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Blow By Blow Account Of The Magical 90th Birthday Ceremony Of Lady Christine Adedoja Otedola + Faces And All You Need To Know About The Event!

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The magical 90th Birthday ceremony that welcomes Lady Christine Doja Otedola, the matriarch of the Otedola family into the nonagenarian elite on Sunday, April 3, 2020, decorated the megacity of Epe, Lagos in brilliant hues and tinctures as elegance pranced with glamour.

The St. Peters Catholic church, Odoragunshin, Epe Lagos had an amazing precision and order which pervaded a prompt ceremony.

LADY DOJA OTEDOLA

Lady Doja––the teacher, nutritionist, philanthropist, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, dubbed ‘Madam Efficiency’ in her younger days––is immensely grateful to the Almighty for this grace and benevolence. For this charming and winsome life, with family and friends and well-wishers cheering her on.

 

This beautiful Sunday morning, the sleepy town of Odoragunshin in Epe Lagos came alive. The environs were serene, with a lot of people around to celebrate with the philanthropist par excellence.

On the grounds of St. Peters Catholic Church, policemen, DSS, LASTMA officials, and FRSC, among other security agents were on the prowl. With some men in mufti, vehicles were directed to the designated car park where orderliness prevailed.

SOCIETY REPORTERS was on the ground and here are the happenstances of the glorious occasion:

 

 

THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN

The song that ushered in the celebrant was titled, From Sacristy to Grotto. This was at exactly 10:15 am and it went on until there was a brief stop since the door to the church to be dedicated remained closed. The choir sang a couple of hymns beginning from the Sacristy as the Archbishop processes out of the sacristy.

Femi Otedola strolled in.

The Billionaire, as he is fondly called, exchanged pleasantries with some of his guests and family members before proceeding to the commencement of the Mass for the day.

THE OFFICIATING MINISTERS

 Chief celebrant Metropolitan Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, pronounced the procession of the mass, he was assisted by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Marcus Famosaya, Priest in Residence, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ogundele, and others.

BUSY DAY FOR TRAFFIC OFFICIALS

Traffic officials operating on the Island axis will definitely not forget Sunday, April 3, 2022, in a hurry. It was one of their busiest. Though not officially contracted for the day, the traffic that began the birthday ceremony created was unimaginable. The road leading to the reception venue was temporarily shut due to the presence of top-of-the-range automobiles coming into the area every now and then.

THE EARLY BIRDS

The early birds at the church service were the executive governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu, and his amiable wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, also sighted beside him while they wait for the service to begin was Gov. Kayode Fayemi, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi later joined them at the entrance of the church before the arrival of Femi Otedola to usher them into the beautifully decorated hall which had names of guests on each chair.

   FEMI FEDRO REJOINS HIGH SOCIETY

Mr. Femi Pedro, former deputy governor of Lagos state, is back on the social scene, after a long layoff due to a sprained leg.

The fashionable politician came out of his shell for the birthday celebration and was even among the early callers.

BETWEEN SANWO-OLU AND FAYEMI

There is no doubt; there exists a strong bond between these two men of means. It may even be because the two are state governors in the southwest. While Sanwo Olu is the governor of Lagos State, Kayode Fayemi governs Ekiti State. The two came to the event together, sat together, chatted all through, and left at about the same time.

HEAVY SECURITY AT THE CHURCH

A lorry load of K-Square Security personnel was stationed at the church premises while the procession lasted. The men in black, looking stern and fearful, kept street urchins at bay, including all the uninvited guests.

THE GRAND ARRIVAL OF YEMI OSINBAJO

The vice president of the federal republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo tested his popularity at the event and there is no doubt many still admire the Professor whose intention to run for the position of the president of the federal republic is yet unknown. The black Lexus sports car that brought him to the church hardly pulled up before the shouts of PYO rented the air.

In fact, it took the intervention of some security personnel to ward-off urchins who wouldn’t let the man be.

SEYI TINUBU CAUSES STIR

Son of the political Jagaban and the leader of the ruling party, Senator Bola Hammed Tinubu, Seyi was there to probably cause a steer and register his presence at the event. Since his dad could not make the event. While the church service was ongoing Seyi Tinubu was sighted outside with a mammoth crowd of urchins hailing him and trying to get something from him while the attention of many guests who couldn’t make it into the church hall looked on and this almost caused distraction during the church service.

 

EXOTIC AUTOMOBILES ON PARADE

Expensive wonder-on-wheels littered the entire Odoragunshin town and environs. The Governor of Lagos came in a black Toyota sport, allegedly described as a bulletproof car. The guests rode in a couple of exotics cars ranging from Lexus, MBW, G-Wagon, and Bentley among many others. There was also a black Range Rover sport and a white Lamborghini in their convoy.

 

TEMI OTEDOLA CAME WITH HER LOVER

One of the daughters of Femi Otedola, Temi Otedola, was not missing in action at the ceremony. But she made it up with her appearance at the event with her lover, Mr. Eazy.

NO INVITE, NO ENTRY

That was the bold inscription placed at the entrance of the venue of the reception. Black uniformed K-Square security personnel did not give anything to chance. Those without the IV were turned back. But that notwithstanding some still smuggled themselves in.

PARADISE ON EARTH

That phrase aptly describes the ambiance of the reception decoration at the Odoragunshin venue. The two marquees put to use could accommodate over 2,000 guests at once. Lavishly decorated by Funke Bucknor’s Saphire Events as many gawked at their splendor.

There was a section for cocktails; there was also another session for the VIPs and another for the lesser mortals.

LONESOME MO ABUDU

The CEO of Ebony Life TV, and entrepreneur MO Abudu was at the event, dressed in a knee-length ball gown. The beautiful babe sat all alone, looking tired and worried, until she later became very restless when some VVIP guests started coming into the hall and she forced herself to exchange pleasantry with almost everyone including the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun among others.

GLOWING IN A BETTER LIFE

A giant balloon backdrop welcomed all guests to the reception with a lovely picture of the Nonagenarian Lady Doja Otedola on it and an inscription “Celebration of A Good Life.”

DJ CUPPY’S PERFORMANCE

DJ Cuppy one of Femi Otedola’s favorite daughters was at the reception to give a special rendition to her grandma. Her performance was one of the high points of the event as she got the guests cheering her up while she does what she knows how to do best.

DANCING TIME FOR THE CELEBRANT

The celebrant Lady Doja Otedola was ushered to the dancing floor by her billionaire son, Femi Otedola, as they both had a good time dancing to the beats of one of her sons Michael Otedola , after which Dj Cuppy took over the stage with her special rendition of GELATO. Even at 90, the celebrant did not disappoint her guests as she still made some good moves to the beats while her son Femi Otedola also did justice to the beats.

THE KING SUNNY ADE PERFORMANCE

Many had earlier been wondering who will be performing at the epoch-making event, but it was not surprising when the Event anchor Dare Art Alade announced the taking over of the band stand by KSA himself, and his presence gave the event the real touch of Society gathering that it was. Guests danced and danced while money rained till the late hours of the night.

 

GUESTS’ LIST

Bashorun Dele Momodu

 

Femi Pedro (Former Lagos Deputy Governor)

 

Mr. Tony Elumelu

 

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi

 

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Wife

 

Vice President Of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

 

Governor. Kayode Fayemi

 

Adejoke Orelope Adefulire

 

Aliko Dangote (Chairman Dangote Group)

 

Godwin Emefiele (CBN Governor.)

 

Godwin Obaseki  (Edo State Governor.)

 

Wale Babalakin

 

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki

 

Former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

 

Toyin Saraki

 

Oba Saheed Elegushi

 

Akeem Muri Okunola

 

Mo Abudu

 

Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari

 

Mr. Uwem White

 

Kemi Adeosun

 

Tunde Folawiyo

 

Tayo Amusan

 

Kunle Afolayan

 

Mr. Yinka Shonekan

 

Muktar Shehu Shagari

 

Ogun State Governor. Prince Dapo Abiodun

 

Otunba Niyi Adebayo

 

Nkiru Anumudu

 

Mr. Peter Obi

 

Former Governor Of Ogun State, Segun Osoba

 

Dr. Adeshina, AFDB President.

 

Mrs. Bola Shagaya

 

Micheal Otedola.

 

Dare Art Alade.

 

James Ibori

 

Governor Of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai

 

Prince Segun Oniru

 

Prince Terry Waya

 

Mustapha Chike Obi (Fidelity Bank Chairman)

 

Kingsley Moghalu

 

Timi Alaibe

 

Kola Abiola

 

Abike Dabiri Erewa

 

Kunle Bakare

 

Seyi Tinubu

 

Chief Bisi Olatilo

By: Sunday Adebayo

Society

Revolutionizing Education: Brook International School Meets the Future at Tingo AI Radio

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In a groundbreaking collaboration, Brook International School students stepped into the future at Tingo AI Radio, Africa’s first and only AI-powered radio station. The event, a first of its kind, explored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, automation, and everyday life.
From interactive learning experiences to cutting-edge AI-driven automation, the event showcased how AI is reshaping education. Brook International School’s curriculum seamlessly integrates AI-powered tools, including adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring, and automated grading, equipping students and teachers with innovative solutions for a smarter future.
Beyond education, Tingo AI Radio demonstrated how AI enhances institutional efficiency by streamlining administrative tasks. With chatbots, predictive analytics, and automation, schools can optimize operations, allowing educators to focus on creativity and student engagement.
The event also unveiled AI’s impact on daily life, featuring demonstrations on virtual assistants, smart homes, and entertainment applications. Attendees gained first-hand experience of how AI can enhance productivity and connectivity in today’s fast-paced world.
“I’m so excited about the possibilities of AI in education!” said Ikeoluwa, a student at Brook International School. “This event showed me how AI can make learning more fun and interactive. I can’t wait to explore more AI-powered tools in my studies!”
As the pioneering AI radio station in Africa, Tingo AI Radio remains committed to promoting AI awareness, education, and adoption across the continent. Through collaborations like this, the station continues to empower the next generation, fostering innovation and preparing students for a tech-driven world.

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BainesCredit Micro Finance Bank’s MD In Trouble, Allegedly Detained Over N100M Fraud

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The Economic & Financial Crimes Commission has arrested one Ayobami Adegoke, the Managing Director of BainesCredit Microfinance Bank based in Ikoyi following a criminal complaint by Dr Segun Oyebolu, the Managing Director of QuickAir Networks Limited who had alleged that the bank committed the fraud between April and August of 2022.

The allegation is based on fraudulent manipulation of customer accounts, resulting in the stealing of well over N100M Naira from the customer’s account between April and August 2022.

According to the complainant, the bank manipulated his accounts and posted false overdraft payments in his account between the periods, which unfortunately led to the sudden collapse of the enterprise.

According to the allegation, Ayobami Adegoke, BainesCredit MD and a host of others including one Mr Williams who has since left the country perpetrated this fraud by posting fictitious loan deductions in his account between the periods causing it to lose continued capacity to service its numerous travel~agent customer’s around the country.

The bank simply started posting fictitious, inexistent overdraft payments into our account, affecting us from being able to service our customers. It was really sad that this same bank took us to court in 2023, claiming we were owing on a phantom loan that was never taken from them.

It is really sad that a Bank like BainesCredit MFB Limited will prosecute one of its biggest customers on a fake loan. The matter was subsequently dismissed by the same court as the bank failed completely to bring any proof of the existence of such a loan to the company.

Representatives of Quickair Networks Limited has vowed to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion as the significant fraud has tainted its name and the name of its promoters aside causing it huge financial losses in the travel industry which they service.

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Alleged N76Billion, $31.5Million Fraud: EFCC Presents Second Witness Against Ex-AMCON MD Kuru, Four Others In Lagos Court

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday presented its second prosecution witness, Austine Obegwe, a retired Group Executive Director in charge of Corporate and International Banking at Union Bank, in the trial of former Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Managing Director Ahmed Kuru and four others.

Kuru and the other defendants are accused of defrauding Arik Airline of ₦76 billion and $31.5 million. The case is being heard before Justice Mojisola Dada at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos.

The other defendants include Kamilu Omokide, a former Receiver Manager of Arik Airline Ltd.; Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer; Super Bravo Ltd.; and Union Bank Plc.

They face a six-count charge of theft, abuse of office, and dishonest appropriation of property.

Count one reads: “That you, Union Bank Nigeria Plc, sometime in 2011 or thereabouts, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with the intention of causing and/or inducing unwarranted sale of Arik Air loans and bank guarantees with Union Bank, made false statements to the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), regarding Arik Air Limited’s performing loans, following which you transferred a bogus figure of N71, 000,000,000.00 (Seventy-One Billion Naira) to AMCON.”

Count two reads: “That you, Ahmed Lawal Kuru, Kamilu Alaba Omokide as Receiver Manager of Arik Air Limited, and Captain Roy Ilegbodu, Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air Limited in Receivership, sometime in 2022 or thereabout, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, fraudulently converted to the use of NG Eagle Limited the total sum of N4,900,000,000.00 (Four Billion Nine Hundred Million Naira only), property of Arik Air Limited”.

The defendants, however, pleaded “not guilty” to all six charges when they were read out to them.

At the resumed trial on Wednesday, Obegwe informed the court that he worked with Union Bank from 1980 until his retirement in August 2009.

Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Wahaab Shittu (SAN), Obegwe testified that he handled the transaction with Arik Air and the US EXIM Bank for the purchase of three aircraft, for which Union Bank provided a guarantee.

He said, “I was a board member. I handled the transaction with Arik Air, for which Union Bank provided a guarantee. We had a second transaction for two wide-body aircraft, body-long hub A340500, and chemist of HSBC Germany Coface of the UK. Three of them are also shareholders.

“The credit financed the two Boeing (planes) agreed and there was no payment by Union Bank. He did not pay any money or communicate any money for the guarantee of 85%.

“In two wide-body aircraft, the hub was the major success that preceded the commendation from President Yar’Adua. This aircraft, one was fly to London and the other was fly direct to New York.

“The major focus of this airline finance is that Union Bank were able to provide pending of a loan up to 85% until I left the bank in August 2009. All facilities extended to Arik were performing, meaning that there was no default because of the way Arik was structured. But for Arik, he has two repayments every time.

“In return of providing falters of the aircraft, we make collection of credit card. Everything was cash. I’m also aware that there was no default of money for the first bank to apply to CBN and pay to HSBC in dollars, the bank representing all the foreign lenders.”

The prosecution counsel, Wahaab Shittu (SAN), sought to tender some documents relating to the transaction, which were satisfied by the EFCC.

All the defence counsel objected to this application on the grounds that the witness was not an author and there was no evidence of stratification payment. They urged the court to refuse this application.

In a short ruling, Justice Dada rejected the documents: “The witness in the box is not a member of the investigation team, he is not a member of AMCON, and the documents cannot be tender.”

The witness said further that “any bank can sell facilities if they want to sell or buy, and there was no request to sell any facilities when I was there”.

The counsel cross-examined the witness for the first and third defendants, Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, and Olasupo Shasore, SAN, counsel for the second defendant, Kuru, where they tendered several documents which the court admitted as exhibits.

Justice Dada adjourned the matter till May 19 and 28, 2025, for continuation of trial.

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