not just one of the best, in terms of world class services and state-of-the-art facilities.”
According to him the hospitality industry carters to the family as a whole, and as such, special attention must be accorded this sector. “When, for example, a family is out for relaxation or holiday, they (husband and children) deserve unique services. Even the gentleman or lady on business assignment, when he lodges in a hotel, he expects world class services, and that’s our unique selling point (USP) here at Softess: world class services at affordable rates.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Society

2023 Ogwashi-Uku Carnival Holds 25th Dec

Published

on

By

 

The Ogwashi-Uku Carnival, the biggest carnival in Delta state is set to hold its 13th anniversary carnival on the 25th December 2023.

 

The Founder/Chief Host of the Carnival, Anthonia Oguah disclosed this in a press statement on Thursday.

 

Ogwashi-Uku Carnival is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Ogwashi-Uku people in Delta State, a period to merry, bond and reunite with loved ones from Nigeria and the diaspora.

This season, the Carnival will feature road walk, Fashion Parade

Cultural Dance Troupes

Local Delicacies and lots more.

 

It is sponsored by Ogwashi-Uku Association USA Incorporated.

 

Oguah promised that this years carnival is going to be a special one with lots of varieties and great Ogwashi-Uku sons and daughters all over the world from far and near.

 

She said this year’s event will surpass other previous carnivals because she and her team have really worked hard to put the carnival together, studying the past Ogwashi-Uku Carnivals they have held and have planned excellently well to put this year’s event together.

 

“It’s going to be something big and different,very interesting, exciting and entertaining with lots and lots of fun,fully packed,” the statement said.

Continue Reading

Society

ONDEA Unveiled as Headline Sponsor For 2023 Lead Awards

Published

on

By

 

Project Lead Africa is thrilled to announce Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) as the official sponsor for the 2023 Leadership Excellence and Dignity Awards. According to the organizers, the 2023 Lead Awards ceremony promises to be bigger and better, with the support of leading organizations driving innovation and growth within and outside Ondo State.

 

In a press statement made available to journalists in Lagos, the Principal Consultant and Executive Director, Project Lead Africa, Mr. Abiola Alaba Peters said “We are glad of this collaboration, having Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) as our headline sponsor for this year, is such a honor, the aim is to inspire more these generations to keep doing more for our dear Sunshine state”.

 

Also referred to as “Ondo State Most Prestigious” Leadership Excellence and Dignity Awards is an annual award ceremony that celebrates individuals and organizations that are proudly Ondo State indigenes.

 

Themed, ‘Celebrating High Achievers”, “the 2023 Lead Awards aims to unearth the giants of the Sunshine state that are yet to be celebrated” says the Project Director, Adebukola Oba, who also confirmed that the event will showcase a new wave of super creative and talented individuals, including organizations that are eager to take Ondo State to the next level.

 

On his part, the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Summy Smart Francis (hc) stated that the ONDEA’s decision to sponsor the 2023 Lead Awards was borne out of the desire to inform, educate and encourage creative’s and other professionals, particularly young people in Ondo State.

 

Mr. Smart who is also the founder and President Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E) while thinking His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, for providing the platform for young people to thrive in the state, express his enthusiasm to speak and interact with fellow compatriots at this year Lead Awards.

 

While Lead Awards aim to drive collaboration, foster partnerships, and provide a platform for quality leaders to share insights that can shape future generations, Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) which is an initiative of Akeredolu led administration, aimed at providing professional guidance to local entrepreneurs, empowers SMEs and MSMEs in Ondo State.

 

Associate sponsors for the 2023 Lead Awards include Dejavu Hotels, AutoProbe, Shaunze Royal and Aristo Games & Bristrol among others.

Continue Reading

Society

EFCC ARRAIGNS COUPLE FOR ALLEGED N2.7BN FRAUD IN LAGOS

Published

on

By

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday 28 November arraigned a couple, Oriyomi Idowu and Ruth Idowu, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on 20-count charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, stealing, retention of stolen property, and forgery to the tune of N2,757,188,000.00 only.

The couple were arraigned alongside Food Commodity Processing Enterprise, Bonway Food Processing Company Limited, Samee Idowu Company Limited and Farmex Integrated Companies Limited, which all belong to Ruth Idowu.

One of the counts reads: “Ruth Sameeha Idowu, aka Loiry Ventures, Oriyomi Kabeer Idowu, aka Yocli Ventures, Food Commodity Processing Enterprise, Bonway Food Processing Company Ltd, Samee Idowu Company Limited, Farmex Integrated Companies Limited, sometime in 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, converted the sum of N10,000,000 to purchase a GLK Benz, purchase sum derived from converting the sum of N500,000,000 belonging to Creditpro Business Support Services with the aim of disguising the illegal origin of the funds.”

Another count reads: “Ruth Sameeha Idowu, aka Loiry Ventures, Oriyomi Kabeer Idowu, aka Yocli Ventures, Food Commodity Processing Enterprise, Bonway Food Processing Company Ltd., Samee Idowu Company Limited, Farmex Integrated Companies Limited, sometime in 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, dishonestly retained the sum of N936,619,876 in your UBA bank account, property of Creditpro Business Support services knowing same to be funds fraudulently obtained from Creditpro Business Support Services.”

The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to  them.

In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, prayed the court for a trial date and the remand of the defendants  at a Correctional Facility.

Counsel to the first defendant, G. Onwubuya, informed the court of the bail application of his client, which had yet to be served on the prosecution.

He prayed the court to remand the defendants in the EFCC custody and also sought a short adjournment for the hearing and determination of the bail application.

In her objection, Buhari informed the court that the holding facility of the EFCC was already overstretched.

She also told the court that the appropriate place, following arraignment, was a Correctional Centre.

The Judge held that there was no bail application before the court for the second defendant, whose counsel, J.J. Ogunyemi, had yet to file.

Consequently, Justice Dada adjourned the matter till December 15, 2023 and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Correctional Centre “pending hearing and determination of their bail applications”.

Continue Reading

Trending