allure 02 Decenber 2018

December 2, 2018 

Olugbodi 

and the 

Spirit Of Enterprise

Contents - 02/12 

email: allurefortheworld@vanguardngr.com 

Editor’s Letter 

When Funke and Yuji Olugbodi wedded in 1951, they didn’t 

aim for a football team but they nearly got there! The 

search for a daughgter led the couple to keep trying until 

number 9 when they reached Eldorado. 

This tells you about the resilience of two people who 

refused to give up until they got what they wanted. This 

spirit of going for gold and nothing else Pa Chief Joshua 

Oyedele Olugbodi and Ma dam Grace Olabisi Olugbodi (JP) 

passed unto their nine children. 

These eight brothers and one sister sired by one woman, 

Madam Grace Olabisi Olugbodi (JP), whom all the nine 

describe as a ‘serial entrepreneur’, caught the entrepreneur 

bug from Mama alongside the lessons of correct code of 

conduct instilled by both parents. Today, Tunji Olugbodi and 

his eight siblings are all entrepreneurs; CEOs running 

successful businesses and corporations that employ more 

than 100 employees. 

The Ologbodi Nine should be in the ‘Guinness Book of 

Records’. I do not know if there is any family of 11, including 

mum and dad, anywhere else in the world, who are all 

entrepreneurs. But, I stand to be corrected. 

In ‘The Ologbodi Nine and the Spirit of Enterprise’, you 

get to see a family that was guided by two people who knew 

what they wanted and they got it. It is an inspiring piece 

and we can all learn from it. See pp. 6-13. 

It’s the season of gifting; a time to share the love of 

Christ who gave Himself to 

an ungrateful world. So, if you’re 

like me, who never seems to know 

what to give, rescue is on pages 

3-5 - as Yemisi Suleiman 

compiled gift ideas for the 

millenials, you and me. 

Welcome to December! And, 

the last minute’s possibilities 

before the New Year. 

Have a great week! 

EDITOR 

REMMY IFUEKO DIAGBARE 

DEPUTY EDITOR 

JEMI EKUNKUNBOR 

ASST. EDITOR 

YEMISI SULEIMAN 

CONTRIBUTORS 

TERESA ALIGBE 

LINDA ORAJEKWE 

FUNKE AJOMALE 

FUNMI AZIKE 

ADESUWA EWOIGBOKHAN 

BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA 

R . 

Remmy Diagbare 

TEAM 

COPY EDITOR 

DODOIYI WILLIAM-WEST 

CONT. EDITOR 

LATASHA NGWUBE 

LAYOUT / DESIGN 

OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE 

PHOTO 

OSCAR OCHIOGU 

(08034746487) 

HEAD MARKETING 

DOLAPO MAJEKODUNMI 

HEAD OF PRODUCTION 

CHARLES KAMMA 

Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd 

Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal; P.M.B 1007 Apapa, Lagos. 

FASHION 

3 

5 

Best Christmas Gift Ideas for 

Everyone 

Gifts for Millenials 

FEATURE 

13 Sexmatics: 

Christmas Getaway For 

Couples 

PEOPLE 

14 • Vlisco’s Bubble Wax 

is back. 

• Jim Ovia, Wale Tinubu 

others Support UN 

Humanitarian 

Fund-Private 

Sector Initiative. 

14 

15 

Quotes 

“Optimism is a happiness 

magnet. If you stay positive, 

good things and good people 

will be drawn to you”. 

- Mary Lou Retton 

“In order to change we must 

be sick and tired of being 

sick and tired”. 

-Unknown 

“Mix a little foolishness with your 

serious plans. It is lovely to be 

silly at the right moment”. 

- Horace 

olugbodi 

and the 

spirit of 

enterprise 

6 

ON THE 

COVER

Best Christmas 

Gifts Ideas For 

Everyone 

FASHION 

By - Yemisi Suleiman 

As the Christmas holiday gifting season quickly 

approaches, it is time to start strategizing your 

shopping plan. Finding the perfect present for that 

special person in your life is no easy feat, but not to 

worry, we are here to make the process a little easier and 

chicer this season. 

From luxury bath set, travel luggage to innovative and 

creative gifts, we have rounded up all the best Christmas gifts 

ideas for your woman, the classy man and of course for the 

young millennials on your list. 

FOR HIM 

Tie Set 

Give the man in your life the 

perfect polished looks with a 

complete Necktie Set! 

Editors 

briefcase 

BCBG colour 

block dress 

Ejiro Amos 

Tafiri design 

Mixologist 

Box 

Editor Briefcase 

This Editor Brief can fit a 15-inch 

laptop along with other daily 

essentials. 

Mixologist Box 

tie set 

Mens Cuff 

Links 

Cufflinks 

This Uhibros Mens Cuff Links is 

ideal for the very corporate man 

in your life. 

GUCCI GUILTY 

BLACK 

Culinary Set 

For the guy who is ready to get 

serious in the kitchen, this curated 

set includes everything he’ll need 

to start his culinary journey. 

Culinary set 

Packet 

Shirts 

Packet Shirts 

Three pack blue check 

and texture shirts, a 

great set for every man 

Designer’s Perfume 

Let your man dare to go where no 

man has ever been before when he 

wears this hypnotic scent every day. 

December 2, 2018 / 3

FASHION 

FOR HER 

Gold Wristwatch 

This Omega 

Constellation red 

gold wristwatch is 

the ideal gift for the 

woman who has 

everything. She will 

adore you, for this. 

Luxury 

lace wig 

Gold 

Wristwatch 

Diamond 

and ruby 

necklace set 

This Omega 

Constellation 

red gold 

wristwatch is the 

ideal gift for the 

woman who has 

everything. She 

will adore you, 

for this. 

A designer 

dress 

Diamond Jewelry Set 

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, 

no doubt. So this Sapphire 

Diamond and Platinum set would 

be perfect for your mother, wife or 

girlfriend. 

Didi statement bag 

Tps Luxury Bag 

A timeless and 

elegant purse 

OLS(Olori Ladun 

Sijuwade by TPS 

Luxury. This will be 

one of your wife’s 

favorite gifts. 

TPS 

Luxury 

bag 

Designer Dress 

This red Polkadot tulle lace 

gown by Elie Saab 

Bath Gift Set 

Treat her, so she can treat 

herself with this luxury 

relaxing bath set. 

Omega 

red gold 

wristwatch 

Vanilla Bath 

Gift Set 

Christian 

Louboutin 

heels 

4 

Omega 

Constellation red 

gold wristwatch 

/ December 2, 2018 

Gold Wristwatch 

This Omega Constellation red 

gold wristwatch is the ideal 

gift for the woman who has 

everything. She will adore you, 

for this. 

Gift With A Wow 

Factor 

When you are really looking to give 

the gift of wow-factor, this Christian 

Louboutin Veneneuse evening 

pumps is the way to go. 

Christian 

Louboutin 

Follies Spikes

FASHION 

small DG Millennials 

crossbody bag 

Crossbody bag 

This small DG Millennials crossbody 

bag will definitely excite anyone. 

Gucci belt 

for him 

Gucci 

belt for 

her 

Gifts For 

Millennials 

Leather Logo Belt 

A classic belt for every fashion 

lover, they will get the most use 

out of this Gucci logo piece. 

Travel Luggage 

For the savvy traveler, 

this chic new luggage 

set gift is a positively 

chic collection that 

is very stylish 

and everyone will 

appreciate it. 

Travel 

Luggage set 

Power Travel Mat 

Keeping a Powermat on hand (which can 

charge up to three devices, and uses 

one cord for the whole shebang), 

especially one that folds up 

neatly, will save the 

day every time and 

your young ones 

will love it 

Power 

travel mat 

iPhone 

Camera Lens 

Clip-On Lens 

Clip-On Lens for iPhone, Android 

and Smartphones for Christmas, 

it is perfect for the amateur 

photographer or even professional 

photographer. 

Sneakers For 

Him & Her 

Introduce her to her new 

favorite sneaker 

brand like this ever 

trending shade 

synonymous 

with the 

millennial cycle. 

Air Jordan 6 

A Classy 

Dress 

SEQUIN 

EMBROIDERED 

TEA LENGTH 

DRESS 

For a black tie event? A 

millennial pink dress is 

always the right fit for the 

millennial in your life. 


REPORTAGE 

Olugbodi 

And The 

Spirit Of 

Enterprise 

Words By - Remmy Diagbare 

They are nine siblings, 

sired by one woman. All 

nine are well educated 

and chief executive 

officers of successful businesses. 

Their father, Yuji Olugbodi, 

retired from the Central Bank of 

Nigeria to join his wife in 

business. The children describe 

their mother, Madam Funke 

Olugbodi as a ‘serial 

entrepreneur’, who over the 

years, operated no less than 17 

businesses! It is no wonder, they 

caught the entrepreneurial spirit. 

‘A fruit never falls far from its 

tree’, indeed. 

So, when you see fractured 

large families, it’s not because of 

size, it’s the foundation that is 

faulty! Read and be inspired. 

6 

/ December 2, 2018

REPORTAGE 


REPORTAGE 

1. Johnny Tunde Olugbodi 

Principal Consultant, First Divine Swivel 

Training & Development Ltd. 

How did you all cope growing up in a large 

family? With only one sister, what was growing 

up with your eight siblings like? 

I am the oldest of the children. I remember, 

vividly, the birth, christening and growing up of each 

of my 8 siblings. It was an environment of 

harmonious relationships, devoid of avoidable 

conflicts and unpleasant rivalry. Our parents are 

responsible for our staying together because, 

growing up, there was no favoritism for any 

particular child. It has always been a structure of 

one family in terms of respect and authority. You 

will find that some of my siblings have just one year 

gap in their ages. While my immediate junior 

brother, Dr Olatunji Joshua, was born on the 25th 

of March, 1964, Alexander Kolawole following him 

was born on 6th August, 1965. Muyiwa Oladapo 

was born on 6th February 1967. Akinyinka 

Gbolahan was born on 8th May 1969. Dr Akinyinka 

Akinyemi was born on 17th July 1971. Oyeniran 

Roy was born on November 12, 1975. Oluwaseun 

Akintoye was born on 12th May 1978 while the only 

lady of the family was born on 2nd December 1981 

in Osogbo. 

In our relationship over the years, you talk to that 

person who is just one or two years older as if you 

have 10 years apart because you have to show 

respect. Again, everybody commands respect 

because of the kind of personality he/she 

represents. Respect goes down the line from 

whoever is the oldest. Ours has been a close-knit 

family right from the outset. I, being the first born, 

grew up to know our parents, both of whom are still 

alive, as very respectful and humble people. 

Our father was privileged to be employed as a 

Senior Clerk in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) 

in 1961. Father was then living at 30, Reclamation 

Street in Lagos Island with mother. After Olatunji 

was born on March 25th, 1964 - about three 

months later, around July of that year - father was 

transferred to Port Harcourt, where a branch of 

CBN had just been opened. We all travelled by the 

train from Iddo Railway Station, Lagos, to Port 

Harcourt. 

What influenced your going into business 

instead of working in establishments? Was it a 

family decision? Did it have anything to do with 

parental upbringing or influence? 

I started my work career as Population 

Statistician with the Nigeria Population Commission 

(NPC) in 1989. Eventually, I found myself as a 

human resources practitioner. I resigned my 

appointment with the NPC when I was employed 

by the CBN on 1st of February, 1991. 

Do you experience sibling rivalry? How do you 

deal with the issue of one being more 

successful than the other? 

All these years, my siblings and I did not have 

any form of rivalry. Everybody developed his/her 

own talent in education and attitude. I never knew I 

would replace our father at the CBN because as 

the firstborn, he wanted me to be a medical doctor. 

This made me offer science subjects up to the 

Higher School Certificate (HSC) level at the Baptist 

Academy. 

What has kept us together as old and 

established people, therefore, was the tradition that 

runs in the family, not just about our parents and 

grandparents on both sides. Our paternal 

grandfather had four wives. I stayed with them at a 

very impressionable age, when I was in primary 

school. I never saw them fight or the wives quarrel 

or discriminate among the children. Everybody did 

the same thing together. Every Christmas, we 

would all gather in our grandfather’s compound. 

We looked forward to such gathering every 

Christmas. These are some of the values of unity 

and togetherness they inculcated in us right from 

childhood. Among us, everybody has his own role 

such that there are advisers and mentors and you 

know who to talk to when you want to. 

It’s been a wonderful and most rewarding 

experience growing up with my siblings over the 

years. It’s a thing of personal joy for me; something 

I will cherish for all eternity. 

2. Joshua Olatunji Olugbodi 

Executive Vice Chairman, Verdant Zeal Group; Chairman, 

BYTOL Group; and, Chairman, BCI TBI Epicentre Group 


family? 

It was interesting and exciting. But also fairly 

regimented, in terms of chores and duties; because, 

our mum was a stickler for details and discipline. She 

is pro-active and pre-planning. Everyone had chores 

to do even though we always had house helps. 

Growing up was largely in Surulere, Lagos and 

later on at Osogbo in Osun State. Our parents were 

both very strict disciplinarians who never spared the 

rod at all. The tongue lashing was even worse. There 

was a great influence of aunties and uncles; some of 

whom lived with us, especially from Abeokuta (where 

Mum is from) and Ara, our hometown. Indeed, our 

house was a mini-United Nations of sorts. The 

communal spirit was strong, regardless. There was 

order but there was substantial commotion too. 

As you can imagine, a house packed full of boys 

was always bustling with unbridled energy and 

adrenaline. Fights broke out often due to 

misunderstandings or deliberate mischief. The 

characters also formed early. For instance, we had 

the perennial troublemakers; we had the quiet, easy 

going ones; we had the diplomats who stand on all 

sides of the divide; and, we had the ones who, 

sometimes, snitch on best-kept secrets. Then, we 

had the oppressors who did brisk business by buying 

peoples’ pieces of meat for a fee at lunch. 

In all, it was like a massive jigsaw of life activities 

and counter activities that kept everyone busy but 

grounded. Meal times were special. We always had 

food in the house - nothing fancy, at all. But no one 

ever went to bed hungry. 

What influenced you going into business as 

against working for establishments? Was it a 



I was a professional, working first in journalism 

and then marketing communications for many years. 

But my real entrepreneurship started, in a formal 

sense, about 15 years ago. It was not a conscious 

family decision but it had a great family influence, 

especially from my mum who was a natural business 

enthusiast. She attempted many types of 

businesses, largely borne out of the need to 

supplement the family income. She is tenacious. 

Even now, she runs a small poultry and fishery farm. 

She rears goats. And she was 76 last September! 

How did you begin? Did any of your siblings 

provide inputs for your business and its growth? 

Over the years, I had gained much insight into 

business practices from my mum and later, as a 

professional. In getting started, the passion and 

conviction were unparalleled. I was quite meticulous 

and insistent on having the proper structure for 

corporate governance. 

Planning and forecast are important. So also was nurturing a 

high-ground that guaranteed significant differentiation. Yes, I 

did get inputs from some of them – and, especially, my wife 

too. 

Were your parent entrepreneurs? To what extent did 

parental teachings and philosophy direct you in 

business and life decisions? 

Dad was a banker with the Central Bank of Nigeria. As I 

said, Mum was the business-minded person, a trait she 

acquired from my maternal grandmother. What we gained 

from Dad were the values of decency and ‘bibire’ or 

‘omoluabi’ in Yoruba parlance. This literally means the best 

8 


REPORTAGE 

behaviour tied to excellent moral upbringing. 

It was a good mix - business virtues from Mum (we 

used to take turns to look after the ‘store’) and 

impeccable moral strength from Dad. He speaks all the 

time of using “initiative”. You cannot dare go home with 

something that belongs to someone else (integrity). You 

cannot be abusive, rude or condescending. Your word 

must be your bond. Cleanliness was always next to 

Godliness. There was no shortcut to success but 

through diligence and hard work. Above all, was 

generosity. 

You are 9 siblings in total. You all run successful 

businesses. What is the secret of your success as 

individuals and as a family of entrepreneurs? 

It’s easy to assume that a set of principles or virtues 

did the trick. They do help to a great extent. But for me, 

the favour of God towers above all else. You cannot 

divorce faith from the recipe of victory. But there was 

also the power of passion, conviction and intuition. I did 

play a significant role, given my position in encouraging 

my siblings. I was central to the formation of most of the 

companies, providing support and guidance. I am the 

chairman of some of the companies. But, ultimately, 

each person is led to direct and operate as the (Holy) 

Spirit gave unction. We do a bit of cross-selling and 

cross-fertilization of ideas too. 

Do you experience sibling rivalry? How do you deal 

with the issue of one of you being more successful 

than another? 

Not in any obvious manner. No. People are happy 

for you to progress. A rivalry is more from a positive 

dimension in that you are either being inspired or 

challenged to always raise the bar and to understand 

that no black sheep will be accommodated. My siblings 

and I dream a lot. 

Have there been times when you synergize your 

individual expertise on projects and special needs? 

Yes. We do that severally and it can be quite 

enlightening. For instance, when my brother, Tomi, the 

neurosurgeon, was going to start his own practice, 

Prime Pain in the USA, I was his brand consultant and 

others chipped in, based on their discipline. Seun, the 

engineer, has a Masters degree from Germany in 

Safety, Health and Environment. That has come in 

handy on many occasions when we are designing 

solutions for wary clients - even for events 

management. But, we need to do this more often and 

formally. 

What is your advice for start-ups or anyone wishing 

to set up a business? 

Dream your dreams, envision your success and 

channel a path. Work on a road map, have clear 

objectives, be led by a WHY and NEVER back down or 

let fear of failure stop you. Failure is, in fact, a part of the 

postcode! 

Who started first among the nine of you? Would 

you say that the success of the first person that 

ventured into business had any effect on others? 

Kola, my immediate younger brother, started first - 

when we inaugurated Background Check International 

(BCI). It was our first litmus test although he had failed 

serially in some initial attempts at running a butchery 

etc. 

Then, came Verdant Zeal and so forth. The learning 

process was incremental and a great stimulant to the 

startups. The interesting thing is that all our spouses 

also run businesses of significant stature. Some are 

even in manufacturing, running factories! 

What was the view or concern of your parents when 

they realized that you all were delving into this 

direction? 

Their default position has always been one of support 

through prayers and occasional advice. But largely, 

prayers - especially my Mum. Their ‘concern’ has 

always been that we enjoy sustainable growth. They are 

happy for us. 

3. Alexander 

Kolawole Olugbodi 

CEO, Background Check 

International (BCI Ltd) 


family? With only one sister among eight boys, 

what did it feel like being in a family of 11? 

It was a really nice experience for us. Since we 

were 8 guys, we were large enough to play with 

ourselves. I can still recollect that we, sometimes, 

played 4-a-side football in the sitting room! That 

means that we will literarily move the settees out of 

our way by piling them on top of one another. 

Everybody had their favourite colours so each of 

us had his own cup, plate, towel and other 

household items his favourite colour. My colour 

then was green and, incidentally, green remains my 

favourite colour till date. 

Another very important phenomenon was that 

we all had a very strong influence on ourselves. 

For instance, if one of us reads a very interesting 

novel or comic or watched a nice film, that sibling 

would recommend it to the rest of us and every one 

of us takes a turn to read that novel or comic. We, 

most times, encouraged ourselves to good work. 

What influenced you’re going into business 

instead of working in establishments? Was it a 



I will say that it was hereditary, sort of, because 

we grew up to know our mother to be someone 

very enterprising. She has been involved in not less 

than 17 different types of businesses till date. I, 

actually, worked at the National Population 

Commission and the defunct North-South Bank for 

about 6 years. 

When I was in the bank, I was always trying to 

assess customers that came into the bank. I 

discovered that there were two categories: those 

who worked in paid jobs and those who were 

entrepreneurs. Those who worked in paid jobs 

came into the bank only at the end of the month - 

when their salaries were paid and they only came 

to withdraw at the end of the month. The 

entrepreneurs came quite regularly, sometimes, 

three times a week.” 

“There is a local Yoruba saying that says that 

when you work for someone, you only work to eat. 

But when you have a business, that is when you 

have wealth. So when I left the bank, I made up my 

mind that I was not going to work for anybody 

again. I was going to start my own business. 

How did you start? Did your siblings have 

inputs in your business and your growth? 

My first venture in business was a big failure! 

The first business led me to lots of debt. Then, I 

embarked on several other ventures that never 

went off the ground. Eventually, I prayed and God 

led me to start Background Check International 

(BCI), which happens to be the first background 

screening company in Nigeria and the whole of 

West Africa! 

Starting BCI was so interesting because I didn’t 

have so much money with me so I could not afford 

to rent an office space or get some basic office 

equipment. My ‘first’ office was one of my cousin’s 

sitting room and his desktop computer was what I 

used to develop the company’s initial documents 

and business proposal. 

I was the only staff and so I had to multi-task. I 

was the secretary, the driver, the business 

development officer and even the operations 

officer. 

Eventually, my siblings and some friends 

decided to invest in the business and, by God’s 

grace, Background Check International has close 

to 100 staff members and the company has a 

presence across some West African countries. BCI 

will be 14 years old by April 2019. 

Were your parents’ entrepreneurs? To what 

extent did parental teachings and philosophy 

direct you in business and life decisions? 

Like I said earlier, our mother has always been 

the enterprising one - right from our childhood. Both 

parents instilled into the 9 of us some very strong 

moral values that have become completely part of 

us today. For instance, our father taught us 

integrity; not by words but by his deeds. Our 

mother taught us how to be enterprising and hard 

working. 

They thought us how not to compare ourselves 

with others. Our parents ensured that we all had 

the best of education; we all graduated from 

various universities. 

You are 9 siblings in total and you all run 

successful businesses. What is the secret of 

your success as individuals and as a family of 

entrepreneurs? 

The sincere truth behind our successes is Jesus! 

At different points in life, we all encountered Jesus 

and we all accepted Him as our Lord and Master. 

The Bible says that unless the Lord builds a house, 

they labour in vain all that build. We all allowed God 

to direct us in all our ways; by God’s grace, we are 

all that we are. 

Do you experience sibling rivalry? How do you 

deal with the issue of one being more 


We do not call it rivalry; instead, we call it 

challenging and provoking ourselves to good works 

and excellent service. We all understand that the 

life of a man does not consist in the abundance of 

what he possesses; instead, our lives should be 

lived to serve others and God. 


REPORTAGE 

What advice do you have for start-ups or 

anyone wishing to set up a business? 

From my own experience, I advise all start-ups 

to start with God. Secondly, they should not wait 

until they have everything before they begin. They 

should not despise the days of little beginnings. 

Thirdly, they should start as lean as possible. 

Who started first? Would you say the success 

of the first person that ventured into being an 

entrepreneur had any effect on others? 

I was privileged to start a business first but I do 

not think that was what influenced my siblings to 

embark on starting their businesses. Everybody 

received their separate inspiration and call. 

Are there points when you synergize your 

various expertise on projects and special 

needs? 

We have reasons to synergize from time to time, 

considering the fact that we all have different gifting 

and talents. 

4. Alexander Kolawole Olugbodi 

CEO, Background Check International (BCI}Ltd 

“There is a local Yoruba saying that says that when you work for someone, you only work 

to eat. But when you have a business, that is when you have wealth. So when I left the bank, 

I made up my mind that I was not going to work for anybody again. I was going to start my 

own business. 

How did you start? Did your siblings have inputs in your business and your growth? 

My first venture in business was a big failure! The first business led me to lots of debt. 

Then, I embarked on several other ventures that never went off the ground. Eventually, I 

prayed and God led me to start Background Check International (BCI), which happens to be 

the first background screening company in Nigeria and the whole of West Africa! 

Starting BCI was so interesting because I didn’t have so much money with me so I could 

not afford to rent an office space or get some basic office equipment. My ‘first’ office was one 

of my cousin’s sitting room and his desktop computer was what I used to develop the 

company’s initial documents and business proposal. 

I was the only staff and so I had to multi-task. I was the secretary, the driver, the business 

development officer and even the operations officer. 

Eventually, my siblings and some friends decided to invest in the business and, by God’s 

grace, Background Check International has close to 100 staff members and the company 

has a presence across some West African countries. BCI will be 14 years old by April 2019. 

Were your parents’ entrepreneurs? To what extent did parental teachings and 

philosophy direct you in business and life decisions? 

Like I said earlier, our mother has always been the enterprising one - right from our 

childhood. Both parents instilled into the 9 of us some very strong moral values that have 

become completely part of us today. For instance, our father taught us integrity; not by words 

but by his deeds. Our mother taught us how to be enterprising and hard working. 

They thought us how not to compare ourselves with others. Our parents ensured that we 

all had the best of education; we all graduated from various universities. 

How did you all cope growing up in a large family? With only one sister among eight 

boys, what did it feel like being in a family of 11? 

It was a really nice experience for us. Since we were 8 guys, we were large enough to 

play with ourselves. I can still recollect that we, sometimes, played 4-a-side football in the 

sitting room! That means that we will literarily move the settees out of our way by piling them 

on top of one another. 

Everybody had their favourite colours so each of us had his own cup, plate, towel and 

other household items his favourite colour. My colour then was green and, incidentally, green 

remains my favourite colour till date. 

Another very important phenomenon was that we all had a very strong influence on 

ourselves. For instance, if one of us reads a very interesting novel or comic or watched a 

nice film, that sibling would recommend it to the rest of us and every one of us takes a turn to 

read that novel or comic. We, most times, encouraged ourselves to good work. 

What influenced you’re going into business instead of working in establishments? 

Was it a family decision? Did it have anything to do with parental upbringing or 

influence? 

I will say that it was hereditary, sort of, because we grew up to know our mother to be 

someone very enterprising. She has been involved in not less than 17 different types of 

businesses till date. I, actually, worked at the National Population Commission and the 

defunct North-South Bank for about 6 years. When I was in the bank, I was always trying to 

assess customers that came into the bank. I discovered that there were two categories: 

those who worked in paid jobs and those who were entrepreneurs. Those who worked in 

paid jobs came into the bank only at the end of the month - when their salaries were paid 

and they only came to withdraw at the end of the month. The entrepreneurs came quite 

regularly, sometimes, three times a week.” 

You are 9 siblings in total and you all run successful businesses. What is the secret 

of your success as individuals and as a family of entrepreneurs? 

The sincere truth behind our successes is Jesus! At different points in life, we all 

encountered Jesus and we all accepted Him as our Lord and Master. The Bible says that 

unless the Lord builds a house, they labour in vain all that build. We all allowed God to direct 

us in all our ways; by God’s grace, we are all that we are. 

Do you experience sibling rivalry? How do you deal with the issue of one being more 


We do not call it rivalry; instead, we call it challenging and provoking ourselves to good 

works and excellent service. We all understand that the life of a man does not consist in the 

abundance of what he possesses; instead, our lives should be lived to serve others and God. 

What advice do you have for start-ups or anyone wishing to set up a business? 

From my own experience, I advise all start-ups to start with God. Secondly, they should 

not wait until they have everything before they begin. They should not despise the days of 

little beginnings. Thirdly, they should start as lean as possible. 

Who started first? Would you say the success of the first person that ventured into 

being an entrepreneur had any effect on others? 

I was privileged to start a business first but I do not think that was what influenced my 

siblings to embark on starting their businesses. Everybody received their separate inspiration 

and call. 

Are there points when you synergize your various expertise on projects and special 

needs? 

We have reasons to synergize from time to time, considering the fact that we all have 

different gifting and talents. 

5. Akinyinka Gbolahan Olugbodi 

CEO, Background Check International (BCI) 

How did you and your eight siblings cope growing up in a large family? 

Growing up in a large family was fun. We have always had the ‘spirit of togetherness’. 

I am the second to the last (the last boy). Almost everything I know in life, in terms of 

values and principles, I learnt from my parents and siblings. 

Growing up, even though we were many - everything was structured in terms of 

responsibilities and duties in the house. We grew up in an atmosphere filled with love, 

trust and respect. 

Why did you go into business as against working for establishments? Did it have 

anything to do with parental upbringing or influence? 

For me, going into business was mainly about divine intuition. Parental upbringing 

and the influence of my brothers were also some of the other factors. 

How did you start? Did your siblings make inputs? 

Yes, my siblings made inputs. After my NYSC service year, I worked in a bank for a 

few years. Then, I resigned to go to Germany for my Master’s degree. After obtaining my 

Master’s degree, Tunji and Kola offered me the position of General Manager at 

Background Check International (BCI). 

Currently, I am the Deputy Managing Director/Executive Director at BCI. Kola and I 

also have another company that we run together. My wife, Mrs ItunuOluwa Olugbodi, 

and I also have 2 other companies. She is the CEO/Creative Director at June5ive 

Events and also has an event rentals company called Shawn Williams Rentals. 

10 


6. Akintomi Akinyemi Olugbodi 

Medical Director and CEO, Prime Pain Specialists; Chairman, 

Prime Group of Companies - including Prime Estate and 

Prime Leisure and Health. 

REPORTAGE 

How did the nine of you cope growing up in a large family – especially as you had only one sister among 

you? 

There was no “coping” per se growing up in a large family. That was all we knew. We grew up with uncles, aunts 

and cousins and so on. We all shared whatever resources were available. 

What influenced your decision to go into business instead of seeking employment in the establishments? 

Was it a family decision? Did it have anything to do with parental upbringing or influence? 

As a physician with a unique skill set and with more than 20 years of experience - working at different levels both in 

Nigeria and the United States, I wanted an outlet to practice Medicine independent of the encumbrances of big, 

bureaucratic establishments. Medical practice is a sacred calling and I wanted a practice that glorifies Christ and puts 

the patient front and centre. As a family, my wife and I wanted something that was trans-generational. 

How did you begin? Did your siblings have inputs in your business and growth? 

We started Prime Pain Specialists, an interventional pain management practice and our flagship business, from 

About growth, right from a very young age, just by watching 

my brothers interact, I was able to learn about leadership, 

management, vision and passion. Even till today, I see my 

siblings setting new goals and intentions almost on monthly 

basis. 

You are nine siblings and you all run successful 

businesses. What is the secret of your success as 


The first and most important secret for us all is the grace 

of God. None of us can rule this out. I have come to realize 

that God uses businesses for the advancement of His 

kingdom. For many of us, God practically gave us the ideas 

about the businesses to start. You can solve so many 

problems by having a thriving, legitimate business. Starting 

a business is like planting a tree; you can only imagine the 

extent of its potentials and benefits. 

The second secret is that we were all able to acquire 

some skill sets from helping our Mum with her ventures. 

She taught us about value creation. 

Is any kind of sibling rivalry among you? How do you 

deal with the issue of one sibling being more 

successful than another? 

I don’t think we experienced sibling rivalry. For us, 

success is not about acquiring material wealth. It’s all about 

value creation, touching lives and contentment. 

What advice would you give to start-ups or anybody 

who is planning to set up a business? 

Business is all about value creation. You have to have 

something of value to sell. I believe so much in growing 

businesses organically. You can start small and then 

scale-up. You also have to be able to persevere; it takes 

time for businesses to break even. 

scratch. My wife 

and I pooled our resources and savings. We did not go to 

the bank. We are in a highly competitive environment. 

Fortunately, I had a good standing in the community 

as well as a good referral base - to the point that patients 

generally prefer to wait for days or weeks to get into our 

practice rather than go elsewhere for their care. Other 

family businesses came into being, in the course of time. 

My wife is a physician/hematopathologist by training but 

a businesswoman by passion. 

She has been engaged in businesses from our 

medical school days till now. She is actually the businessmind 

running most of the operations and this goes a long 

way. Our children, Oluwaloseyi and Oluwafolajinmi, play 

major roles in the accounting and administration 

(departments) of our businesses. Yes, they are family 

businesses. 

The beginning was rocky with teething problems that 

are common to nascent businesses. I leaned on 

brethren, including my siblings, for counsel and prayer. I 

am blessed to have siblings and mentors that do not 

mince words when it comes to advising one. 

You are nine in number and you all run successful 

businesses? What is the secret of your success as 


I do not see myself as a business “owner”. The earth 

is the LORD’s and the fulness thereof! Rather, I am a 

steward entrusted by the LORD with these businesses 

which are instruments for Him to be glorified with and for 

the work of His kingdom to be financed. For example, 

there is a fixed percentage of our monthly gross earning 

that goes to fund Christian ministries. 

According to the Lord Jesus, in Luke 16:10-12, there 

are 3 areas where faithfulness is imperative in order for 

you to be “promoted”: a). In little or small responsibilities; 

b). In worldly wealth or money; and, c). In things that 

belong to others. 

When we are faithful in administering God’s 

resources, He gives the increase. My over-arching goal 

in life is to be counted as a worthy “good and faithful” 

servant when I stand before Christ at the end. This drives 

me. 

I love practicing Medicine, which I see as a calling, 

with the heart of a servant. Many times, in my consulting 

room or the operating room, with patients, I picture Jesus 

washing their feet and I feel highly privileged! 

My sibling and I encourage one another, pray with 

and for one another and patronize the businesses of one 

another. 

Do you experience sibling rivalry and how do you 

deal with the issue of one sibling being more 

successful than another? 

Everyone has his/her proper gift. To my knowledge, I 

do not see any sibling rivalry. I believe that being 

Christians goes a long way. When you are comfortable in 

your skin and thankful for what you have, you have no 

albatross of jealousy or envy. 

I have a responsibility to be a “watchman” in the 

family. As far back as when I was in high school and 

medical school, many of the things we are seeing and 

experiencing today had been birthed in prayer. I 

remember being with one of my brothers, one day when 

he came in from his office where he was being harassed 

and browbeaten. We came together in prayer - right there 

and then. Today, he is not only successful in his own 

business but is a consultant to multi-nationals. The LORD 

burdened my heart in prayer for several years regarding 

another sibling. One day, the burden just lifted and I had 

this great peace and joy. I shared a snippet with him back 

then. Now, I see him being celebrated and my sense of 

fulfilment is profound. 

What advice do you have for start-ups or anyone 

wishing to set up a business? 

Proverbs 24:3-6 has been of great help to me. Indeed, 

reading the whole book of Proverbs every month is 

something I will recommend to anyone. I had a business 

dealing worth a fortune with a “nice” but angry man. I got 

burned. If I had followed Proverbs 22:24, I could have 

avoided that debacle. Information is key! As a physician, 

training in business is sparse. So, I had had to grow up 

quickly and learn the business of Medicine. I speak with 

consultants in disparate fields. I have a team or “pit crew” 

that helps me to focus on the important things. Treat your 

workers very well. Keep cost down. I love this saying of 

Winston Churchill: “To improve is to change; to be perfect 

is to change often.” So, embrace the change (including 

not having a salary for a year, possibly). Make your vision 

very clear and update as needed. Flee from vision killers. 

Keep your eyes on excellence. Persevere in down times! 

Understand that unlike the thinking of the “instant” 

generation, investments may need time to build strong 

roots before they yield. Keep the faith. 


REPORTAGE 

negotiated. The two years between some of us is like 10 years as we address each 

other respectfully. 

Why did you go into business as against working for establishments? Did it 

have anything to do with parental upbringing or influence? 

I went into business very early in my life. And lots of things influenced this. The 

first was that I grew to know Mum as very industrious. She was so resilient that 

she’d put her all in every trade - from big to small; and, succeeded in them all to 

support the family. I am naturally talented; I drummed, could sing, could draw and 

paint and was a great dancer. My first venture into money-making was selling my 

paint works at a very tender age. During my internship with an Advertising agency, 

as I rounded up in school, I was made to realize that my creative talents were gold 

embedded within me. I saw some of my creations raking in lots of money for the 

company. From that moment, I knew that working for anyone later would only be a 

mirage! I started up boldly because I am fortunate to have a very supportive woman 

in my life as well as a very strong family influence; a family that would come 

together to make sure your decision succeeds! Beyond this, I was so sure I was in 

the right direction by choosing a profession I love and was passionate about. 

7. Oyeniran Roy Olugbodi 

CEO, Strange Creatives (Audio-Visuals) 

How did you and your eight siblings cope growing up in a large family? 

We were all raised in a close-knit family as one! (We were) privileged to have a 

responsible dad who never compromised raising his kids diligently and a strict mum 

who didn’t take raising us as one for granted! From when each of crawled, we knew 

the natural family hierarchy! Respecting your older siblings could never be 

What is the secret of your family’s success? 

The secret of our success stories is purely our diligent upbringing and the 

discipline instilled by our wonderful parents. And, this is sealed by the oneness that 

binds us all as siblings! Most importantly, we all put Christ first in all of our dealings. 

Is any kind of sibling rivalry among you? How do you deal with the issue of 

one sibling being more successful than another? 

Sibling rivalry can never exist within us. We all always have something to do with 

each other in the course of our different businesses. As a filmmaker, photographer 

and my entertainment business, I work with every one of my siblings. In fact, the 

success of one is the success of all in my family! 

It naturally happens that we give each other jobs in our respective areas of 

specialty. Most times, this isn’t automatic because we are siblings; it is given based 

on demanded professionalism. We watch each other’s backs too. The support is 

unquantifiable! 

8. Oluseun Akintoye Olugbodi 

Deputy Managing Director, BCI Limited. 

How did you all cope growing up in a large family? 

Though we seem like a large family, in reality, we never thought of ourselves in that way. 

This may be partly because there were different contexts for each one’s growing up such 

that we hardly ever lived together in the same house at the same point. 

There is a clear gap between the first six, who were mainly Lagos-kids, and the last three 

- who were mainly Oshogbo-kids. Also, there were always points where several of us were 

away in a boarding house or university. 

Having said that, our parents worked hard and believed in doing all they could to provide 

for the children. Our mum put her hand in so many different trades; there is almost nothing 

she did not try. With the two of them doing so much, we never lacked. We were never rich 

but never thought of ourselves as even close to poor. 

What influenced your going into business? Was it a family decision? Did it have 

anything to do with parental upbringing or influence? 

There were different reasons for different people; I suppose one common thread was my 

dad’s constant exhortation to ‘use your initiative’. It was drummed into us to take an original 

approach in viewing all situations. In terms of me becoming an entrepreneur, it was the 

proverbial ‘condition that made the crayfish to bend’. 

After many years of working in advertising in Nigeria and rising to the position of Deputy 

Creative Director with Insight Communications, I travelled to the UK where, after dabbling 

into advertising, I stumbled into the world of social housing - as practiced by councils and 

housing associations in the UK. After 13 years in the housing sector, I was made redundant 

in one of the periodic purgings of staff that is now commonplace in the workspace. 

Using my experience, I set up a company - Arrowshot Solutions Ltd, specialising in helping 

bodies in the sector to develop solutions for diverse housing issues. I have been doing that 

for almost 5 years now. 

How did you start? Did your siblings have inputs in your business and growth? 

Not really. Being the only one in the UK and working in a sector that is not quite developed in 

Nigeria, I had to get the company up and running on my own by contracting my skills and 

approach to housing organisations. As my reputation grew, it became easier to attract 

constant patronage and begin to command ‘top dollar’. 

You are nine siblings, in total, and you all run successful businesses. What is the 

secret of your success as individuals and as a family of entrepreneurs? 

12 


REPORTAGE 

9. Adebo Moromoke (Mrs.) 

CEO, Epicentre Global Events Ltd (the only female 

among nine siblings). 

How did the nine of you cope growing up in a large family – especially as you had only 

one sister among you? 

Growing up with my brothers was such an honour and a privilege! They have helped me 

become the woman I am today. I see them all as my role models and aspire to be like them and 

better. While we were young, I had no dolls - rather I had soccer balls! I was practically one of 

them and saw myself more a man than a woman. 

One would assume that they spoilt me while growing up, being the only girl in their midst, but 

they never did. Rather, they were firm with me and treated me like they would treat a brother. 

Today, I am grateful for it. 

What influenced your decision to go into business instead of seeking employment in the 

establishments? Was it a family decision? Did it have anything to do with parental 

upbringing or influence? 

My going into business can simply be tagged: God’s Plan. I was to work with two major 

establishments at different times after school (one a bank, the other - a major telecommunication 

company) but It never really worked out. In fact, the telecommunication company, I actually 

worked at for a day, I just did not like the whole idea of being an employee and I resigned after 

just a day! 

My going into business was greatly influenced by my upbringing and parental influence. My 

mother was a very hard working business woman in her days; she laid her hands on several 

businesses that I lost count of. She was never idle and does not believe a woman should stay 

home without earning an income. 

You can be an income-making-stay-home mum in her books. So did my dad, who rose to a 

very senior position at Central Bank of Nigeria - due to hard work before he retired. I started 

Epicentre Global Events in 2008. I never really thought I would be a corporate event planner from 

This may sound trite but the foundation is 

Jesus and knowing Him. The Bible says 

that promotion does not come from the 

East, West or South but God is the one 

who promotes. For me, God orchestrated 

our paths and helped us catch 

Shakespeare’s ‘tide in the affairs of men’ 

at the right time. 

He helped our parents to instil in us 

enduring values such as initiative, 

integrity and grit, which you really cannot 

put a price on. Whether working for 

people or for ourselves, every one of us 

always seems to stand out due to this. 

Plus, Dad had one ambition - which the 

Lord granted him - that every one of us 

would have a university education. All 

nine of us are university graduates. 

What advice do you have for start-ups 

or anyone wishing to set up a 

business? 

Be a person of integrity. Integrity 

makes people keep coming back to you 

because it is a currency that is very 

scarce out there. People will seek you out 

because they trust you. Also, aim for 

excellence, not mediocrity. Be your own 

hardest critic. When people wanted an 

excuse to trap Daniel with, the Bible says 

they could not fault his character or find 

any error in the way he did his work. 

Many supposed Christians go from 

church to church praying against their 

bosses. For many of them, the fault lies in 

themselves - lack of integrity and lack of 

excellence. Have these and then couple it 

with an initiative to find out where the 

gaps are in the market and plough that 

gap. It does not start with money. It starts 

with an idea that will not rest. 

the start but being the only girl of the family, I happen to plan all the parties 

we had. I discovered, along with the line, that I derived pleasure putting 

events together. Thus, when the time came for me to think of a business to 

go into, it was only natural that I went for event management. 

My brother, Tunji, helped with registering the company and, today, he is 

proud (alongside my other siblings) what I have made of the company 

through God’s grace.My parents were very firm and strict. One would think 

to be the only daughter, out of nine children and one they had been 

longing for at that time (I am the last born), they will pamper me. No! 

Rather, they were extra strict and I can only assume now that I am the 

good woman that they wanted to ensure I became. In fact, I used to 

wonder if they were indeed my parents! 

They spoilt me with material things but never spared me when it comes 

to household chores and general responsibilities. 

One of my father’s philosophy is: “Honesty is a Policy!” Integrity was 

everything to him and this is one of the many values I picked from him and 

apply in business and everyday living. 

You are nine in number and you all run successful businesses? What 

is the secret of your success as individuals and as a family of 

entrepreneurs? 

The number one secret of my success is God - and this is not to sound 

cliché. It’s the absolute truth. I cannot ignore the God-factor in my whole 

existence. In addition, I always stay focused and accept every disappoint 

as a learning curve to get better. 

Thirdly, I carved a niche for my business. Currently, in Nigeria, 

Epicentre Global Events Limited is one of the leading corporate event 

management companies which focuses solely on corporate events such 

as product launches, conferences and exhibition, company picnics, 

company end of year parties, road shows, music events, fashion shows, 

award events etc. I did not want to be one of the teeming population of 

event planners but stand out. 

What advice do you have for start-ups or anyone wishing to set up a 

business? 

For any start-up company, start small. Most start-up businesses make 

the mistake of starting big and fancy which, most times, get their fingers 

burned before learning. 

I started out as a one-man army in a very small office; just me and my 

laptop. When responding to emails or at meetings, I would keep saying: 

“We will do this, we will do that” to my clients. This, I did for years until I got 

to the point that I was convinced that I needed to expand and employ 

permanent staff. Do not believe everything you see, especially on social 

media and never compare your business with another in an unhealthy 

way. Be focused and keep working at it and it will all fall into place. 


with Adesuwa 07011289316 | adesuwaewoigbokhan@hotmail.com 

Christmas Getaway For Couples 

Feeling love at Xmas! As this is the season of 

romance, so up the Christmas heat with a romantic 

getaway by taking your loved one on holiday. 

A lot of time couples get carried away with the 

hustle and bustle ranging from caring for the kids, 

stressful job, a busy social calendar and all that form 

everyday life hence months goes by without having 

proper talk or spending quality time together. 

Generally speaking couples need to reconnect with 

one another on a regular basis, a number of them had 

agreed that taking time away from family, friends, work 

and technology would give them the needed 

opportunity to discover themselves, to remember 

romance and to have fun time together. 

Christmas season readily provided this needed 

break for get away with its numerous romantic 

benefits. Planning one of the weekend hang out could 

be really exciting as the anticipation is actually one of 

the best part of getting away, finding a place to stay, 

looking at different locations and planning logistics can 

be thrilling as you and your spouse have something to 

look forward to together. It could be more fun keeping 

all the plans to yourself and keep the details secret, 

giving your mate something to think of, thus adding air 

of mystery to the whole escapade. 

Studies have shown that people who take regular 

vacations that allow them to relax actually have a 

lower risk of strokes and heart attack. so taking care of 

your own and your spouse’ mental and physical health 

by going away for breaks is beneficial to both of you 

as it is good for the mind and body to take some to 

rest. Also it has been proven that women who go on 

regular breaks are very much less likely to suffer from 

depression as frequent getaways can lead to a better 

quality of life and improved work performance. 

Romantic breaks like Xmas getaway usually 

strengthens the structure of a relationship as couples 

get to spend quality time in each other’s company, 

they are in a relaxed environment where they are far 

from the normal routine of life and are able to 

communicate especially as conversation improves 

during and after the vacation. 

It gives room to better relationships with partner and 

children, women who take some time away allows 

themselves to slow down, relax and face the family 

again with renew energy. A stressed and 

overburdened is no fun for anyone to live with. 

Taking time off to go on vacation is always a good 

thing, it is really important that all technology and 

contact with work is reduced during this period to get 

the maximum benefits. A good rest with your spouse 

refreshes you and takes you back to work with 

renewed energy thereby making your time at work 

more productive. 

Spending time with your significant part in an 

intimate setting might just be what your need to boost 

your sex life since being in a romantic setting helps 

couples to re-ignite feelings of intimacy that may fall by 

the way side during normal life. 

In as much as a getaway with a spouse could be an 

awesome experience, one should also not forget that it 

is a romantic trip all the way as it can be fraught with 

stress, argument, different opinions on hygiene and 

packing. 

Here are tips to make it through the trip with your 

romance alive. 

You have to manage your expectations as every 

day is not going to be filled with sparkles and orgasms, 

just because you don’t feel completely relaxed and 

connected all the time does not mean your union is in 

mess. 

• Be sure to share your packing space as sharing 

packing space makes you collaborate, keeps you both 

aware of possessions. Divide responsibilities according 

to your strength, though this seems simple but then it is 

an absolute requirement. 

• Keep track of money but do not stress over it. Share 

expenses in a manner that make sense, one partner 

pays for accommodation and the other pays for food. 

Have a conversation about budgets before you go and 

adjust it if things are different once you are there. 

• Know that fights on getaway are like every other fight, 

the rule does not necessary change because the 

scenery is different. For anything it is worth, be kind 

and respectful to your spouse on vacation, even if the 

superficial causes are not the same, it will probably be 

about your usual stuff that you always argue about. 

• No blame games as one person is going to mess up, 

will forget travel money, you are going to leave your 

shoe somewhere stupid that any of you will remember. 

This is the stuff memories are made of, get angry but 

calm down and leave it there, never bring it up again to 

make the person feel bad. Flow with it as it is 

inevitable. 

• Relax on sex matter as there could be expectation 

and you are bound to be disappointed, holidays allow 

you to be more relaxed that you may end snoozing 

more than doing anything flirty. Don’t worry you can 

always have vacation style sex at home. 

• Pay attention to any major red flags especially if the 

pressures from the getaway made your mate reveal 

their true colour, if this does happen occasionally, be 

warned as holidays are real life and the lessons will still 

apply once you are back home as ignoring it will be to 

your own detriment. 

• A romantic, intimate vacation is what every partners 

needs, it is a gift that will definitely keep on giving even 

when back at home again. 

Talk 

SPOT 

By - Yemisi Suleiman 

What some of your favourite 

celebrities said and we listened. 

“Just a quick search on social 

media will show that Sexual and 

Gender Based Violence is 

unfortunately still very rife, and 

currently undereported in 

Nigeria. According to statistics, 

almost 40% of Nigerian women 

between the ages of 15 and 49 

have experienced some form of 

physical or sexual violence. 

This is UNACCEPTABLE”. 

Radio presenter Tolu Oniru 

joins her voice on this very 

important issue. 

“After my spectacular 

feature on CNNAfrica 

AfricanVoices , the 

CNN team found me 

content-worthy to be in 

the new CNN VISION 

campaign thats been 

running for weeks! 

And the only NIGERIAN 

on the ad”. 

Congratulations to 

Denrele, he has 

definitely gone global. 

“Don’t put pressure on anyone 

to remember you, if you 

mattered they will always 

remember you. 

Words from DJ JIMMY JATT. 

“Did you know: In 

Nigeria, one in four 

girls have 

experienced sexual 

violence. One in two 

girls have 

experienced 

physical violence, 

and one in six have 

experienced 

emotional violence. 

Girls account for 

two-thirds of the 10.5 

million out-of-school 

children in Nigeria.” 

Music Star Banky 

W raising 

awareness about 

this very important 

cause. 

14 


JIM Ovia, Wale Tinubu others 

Support UN Humanitarian 

Fund-Private Sector Initiative 

P EO PLE 

“ONE PARTY AT A TIME!” 

:08034746487 | 08039675880 

By Yemisi Suleiman 

The United Nations recently partnered with Nigerian business 

leaders to launch the ‘UN Nigeria Humanitarian Fund-Private 

Sector Initiative’, (NHF-PSI). 

The platform is a first global platform that serves as a 

blueprint for private sector engagement, in humanitarian action 

around the world through a UN country-based pooled fund. 

Speaking on the occasion, Samantha Newport, Head of 

Communications: United Nations Office for the Coordination 

of Humanitarian Affairs (COHA) said, the organisation has 

spent 70 million dollars from donor countries in providing 

humanitarian assistance in the northeastern States of Borno, 

Adamawa and Yobe. Newport said the humanitarian crisis in 

North-East Nigeria that had spilt into neighbouring Cameroon, 

Chad and Niger, was one of the most severe in the world today. 

According to her, the funds have been allocated to urgent lifesaving 

needs, with an emphasis this year, on assisting new arrivals 

with food, shelter and safe water. 

The event which held at the new Oando complex, Victoria 

Island, Lagos had in attendance top personalities across the 

business spectrum who pledged donations to the fund. They 

include Zenith Bank founder, Mr Jim Ovia, Oando CEO, Wale 

Tinubu, Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria and 

Senator Ali Ndume, amongst others. 

Here are some personalities at the event. 

Jim Ovia 

Adejoke Orelope 

Acess Bank MD Herbert Wigwe (right) Jim 

Ovia (left) with a guest 

Wale Tinubu (middle) receiving an AWArd 

Guests at the event 

Vlisco’s Bubble 

Wax is back 

By Oscar Ochiogu 

Every bubble is unique, every 

centimetre is different, every piece of 

fabric has its own fingerprint. This is 

the nature of Vlisco’s ancient craft 

process of authentic wax printing 

that Bubble Wax celebrates. With 

its exuberance, Bubble Wax 

encourages creative expression. 

Bubbles are the natural 

beauty marks of Vlisco’s wax 

printing process and are 

featured front and 

centre on this new 

product. Bubble 

wax zooms in 

on the iconic Wax 

Hollandais, featuring 

the bubbles and create a 

camouflage effect. Together with the 

ton sur ton colours this fabric makes 

tailoring effortless, allowing numerous 

mix and match combinations. A 

perfect fabric for revamping the 

traditional men’s suit. 


INSTAGRAM 

MOMENTS 

With Yemisi Suleiman 

In case you missed, these were the most interesting news and pictures 

on Instagram last week. 

Layole Oyatogun In 

Trish O 

We needed some red carpet drama this week, 

and TV girl Layole Oyatogun delivered. She 

attended the Eloy Awards held last weekend 

in this romantic ruffle gown by Trish O, and we 

love it. 

Governor Ajimobi 

celebrities 38years 

marital bliss 

And it is 38 years of blissful marriage 

for Oyo State Governor Ajumobi and 

wife Florence as they celebrated 

their wedding anniversary last Friday. 

The excited governor who posted 

this beautiful photo on his Instagram 

handle had only the sweetest words 

for his wife, “not a long journey, but 

our God-ordained union has been 

an adventure. Not a love story, our 

marriage has been an epic tale of 

romance and lessons. 

Not just a happy ending, our 

marriage is a blissful loop of sweet 

memories and fantastic endless 

tales. Thank you, my masterpiece 

of nature for everything. Happy 

wedding anniversary to us, Florry It 

has been 38 years of amazingness.” 

We wish them many more blissful 

years ahead. 

16 

Makeup look of the week 

Movie star Chika Ike kept things simple, but classy 

with her makeup. We couldn’t stop admiring her 

classic smoky eyes, light red lips and flushed 

cheeks. And, we love the melanin effect. 

/ December 2, 2018 

Uche 

Jumbo’s 

statement 

style 

Wearing a dramatic 

outfit like this dress 

needs confidence, 

and Uche Jumbo 

has that in spades. 

Attending her 

movie premiere 

‘Heaven on My 

Mind’’ in Lagos, 

the Nollywood 

Star styled her 

ruffle dress with 

gold statement 

accessory and a 

perfect smile.

allure 02 Decenber 2018

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